Helpful Tools for Bible Study
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:8)
Some of you are getting downright serious about Bible study. Good for you! Since that is true, you need to get hold of some tools that will help you do that. I call these tools abuse-busters!
First, you need a Bible concordance, which is an alphabetical listing of all the words in the Bible. The bigger the concordance, the more the words. Some are exhaustive, meaning they include every word that appears on every page of the Bible. No serious student of the Scriptures should be without a copy of a reputable concordance.
Second, you need a Bible dictionary. Like an English dictionary, this book defines and describes the major terms, places, and people in Scripture. Numerous dictionaries are available. Take your choice. Talk to your local Christian bookstore and have the manager show you the options.
Third, you need a Bible atlas, which gives you maps and helpful geographical observations of the world in biblical days.
Fourth, you need some Bible commentaries. Initially, you need to have one that covers the whole of Scripture in one volume. Then you should begin to purchase individual commentaries on the individual books in the Bible. Serious Bible students get serious about purchasing biblical tools. Be forewarned: They’re not 98-cent booklets.
Finally, don’t forget the five simple rules for handling Scripture we learned in the previous devotional—what, who, why, where, and when.
- WHAT. Never forget what you are handling. It is the Word of God.
- WHO. Always remember who has the authority. That’s the Lord Himself.
- WHY. Keep in mind why you are teaching. This will keep you accurate.
- WHERE. Think about where people are. That’ll keep you interesting.
- WHEN. Focus on when the teaching ends. That’ll keep you practical.
Set up a reading program so that you can begin to absorb the Scriptures. Begin to build a new respect for the Bible. Use helpful tools as you seek a clear, careful understanding, ultimately living obediently in keeping with God’s Word.
If you want an overview for how to study the Bible, read, “How Does Pastor Chuck Swindoll Study the Bible?
