You’re busy. I get it. Of course you feel like you don’t have time to study your bible anymore. The kids are early risers. The day flies by in a blur. Then, its dinner time, and before you know it the kids are in bed and all you can think about is sliding between the sheets for some shut-eye.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
When someone says bible study, what do you think of?
An hour of uninterrupted quiet time with commentaries and dictionaries?
Bible study workbooks and researching questions?
Devotionals and a prayer closet with a journal?
All of these are great aspirations and fruitful disciplines. And have Spirit-filled success in many people’s lives. But they can also set a false high standard of what you think personal bible study “has” to look like. Of course you don’t feel like you have time to study your bible if that is what you’re “supposed to do.”
LET’S GET REAL
Or, that you could effectively study your bible in 15 minutes.
It isn’t always about quantity (time spent). Do I love a good bible study binge of 1-3 hours where I get lost in the wonder and awe of what the Holy Spirit brings to my understanding? You betcha!
But, I have also been stirred so deeply in my 15 minute study sessions. The Holy Spirit can do what he wants in 5 minutes, just as much as is possible in 50 minutes+.
You really DO have time to study the bible, and I am going to show you how.
WHAT DO I DO THEN?
First of all, keep it simple! I have found that when I try to add to many things I get overwhelmed and step away completely.
Materials Needed:
-your bible (I recommend either an ESV, NIV, CSB, or NKJV)
-the Blue Letter Bible app or a commentary of the book you are studying
-a way of taking notes
Begin with picking A BOOK of the bible to study. A gospel or epistle is a great place to start. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be your Teacher and help you to understand. Ask God to show you His glory! When you read scripture, read it from a perspective of looking for God first. I will give you a list of some questions to think through as you read in a second.
DAY ONE:
Now, ideally you will read or listen to the whole book ONCE through to get a bird’s eye view-so to speak-of the language, tone, and message of that book. To hear the author’s voice.
If you are unable to do that right now, that is okay! Just begin with the first chapter. Read it slowly and intentionally the first time. Then read it again, looking for repeated words or ideas-underline them or write them down. Circle any words you don’t know to look up definitions for. And pay attention to people or places mentioned.
DAY TWO
Then, the next day, read the chapter again. This time, think/journal through the following questions.
Who is the original audience?
What is taking place?
When/where is this happening in the timeline of God’s redemption plan?
Why is this letter or passage being written?
These initial questions will help you stay in context as you read. The scriptures cannot mean today what they did not mean to the original audience. We don’t start our reading with, “How does this passage make me feel?” Instead, we should ask first, “What does this passage reveal about God?” Then, “How do I respond because of who God is?”
DAY THREE
Pray and read the chapter again. This time, reflect or journal through the following…
How would the original hearers have responded to this?
Where does this fit in with the metanarrative of scripture (the overarching idea)?
What other scriptures come to mind that echo or relate to this passage/chapter?
Jot down any other questions or observations that come to mind. These may be answered or expounded on as you proceed through the chapters of the book.
DAY FOUR
You guessed it! Pray, then read the chapter again. Anything else that comes to mind, jot it down. You will be encouraged how each time you come back and read through this, you see new things or the Holy Spirit increases your understanding.
This time, I want you to tell back the chapter out loud or to your child/spouse. You can write down if you want to instead. When you can tell back something in your own words, you are more likely to understand and remember it. This is called narration and is a great learning tool!
If you still have a few minutes, begin reading through a solid commentary in the blue letter bible app on the chapter, or from your selected book. Some of these can be lengthy, so don’t stress out too much on reading through it all. Scan through for sections covering complex or new ideas. You still have the rest of the week!
DAY FIVE AND SIX…
or however many days you want to spend in each chapter.
Again, pray and read the chapter. These last two days can be spent reflecting over the chapter and your notes, and reading the commentary. As you reflect, you can think further about the application.
What did this passage reveal to you about God and his character?
What did this passage reveal to you about sin and your need for the redeeming work of Christ, your Savior?
How does this passage encourage you to rest in the grace and finished work of Christ?
WRAP UP
This may seem like a lot of work or several steps, but it is really about spending slow time engaging the Word thoughtfully. Not skimming a few verses after a topical devotion. Those can often be misleading and watered down. Or just opening your bible to a random page and reading a few verses.
Rather, encountering the same passage/chapter over a few days, with prayer and a thinking love, you build a better understanding around the context and theme of the book. And a deeper understanding of the nature and character of God.
Think of it this way. As a believer, you are a part of the bride of Christ.
If you are married, you are the bride of your husband. Does your marriage grow over passing conversations about the weather, grocery lists, and a quick, “How was your day?” Or do you spend time still getting to know each other through each season of life? Do you study your spouse through life’s highs and lows and deepen your relationship.
You DO have time to study the bible. To get to know your Savior, the bridegroom, deeper. He is worthy! Amen?!
May you continue to grow in the riches of his grace!
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
Titus 2:11-15
That is my prayer as you study the bible, that you grow in and are transformed by Word for his glory. Rest in the goodness of Jesus and delight in him.
Leave me a comment with your favorite Bible resource!
Narration is a good tip! I hadn’t heard of that or tried it. I know my husband would love a conversation and little recap as to what I have been studying. It’s a great time to connect spiritually with your spouse.
I’m so glad!
This is very helpful! I definitely have fallen victim to having too high of a standard with bible study and to put it off until i have more time only to never dedicating time the entire rest of the day. Thanks!
It seems easy for us to over complicate things sometimes. And all the well-meaning helps can sometimes hinder us from just doing the thing. I hope it is encouraging! 🥰
Such a great ‘no excuses’ way to actually get it in – and mindfully!