How to Get the Most Out of Studying God’s Word
Pastor Matthias Haeusel
Part of The Word of Truth
August 26, 2021

How to Get the Most Out of Studying God’s Word

Introduction:

“Such is the depth of the Christian Scriptures that even if I were attempting to study them, and nothing else, from early boyhood to decrepit old age, with the utmost leasure and the most unwearied zeal, and talent greater than I have, I would still daily be making progress in discovering their treasures.” ~ Augustine (A.D. 354-430)

Psalm 19:7-11 — The majesty and power of the Word of God

Biblical Illiteracy:

“Americans revere the Bible - but, by and large, they don’t read it. And because they don’t read it they have become a nation of illiterates.” ~ George Gallup & Jim Castelli

• Fewer than half of all adults can name the four Gospels
• Many Christians cannot identify more than two or three disciples
• 60% of Americans can’t name even 5 of the 10 Commandments
• According to 82% of Americans “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.
• Those who identified themselves as born-again Christians did better—by 1%
• 12% of Americans believe Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife
• Over 50% of graduating high-school seniors believe that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife
• A large number of respondents to one survey attributed the Sermon on the Mount to Billy Graham

Why should we study the Word of God?

  1. To know God better and love Him more.
  2. To become more like Christ.
  3. To gain wisdom (see Ps.19:7)
  4. To keep from sin (see Ps.19:11)
  5. To receive guidance.
  6. To be encouraged
  7. To know truth about God, ourselves and our world.

Some (Flawed) Approaches to Bible Reading:

• ‘The Advil Approach’
• ‘The First Aid Kit Approach’
• ’The Web-MD Approach’
• ’The Physical Therapy Approach’

How should we approach Personal Bible Study?

Inductive Study -vs- Deductive Study

  1. Observation - What does it say?
    • Literary Observations
    • Context
    • Structure
    • History

  2. Interpretation - What does it mean? What is its significance?
    • Historical Interpretation
    • Natural Interpretation
    • Harmonious Interpretation

  3. Application - What do I do in light of this?

  4. Proclamation - Sharing the truths of Scripture in preaching, teaching or personal conversation.

Practical Tips: