Tap into the right Bible study resources

5 Steps to Maximize Your Bible Study Time

Step 2: Tap into the Right Resources

When you have a home improvement project that you have to contract out you expect the worker to arrive with the necessary tools in hand to get the job done. Now, granted, sometimes they must come and do an assessment beforehand, but when it is time to work, they have everything they need close at hand.

If you want to maximize your Bible study time you need to approach it the same way. You must tap into the right resources!

What tools are in your toolbox?

Most important tool: The Bible

Without a Bible in your hand what are you even doing? You're definitely not studying the Bible! if you don't already have a Bible here are some points to ponder as you choose one!

Physical or digital

There is nothing like holding your own copy of the Word of God in your hand. I'm pretty sure that over time Christians have fought for that right! As you turn the pages from section to section it helps you understand the layout of the book as a whole. However, you may not always have it with you.

A digital Bible can be found easily online through an internet search or a downloadable app. A Bible app is a handy tool because you can easily compare different versions of the Bible as you study.

Which version?

Different versions? Yes, you read correctly. I won't go into a huge explanation but if you search for a Bible version chart online you will see that there are basically three categories under which most translations fall. On the left hand side you will see Word-for-word translations from the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts that the Bible was written in like the ESV, KJV, or NKJV, to name a few. In the middle are the Thought-for-thought translations that aim to capture the meaning-by-meaning of the original texts usually updated in modern language. In this section you would find the CSB, NLT, and NIV among others. On the right hand side you find paraphrases, or man's retellings, of Scripture that try to help you understanding the meanings of what the Bible teaches.

Different versions serve different purposes. For teaching, preaching and studying we prefer to use word-for-word translations, but sometimes refer to other versions for a more well-rounded view of Scripture. Here is a chart from Nations Mission Society that could prove helpful!

Bible Translation Guide, courtesy of God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society, Orange Park, FL 32067.

When making your choice make sure the physical copy is one that is comfortable for you to use, since you will be using it every day! Think about the size of the book and the readability of the font. For a Bible app you want to choose one that will allow you to read uninterrupted without a lot of adds popping up to distract you. Free is good. Distraction free is better!

Other Resources

Beyond the Bible, consider adding some other resources.

● A Bible dictionary will provide meanings and explanations of words as used in the Bible.

● A commentary breaks down a book of the Bible passage by passage with outlines and studies completed by someone else.

● A concordance can help you find a verse using a key word.

● And a study Bible is like the all-in-one package. It might include commentary, study notes, a concordance, a small dictionary, maps, and more. This means having a larger Bible but all of the resources are in one place.

Online sources can also be a great help to you in your Bible study because you can access them with the click of a button and have your answers in seconds. The downside of using your computer or your phone or tablet to do research while you're studying your Bible is that those things can also be a distraction. Also you should be careful to only use trusted, reliable, and well known sources.

God's word is the foundation of absolute truth. Therefore as different people study the same word of God the overall biblical truth should be the same. If you are wondering if an online source is reliable check with your pastor.

Keep following the Master and be blessed!

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