BIBLE STUDY METHOD | Part 2
About a year ago, we shared a Bible study method with you, but time constraints delayed it, and we’re only resuming the topic today. It is not that I have more free time now; rather, I am mindful of the Lord’s words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) and “What you hear in the secret place, proclaim from the housetops” (Matthew 10:27). Therefore, I strive to do as much as I can within the limited time available each day.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BIBLE STUDY – The Bible study method we are sharing here will not cost you a single penny, yet it demands a much higher price: your time. Non-believers often say, “Time is money”—a well-known adage. Personally, however, I would say that time is more precious than money. This is because we can recover lost money, whereas lost time is gone forever and can never be regained. Time is therefore invaluable, and as Christians, we must use it wisely to help us attain eternal life from the Lord. Scripture calls those who do so wise (Psalm 90:12). Thus, fruitful Bible study requires prayer, setting aside time for exploration and meditation, and patience. We believe that while every Christian possesses and can practice the first two qualities, patience is far more challenging. We will elaborate on this in the sections that follow.
First is prayer. This is a practice familiar to every Christian when we study the Bible—whether privately at home or with fellow believers in a study group. Therefore, I will not dwell at length on this requirement; instead, I want to highlight one crucial point: prayer must come from a sincere heart that seeks God’s illumination on the meanings in His Word. It should not be a mere formality—performed to satisfy ritualistic expectations or to please those present—only for one to subsequently rely on his or her own intellect and ability to interpret God’s Word. Scripture reveals that just as the universe is vast, God’s thoughts soar far beyond human comprehension (Isaiah 55:9). All of humanity is but a speck of dust on God’s scales; thus, no one—regardless of their status, ability, or education—can fully grasp God’s thoughts (Isaiah 40:15). Can we imagine a speck of dust capable of understanding our own thoughts and emotions? Likewise, even if we combined all human wisdom, it could never comprehend God. He is the Great One, beyond human searching (Psalm 145:3; Isaiah 40:28). For if human beings could use their own abilities and intellect to comprehend God, then the Lord’s words in the two previously cited verses would be proven incorrect. Yet we know that any error lies solely with humanity; God is perfect, truthful, and never mistaken. The Bible—His Word—is likewise infallible. Therefore, as Christians, we must engage in earnest, prolonged prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to grant us illumination, for knowing God is something He desires every one of us to attain (Colossians 1:9–10).
(to be continued)