7 Powerful Bible Study Habits to Cultivate This Autumn

Spontaneity certainly has a place in life. If we are honest, though, much of what we rely on for day-to-day functioning is rooted in a schedule. Most of us have a set time when we wake up, eat, go to work, clean, and go to sleep. Rightly so too, for our lives would be much more hectic if we left everything to the whim of the moment.

Likewise, in our Bible reading, we benefit not only from a regular rhythm of reading, but a structure that allows us to encounter Scripture in deeper ways. This is where reading plans prove helpful. They enable us to chart a course to intentionally encounter the truth of God’s Word. We are not merely flitting from one book to the next; we are slowly and methodically noticing the interconnectedness of the Bible.

To step outside the box of the typical one-year plan, we can choose from countless other structures. There are Bible reading plans that lead us in examining the main themes of Scripture, ones that help us understand biblical history chronologically, and those that teach us to find traces of Christ throughout the different books.

Whichever plan we choose to follow, we benefit the most by engaging with Scripture and submitting ourselves to what the Lord teaches us. A checklist is not what we are after but an opportunity to draw closer to the heart of our Savior.

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Completing a word study is a habit you will want to cultivate if you hope to further your study of certain events or verses. The original languages of Scripture included Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Therefore, the original words often contain a more significant meaning than what can be conveyed through English translations.

A word study is when we take a certain word from a passage and study its original meaning, usage in Scripture, and historical significance. Using resources such as lexicons and commentaries, we can study how a word is often used in Scripture, as well as what it means in the biblical languages.

For example, when studying John 1:18 with the usage of “one and only Son” we would find that this term is also used in John 1:14 and 3:16, of “only begotten.” In the Greek, the word implies that Jesus is unique as the Son of God, meaning that there is no one else like Him.

By consulting commentary notes, we could also discover that this word was used to refer to the phoenix in historical Greek usage, which was a creature that was set apart from all others as the only of its kind (NET Bible Notes, John 1:14, note 38). Through the information we gathered, therefore, we come away with a richer understanding of what it means that Christ is “the unique One, who is himself God” (John 1:18, NLT).

Of course, there are limitations to word studies, especially when we are not knowledgeable of the original languages. Using them wisely, and in tandem with other theologically orthodox sources, is the best way to utilize this aspect of Bible study.

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In the last point, we learned the value that a commentary can bring when completing a word study. However, that is not the only use of this resource, nor is it the only tool for deeper study.

Commentaries assist us when we need more insight into the historical context of a passage, or when we have questions about a specific verse. They lead us further in our study and goal of understanding God’s Word.

In addition to commentaries, there are many other resources that we can utilize when reading the Bible. Atlases, dictionaries, handbooks, and topical books are all useful tools when delving into a passage. Although many people appreciate having these as physical books in their home, there are also online versions that are easily accessible, like those found here at Bible Study Tools. Multiple websites offer free versions to use, while other sites include many more options for building a resource library.

Regularly consulting these resources encourages us to be more intentional about our study of Scripture, for we are actively interacting with the text, researching locations or people, and learning more about the culture in biblical times. All these aspects help us become better students of the Bible.

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Not everyone has the time, financial resources, or opportunities to enroll in academic courses about the Bible or theology. Neither will every believer have the chance to study in seminary. Yet, this does not mean that followers of Christ cannot grow in their knowledge through other means. Participating in courses, whether online or at church, and following a few podcasts can prove valuable in learning more about the Lord and His Word.

Perhaps this looks like participating in a course on the Old Testament at church, or subscribing to a weekly podcast that details salvation history throughout the Bible. Even something as simple as a class on methods of studying the Bible can provide essential skills when interacting with Scripture.

Engaging with and listening to the insights of others, often those who have a background in extensively studying the text, can widen our view of a passage. We may also gain greater understanding of how to apply a certain verse or concept in our daily lives.

Of course, individual followers of Christ should use discernment in which podcast or courses they follow. These are tools created by people to assist individuals and communities in understanding the inspired Word of God.

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Some aspects of Scripture study skills will not be found within a commentary or website. At times, we need to immerse ourselves in more ways than just academically; we need the connection of our other senses. The Lord already knew this, which is why He gave us the sacraments of the bread and wine of communion, and water baptism. We can also incorporate our senses while reading God’s Word by engaging with it imaginatively.

Using paintings and other works of art can encourage us to meditate more on a passage through the use of visual aids, allowing us to engage more with the biblical text. This could look like finding a picture online that corresponds to a specific event in the Bible, such as the story of the lost son. Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son is a well-known work that invites us into the story, imagining what it could have felt like for the wayward son to repent and be welcomed by his father.

Finding opportunities to observe physical representations of a verse or passage is also a great way to incorporate our senses into Scripture study. For example, taking time to look at the stars on a clear night could bring a greater appreciation for God’s promise to Abraham: “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17). Or we could contemplate the vastness of the Lord’s creation (Genesis 1:1).

Regardless of how we use our imaginations when studying the Bible, through eating a food, reflecting on a painting, watching a documentary about biblical lands, or attending a service that brings a verse to life, we benefit from going beyond only head knowledge to incorporate our other senses.

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Many of the lessons we gain from reading the Bible could be lost to time if we do not record them. Although we might assume we will remember  significant facts or connections we made in our regular Scripture reading, this is not always assured. Hence, journaling the insights that the Lord gives us can prove helpful, not only in our initial recollection, but also in future struggles.

This habit does not have to be complicated. It could easily look like jotting down a few main points in a notebook after studying the Bible. Or, if we wanted more in-depth notes, we could include extra details, showing the connections we made. Even the simple act of writing down a Bible verse enables us to engage more thoughtfully with the Word.

Where to start? Consider the most impactful verses and write how they were encouraging to you during a season of life. If the Israelites were meant to seriously engage with Scripture by going so far as inscribing the commandments of God on their doorposts and gates, then how much more should we commit to recording our insights? Journaling allows us to actively remember and meditate on what we read from the Bible.

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Studying the Bible was never meant to be done in isolation, as if “Scripture and me” is all that is needed. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of the communal aspect of study. The priests regularly read the book of the Law to the crowds (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). Even after the exile, this practice continued with public Scripture readings at the synagogue, as demonstrated by Christ during His ministry (Luke 4:16-21; also see Nehemiah 8:1-3).

We are wise to take this verse to heart: “let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). Attending a service regularly to hear the Word of God proclaimed or joining a Bible study group are great ways to get involved with other believers and to study Scripture in community. Our understanding is sharpened when we have others walking alongside us in our quest of learning more about God through His Word (Proverbs 27:17).

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