For many Christians, figuring out how to start studying the Bible is a challenge. You may have heard passages read aloud in church, or you may remember verses quoted in sermons, yet you have never sat down with the Scriptures and studied them for yourself.

The idea of “Bible study” sounds intimidating, as if it belongs to pastors or scholars with libraries full of commentaries. The truth is that Bible study is not beyond you. It is not an academic exercise reserved for the gifted. It is the ordinary practice of every believer who wants to know God more.

The Goal of Study

The purpose of studying the Bible is not to accumulate facts but to become more like Christ. Scripture is living and active, and its aim is to form disciples who love God, resist sin, and walk in obedience. Study should therefore always lead to reflection and application. It should never stop with information. It should carry forward into transformation. When you open your Bible, you are not just reading a religious text. You are listening to the voice of God.

Where to Start:

The Bible is a complex document, made up of dozens of individual writings. These writings vary in terms of ease of reading and even the type of literature. While it would be great to give a one-size-fits-all solution, that simply isn’t practical.

Think for a moment about where you are starting. Have you grown up in the Church and been a member for decades, or have you just started attending? Do you know about the story of creation and the fall, or do those words not mean anything to you? Depending on how you answer, different parts of the Bible may be better suited for you. What one should do, however, is to study a book of the Bible at a time. Doing so will help you to understand the context of the individual chapters and verses. Here are a few that are suited for all experience levels.

For Beginners: Start with the Book of Mark. This is one of the books of the Gospel. It is a short book of the Bible that is easy to read, and it will help you to start learning about the life of Jesus.

For Those Who Grew Up in the Church: Read the book of Exodus. This follows God’s salvation of the Israelites from the Egyptians. In the Bible, people are often told to remember what God did for them and their ancestors in Egypt, so it is good for us to remember too. Additionally, you will see parallels between what Jesus did during his time on Earth and what God did in Egypt.

For Those Who Have Been Christian for Years: Read the book of James. This book was written by the brother of Jesus and teaches one how to practically live out the Christian faith. It is a good reminder of what we are called to do, and that we are supposed to be active in our faith.

Once You’ve Chosen What to Read…

One of the simplest and most fruitful methods of Bible study is to approach each passage with six questions. These questions guide you past mere reading and into reflection.

Ask yourself and identify the following parts of each passage you read:

1. What does this passage say about God?
2. What does it say about man?
3. Is there a sin to avoid?
4. Is there a promise to remember?
5. Is there an example to follow?
6. Is there a command to obey?

With these six questions, even a short passage opens up into a rich field of discovery. They remind you that Scripture speaks not only to your mind but to your heart and your actions.

This method works whether you are studying alone or in a group. Individually, you can write down your answers in a journal, building a record of your reflections over time. In a group, these questions spark discussion and keep the focus on God’s truth rather than personal opinion. They are simple enough for anyone to remember, but deep enough to carry you through a lifetime of study.

Do What Keeps You Consistent

Consistency is valuable, but it should never become a burden that drives you to give up. Any reading of the Bible is better than no reading at all. If you cannot maintain a fixed schedule, then commit yourself to reading at least one verse a day.

The Spirit of God can use even a single verse to convict, to comfort, or to guide. Do not despise small beginnings. If you can read more, read more. If you cannot, then take what you can, but take it daily. Regular contact with the Word of God matters more than impressive plans that collapse under their own weight.

Study with Prayer

Bible study should always be accompanied by prayer. The same Spirit who inspired the Scriptures illuminates them for the believer. Ask God to open your eyes before you begin. Pray that He would reveal His character, convict you of sin, and lead you into obedience. Study without prayer quickly becomes dry. Study with prayer becomes communion with the living God.

Remember also that having the Bible in your hands is itself a blessing. Many Christians throughout history have longed for what you now possess. Some were imprisoned for owning a copy. Others lived and died without ever reading the Word in their own language. To sit freely with an open Bible is a privilege you should not take lightly. Approach your study with gratitude, and let that gratitude drive you to faithfulness.

Conclusion

Starting a Bible study is not as complicated as it seems. It does not require advanced tools or professional training. It requires a Bible, a willing heart, and a simple method. Ask the six questions that turn text into reflection. Read consistently, even if only a verse a day. Begin with the Gospels, perhaps with Mark, and let the story of Christ anchor your understanding. Pray as you read, trusting that God will meet you in His Word. Above all, remember that the purpose of study is not to gain knowledge alone but to walk more closely with the God who speaks through Scripture. The Bible is not a book to master but a book to be mastered by.