HOW TO STUDY AND TEACH THE BIBLE

INTRODUCTION
Why do we teach the Bible? What is teaching? What happens in the lives of our students OR congregation when we effectively teach the Bible?
Because the Bible is God's written message to us, it is important to read and understand it. But many cannot make sense of the Bible and apply it to their daily lives. This article is written to help people study the Bible to understand its message. Then this article will help them go a step further; it will help them share its message with others. Therefore, this could be the most important article you’ve ever read because it will help you understand and teach the most important book in the world.
I feel that every book I have ever written could be the most influential. Like every mother dreams her baby will the president of the United States or a great medical doctor, I dream that every new book would bless the world. This project is no exception. The church of Jesus Christ could be transformed if everyone learned how to study and teach the Bible. This article begins where they leave off with general principles of hermeneutics (principles to interpret the Bible). This book tells how to study different kinds of Scripture.
 In a Christian context, the Holy Spirit is a guide to help us learn the Scriptures. Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 16:13). The Holy Spirit working through a human guide is illustrated by Philip helping the Ethiopian eunuch learn the Bible as they rode in a chariot. The Ethiopian had been reading the book of Isaiah but didn’t understand what he was reading. Philip ran alongside to ask,
“Understandeth what thou readest?” (Acts 8:30).
The eunuch was returning from Jerusalem where he probably went to worship God. But he was blinded to spiritual truth and couldn’t understand the Scriptures. The eunuch answered,
“How can I (understand) except some man guide me” (Acts 8:31).
The eunuch was asking for help to understand what he was reading. The human teacher must guide the thinking of pupils by explaining to them the basic content of the lesson. As they do that, the Holy Spirit removes spiritual blindness so the pupil understands the Bible.
This means the human teacher and the divine teacher must work together to produce learning when the Bible is taught. They are dual-leaders in the learning process.
Learning results from teaching experiences3. experiences. Teaching is not telling, it is guiding pupils through experiences designed for their learning. Listening is not learning. When pupils experience the truth of God’s Word, they learn its lessons.

Teaching the Bible is one of the greatest privileges available to the Christian. A Sunday School teacher explaining a Bible story to a group of young children is communicating a message that will influence them a lifetime. The Bible study group leader guiding a discussion in a comfortable living room is helping people discover God’s answers to the pressing questions in their life. Those who teach the Bible are investing their lives in a ministry with eternal results. Only two things last forever, the Bible and people. Therefore, when we help people understand the Bible, we influence eternity. We communicate the eternal Word of God to people who will live forever.

WHY TEACH THE BIBLE?The life of God is in his Word; the Word is quick and living (Heb. 4:12-13). The Word of God is a mirror (James 1:23); it reveals to us our true selves. The Word of God is a seed (Luke 8:11); it contains the life and vitality of the Lord. The Word of God is a sword (Eph. 6:17); it pierces the heart and lays bare and naked our sinful souls before him who only can save us from death. The Bible is a life-giving Word (1 Peter 1:23); it is the vehicle for imparting that life to us which is in Christ Jesus the Incarnate Word. Eternal life for the individual soul begins through believing the testimony of God.
1. The study of the Bible is foundational to our growth as a Christian. Therefore, every Christian should plan to study the Bible, similar to the way one eats food to grow physically. Actually, several parallels may be drawn between good eating habits and a healthy approach to Bible study. First, eat enough because eating too much or too little has long term implications on both the body and spirit.
Second, eat a balanced meal. Just as one does not grow strong physically by eating only desserts, so a Christian will not grow strong in the faith without a balanced approach to Bible study. Third, eat rightly rather than simply stuffing your mouth, or swallowing without chewing. We need to both devour and digest the Scriptures as we study.
In the fourth place we must eat healthy food and avoid a constant diet of junk food. Many Christians get side-tracked in their Bible study by becoming involved in speculation and meaningless side issues, such as prophecy or an endless study of numbers.
Fifth, we should eat with dignity, not like a dog or a pig. One way to accomplish that goal is to eat routinely rather than only when you want to eat. Eating balanced meals at regular intervals is one key to long term good health. Likewise, getting into the Scriptures on a daily basis is a good discipline to encourage ongoing spiritual growth. The secret of our future spiritual maturity lies in our daily routine of Bible study.
The secret of our future,
Lies in our daily routine.
Ten Things Bible Study Will Do For You
The Bible is a book about God. It is not just history with references to God’s people nor is it a record of poetic songs of religious people. The Bible is a book about God. It is not just a book about the birth, life and death of God’s Son, nor is it a story of the subsequent spread of Christianity. It includes all these, but it is a story about God, given to us from God, written by God through His servants and points us to salvation and worship of God.
The Bible is God's revelation of Himself to you. When you understand this principle you begin to understand the Bible. Since God is who He is, then what is true of God must also characterize the Book that describes Him. God is the Source of this revelation (Deut. 29:29). Christ, the Son of God, is the central theme of the Bible (John 5:38). The Holy Spirit is the divine Author of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20, 21). Therefore, the Bible is the revelation of God, Christ is the message of the Bible, and the Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible.
The Greek word inspiration, that Paul used to describe how the Bible was written, literally means "breathed-out from God," i.e. “all scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). Jesus spoke of "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Therefore, when you pick up the Bible to study its pages, you have God’s book in your hands. Determine to get God’s message into your mind.

WHEN TO STUDY
1. Study when you are physically alert. (Some in the early morning, others late at night).
2. Study when you are not interrupted.
3. Study when you can focus on the Scriptures.
4. Study a little each day (forget about spending all day in the Word).
5. Study immediately before teaching (like taking an exam, study all semester, but
review before the exam).
First, the Bible is your source of strength in your Christian life. John wrote, “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you" (1 John 2:14). As you consistently study the Bible, you will be strengthened to meet the challenges you encounter in life.
Second, the habit of personal Bible study strengthens your personal assurance of your relationship with God. In the same epistle John also wrote, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you many know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Christians who tend to struggle with the assurance of their salvation also struggle with the discipline in personal Bible study.
Confidence in your relationship with God is a third benefit from personal Bible study. According to the Apostle John, "This is the confidence that we have in Him . . ." (1 John 5:14).
Fourth, personal Bible study is an important key to effectiveness in your prayer life. You get answers when you come to God by the Bible. Jesus told His disciples, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you" (John 15:7). This promise extends beyond those gathered in the Upper Room that evening. It is a promise to be claimed by every Christian involved in the discipline of personal Bible study.
A fifth benefit realized through personal Bible study is the experience of overcoming sin. The Bible describes itself as "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). As you study the Scriptures, you learn doctrines which are the principles of Scripture to govern the way a Christian should live. Occasionally, these principles reveal how you live contrary to God’s way. Therefore the Scriptures correct the wrong way you live and instruct you in the correct way of righteousness. As you respond to this fourfold ministry of (1) learning doctrine, (2) learning reproof, (3) being instructed, and (4) being instructed in righteousness; you deal with sin in your experience. Jesus told His disciples, "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you" (John 15:3).
Internal joy and peace are the sixth and seventh benefits from personal Bible study. Jesus
said, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). Joy comes from Jesus’ words. Then He added, "These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace" (John 16:33). Also, peace comes from Jesus’ words. The joy of the Lord and peace of God are two experiences that come from the Word of God planted in your life.
An eighth reason for personal Bible study is that it helps you make good decisions. The Psalmist observed, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105). The principles you learn through the daily study of the Scriptures will guide you through the issues involved in each decision you make. Many Christian businessmen have developed the habit of reading one chapter from Proverbs as they begin each day. They read the entire books of Proverbs once each month by reading one chapter a day. As they make decisions throughout their business day, they do so with the added advantage of God's wisdom to help them evaluate each situation they face.
Ninth, personal Bible study will help you explain your faith to others. The Apostle Peter urged Christians to "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). The better you understand the Bible, the easier it will be for you to explain the message of the Scriptures to others. Those who are most effective in sharing their faith with others are those who have gone one step further in their Bible study. As they come across verses which summarize the teaching of Scripture on various subjects, they commit these verses to memory to be used in later conversations about their faith.
Ultimately, personal Bible study leads to success in every aspect of your Christian life. The word "success" occurs only once in Scripture and it is found in the context of meditating on the Scriptures. God promised Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in
it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success" (Josh. 1:8). Many successful Christians have proved God honors this promise, because they have given priority to personal Bible study in their life. 

