What are some different methods of Bible study?

Methods of study must be largely left to the tastes the capabilities, and the conveniences of the individual. What suits one well, does not lend itself to another. Clearly there must be some method, or many methods adopted; random reading profits little. The Word should be studied systematically, consecutively, topically. The character, scope, subject, and purpose of a book; the outlines, contents setting of a Psalm; the subject, occasion, date and keywords of an Epistle, sought for and grasped. Then its teaching will be understood, its doctrinal, dispensational, and practical parts distinguished, and its application made plain; “rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:16), as the apostle commands. Error is often truth distorted, wrenched from its connection, and presented from one side, apart from the counter truth needed for its balance.

"There are two ways of reading Scripture - devotional and systematic study. In the former I listen to what the Lord communicates, and look to Him to produce in me the suited effect of His truth by the working of His Spirit. Thus I become formed by the truth, and worship and holiness of life result. In the latter I search, compare, and examine to discover His mind, and what is taught on any given subject; and I look to Him to give me understanding by the Spirit, to preserve me from error, and to enable me to form His own judgment - to discover and to hold the truth in a divine way. Dependence is, therefore, of all importance, combined with an ungrieved Spirit."

"There are two ways of reading Scripture — devotional and systematic. In the former I listen to what the Lord communicates and look to Him to produce in me the suited effect of His truth by the working of His Spirit. Thus I become formed by the truth; worship and holiness of life result. In the latter I search and examine to discover His mind, and what is taught on any given subject. I look to Him to give me understanding by the Spirit; to preserve me from error and to enable me to form His own judgment — to discover and to hold the truth in a divine way. Dependence is, therefore, of all importance, combined with an ungrieved Spirit."

Preliminary Remarks Part 1. Methods of Study Daily Bible Reading Memorizing Scripture Analysis Note-books on Bible Study Topical Study Biographical Study Typical Study Dispensational Study Harmony Studies Smaller Details (1) Word Study (2) Names, their Use and Significance (3) Numbers and Their Significance (4) Reference Work (5) Memorizing the List of Bible Books Part 2. Practical System, and Time-schedules Part 3. General Responsibilities Prayer in Connection with Bible Study Outside Responsibilities Sunday and Holiday Work Benefits of this Systematic Work Part 4. The One Great Theme Christ, the Centre and Theme of all Scripture Part 5. Helpful Books for Bible Study Books that Have to Do with the Text Concordances Bible Dictionaries Bible Outlines Outlines of Special Topics Commentaries Hints as to Reading

We have indicated, in addition to daily Bible reading and memorizing of Scripture, six different methods of Bible study. Where so small a period as fifteen minutes a day is all that can be devoted to study, it is well not to attempt to prosecute the six lines at the same time. It would probably be better, say for a month at a time, to pay special attention to one line until a fair measure of progress had been made.

Searching the Scriptures, tracing a word, a subject through them, as a dog scents (for such is the meaning of the word, “Search the Scriptures” in John 5:39 ), is one method. “Searching the Scriptures”—examining them closely, scrutinising and comparing them, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:12 ), is equally important for the accurate study of the Word. Thus acquainted with the truths of Scripture, having them dwelling richly in the mind and heart, kept there in freshness by the Holy Spirit who indwells the saint (2 Tim. 1:13-14), they will be brought to remembrance, and wisdom given to utter them by that same Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13-14), in due season with blessing to others. May the Book of God, the Written Word, in which the Living Word is unveiled, become increasingly precious unto, and be unceasingly used by all the people of God.

It will be noticed that we have given the first place to the simple, daily reading of our Bibles; the next, to memorizing special portions; the third, to analyzing and outlining individual books and grouping them. These we feel are of far greater importance than the topical studies which we will now dwell upon for a little.

The simplest method here is probably the best. We can begin with Adam and learn all that the Scripture has to teach about him, and follow it up with every other man of faith throughout the Scriptures. The biography of such a man as Moses will give us the history of his times and the stirring events of which he forms so large a part.

These particular subjects should be studied—prophecy, typology, chronology, dispensations, the person, work, and offices of the Lord Jesus, God as Father, the Holy Ghost and His office, the Lord’s coming and kingdom, grace, government, faith, works, etc. The way in which certain truths come out in various aspects in the Scriptures is deeply interesting. For instance, it has been said that in the Pentateuch we get the figures, in the Psalms the feelings, in the Gospel the facts, and in the epistles the fruits of the Gospel.

By "word study," we mean the gathering together of certain words used throughout Scripture. For instance, in the chapter on Topical or Doctrinal Study, we have seen how a doctrine can be traced from the first intimations in the Old Testament to the full display in the New. Word study is an application of this thought in one of its branches.