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How to Study the Bible for Yourself
Bestselling author Tim LaHaye is a nationally recognized Bible teacher who wants each reader to know that the Bible was written for them—they need not rely on scholars and teachers to interpret it. In this 30th anniversary edition of his bestselling How to Study the Bible for Yourself (more than 850,000 copies sold) readers will discover how to— LaHaye's practical and inspiring method of study will open up the joy, wisdom, and excitement of the Bible to those who have been studying for years or anyone beginning to explore the wonders of God's Word.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
44 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Tim LaHaye
779 books2,274 followersTimothy "Tim" F. LaHaye was an American evangelical Christian minister, author, and speaker, best known for the Left Behind series of apocalyptic fiction, which he co-wrote with Jerry B. Jenkins.
He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.
He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 28, 2019
Excellent book!
Https://amzn.to/2WtQzdS
I started reading this book because it was one of many books that I received from a relative who died. Most of the books I gave away because I had no interest in the subject. This book was in the pile to read and then give away. After reading it, I won’t be giving it away for a while.
I wanted to read the book because I love to study the Bible and I wanted to learn how to better study the Bible. Furthermore, I was familiar with the author, Tim LaHaye. I read all of his Left Behind series, and enjoyed them. I wanted to know what he had to say about studying the Bible.
I read the beginning of the book and thought that I wouldn’t get much out of it because the author was talking about beginners, meaning someone who may never have read a word of the Bible. As soon as you are saved and become a Christian, Bible reading becomes important in order for you to grow. Usually new believers don’t have a clue how to study the Bible, so they don’t read it at all. The author suggests making it a habit to read at least 15 minutes every day. Pick a time of day and be consistent.
The author gives an outline of how to read and study the Bible in three years. It is important to read the New Testament first, specifically First John. This book assures believers of their salvation. Read all five chapters every day for seven days. Repetition is very important. Reading a chapter over and over helps the person to understand the meaning of the chapter and to remember what the the theme of the chapter. I really like this concept. I know I get a lot more out of reading the same chapter repetitively for a week. I used to follow a Bible reading schedule to read the Bible through in a year. I would read the suggested reading every day, but soon forget what I read after I was done.
Another great suggestion is to read one chapter in Proverbs every day, starting with the first day of the month. Proverbs has 31 chapters. If you read a chapter a day, corresponding to the day of the month, you will read the entire Proverbs in one month. Repeat that every month. It doesn’t take long to read one chapter.
Studying the Bible requires lots of reading. Reading big chunks of it at a time to get the big picture before analyzing each verse is beneficial. Books that cannot be read in one sitting can be divided up. For example a book with 28 chapters can be divided by seven. Read the first seven chapters every day for a week. Then the second week do the same with the next seven chapters. Within four weeks you will be done with the book, and will know it well.
Tim LaHaye also gives details on taking notes every day when reading and to anticipate the Spirit of God to reveal something to you every day. It may or may not happen, but be ready.
There are several ways to study the Bible. The book outlines different types of study, such as by book, by chapter, by topic, and a few others. This book really helps you get to know the Bible, and consequently maturing in the gospel.
Memorization is another way to really get to know the Bible. Tim LaHaye has this to say about the benefits of memorizing verses in the Bible:
“Most of the sins that ‘so easily beset us’ don’t really overpower us, but just ease us over the line between temptation and obedience. The red line of the Word of God flashing in our mind when temptation rears its ugly head is often enough to stop us in our tracks. Each time you heed the Word and reject the inclination to sin, you strengthen your spiritual life and make it easier to refuse sin the next time. Victory over sin is a gradual process, and memorizing the Word speeds up that process.”
I found this to be true with just reading the Bible and getting closer to God. When I read God’s Word, I notice little things in my life that God reveals to me that I should or should not be doing. However, when I stop reading His Word, those little sins creep back into my life. I don’t think of it as sin anymore. The Bible brings to light the sins in my life.
I really enjoyed this book and will be following the suggestions outlined in the book. This is a very good book; I will be keeping it.
Https://amzn.to/2WtQzdS
I started reading this book because it was one of many books that I received from a relative who died. Most of the books I gave away because I had no interest in the subject. This book was in the pile to read and then give away. After reading it, I won’t be giving it away for a while.
I wanted to read the book because I love to study the Bible and I wanted to learn how to better study the Bible. Furthermore, I was familiar with the author, Tim LaHaye. I read all of his Left Behind series, and enjoyed them. I wanted to know what he had to say about studying the Bible.
