So often people tell me that when it comes to studying or even reading the Bible they just don't know how to go about it. Sure, they can read it but it doesn't seem to make sense. My answer has changed over time.
Currently my advice is to grab a pen and notebook and opening at Genesis 1:1 begin jotting down whatever you read about God. Just check out the reference to these points and see if it makes sense from the verses:
- He is a Shepherd - Genesis 48:15
- He alone is God - 2Kings 19:19
- He is Eternal - Psalm 48:14
- He punishes sin so that we can know that He is the LORD - Ezekiel 7:4
This method of approaching the Bible keeps you consistently reading through the entire Bible at a pace you decide. You don't need to be a genius and you'll probably find that the more you do it the more you want to do it.
The Bible is God's primary revelation of Himself to mankind.
While God is revealed in nature, it is only through His Word that He speaks clearly and directly to us about who He is and what He does. The Apostle Peter even raises the Word as being higher than supernatural visions of His glory, such as his experience at the transfiguration (2 Peter 1:17-19).
Knowing God is of utmost importance.
Jesus did say that eternal life is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent (John 17:3). It's not simply to do with knowing facts about God, but more about knowing Him in a relationship through Christ. But we can never have a deeper love and relationship with Him if we do not seek to meet Him and see Him in His Word.
Seeing God has a sanctifying affect upon our lives.
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from one degree of glory to another." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
It is interesting that Jesus prayed for the Father to sanctify us through His Word (John 17:17). Perhaps it is because The Bible is the greatest revelation of Himself and by it He shines "into our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus" (2 Cor 4:6).
Just as it was at the tabernacle & with Israel, it is when God meets with us that His glory causes a sanctifying work (Exodus 29:43). Where better is there to meet with God and have His glory displayed to us, than in the Word of Christ?
Of Further Interest.
