Why Most Christians Feel Intimidated Studying the Bible (And What Actually Helps) - Part 2

Why Many Bible Study Methods Feel Overwhelming

In an attempt to help people study the Bible, many systems have been created. Some involve complicated color-coding systems, stacks of commentaries and reference books, lengthy study guides, or complicated frameworks to remember.

While these tools can be helpful, they can also unintentionally make Bible study feel more complicated than it has to be. Lexicons, commentaries, and other sound reference books are valuable tools of the trade. However, building a theological library takes considerable time and money and having EVERY resource is not necessary before studying the Bible!

What Actually Helps People Grow in Bible Study

The believers who grow most in their understanding of Scripture usually have one thing in common: they slow down, engage, and interact with the text itself. If it's a narrative passage, it may be helpful to even place yourself in the story.

That being said, instead of rushing through a passage, those who grow in understanding the Word usually begin by asking simple questions:

• What words or phrases are used? Do any of them repeat?
• What do I learn about God here?
• What commands or promises appear in this passage?
• How does this passage connect to the rest of Scripture?

As mentioned in Part 1, this kind of study doesn't require a seminary degree. It simply requires attention and intentionality. And one of the most helpful ways to build this habit is by marking and engaging directly with the words on the page. God was intentional in revealing His Word; we must be intentional about reading and studying it.

Bible Study is a Skill That Can Be Learned

Many people assume that strong Bible Study skills come naturally. They feel that it's a gift - either you have it or you don't. That's not true. Bible study is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. Just like learning to read deeply or analyze literature, studying Scripture becomes easier the more you practice.

The more you engage with a text:

• The more patterns you notice.
• The more connections you see.
• The more confident you become.

And over time, the Bible begins to feel less intimidating and more like a conversation with God through His Word. Of course, that's really what the Bible - God having a conversation with us. In fact, the Bible could be viewed as a love letter God has written to us. Before Genesis 1:1 you could write in your Bible, "Dear (and your name,". Then, following the last verse in Revelation 22:21 (Amen.) you could write, "Love, God."

God Desires to Be Known Through His Word

Studying the Bible isn't about mastering information. It's about personally knowing the God who wrote it. Every passage reveals something about:

• God's character.
• His promises.
• His story of redemption, the Gospel, and His heart toward His people.
• Jesus is the main character of the Bible - not us. All of Scripture points to Jesus.

The goal of Bible study is not simply to understand Scripture. The goal is encountering the God of Scripture. He gave His Word so that His people could know Him, understand Him, experience His love, and walk with Him. So, slow down, engage the text, and commit to the hard work of mining the deep truths God has revealed about Himself. He loves you!

If you’d like a simple way to begin doing this, the Mark the Word class from Teachers in the Word walks through a clear, practical method for engaging directly with Scripture. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by complicated systems, you’ll learn how to slow down, notice key words and patterns in the text, and interact with the passage in a way that helps you better understand and remember what you’re reading.