I read the beginning of the book and thought that I wouldn’t get much out of it because the author was talking about beginners, meaning someone who may never have read a word of the Bible. As soon as you are saved and become a Christian, Bible reading becomes important in order for you to grow. Usually new believers don’t have a clue how to study the Bible, so they don’t read it at all. The author suggests making it a habit to read at least 15 minutes every day. Pick a time of day and be consistent.
The author gives an outline of how to read and study the Bible in three years. It is important to read the New Testament first, specifically First John. This book assures believers of their salvation. Read all five chapters every day for seven days. Repetition is very important. Reading a chapter over and over helps the person to understand the meaning of the chapter and to remember what the the theme of the chapter. I really like this concept. I know I get a lot more out of reading the same chapter repetitively for a week. I used to follow a Bible reading schedule to read the Bible through in a year. I would read the suggested reading every day, but soon forget what I read after I was done.
Another great suggestion is to read one chapter in Proverbs every day, starting with the first day of the month. Proverbs has 31 chapters. If you read a chapter a day, corresponding to the day of the month, you will read the entire Proverbs in one month. Repeat that every month. It doesn’t take long to read one chapter.
Studying the Bible requires lots of reading. Reading big chunks of it at a time to get the big picture before analyzing each verse is beneficial. Books that cannot be read in one sitting can be divided up. For example a book with 28 chapters can be divided by seven. Read the first seven chapters every day for a week. Then the second week do the same with the next seven chapters. Within four weeks you will be done with the book, and will know it well.
Tim LaHaye also gives details on taking notes every day when reading and to anticipate the Spirit of God to reveal something to you every day. It may or may not happen, but be ready.
There are several ways to study the Bible. The book outlines different types of study, such as by book, by chapter, by topic, and a few others. This book really helps you get to know the Bible, and consequently maturing in the gospel.
Memorization is another way to really get to know the Bible. Tim LaHaye has this to say about the benefits of memorizing verses in the Bible:
“Most of the sins that ‘so easily beset us’ don’t really overpower us, but just ease us over the line between temptation and obedience. The red line of the Word of God flashing in our mind when temptation rears its ugly head is often enough to stop us in our tracks. Each time you heed the Word and reject the inclination to sin, you strengthen your spiritual life and make it easier to refuse sin the next time. Victory over sin is a gradual process, and memorizing the Word speeds up that process.”
I found this to be true with just reading the Bible and getting closer to God. When I read God’s Word, I notice little things in my life that God reveals to me that I should or should not be doing. However, when I stop reading His Word, those little sins creep back into my life. I don’t think of it as sin anymore. The Bible brings to light the sins in my life.
I really enjoyed this book and will be following the suggestions outlined in the book. This is a very good book; I will be keeping it.
December 4, 2023
I bought this book sixteen years ago. I'm on my third reading of it. It's a good, basic plan when you feel like you need more direction in your Bible study time.
And the writing in this book is definitely better than that of the author's super famous fiction series. ;)
And the writing in this book is definitely better than that of the author's super famous fiction series. ;)
April 5, 2017
Excellent resource for new believer or older believer that needs some study direction or suggestions. There are many suggested resources as well as helpful journaling diagrams and reading plan ideas. i have started to journal again, what a blessing.
June 11, 2024
I know a lot of people run from Tim LaHaye… however this book is a great resource. I think a lot of Christians would benefit from doing this (or something similar) when baptized and joined to the church. Heck, a discipleship course of any kind should be a given - but that seems to be a rare thing.
I highly recommend this resource. He gives a straightforward reading plan, how to go about it, and a basic guide for how to do book studies, chapter studies, topical studies, and character studies. There is also a section on scripture memorization. For a new Christian I think he gives a good explanation for the why and how of reading and studying the way he lays out, but he also goes into hermeneutics. Most of his books I would not recommend, however this one I would.
I highly recommend this resource. He gives a straightforward reading plan, how to go about it, and a basic guide for how to do book studies, chapter studies, topical studies, and character studies. There is also a section on scripture memorization. For a new Christian I think he gives a good explanation for the why and how of reading and studying the way he lays out, but he also goes into hermeneutics. Most of his books I would not recommend, however this one I would.
August 7, 2018
This book is an excellent resource not just for new believers (though it most likely will help them greatly) but also for those who are struggling to keep a regular and effective time in the word of God. I greatly appreciated that he went into so much detail on how to practically implement time reading and studying the word, as I think we know we should but often do not know how to do so. LaHaye’s writing was easy to follow, not overflowing with terminology that might confuse or frighten a new believer, yet still very clear on the book’s topic and what he means.
