introduction 1. why is personal bible study so important?
to be true disciples of Jesus (John 8:31-32)
John 8:31-32 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
to know the will of God to please God to be powerful, effective and mature Christians
to be able to equip younger believers (2 Tim 3:14-17)
2 Timothy 3:14-17 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,
2 Timothy 3:14-17 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
to be able to discern between truth and error
Acts 17:11 11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
3. how to become a lifelong student of God’s Word
develop selfdiscipline: “I must do it!” break old mindsets: “I can do it!”
regard the Bible as a treasure, God’s gift to us: “I love it!” (Psalm 119)
learn simple, tried-and-tested methods to study the Bible systematically: “I have the tools to do it!”
4. getting started: the essential tools
a good study Bible two or more other modern English translations an exhaustive concordance (Strong’s or Young’s) a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia