How to Study the Bible? [The Bible Says...]

Given by inspiration of God," "able to make us wise unto salvation," rendering "the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" -- the Book of books has the highest claims to our reverent attention.

 __Superficial study of the word of God can not meet the claims it has upon us, nor furnish us with the benefit that is promised__.

 We should seek to learn the full meaning of the words of truth, and to drink deep the spirit of the holy oracles.

 To read daily a certain number of chapters, or to commit to memory a stipulated amount of Scripture, without careful thought as to the meaning of the text, will profit but little.

 To study one passage until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained.

Matthew 13:45-46 
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. 

Psalms 107:24 
These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. 

Proverbs 3:19-20
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

We can not obtain wisdom from the word of God without giving
earnest and prayerful attention to its study.

It is true that some portions of Scripture are, indeed, too plain to be misunderstood;
but there are many portions whose meaning can not be seen at a glance;
for the truth does not lie upon the surface.

In order to understand the meaning of such passages,
scripture must be compared with scripture;
there must be careful research and prayerful reflection.

Such study will be richly repaid.

Proverbs 24:3-5 
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. 

Colossians 2:2-3 
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2nd Peter 1:4-8
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As the miner discovers precious veins of metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the word of God as for hid treasure find truths of the greatest value which are concealed from the careless seeker.

You must dig in the mine of truth till you find its greatest treasure, and by comparing
scripture with scripture you may find the true meaning of the text.

But if you do not make the sacred teachings of God's word the rule and guide of your life,
the truth will be nothing to you.

Truth is efficient only as it is carried out in practical life.

Matthew 10:24-25 
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.

Luke 6:40 
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 

Philippians 3:15 
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 

Matthew 5:48 
Jesus says: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Deuteronomy 18:13 
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

 If the word of God condemns some habit you have indulged, a feeling you have cherished, a spirit you have manifested, turn not from the word of God, but turn away from the evil of your doings, and let Jesus cleanse and sanctify your heart.

 Confess your faults, and forsake them wholly and determinedly, believing the promises of God, and showing your faith by your works.

 If the truths of the Bible are woven into practical life, they will bring the mind up from earthliness and debasement. Those who are conversant with the Scriptures will be men and women who exert an elevating influence.

In searching for Heaven-revealed truths, the Spirit of God is brought into close connection with the sincere searcher of the Scriptures.

1st John 1:9 
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Psalms 51:1-3 
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

 An understanding of the revealed will of God enlarges the mind, expands, elevates, and endows it with new vigor, by bringing its faculties into contact with stupendous truth.

 No study is better to give energy to the mind, to strengthen the intellect, than the study of the word of God.

 No other book is so potent in elevating the thoughts, in giving vigor to the faculties, as is the Bible, which contains the most ennobling truths.

**If God's word were studied as it should be,
we would see breadth of mind, stability of purpose, nobility of character,
such as are rarely seen in these times. **