How to Study the Bible (and Actually Love It!)
“If it were announced upon reliable authority that on a certain date in the near future an angel from heaven would visit New York and would deliver a sermon upon the invisible world, the future destiny of man, or the secret of deliverance from the power of sin, what an audience he would command! There is no building in that city large enough to accommodate the crowd which would throng to hear him. If upon the next day, the newspapers were to give a verbatim report of his discourse, how eagerly it would be read! And yet, we have between the covers of the Bible not merely an angelic communication, but a divine revelation. How great then is our wickedness if we undervalue and despise it! And yet we do.” -A.W. Pink
Why Bible Study Matters
Feel stuck when it comes to Bible study? You’re not alone. But the Word of God was meant to be understood, loved, and lived—not just read. In a noisy world full of distractions, God’s Word remains our steady guide and source of truth. Bible study isn’t about checking a box—it’s about deepening your relationship with the One who wrote it. Through regular time in Scripture, we begin to recognize the voice of God, grow in spiritual maturity, and learn how to live as disciples of Jesus in everyday life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17—All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”
Studying the Bible isn’t just for pastors or theologians—it’s for anyone who wants to know God more deeply, hear His voice clearly, and walk in purpose daily. The Bible is our spiritual food, our compass, and our foundation.
Joshua 1:8—“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Psalm 119:105—Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
The Bible will you tell you different things at different times, depending on the season of life you’re in. How?
Hebrews 4:12—For the word of God is alive and active.
It’s about more than just reading. As Rick Warren said, “The Bible should give us a bigger heart, not a bigger head.” Whether you’re brand new to Scripture or need a fresh approach, this post will guide you through practical tools, creative strategies, and Spirit-led rhythms to grow in God’s Word.
Tip #1: Set the Atmosphere for Consistency
Your Bible time doesn’t have to be perfect, but preparing your space and your spirit matters. Make your Bible time a sacred appointment, not just a spontaneous option. As I said in an earlier post, what gets scheduled, gets done! I’m an early riser, so I like to study first thing in the morning. You may find that your best time to dig in is during your lunch break or when you’re winding down before bed. Whatever you can set as a regular time will work! Create a “sacred corner.” This should be a quiet, comfortable spot free from distractions. For me, it’s my comfy couch with a blanket and iced coffee. During the summer, I like to sit outside in a rocking chair and listen to the nature sounds coming from my backyard. Always have your materials ready! I have a cute black tote bag full of everything I need for Bible study right next to the couch. Just like any meaningful relationship, consistency matters. The key to consistency here is practically and accessibility!
Tip #2: Use the Right Tools to Dig Deeper
Reading is just the start—studying takes it deeper. Bible study doesn’t have to be intimidating; having a few reliable tools can make it more approachable and enriching. When choosing a Bible, I have 2 “guidelines”:
1) Choose a translation you understand! Don’t set yourself up for failure. If you’re trying to read through a book written in a language you don’t understand, how could you possibly study it? If you’re a person who likes Olde English, the King James Version (KJV) is for you. Personally, I’m a New International Version (NIV) girlie (I can’t help but laugh when I read words like “stinketh”. Sorry.).
2) Choose a format you like. Do you prefer a physical book or are you a Kindle reader? Lucky for you, the Bible can be accessed both ways!
If you’re looking for a true study Bible, the ESV Study Bible offers helpful context, footnotes, and explanations of key passages. I personally use the NIV Beautiful Word Bible, which has wide margins for all of my notes! You can also explore free online tools like BlueLetterBible.org, which offers Greek/Hebrew word breakdowns and cross-referencing. The YouVersion Bible app, launched by Life Church in 2008, is the most popular Bible-app in the world (installed on over 850 million devices globally and available in over 2100 languages). I love that it lets you digitally highlight and take notes, too! For physical book-users, use Bible-safe highlighters to mark key themes such as promises, commands, or attributes of God. I don’t have a color-system for my highlighters, but some people are into that kind of thing! I like this set, because it also comes with cute Bible tabs, sticky notes (my favorite transparent sticky notes can be found here), and magnetic bookmarks! A notebook or journal is great for writing down insights, questions, or prayers that come up as you read. Remember, you don’t need to be a scholar—you just need a teachable heart and a willingness to engage with God’s Word.
Tip #3: Ask Questions that Bring Revelation
Reading the Bible isn’t about racing through—it’s about listening to what God wants to say. And a good Bible study asks, not assumes. There are 3 common methods for doing this:
1) SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
2) 3 W’s: What does this reveal about God? What does this reveal about me? What can I walk away with?
3) SPECK: Is there a Sin to be avoided? Promise to be claimed? Example to follow? Command to obey? Or something to Know about God?
Don’t be afraid to slow down. Sit with a verse. Let it read you as much as you read it. Asking the right questions can take your reading from passive to personal.
Tip #4: Supplement with Trusted Christian Resources
You don’t have to study the Bible alone—there are amazing resources that can help you understand more clearly and apply Scripture more faithfully. The best resources can help make ancient truths come alive in our modern world. There are 5 avenues to consider when starting a study:
1) Start with a specific book of the Bible
2) Follow the life of a person in the Bible
3) Topical study (anxiety, motherhood, promises of God, etc.)
4) Daily devotional
5) Read the whole thing
The YouVersion Bible app has over 10,000 digital Bible plans for all ages. Studies from The Daily Grace Co. are biblically rich and beautifully designed (these are my go-to for topical studies and specific books of the Bible). Teaching podcasts like Proverbs 31 Ministries can help break things down in fresh, relatable ways—plus, you can listen to them during a commute or while you’re doing chores! YouTube is full of Bible study series and past sermons (I LOVE anything from Craig Groeschel) that are perfect for beginners and seasoned believers alike. You can also read (or listen to) all kinds of books by Christian authors! Some of my favorites are:
“Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today” by Shannon Bream
“God Never Gives Up on You: What Jacob’s Story Teaches Us About Grace, Mercy, and God’s Relentless Love” by Max Lucado
“Think Ahead: 7 Decisions You Can Make Today for the God-Honoring Life You Want Tomorrow” by Craig Groeschel
Just remember: these resources are supplements, not replacements. Let the Bible always be your main course, and everything else your side dish.
Tip #5: Pray Before, During, and After You Study
Studying Scripture isn’t an academic exercise—it’s a spiritual one. The Holy Spirit is your greatest teacher when it comes to understanding Scripture (Luke 24:25). Doesn’t it make sense to invite Him into it?
“When you are reading a book in a dark room, and come to a difficult part, you take it to a window to get more light. So take your Bibles to Christ.” -Robert Murray M’Cheyne
Start your time in the Word with a simple prayer: “Lord, open the eyes of my heart to hear Your voice today.” (Psalm 119:18) As you read, keep that prayerful posture! Invite God to highlight what He wants you to see. Ask for clarity. Ask for courage to obey. End your study with a short prayer asking, “God, help me live this out today.” I think journaling during a study is so, so important. When God says something to you, record it!
Tip #6: Apply What You Learn
The goal isn’t just information—it’s transformation. Bible study is meant to change how we think, speak, and act. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Maybe it’s forgiving someone, stepping out in faith, or simply pausing to be grateful. Real growth comes not just from learning, but from living. Choose a verse to memorize or meditate on; write it on a stick note and put it on your mirror or make it your phone wallpaper.
Bonus Tip: Study with Others
Never underestimate the power of accountability and shared growth! Friendships built around God’s Word are some of the strongest and most rewarding (more on that here). Whether it’s a small study group or just a text thread with a couple friends, share what you’re learning! When we gather around Scripture with others, we not only deepen our understanding, but we also grow in love, grace, and unity as the body of Christ.
Grow at Your Own Pace, but Stay in the Word
There’s no “perfect” way to study the Bible—but there is a powerful reward in just showing up consistently. Whether you journal every insight or simply read one verse a day, every bit of time in God’s Word is fruitful. You don’t have to study for an hour a day. You don’t have to understand everything you read. What matters most is a humble, hungry heart that shows up and said, “Speak, Lord. I’m listening.” There will be days when you feel inspired, and others when you feel distracted. God honors every moment you give to His Word, because through it, He gives you more of Himself. The Bible is more than a book—it’s a love letter from your Heavenly Father. He isn’t interested in perfection, but pursuit. So keep showing up! God will meet you in your hunger, not your highlight colors.
The “5/5/5 Bible Habit” Challenge
Commit to 15 minutes a day for 7 days:
5 minutes to read Scripture
5 minutes to reflect (using a method like SOAP or the 3 W’s)
5 minutes to pray over what you’ve learned
Pick one key verse from your reading each day to write down or memorize. If you share, we’d love to see it! Tag us in your verse of the day!
God, thank You for the gift of Your Word—alive, powerful, and full of truth. You didn’t leave us to wander through life blindly; You gave us Scripture to guide, correct, comfort, and draw us closer to You. Lord, I confess that sometimes I come to the Bible distracted, discouraged, or unsure of where to start. But I know You meet me where I am, and You are faithful to speak even through one verse, one quiet moment, or one whispered prayer. Today I ask You for a renewed hunger for Your Word. Open my eyes to the beauty of Your truth. Give me understanding and wisdom as I read. Help me not just to hear Your Word but to live it. Let my time in Scripture not be about perfection, but about presence—meeting with You and being changed by You. Show me how to apply what I read. Help me recognize Your voice in the pages and build a life anchored in Your promises. Give me consistency, even when I don’t feel it. Thank You, Lord, that when I open my Bible, I am not alone. You are here ready to teach, lead, and love me through every chapter. Amen.