7 Steps to an In-depth Bible Study (beginner friendly)

This post is about how to do an in-depth bible study

Hey friends, I am currently doing a deep dive into the book of Romans, and I thought that I should document my process of studying the Bible.

An in-depth Bible study has the crucial requirement of one being humble and willing to learn. Why? The word of God is so dynamic and rich that you can read the same scripture multiple times yet get numerous revelations each time you remain receptive!

Ready to learn about my steps? Let’s go…

Here are the 7 steps to an in-depth bible study:

1. Gather your Bible study materials

I begin by preparing myself for the bible study. I ensure that my desk is free and clear of distractions. I then also go ahead and get my materials.

I get my highlighters, pens, journal, and bible commentary. This may be the perfect time to get your cup of tea (or coffee!) 😂

The Bible commentary that is my go-to is Andrew Wommack’s Living Commentary. He has a digital version as well as hard copies that you can order. I love the fact that he updates the living commentary in real-time. However, I prefer hard copies because I love writing and bible journaling.

Growing up, I read the Good News Bible because that version was widely used in Sunday school. It was easy to understand, especially for a multilingual individual like me. I also used the Swahili version and later moved on to New International Version.

My current Bible of choice is the King James Version bible because its translation is the most accurate English translation. This comes in handy when looking for meanings of certain words in Hebrew or Greek.

2. Prayer and quiet time

I start by praying and asking the Holy Spirit to guide me through the session.

I also play some worship music through quiet time as I prepare my heart to turn to God and become receptive to receiving from Him.

3. Read through a bible chapter

During the in-depth study, I typically read through a chapter at a time. I find that it helps me with keeping track of my readings and preparing myself for studies.

For a book like Romans, since it has 15 Chapters, I can easily read it in either 15 days (1 chapter a day) or 30 days (1 chapter every two days) since I am segmenting my readings in chapters.

For the book of Acts, since it has 28 chapters, it can take me a month if I stick to 1 chapter a day.

I ensure that I read the bible chapter first and highlight anything that stands out to me during my readings. I also journal and put a quick note beside the bible chapter.

If I have any questions, I put a question mark beneath or beside that verse.

4. Read through the bible commentary

I love bible commentaries. Here are reasons why:

-It provides cross-references or similar passages that relate to a particular verse.

-It gives a brief synopsis about the bible chapter.

-It also offers historical and background information that is important to understand.

-It provides additional information about the author and estimated time the book was written.

-It gives any information about the audience (especially if the book in question happens to be a letter written to the early church).

Bible commentaries are critical so ensure you select one from a trusted Bible teacher.

At this point, I also sometimes extend my readings to YouTube, where I can watch a quick video if something is pulling at me, and I have an interest in learning even more.

Ultimately, my goal is in-depth understanding.

5. Read through the bible chapter again

After reading the commentary, I go through the chapter once again armed with the background information, research, and commentary information at the back of my head.

I then look to see if my highlighted portions or any questions I had have been answered.

If I still have questions, I do some google or YouTube searches to find more information. I can also ask a pastor or someone in my prayer group about that question that I have.

6. Journal or document.

Sometimes I go a step further and journal and document as I feel led.

This writing is the most beautiful, especially when I go back and read it; it’s amazing! It has deep insight and captures raw ideas and feelings onto paper!

If you have a bible that has journaling space, you can just take concise notes that you can reflect on. Check out mine:

7. Pay attention. Reflect.

After reading the word, I end with prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to help me digest and reflect on the word.

Often, I will find that God will repeat the information that I have read or I will re-hear the information from another source.

I love to grasp that and share (if I am led) or if someone mentions something I have just read.

Additional beginner-friendly for in-depth bible study

Lastly, I wanted to mention the Bible Project that has excellent Bible summaries (with animations!) I love to watch this from time to time. It’s very beginner-friendly!

And that’s it, folks, 7 steps to an in-depth bible study.

Lastly, I want to say that the word of God is living and active.

I hope this post has encouraged you and given you more perspective on doing your bible study in-depth.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

P.S. Here is the YouTube video that accompanies this post.

Hugs!