Prerequisites for Studying the Bible

Part 12

Anyone can read the Bible, but it takes something more to be able to understand it and to benefit from it.

Prerequisites

• having experienced true salvation
• having a hunger for the Word
• laying aside sinful hindrances
• depending upon the Holy Spirit
• believe what you are reading
• pray before you read the Bible

Having experienced true salvation

1 Cor. 2:14 – But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

Having a hunger for the Word

1 Pet. 2:2 – like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation

Laying aside all sinful hindrances

1 Pet. 2:1-2 – Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word

Depending upon the Holy Spirit

1 Cor. 2:10 – For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

Believe what you are reading

Heb. 4:2 – For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.

Pray before you read the Bible

Ps. 119:18 – Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Thy law.