How to Study the Bible: Beginner Level - Impact Workshops

Summary

The video presents a beginner-friendly approach to building a regular Bible-reading habit. Its central message is that effective reading involves two things: observing what the passage says and considering how to apply it. Beginners are encouraged to start small, read consistently, and be patient as they develop the skill.

Who may benefit from the beginner level

This level may suit people who:

• Have little experience reading the Bible on their own.
• Rely mainly on sermons or Bible studies for their Bible knowledge.
• Feel unsure where to begin or what to do while reading.
• Often feel confused after reading.

Materials and reading routine

• Use a Bible translation that is easy to understand; the presenter recommends the NIV or NLT.
• A physical Bible with margins can make it easier to underline, circle, and take notes. Keep a pencil nearby so notes can be erased.
• Choose a quiet, low-distraction place and leave your phone elsewhere.
• Begin with 5–15 minutes per sitting, aiming first to give the reading your full attention for five minutes.
• Start with one chapter, or try two if that works for you. Adjust the amount to your attention, energy, and the difficulty of the book.
• Reading slowly and retaining what you read matters more than reading a large quantity.

How the Bible is organized

The presenter recommends marking the Bible’s major sections in its table of contents.

Old Testament

• Genesis–Deuteronomy: The Law
• Joshua–Esther: Historical Books
• Job–Song of Solomon: Poetry and Wisdom Books
• Isaiah–Daniel: Major Prophets
• Hosea–Malachi: Minor Prophets

New Testament

• Matthew–John: The Gospels, biographies of Jesus
• Acts: Historical Book
• Romans–Philemon: Paul’s Letters
• Hebrews–Jude: General Letters; the presenter notes that Hebrews’ authorship is debated
• Revelation: Prophecy

Suggested starting points and reading path

• If you are new to the Bible, begin with one of the Gospels.
• After a Gospel, read the New Testament letters. The presenter suggests alternating among the Gospels, Paul’s letters, and the general letters as you progress.
• Once you have read the entire New Testament, move to the Old Testament and begin with the Law.
• If you have already read some books, mark the ones you have completed and choose an unread one.
• Check off each book after reading all its chapters and verses.

What to do while reading: observation and application

1. Observation: “What do I see?”

Look for the setting and for specific words.

The Five Ws — setting

• Who: Who are the people or characters?
• What: What is happening, and what actions are taking place?
• Where: Where does the passage take place?
• When: What time or time references are given?
• Why: What purpose might the passage have been recorded for?

You may not be able to answer every question in every passage. These are prompts for careful reading.

TACT — specific words

• Terms: Notice important words, especially nouns or subjects such as “love,” “hope,” “servant,” or “fruit.”
• Adjectives and adverbs: Notice descriptive words that qualify nouns or actions, such as “eternal,” “loving,” or “quickly.”
• Connectives: Pay attention to words such as “and,” “therefore,” “because,” “but,” “however,” and “if.” They show relationships, reasons, contrasts, or conditions.
• Tenses of verbs: Notice whether actions are described in the past, present, or future.

The presenter says this process may initially feel like a lot to remember, but practice can make these observations more natural.

2. Application: “How can I apply this to my life?”

Reading should lead not only to understanding but also to obedience and reflection. The presenter offers SPECTRUM as a set of questions for finding possible applications:

• S — Sin: Is there a sin to avoid?
• P — Promise: Is there a promise to hold on to?
• E — Example: Is there an example to follow?
• C — Command: Is there a command to obey?
• T — Truth: Is there a truth to know and take to heart?
• R — Repentance: Is there something in my life to repent of?
• U — Upside: Is there something joyful or encouraging to embrace?
• M — Moment of Thanksgiving: Is there something to thank God for?

Not every question will fit every passage. The presenter encourages readers to develop this skill through time and practice.

A checklist for finishing a reading session

The presenter suggests aiming to:

1. Read at least one chapter.
2. Reread that chapter.
3. Understand at least some of it; do not expect to understand everything at once.
4. Close the Bible and try to recall or paraphrase one verse and an application of it.

Readers are also encouraged to remember what they read later in the day. If the checklist takes less than five minutes, reread the chapter or look for additional applications.

Helpful habits and tips

• Combine love and discipline: Read because you want to know God, while recognizing that consistency may require effort even when you do not feel motivated.
• Use your strengths: If listening helps you focus, try an audio Bible. Choose a time when you are most alert and make a plan for fitting reading into your schedule.
• Read daily: Do not treat church attendance as a substitute for personal reading; build a daily habit.
• Pray before, during, and after reading: Prayers can be brief and can ask for help with focus, understanding, or applying the passage.
• Ask for help: Speak with a pastor, Bible teacher, elder, missionary, or experienced Christian when you need help understanding a passage.

Suggested goals before moving to the intermediate level

The presenter recommends:

1. Reading one Gospel in its entirety.
2. Reading the New Testament letters from Romans through Jude.
3. Reading every chapter and verse of Genesis and Exodus.

These are suggestions rather than strict requirements. The overall aim is to build a sustainable reading habit and become more practiced at observation and application.

Speakers and sources featured

• Speaker: Joseph, the presenter for Impact Video Ministries.
• Biblical passages cited: Matthew 10:38–39; Luke 11:28; John 3:16; John 10:11; Galatians 5:22; and 2 Timothy 3:16–17.
• Other source mentioned: The Bible Gateway app, as an option for listening to audio Bible recordings.