GETTING A GRIP ON YOUR BIBLE
 “There are five things that will help you get a grip on your Bible.”
1. The First Finger - Hearing. You begin Bible study by attending church where you hear the Word of God taught and preached. This includes both the public reading of Scriptures and explanation of Scriptures. Paul reminded the Romans of the source of their faith, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Hearing the Scriptures will lay a foundation for all future Bible study.
2. The Second Finger - Read. We should read the Scriptures for ourselves. This does not only mean public reading, but includes private reading. Paul told Timothy, "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1 Tim. 4:13). You read the Scriptures to understand them. In the early church, many people were illiterate and could not read. As a result, the public reading of the Scriptures was an important part of the worship service. The last book of the New Testament promised a special blessing upon those who read the Scriptures. "Blessed is he who reads" (Rev. 1:3). Many Bible teachers believe that promise can be applied to all who read the Scriptures in church assemblies and privately for themselves. But when we read the Scriptures, we should follow the advice Mark gives to those who read the Scriptures. "Let the reader
understand" (Mark 13:14).
3. The Third Finger - Study. Studying involves getting a firm grasp on the Scriptures by diligently investigating the Bible for ourselves. Paul urged Timothy, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV). Many people find marking or underlining their Bible helps them in their study. Others like to write notes in the margin of their Bible as they engage in personal Bible study. Of course, the real value of Bible study is not the marks you make in your Bible but rather the mark the Scriptures make in your life.
4. The Fourth Finger - Memory. It is important to commit portions of the Bible to memory in Bible study. The Psalmist testified, "Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Ps. 119:11). One man who recognized the truth of this statement was the nineteenth century evangelist D. L. Moody. Moody had written in his Bible, "This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book."  Memorizing portions of Scripture will help us overcome temptation just as the Scriptures were helpful to Jesus as He was tempted by the Devil (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10).
5. The Fifth Finger - Meditation. Investing time meditating on the Scriptures will help internalize the truth of God so that biblical principles become a part of your normal thought patterns. One mark of the man or woman of God is “his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night" (Ps. 1:2). Each of us has four times in a typical day when we can devote time to meditating on Scriptures we have learned. "When you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deut. 6:7). 

PRACTICAL HELPSThe Bible is a big book. Actually, it is a collection of sixty-six books containing 1189 chapters, 31,175 verses. Like exploring the Canadian North Woods, the Bible is so big, you would
get lost if you didn’t have a plan to guide your study. To begin the discipline of personal Bible study without a plan could result in one becoming overwhelmed. You might get discouraged and give up or you might end up chasing rabbits on rabbit trails that lead nowhere. As you proceed through this book, you will discover several unique approaches to Bible study as you consider teaching different expressions of truth from the Bible. At this point in your study, it would be good to consider a few preliminaries which apply to each approach to Bible study.
As you personally study the Bible use a pen or pencil and paper. Write as you study.
Someone said, “You don’t have a thought until you can write it down.” So write out your insights and fndings. Don’t rely on your memory.
A short pencil is better than a long memory. 
As we study the Scriptures, we will gain various insights into the meaning of verses or the character of people. By writing out these insights on paper, we preserve them for future use. When you get ready to teach, review all of the notes you have written; organizing them into a lesson plan. Do not try to teach a lesson from the notes you make each day. Again you will want to write your study notes into a lesson plan.
Keeping notes of your Bible study not only assists you in remembering what you have learned, it also helps the learning process. You don't really understand your thoughts until you express them in words.
Thoughts disentangle themselves over lips and finger tips.
As you attempt to explain an idea to someone else or record an idea on paper, it helps you to clarify the idea in your own mind. Many teachers attempt to write the key thought from their Bible study in one or two lines as a first step before attempting to share that truth with others in a lesson. 

