Tools Needed to Prepare You for Bible Study (This Is the Way to Meet God's Approval)
1. Bibles (At least 2 translations)
2. Concordance/Bible Dictionary (Strong’s is an excellent source)
3. Regular Dictionary (e.g. Webster’s)
4. Bible Commentary (Matthew Henry is a good version)
5. Paper
6. Pens
These are some of the most essential tools that you will need to get started in your study of the bible. It is imperative that you have a bible. There are many translations of the bible. The most popular is probably the King James Version; however, it can sometimes be complicated to interpret. This is why we recommend that you have another translation of the bible. If you are serious about your bible study, the following are excellent study bibles: NIV; Amplified; The New King James Version; The New Living Bible. Of course there are many other versions, but I think these are sufficient for you to begin.
Once you have selected your bibles, you now need to get a good bible dictionary with a concordance. There are many available, but we recommend Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. It also contains a dictionary of the Hebrew bible and a dictionary of the Greek bible. This is an excellent source to assist you in getting to learn the true meaning of the words in the Old Testament (which are written in Hebrew), and the New Testament (which are written in Greek). As you research each word, you will also find a reference number, in which (when you look that number up in the back of the concordance) you will find all definitions and a complete breakdown of that word.
As a student of the bible, in addition to having a bible dictionary, we also recommend that you get a basic dictionary. Many times you might be reading articles, or commentaries, or whatever else you might be reading, and you run across a word that you don’t know the meaning of, nor know how to pronounce; you will need to have a dictionary available so that you will be able to understand what is being said as you read. Otherwise, you will be lost.
Next, as you are endeavoring in your bible studies, you need a guide in which to help you to interpret the meaning of scriptures when you are perhaps at home studying alone. There are also many other good commentaries on the market. We recommend the Matthew Henry Commentary as one to begin with. It will answer many of the questions that you might have as you are studying.
Last but not least, always keep plenty of pens and paper around you as you are studying, and even on your nightstand as you sleep. Many times you will receive some of your greatest revelations as you are in bed. If you will get up and write it down when you first receive it, then you won’t forget it. This is why you should keep them on your nightstand. They are also useful for just jotting down notes.
If you don’t have the six items listed above, we suggest that you go out and purchase them immediately, so that you can begin your study of the bible and therefore become a bible student (a.k.a. disciple of Christ). This is also a continuation to aid you in your quest in developing a relationship with God; therefore as you abide in Christ (who is the Word of God), and His Word abides in you, you will be able to ask what you will, and it shall be granted to you.
If you have all of these tools, you are now ready to study God’s Word and show yourself to be approved unto God as a workman that needs not to be ashamed, because you will be able to rightly divide the word of truth. As always, please remember to invite the Holy Spirit to join you before you begin your studies, because it is only through His guidance and revelations that all these things are possible.
Until Next Time,
God Be With You
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