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Study of anything takes work. This statement is also true for studying God’s Word. There are no quick and easy ways or methods by which we can grasp the Word of God. We must study it to really understand the content, the meaning, and the purpose. And, it takes time, lots of devoted and consistent time.
There is the story about one famous Bible teacher who was asked by one of his students, “How can I come to know the Bible as well as you do?”
The teacher replied. “That is easy, it just takes studying the Bible every day for fifty years.” The point is well taken. It does take time and effort to come to really know and understand the Word of God.
In 2 Timothy 2 we can read a clear command for all of us to study God’s Word; whether we are new at it or if we have been studying it for fifty years.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The reason why we study is stated for us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (16)All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17)that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
It should very clear to us we cannot reach any real significant degree of spiritual maturity without obeying this simply stated command: study to show yourself approved unto God! Bible study is an absolute MUST for spiritual life!
In Romans, chapter 15, the Apostle Paul tells us the scriptures were written for our learning.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
When these powerful words here in the book of Romans were written, the scriptures being referred to are what we call the Old Testament. Therefore, we need to study and understand the teachings of the Old Testaments books.
We will study these books in the order as they appear in the King James Version (KJV); also known as the Authorized Version (AV). All quoted verses will be from the KJV, unless otherwise stated.