(Non-Bible) Lessons I’ve Learned from Bible Study

If you spend time reading and studying Scripture, you will learn a lot… and not just about key themes or specific commands or the people featured on the pages. You’ll also learn about yourself and the people around you, how to study God’s Word better, and about God’s character.

Things I’ve learned from writing about the Bible:

• You can’t be overly familiar with Scripture
• Little compares to the excitement of gaining more understanding of Jesus
• God answers prayers for help understanding His Word
• If you write about it, you’ll be challenged to live it
• When you feel like you’re missing something, read passages on similar themes. God’s Word answers the questions raised by God’s Word
• God created communication and language- words are a gift, His Words especially so

Things I’ve learned from participating in Bible studies with others:

• You’re never too old or too young for God’s Word
• Different perspectives highlight the rich depth of the Bible and many facets of God’s character
• While not every question we have can be answered in a verse, God’s Word has the answers we seek if we’re willing to persist in humility and learning
• Silence doesn’t mean people aren’t listening or don’t have something to say
• We all ask the same basic questions in life
• Praying for others is a blessing, especially when you know a little about their relationship with Jesus

Things I’ve learned from reading the Bible front to back:

• Sometimes you have to keep reading for what you already read to make sense
• Many difficult or lengthy passages are better understood when you read them starting with the last sentence and working backward
• You don’t have to know the correct pronunciations of names and places to get the point
• Highlighting, doodling, and note-taking help with memory and understanding
• “Therefore” is always there for a reason, and the reason is worth rereading to figure out
• God’s Word references itself, and paying attention to the context of each reference enriches understanding
• You can find themes, follow stories, and get to know God without being an academic scholar
• Prayer is deeper when you apply what you’re learning from God’s words to your requests, praise, and understanding as you pray
• God has a lot to say, and even though He doesn’t talk about everything specifically, He talks about everything we need to know

I’d love to hear about lessons you’ve learned from studying God’s Word! Please share something you’ve learned recently in the comments.

Jen Wilkin’s book Women of the Word teaches basic Bible study practices. Crossway offers her tips in a short video you can use with a 5-day reading plan to practice Bible study methods. This can be helpful for getting familiar with independent Bible study!

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