Matthew Henry Commentary Bible Gateway
The Bible is a treasure trove of knowledge and insight that is just waiting for us to discover it. Here are some enjoyable and simple strategies for making the most out of the time you spend in Bible study.
Begin your journey with an affirmation.
Make sure you pray to God before you start reading. This is an excellent opportunity for you to express to God how eager you are to learn the more you can about God’s word. While reading, make an offer of prayer to receive insight and understanding as and guidance in how you can implement the principles in your own life. Requesting specific advice on what to concentrate on while reading is an effective strategy. in the name of Jesus Christ, amen, end the sentence. This set the tone for a humble and open mindset as you study. It also serves as an excellent reminding you of the fact that God is with you on this journey and is waiting to assist you in any doubts or questions.
Choose a subject that is of interest to you.
Do not assume that you must begin at the beginning! Insisting on a subject or person that fascinates you is among the finest ways to increase the enjoyment of your Bible study more enjoyable. If, for instance, you want to understand more about Jesus take a look at Jesus’s gospel through the New Testament gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Choose a single subject, such as forgiveness or trials, to concentrate on and this will allow you to relate to the subject more in depth and make your studies more relatable.
Be sure to make it relevant
Choose a topic that resonates with you. This is a great way to improve the value and sensitivity in the Bible. Search for verses related to that topic and then carefully read them. In order to assist you, ChurchofJesusChrist.org also provides resources and suggested passages for typical topics. When you understand the significance of the lessons and relate them to your own daily life, it will be easier to remember the passages you’ve been studying.
Discover a Character
Explore any information you can locate concerning the person you’ve picked out of the Bible. You’ll gain more understanding of the passages in their context and of the larger context of the Bible by doing this. Examine how the verses are connected to each other, how they came to know Jesus as well as what you share with them and what you can be able to learn from the Bible’s characters. You’ll be able to relate to and comprehend the characters better by doing this.
Note it down.
Keep a journal to note your observations while reading. This will help you build your memory, give you a tangible record of your trip, and allow you to examine your progress. When you make the effort to record your experience you’re showing God the respect he merits for the knowledge you are receiving.
Blend it up
Instead of reading the Bible, try listening to the Bible. It’s a fantastic way to distract yourself and provide your brain with some time away from the mental aspect of reading. On the Gospel Library mobile app and at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, you can discover recorded versions. Additionally, you can listen while exercising or driving, which can help you study more effectively.
Bring a friend
Learn with your family members as well as your peers, as well as missionaries. You’ll gain new insights and the learning will be more fun as a result. Additionally, you will have the chance to inquire about questions or clarify any confusion. Sharing scriptures that have a specific meaning can spark fascinating conversations and provide new perspectives.
Eliminate Confusion
Find any terms or phrases that you don’t understand if you come across them. There are a tonne of Bible students on the internet who could help you. The understanding of the Bible will be better If you can comprehend each term and sentence. Do not be afraid to ask for help or search for resources to study; doing this will allow you to completely comprehend the significance and meaning of the passages.
Take a Moment to Think
After studying for a while, take a moment to take a break and relax. You’ll be able to think about and analyse the lessons you’ve learned in the process. It’s also a chance to think about ways to apply the lessons you’ve learned in your own life. When you reflect on what you’ve learned, God could reveal fresh information to you through the Holy Spirit. This can be an effective tool for understanding.
Underline or highlight verses that stick out to you.
One of the best methods of retaining the things you’ve learned can be to underline or highlight passages that stand out to you. It is possible to use different colors or symbols in order to indicate different themes or insights. This makes it simpler for you to find significant verses to read in the near future, and also aid you in identifying the connections between verses related to the same subject. Additionally, you can write notes on the sides of the page or on a separate notebook to reflect on your thoughts and draw connections to your daily life.
Explore multiple translations of the Bible.
Different translations can assist you in understanding various nuances in the text. For instance, certain translations are more formal and precise and others are more lively and idiomatic. This will help you understand the meaning of the text and what the Bible is trying to convey. Also, reading different translations can also help you to discern different interpretations and gain a deeper understanding of every verse.
Use Bible study tools and sources.
There are numerous study tools , such as commentaries, study bibles and devotionals that can aid you in gaining more understanding of the text. These tools can offer contextual context, historical background, as well as alternative interpretations to enhance your study. Furthermore, these tools can offer answers to complex questions and also provide clarifications on certain passages. Use these tools when you study and you’ll find your study sessions to be more enlightening.
Pause for reflection on your own.
Take some time after each session of study to think about what the lessons you learned are applicable to your daily life. Consider any lessons or lessons you’ve learned and think about ways to incorporate them into your everyday life. Reflecting on what you read can help you remember it better and it also gives you the time to think about what you’ve read , and consider ways to implement it into your daily life.
Incorporate different learning styles.
Each of us learns in a different way We are all visual learners, some have auditory learning, and some of us are Kinesthetic learners. Incorporating different methods such as drawing or writing out the passages you’re studying can help you better comprehend and remember the scriptures. For example, if you are a visual student, you can draw out the scenes in the Bible story, if you are an auditory learner, you can recite the verses, if you are a kinesthetic learner then you can perform the story.
Use Bible applications and other online resources.
There are numerous applications and online resources which can assist you in your study the Bible. These resources can include devotionals, reading plans, and audio versions of the Bible. This can be extremely helpful when you’re always in a hurry, and don’t have the time to sit down and go through the Bible. In addition, many of these resources can be customized to your individual needs, meaning you can have the most personalized experience when studying.
Make sure you are consistent.
Set a schedule for your Bible study. The more consistent you stay in your study and the more you’ll gain and the more meaningful your studies will be. By taking a couple of minutes every morning to go through a chapter or two can be a significant improvement over the course of time. Establish a date and time that you’ll be able keep studying regularly, and then stick to it. A routine can aid in staying motivated, and it makes it easier for you to fit Bible study into your routine. Keep in mind that consistency is the key!
Never give up
The process of studying the Bible takes a lifetime. Whatever you know, God values your efforts to learn about his Word. If you’re feeling like you’re not getting it right or don’t understand everything immediately do not get down. Keep in mind that God is with you at all times and wants you to understand His word. The more you study the more you comprehend and the more meaningful the learning process will become. Be patient, keep going and have fun on the way!