These questions can range from what the verse(s) literally means to how it applies to the believer's present personal circumstances. In inductive study, the reader will read a passage and then ask questions of how they personally interpret the verse(s). Inductive Bible study involves examining the ideas and words of the text, which leads to the meanings and then the interpretations, which in turn lead the reader to conclusions and applications. Richard Krejcir describes it terms of 'interviewing a passage' without preconceptions or agendas. Inductive Bible study is a means of studying and exegeting a biblical passage. To them, the Bible is not just a sacred book, but is the very Word of God, that is, a message from God which has direct relevance to their daily lives. They also consider it necessary to consider what they read with an attitude of respect, rather than the critical attitude which is frequently followed in formal study. Therefore, they frequently pray that God will give them understanding of the passage being studied. Christians do not merely study the Bible as an academic discipline, but with the desire to know God better. The association of Bible study and prayer is an important one. This practice, however, has been widely criticized on the basis that the understanding gained of each specific passage is too vague. In some cases, the practice of reading through the entire Bible in a year is followed, this usually requires readings each day from both the Old and New Testament. However, the use of such aids is discouraged in many churches, which advocate the simple reading of Bible passages. Martin Luther studying the Bible on the banner of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.Ĭhristians of all denominations may use study Bibles and Bible reading notes to assist them in their personal Bible studies. Catholic devotions, Lutheran devotions and Anglican devotions, among other Christian traditions, may employ the Lectio Divina method of Bible reading.

In other traditions personal Bible study is referred to as 'devotions'.

In Evangelical Protestantism, the time set aside to engage in personal Bible study and prayer is sometimes informally called a Quiet Time. In Christianity, Bible study has the purpose of 'be taught and nourished by the Word of God' and 'being formed and animated by the inspirational power conveyed by Scripture'. The origin of Bible study groups has its origin in early Christianity, when Church Fathers such as Origen and Jerome taught the Bible extensively to disciple Christians. Many Christian churches schedule time to engage in Bible study collectively. In many Christian traditions, Bible study, coupled with Christian prayer, is known as doing devotions or devotional acts.

In Christian communities, Bible study is the study of the Bible by people as a personal religious or spiritual practice.

Bible study group topics