By John Buttrey II

As Christians we would all agree that Bible study is important. Through study of the inspired scriptures we grow in knowledge of God’s word (1 Pet. 2:2). With a knowledge of the scriptures we are able to maintain sound doctrine and refute that which is false (1 Tim. 1:3ff; 4:6). Knowledge empowers us to live in a way that is acceptable before God (2 Tim. 2:15). A knowledge of the scriptures helps keep our faith strong (Rom. 10:17). Bible study is important.

            However, in order for Bible study to be truly effective and profitable, there are some common obstacles which must be overcome. And I say “common obstacles” because I believe these are areas in which many people struggle. Some may not even be aware that such obstacles exist; but be assured they are very real and very dangerous. If you want to get more out of your own personal Bible study you might examine yourself to see if any of the following obstacles are hindering you from an effective learning of the scriptures.

 Time

            Time is an obstacle for many areas of life. It often seems like we never have enough time. A lack of time can be a real obstacle to effective Bible study. When one tries (for lack of time) to hurry through Bible study, the knowledge and understanding to be gained from the scriptures is going to be very limited. A shortage of time allows only a surface level type of Bible study, many truths which exist at a deeper level are missed. To get more out of your Bible study set aside more time. You say, “If I only had more time!” How about giving up one sporting event you watch on a weekly or daily basis? One baseball or football game can last three hours or more. How about passing on one of those television sitcoms you watch; that would allow thirty minutes of study time. In some cases turning off just one television program would give you a full hour to study. The point is: Find the time and learn.           

Desire

            While a lack of time can be an obstacle to effective Bible study, a lack of desire can be an even greater one. There are those who can think of “a million” other things they would rather be doing than studying the Bible. If that describes you, may I ask, what would make Bible study more desirable? Would it help if study was more rewarding? More enjoyable? More interesting? More understandable? With some proper training all of those qualities are possible. And if that’s what you need to increase your desire for study, get some help on how to study the Bible. You might also find a Bible topic that interests you and research it. There are some great books in our library that cover a wide range of interesting topics. Here is some suggested study materials: The Genesis Flood by Henry Morris. The Cultural Church by LaGard Smith. Prayer and Providence by Homer Hailey. There are debate books which allow you to hear two different views presented on a variety of different subjects. The point is: Find the desire and learn.

Pride

            Pride can be a real obstacle to Bible study. There are some who feel there is nothing they need to learn. In some cases, pride well find one of the opinion “I am right in my understanding of this position and don’t tell me I am wrong!” Pride robs one of an open and teachable spirit. Pride closes our mind to the truths of scripture; after all the proud don’t think they need it! The Bible tells us God is opposed to the proud. The proud refuse to humble themselves so as to admit they need help. The point is: Humble yourself and learn.

 Prejudice

            Prejudice becomes an obstacle to effective Bible study when we approach the scriptures to prove what we already believe. In conjunction with the obstacle of pride most of us do not like to be proved wrong on some Bible position we hold. So we set out to study the scriptures in an attempt to prove our position. I confess that I have been guilty of doing this; but I know I am not alone. Many have been guilty of the same. When this occurs we don’t read from the scriptures, we read into them! We don’t listen to what God has to say, we force His word to say what we want it to say—even if it clearly contradicts our position and proves us wrong. We don’t like to be wrong. Effective Bible study requires honest exposition and examination of the scriptures. Let the scriptures speak to you… not you to them. The point is: Overcome your prejudice and learn.

 Skills

            Not having the proper Bible study skills can be an obstacle. Effective Bible study requires more than just reading the text. One must learn some rules of sound hermeneutics. Such rules will help them in identifying literal language verses symbolic speech; context; direct commands, binding examples, culture practices; and so on. Skills like these and others can be learned. It just takes some time, desire, an overcoming of pride to admit, “I don’t know it all and I need some help”; and an overcoming of any prejudices we have toward the text so we can properly apply the rules of hermeneutics.

             As one who loves to study the inspired text, I cannot tell you the joy I experience at making new discoveries. The excitement to be felt at learning about a single word, or a phrase, or how one passage relates to another. In my study there have been many times when I have discovered myself wrong on a position I held; though I (in prejudice) sought out (in my study) to prove it. What a blessing those times have been because I now understand both positions—and know to an even greater extent why I believe what I believe. The rewards are great indeed for those who take the time and have the desire to study. Overcome your obstacles and dig into the text… a blessing is waiting!