STEP ONE:
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE WITH FOUR QUESTIONS IN MIND .
1. What is the POINT of the passage? A key to effective Bible study is to focus on the main point of the passage. It is easy to become side-tracked by looking into insignificant details. When you do that, you usually miss the whole point of a passage. Even some Bible teachers have become side-tracked on matters like the number of details in Noah's ark and missed the whole point of God's saving purpose in providing the ark for Noah and his family during the flood.
As you study the Bible, you need to constantly ask the question, "What is the POINT of the passage?" Most students of the Bible find there is far more truth to be gleaned from the Scriptures when Scriptures are allowed to speak for themselves, than when you go looking for things that are not there, or things that really are not that important.
2. Where is this thought found in a PARALLEL passage? To make a passage of Scripture come alive, begin by attempting to write out the point of each verse in the chapter. If it is a story, write out the point of the story. Why is it in the Bible? The second step in your study of a biblical passage is to ask, "Is there another description of this event somewhere else in the Bible?"
Each gospel describes the Feeding of the Five Thousand, but each time the miracle is recorded, there is a different emphasis. We gain a more complete understanding of what happened when we read all four descriptions of the miracle.
Sometimes, the New Testament makes reference to Old Testament events. As you read and study both, you gain insight into the passage before you teach it.
As you look for parallels, also search for verses that teach the same principle or give additional insights on the same issue. Peter explained the reason for this approach to Bible study when he wrote, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20). The word private means no thought of Scripture stands alone, it will be reinforced at other places in Scripture. Therefore, the Bible describes the process of comparing Scripture when it directs us to “Compare spiritual things with spiritual” (I Cor. 2:13). The word private also, means we interpret Scripture in fellowship with other believers. The Holy Spirit has only one meaning, and we are to find His interpretation of the Scriptures. If you have a private interpretation different from every other believer it's probably wrong. Another way to study using the parallel approach, look for ways key words are used in other Scriptures or look for similar events in the lives of different people.
3. What are the problems in this passage? Solving problems can also be an important part of your Bible study. You often learn most when you are motivated to solve a significant problem in your life or the life of someone close to you. Therefore, as you begin your Bible study, take time to clarify the problems you find. Write them down. List problems whose solutions are obvious to you, these problems may be an obstacle to someone else. Problem solving is an effective way of teaching. As you suggest solutions in class, you may help someone else. Begin by writing out the problems that are easy and then those that stump you. You probably will not
solve a problem until you first clarify it by writing it down.
4. What are some PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS from this passage? Personal Bible study should always be practical. James urged his readers, "But be doers of the word, and not
hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). The ultimate goal in our Bible study should be the discovery of principles by which we live our Christian life. Not only should you record your Bible study notes, you need to also write out the way you intend to apply the Bible in some specific context in your life.
The first step in applying the Scripture is to pray and ask God for help. Actually, you will want to pray for three things. First, you will want to pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you the lesson you are studying. “When he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit can take away your blindness and help you understand the Bible. Second, ask God to help you in actual lesson preparation. You will want divine help in arranging
your lesson plan. Thirdly, pray for your students. Ask God to help them learn and apply the lessons you will teach. God has given us a revelation of Himself in the Bible. He did not give it to us to frustrate us with something we could not understand. So, God intends for us to understand the Bible and learn from it. God also gave each Christian the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures, so that the
message of God could be understood. As we study the Bible, we need to apply sound principles of interpretation.
LEARNING FROM THE BEREANS
The example of the Berean Christian’s model for us is a good approach to personal Bible study. "These (Bereans) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10).
The first description of the Berean Christians suggests they were yielded to God in their approach to the Scriptures. They "received the Word." As we approach Bible study, we also need to do so on the of being willing to  receive and apply any and all biblical principles found in the Scriptures. 
Second, the Bereans were intentional in their approach to Bible study. They came to the Scriptures "with all readiness" looking for truth. They had an eager mind, also described as a hungry spirit. It was not a matter of reading a chapter to fulfil their Christian duty but rather a desire or pursuit of a better understanding of the truth of God.
In the third place, the Bereans approached Bible study with a word by word study of the Scriptures. They "searched" the Scriptures in their pursuit of truth. Theirs was not a superficial reading, but digging into the meaning of words. The word searched means "sift" as a baker sifting flour to separate every particle from one another. When you study the Bible "word for word," you are "sifting" every particle of Scripture to make you understand what God is saying. As we invest time looking up the meaning of words and expressions used in Scripture, we gain insights missed by those who gloss over details in their study of the Scriptures.
The fourth characteristic of the Bereans was their routine of "daily" Bible study. Each day these Christians had a fresh encounter with God through their study of the Scriptures. On a daily basis they were reminded of God's merciful compassion toward His people (Lam. 3:22, 23). Just as Jesus instructed His disciples to pray for daily bread (Matt. 6:11), so we need to go daily to the Scriptures which are the Bread of Life to the believer.
The fifth characteristic of the Bereans was their purpose in Bible study. There was something the Bereans wanted to know as they came to the Scriptures. They studied "to find out whether these things were so." This verse tells us they were concerned with content and assurance. They wanted confidence from their Bible study. Likewise, we would be wise to follow that example in our own Bible study.
When we study the Bible, we are looking for the content of a message from God. We want a message that can be trusted. With that attitude, we want confidence in what we hear from God. Ask God to open your eyes and give you insight into what you read. The Psalmist prayed, "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law"  (Ps. 119:18). If sin is hindering your relationship with God, it should be confessed to Him that we might be cleansed (1 John 1:9). Then as you read, you need to listen carefully to what God is saying to you (1 Sam. 3:10). Even as you begin, you need to be prepared to obey what God tells you through your personal Bible study (Acts 9:6).

Getting Ready to Teach
The goal of your personal Bible study is not merely the acquiring of new knowledge, neither can it be limited to the benefits you realize in your own life. The ultimate aim of your personal Bible study is to share insight with others and see the Scriptures change their life.
Paul urged this two-fold action on the Colossian Christians, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col. 3:16). Just as the principles you learn in your Bible study helps you grow, so you can help others experiences significant spiritual growth in their life as you share what you are learning with them.
Therefore, teaching the Bible is your goal in personal Bible study. Teaching is the means by which you help others learn what you have learned in your Bible study. But remember teaching is not talking and learning is not listening. Learning is actively being involved with the Bible. With this in mind, I have defined teaching as "the preparation and guidance of learning activities.”
Simply surveying the Scriptures is not Bible study; nor is it Bible teaching. Many teachers do this in their Sunday School class or home Bible study. They think they are teaching or leading a Bible study because they fill a class room with talk. But you have not taught until the pupil has learned, and the real key to learning is active involvement. Therefore, teaching involves "learning activities."
How you study determines how you teach. Therefore, you must become actively involved with the Word of God as you study. Then you must guide your students to become actively involved in your teaching process.
The real role of the teacher is that of a guide. That was Philip's role as he taught the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch. He began by asking the eunuch, "Do you understand what you are reading?" (Acts 8:30). The eunuch did not understand the text and knew that he was having difficulty understanding the Scriptures. He responded to Philip's question with a question of his
own. "How can I, unless someone guides me?" (Acts 8:31). The eunuch used the word guide as a synonym for teacher. He was asking, “How can I understand the Bible except someone teach me.”
Human teachers cooperate with the Divine Teacher to change lives. Jesus told His disciples, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all in My name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is the Divine Teacher, but He is also a guide. Later that same evening Jesus added, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is the real teacher in our Sunday School class or Bible study group. Our teaching is most effective as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in teaching
what He wants taught during each session.

STEP TWO:
APPROACH TO SCRIPTURES
1. What two things does the Bible claim for itself?
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (I Timothy 3:16).
2. Who are the two authors of prophecy in the Word of God?
“No prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation, for prophecy never
came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the
Holy Spirit” (II Peter 1:20,21).
3. What helps us understand the Word of God?
“We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God,
that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God”
(I Cor. 2:12).
4. What were three things the Christians in Berea did in Bible study?
“These (from Berea) were more fair-minded . . . in that they received the Word
with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
5. How can we demonstrate we are Christ’s disciples? “Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you
are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31).
6. How can we abide in Christ’s Word?
“He who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him” (I John 3:24).
7. What should be the first true steps of learning the Bible?
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep
those things written in it” (Revelation 1:3).
8. What is the next step in learning and knowing God?
“Study to show thyself approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed”
II Timothy 2:15).
9. How can we make sure we remember what we learn?
“Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You (Psalm 119:11).
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).
10. How can we make God’s Word live in us?
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it
day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it”
(Joshua 1:8).
11. What will happen when we take in the word of God? “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your Word to me was the joy and rejoicing
of my heart” (Jeremiah 15:16).

STEP THREE:
STUDYING THE BIBLE
1. PASSAGE DATE

2. POINTS
A. PLACE WRITTEN AND PLACE RECEIVED
B. SUMMARY OF PASSAGE
C. KEY VERSED. KEY WORDS
E. PEOPLE MENTIONED 
F. WORDS TO LOOK UP IN A DICTIONARY
G. PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO LOOK UP IN AN ENCYCLOPEDIA

3. PARALLEL
A. KEY THOUGHTS IN OTHER REFERENCES
B. PARALLEL VERSES WITH SIMILAR MEANING 

4. PROBLEMS
A. LIST PROBLEMS TO SOLVE FROM THE PASSAGE
B. LIST PROBLEMS IN YOUR LIFE THIS PASSAGE SOLVES

5. PRACTICAL
A. WRITE PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES FROM THE PASSAGE
B. WRITE BLESSINGS RECEIVED FROM THE PASSAGE