Rarely does a Sunday pass by without a pastor saying, “You need to read your Bible.” Unfortunately, those instructions aren’t always followed up with tips on how to study the Bible.

I’m a pastor and I’ve fallen into this trap before. I wrongly assume since I know how to read, study, and apply the Bible to my life that others know that as well. So, pastors can say, “don’t forget to read your Bible,” but people, especially new and young Christians, sit back with blank stares because they don’t know what it means to read the Bible.

If that is you, I’m sorry that the church hasn’t done the best job teaching people how to read the Bible.

This article will serve as an intro in a series of articles with tips on how to study the Bible.

[Read: How To Study The Bible | 5 Tips For Growing Christians]

[Read: Which Bible Plan is Best for Me?]

How To Study The Bible | 4 Tips for New Christians

Read With A Group Of Christians

You need accountability and encouragement to stay consistent and answer questions as you read God’s Word. From the accounts that were passed down through oral traditions to the letters written for local churches in the New Testament – the Bible was intended to be studied within the context of community. You won’t be able to meet with someone everyday and read the Bible together, but you need to be in a community of Jesus-followers that are pursuing Jesus and will check in on your spiritual growth.

Another option is to invite friends to read a specific Bible plan on the YouVersion Bible App. It is free, simple to use, and friends can see your daily reading and notes.

[bctt tweet=”The Bible was intended to be studied within the context of community.” username=”chasesnyder12″]

Jot Down Names, Words, And Concepts That You Don’t Understand

The Bible was written over thousands of years, in multiple languages, by a lot of people. There are plenty of names, locations, concepts, and words that are hard to understand. On the front end you need to recognize that some portions of the Bible will be difficult to read and understand without asking questions from those who are more mature in their faith. Passing by a hard word might make it easier to read. But ignoring words guarantees that you won’t learn new information. Try reading the Bible with a notepad open to jot down names, words, and concepts that you don’t understand. Then take that list to your weekly small group and ask if anyone can help you understand.

[bctt tweet=”Passing by a hard word might make it easier to read. But ignoring words guarantees that you won’t learn new information. ” username=”chasesnyder12″]

Have A Bible Reading Plan

“Where should I start reading the Bible?” That is a great question. I would suggest starting with one of the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. No matter where you start reading in the Bible, I think it is necessary for you to follow a Bible reading plan to keep you on track. The best plan is the one that you are going to follow. Once again, the YouVersion Bible App allows you to  follow along with a topical, whole-Bible, or partial-Bible reading plans, set reminders, and share verses on your social media platforms.

[Read: Which Bible Plan is Best for Me?]

Set Aside A Specific Time And Space Each Day To Read The Bible

You will have to decide what time is best to read the Bible – in the morning, afternoon, or the evening. Like the Bible plans, my thought is that you need to read the Bible when it makes sense for you – but be consistent with the time and space. You need to protect that time and set it apart as a time to meet with Jesus.

Now What?

I hope those 4 tips help you as you develop a habit of daily Bible reading. You should check out the Bible study and prayer journals we have on the blog if you want to go a step further in your study and application of the Bible. These journals allow you the space and flexibility to follow your own Bible reading plan and answer 3 simple questions to apply that passage to your life.