How to Study the Bible

"How to Study the Bible" by John MacArthur is an exceptional guide that equips readers with the essential tools and principles to delve deeper into the Word of God. MacArthur's expertise as a seasoned theologian and pastor shines through every page, providing clear and practical insights into biblical interpretation. Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned Christian, this book offers invaluable guidance on understanding the Bible's context, applying historical and cultural insights, and grasping the profound truths within Scripture. MacArthur's passion for teaching and reverence for God's Word makes this book an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge and connection with the Bible. It's a must-have for your library, deserving a solid five-star rating for its transformative impact on Bible study and spiritual growth.

Great so far! Wonderful resource that’s more pocket sized to help understand how we should approach the Bible and all it has to offer.

On time and as described

Be ready to listen to the “why” we should study the Bible first. Excellent content. Foundational. Then the last chapter is the “how” of studying the Bible. The only criticism (and it’s not much of one) is a revised Bible study dictionaries and encyclopedias. And that is likely something that can be found on the GTY.ORG website or email. This book is a great start! Worth it!

How to Study the Bible is a good book. Much of this book is actually about the bible and you. For a short time I found myself getting irritated that I was not learning anything about studying the Bible which is the main purpose of the book. That first part turned out to be helpful though as it revealed some things about me and my relationship to Christ that had deteriorated due to not being mindful of God’s word. You may not have my experience with the first part but read it, think upon it and you will be blessed by it. The second part of the book where the study method is presented is very practical. One would almost say cliché but I think that is the point. While Bible study is hard work it is not necessarily difficult work. If you are young in the faith, this book can help you learn to study, understand, interpret and apply the word of God to your life. If you are further along in the faith and feel as though the power of the gospel is lacking in your life(as I was) this book can help you also.

Before I became a believer, reading the Bible was a boring chore and I didn't really get it. It actually made me mad sometimes, the things it said. Today I am hungry for the word of God but didn't know where or how to even start. This book has given me a plan, an understanding of why it is so important to know the Bible. Wow, it is the word of God! If I want to know Him and be closer to him, to know His will for me, it is all there in this exciting, incredible book we call the Bible. John Macarthur makes it so clear to me. I highly recommend this book if you want a deeper understanding of God's word.

Gives good understanding of how to read, interpret & understand God's Word. I have the desire to start my relationship today!

This is a very helpful and insightful book. It gives you the "why" as well as the "how". It is written in a very easy to read and understand format, but the depth of the material is great as well. This is not a superficial book, but that is the hallmark for John MacArthur in my opinion. I highly recommend the book for both new Christians and those who want to just take a fresh approach to studying the scriptures.

Such a great book and an easy read! I have not even gotten 50 pages in and have already learned so much about how to study the Bible! It has been eye-opening, and given me more confidence and respect to the Word of God! Would highly recommend. The book itself is a bit smaller in size, but decent size font. Like I mentioned earlier, an easy read.

I think this book is easy to read and understand. I really want to get started on my Bible study journey and I will follow the principles outlined in this book.

I picked up this book when I have been swamped in a season of flippant application of the bible in a self-help style. It can be summed up in the motto of 'a bit of Scripture for a bit of life'.I feel uncomfortable in practising it when the foundation of enabling us to do so is not emphasised. Yes, I pick up this book to give some ammunition in warning the dangers of such an approach. Interestingly in expounding Ephesians 6:17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, MacArthur points out that the word translated as the "sword" is really a "dagger". It means that it must hit a vulnerable spot or it doesn't do any damage. He concludes, "Having the sword of the Spirit is not owning a Bible, but knowing the specific principle in the Bible that applies to the specific point of temptation. The only way Christians will know victory in the Christian life is to know the principles of the Word of God so they can apply them to the specific points where Satan, the world, and the flesh attack. As Christians fill themselves with the Word of God, it then becomes the source of victory." (p.52) Studying the bible diligently and consistently gives us this dexterity in wielding the Word with pinpoint precision. I wish my tutor would have illustrated that to substantiate his strategy of "a bit of Scripture for a bit of life." The passion for God's word is not commonly shared in the Christian community. It is easy for the preachers to be more concerned to reach down to the level of the congregation, rather than lifting the congregation up to meet with God in all his glory and majesty through the exposition and proclamation of the Word on Sundays to the detriment of general bible literacy. I have admired MacArthur's ministry and somewhere in the book he cited a lady who came up to him and said that his preaching had fired her up to study the bible herself. MacArthur said it couldn't have been a better reward. I wish I could experience that in my own community, that everyone is fired up to study the word diligently. This little book is very comprehensive. It first establishes a case why study the bible, then who can study the bible followed by how to study the bible. Christian life without knowing the Word is a spiritually crippled life, and the sharing of our faith is pretty ineffective because of the lack of knowledge (Philemon 1:6). I believe a lot are happy to be in that state because as MacArthur has shown to us, it takes discipline and diligence in addition to desire to study the bible properly. But the common thing we hear nowadays is that we don't have the time, we are so busy. Granted, I would have been too - if God has not provided so that I can stay home. MacArthur says, "Unfortunately, a lot of Bible studies are nothing but a collection of ignorance; a lot of people sitting around telling what they don't know about the verse. I'm all for Bible studies, but somebody has to study to find out what a passage really means; then you can discuss the application.'" (p.122) Well, in real life, finding people to prepare bible studies is hard - most see it as a sacrifice, the time needed to put into it. I say if our hearts delight in God's word, we won't see it as a sacrifice as such. MacArthur is right in saying that teaching others helps us retain God's Word - the leader therefore has the ultimate gain. But yeah, we can't afford the time week in week out or no one will be leaders! The commitment and devotion that MacArthur lays out for us in studying the Bible will surely build character. It is not for the fainthearted; that's why the heart needs to be set right with the burning desire. Besides reading the Bible repetitiously to familarise ourselves with the Word, (he teaches us a method to do so systematically) , he even suggests that we need to go back to the original languages to bridge the language gaps if we are to truly understand God's Word. This is a lifetime of dedication, but I pray I will be convicted even just to start his scheme to read through the bible once a year. I mean I have seen people in their retirement lost in how they should spend their time. For Christians at least, I hope this book will fire all up to dig into God's Word in the way as prescribed - this will surely fill up the time in no time and exercise our minds. How great it will be when we grow in Christ in our twilight years, and become a blessing to others too! I can't see a better way to spend my time.

Go for it.

Very easy to read and concise. Anchored in the unchanging scripture. More then improving my ability to comprehend scripture it helped me improve my devotions and increased my appreciation of what Gods word is. Bought one, read it and gave it to a friend. I plan to buy another to share.