[Brother Jerry]

Even early on when I first started reading the Bible, the Study Bibles never really interested me.

And once I became familiar with scripture, I knew that I didn’t need one.

We have the Holy Ghost, the Comforter to guide us…nothing can replace that.

[George]

Originally Posted by kns215

I was actually doubting if 'Study Bibles' were necessary especially for those who are not really grown in the knowledge of Christ. And now that I got the answer with Scripture backing up, I no more have to worry about that.
Thank you Bro.George.

Aloha sister,

You asked:

"I also wanted to ask about Bible study. I want to study the Bible on my own at home (apart from the Bible study I have at church), but I don't know how to do that on my own."

I have some "guidelines" (ONLY) on how to study the Bible at this link: http://av1611.com/forums/showpost.ph...7&postcount=10

I also have a little longer study on "How To Study The Bible" (in the King James Bible section) on my web site http://www.thywordistruthkjv.com/.

I can only outline "How to Study the Bible" with a few basic principles & precepts that should be kept in heart and mind when studying. I do not believe that the study of the Bible can be "systematized". Many men have tried to develop "systems" for studying the Bible, and although some of what they say (write) may be helpful, more often than not, they end up twisting the Scriptures in places - trying to make God's word "FIT" into their "system" rather than just let it speak to their heart and do the work that it is intended for.

I believe that the main purpose for God giving us His words is so that we might KNOW Him, and that we might KNOW "his will" for mankind.

For the lost person (unsaved) the purpose of the word is to draw them to the Lord Jesus Christ, through the "Gospel", and SAVE them:

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

For the saved person (born again) the purpose of the word is to change us (saved saints) so that we might "be conformed to the image of His Son":

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

The word of God can work IN us, only as much as we allow it to. God does not FORCE us to be "conformed" to "the image of His Son"; and we cannot "conform" to His image through "the works of the flesh"; we can only be "conformed" to His image by "hiding His word in our hearts" and "obeying" it. [Psalms 119:11; Romans 2:8; Galatians 3:1; 5:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:14]

You also inquired about the difference between reading the Bible and studying it:

"Oh, and is reading Bible daily (say like 1 hour a day and so on) called studying Bible devotionally, and a way of studying Bible?"

I believe that "reading" the Bible daily gives us our daily sustenance (the necessary spiritual "food" to spiritually live by):

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

So then, we read the Bible to sustain ourselves - spiritually.

On the other hand - we study the Bible to receive God's "approval":

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.

When we read the Bible we are "feeding" ourselves. When we study the Bible we are "working" for God's "approval" (and the only way we will receive that "approval" is if we "rightly divide the word of truth").

Reading the Bible then = "feeding" ourselves. Whereas studying the Bible = "work" that we do in order to be "approved unto God".

[kns215]

Thank you explaining thoroughly, brother George.
I read your "guidelines", and like I replied in that thread, it helped me a lot.
I actually tried to gain the "knowledge" before asking God for the discernment, wisdom, and understanding. So, of course I got confused in many ways and didn't understand much of what I was reading/hearing.
Now I seek God only for understanding and Holy Spirit for the guidance.

And now there's so much "homework" to do.. The joy of being a newbie!