A Simple Guide to Getting Started — or Going Deeper

Bible study doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s not about getting it “right” — it’s about showing up, opening God’s Word, and letting Him speak. Whether you’re picking up your Bible for the first time or you’ve been at this for years and want to go deeper, this guide will give you some practical ways in.

There’s no single “correct” way to study Scripture. What matters is that you come. God meets us where we are.

Before You Begin

Pray. Even a simple prayer — “Lord, open my eyes to what You want to show me” — invites the Holy Spirit into your study time. You don’t need eloquent words. Just an open heart.

Find a quiet space. Somewhere you can think, reflect, and be still. It doesn’t have to be perfect — just intentional.

Start small. You don’t need to carve out an hour. Fifteen to twenty minutes of focused time in God’s Word is more than enough to begin. Consistency matters more than length.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need a theology degree or a shelf full of commentaries. Start with what you have:

  • A Bible translation you can understand (and trust) NASB, ESV, NKJV, NLT — choose one that speaks clearly to you. It can also be helpful to compare different translations of the same passage to gain a fuller picture.
  • A journal or notebook. Writing down what you notice, what strikes you, and what questions you have makes a real difference. It slows you down and helps you listen.
  • A study Bible or commentary (optional but helpful). These provide historical and cultural context that can bring a passage to life.
  • A concordance or Bible app. Useful for word searches and cross-referencing. Apps like Blue Letter Bible or Bible Gateway are free and powerful.

Bible Study Methods

There are many ways to approach Scripture. Here are some tried and tested methods — try a few and see which ones draw you in.

The SOAP Method

A simple, structured approach that works well for daily study:

  • Scripture — Write out the passage you’re reading. The act of writing slows you down.
  • Observation — What do you notice? Who is speaking? What’s happening? What stands out?
  • Application — How does this connect to your life right now?
  • Prayer — Talk to God about what you’ve learned. Ask Him to help you live it.

Book Study

Choose a book of the Bible and read through it systematically, chapter by chapter. Take notes on the themes that emerge, the key verses that stand out, and what the book reveals about God’s character. Shorter books like Philippians, James, or Ruth are wonderful starting points.

Topical Study

Pick a theme — love, faith, prayer, rest, fear, hope — and use a concordance to find passages across Scripture that speak to it. This helps you see how God’s Word addresses the same truth from many angles.

Character Study

Choose a person in Scripture — David, Ruth, Paul, Esther, Peter — and read everything the Bible says about them. Notice their strengths, their failures, the way God worked through their story. You’ll often see your own journey reflected in theirs.

Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading – not actually a study)

An ancient practice of slow, prayerful reading. You read a short passage several times, each time listening for what God might be saying to you personally. It’s less about analysis and more about encounter — letting a word or phrase settle into your heart. This approach is especially beautiful for the Psalms or the words of Jesus. I would suggest using this as an ‘added extra’ to your regular bible study practice, not the mainstay. Keep in mind, as humans, we can have thoughts and ideas that originate from our own thinking that aren’t necessarily in alignment with God’s thinking. Everything should be checked against the word of God – our standard of truth.

Questions Worth Asking

When you sit with a passage, these questions can help you dig deeper:

  • What does this teach me about who God is?
  • What does this reveal about humanity — or about myself?
  • Is there something here to obey? A promise to hold on to? A warning to heed?
  • Is there an example to follow?
  • How does this passage sit within the bigger story of Scripture?

Understanding Context

Scripture was written in a specific time, to specific people, in a specific culture. Understanding that context helps you understand what it means — and what it means for you today.

Historical context — When was this written? What was happening at the time?

Cultural context — What were the customs and practices of that era? What would the original readers have understood?

Literary context — What comes before and after this passage? What’s the flow of the larger section or book?

Biblical context — How does this passage connect with the rest of Scripture? Does it echo themes found elsewhere?

Applying What You Learn

Bible study is more than gathering knowledge — it’s about transformation. After studying a passage, take a moment to ask: What is one thing I can carry with me from this?

It might be a truth to hold on to, a habit to change, a conversation to have, or simply a new way of seeing God. Let it shape how you walk through the day.

When It Feels Hard

Short on time? Start with just ten minutes. A single verse, slowly read and reflected on, can be more nourishing than rushing through a chapter.

Struggling with a difficult passage? That’s normal. Use a study Bible or commentary for help, and don’t be afraid to sit with the questions. Not everything needs to be resolved immediately.

Finding it hard to stay consistent? Choose a regular time and place. Tie it to something you already do — morning tea, before bed, during your lunch break. And be kind to yourself when you miss a day. Just come back.

Not sure where to start? Here are some gentle entry points:

  • The Gospel of John — A clear, beautiful portrait of who Jesus is.
  • Psalms — Honest prayers for every season of life.
  • Proverbs — Practical wisdom for daily living.
  • Philippians — A short, warm letter about joy in all circumstances.
  • 1 John — Clear, tender teaching on love and truth.

Keep Going

Bible study is a lifelong journey. You won’t master it — and that’s the point. The goal isn’t to finish Scripture but to let Scripture finish its work in you. Be patient with yourself. Stay curious. And remember that every time you open God’s Word, He is already there, ready to meet you.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Ready to go deeper?
Come to the Well is a 27-page guided Bible study designed to walk with you through Scripture at your own pace — with space to reflect, respond, and rest in God’s Word.

fionahayward.com | Bydand — The Abiding Place