January 10, 2022
I don’t like formulaic books that spoon feed you on how to do something. Ironic since I read this book I know, but others I walk through life with spiritually with and who are new to the faith, really wanted to be told how to start intensive Bible reading. This DID give some great starter ideas and even journaling prompts, but some of the other information, specifically the chapter on hermeneutics, I found were extremely lacking.
June 24, 2024
Posiblemente subestimé el libro, lo adquirí en FILGUA Guatemala 2023, pero hasta casi un año después lo leí, fue más de lo que esperaba, aunque es un libro de los 70´s, contiene muchas ideas ingeniosas sobre como leer y estudiar la Biblia de manera personal, he tomado ya varias ideas para mis estudios bíblicos y devocionales. Pensé que era para creyentes que comenzaban, pero creo que es para cualquier persona con hambre de la palabra.
June 11, 2017
As I read Tim LaHaye's books, I realize that they're very easy to understand and practical. Surely that is the case with this book, in that it is straightforward in telling the necessity, blessing, and methods and need-to-know of studying the Bible. I'm in the midst of my own Bible study method now, but once I'm through with it, I would like to apply what I've learned here.
January 1, 2022
Overall a basic book written very simply and for new Christians. He is very specific on his memorization and Bible study plans, almost too much so. This is a pretty good book but I think there are better ones out there.
June 29, 2017
I liked the step by step instructions and the reasons "why". I appreciate the information in this book!
September 9, 2017
Excellent overview. I particularly liked his proposed of sequence of reading bible books. There are many helpful tips contained in the book and any reader of the bible should find a few quite handy
October 10, 2019
Though we would disagree on certain points of theology and doctrine, LaHaye's methodology commends itself for anyone who would like to learn to study the Bible.
February 20, 2021
I felt this plan was doable
July 16, 2015
This book has some really great tips on studying the Bible. After reading it, I feel motivated to go out and actually do some of the things he suggests, like getting a notebook for keeping a Scripture journal. This book would be great for a new Christian who is looking to delve into the Bible and also refreshing for someone who has been walking with God for awhile and would like some new ideas for study.
That being said, there were some things about this book that went against the grain for me. The author is...not the most humble, I guess you could say. Yes, it's wonderful that he started schools and led tons of people to Christ, that he spoke at many conferences and that he was in charge of this multi-million dollar ministry. But that probably won't happen for every person who studies the Bible and I really feel like this book wasn't the most appropriate place for him to toot his own horn. Also, there were a lot of sports metaphors *sigh* because the only people whose routines we can model for successful self-discipline are athletes. The author plugs a lot of his own publications in this book as well, but before you take him at his word, research all book options available to select the best Bible resources for you. And don't let yourself become discouraged while reading this; any Bible study or reading is going to change your life if your heart is in it.
A good resource that I'll probably come back to to further my own study.
That being said, there were some things about this book that went against the grain for me. The author is...not the most humble, I guess you could say. Yes, it's wonderful that he started schools and led tons of people to Christ, that he spoke at many conferences and that he was in charge of this multi-million dollar ministry. But that probably won't happen for every person who studies the Bible and I really feel like this book wasn't the most appropriate place for him to toot his own horn. Also, there were a lot of sports metaphors *sigh* because the only people whose routines we can model for successful self-discipline are athletes. The author plugs a lot of his own publications in this book as well, but before you take him at his word, research all book options available to select the best Bible resources for you. And don't let yourself become discouraged while reading this; any Bible study or reading is going to change your life if your heart is in it.
A good resource that I'll probably come back to to further my own study.
January 22, 2017
In How to Study the Bible for Yourself, Tim LaHaye outlines a three-year plan for reading the Bible with the objective of not only helping the reader to develop a working knowledge of the Bible, but also, to develop a lifetime habit of Bible study. To this end, the author recommends keeping a daily spiritual diary, and includes a suggested format. The book is not a scholarly analysis of the Bible, but rather, as the title suggests, an approach to guide an individual’s analysis. The author presents several methods of Bible study in a “whole-to-parts” progression from book and chapter analysis to subject analysis to verse and word study. Reproducible study charts for each of the above methods are included, as well as study charts for analysis of Jesus’ life and teachings, parables, Proverbs, and Psalms.
September 30, 2008
After reading the "Left Behind" series my desire to learn more is incredible. I sought out other books by Tim LaHaye and thought this would be a great starting point.
And it certainly was! So much great information I had to buy a copy as my copy from the library was due and I just wasnt ready to give it up. I knew there would be things in this book I would want to reference back to so I had to buy it.
He shows you how to do a character study, chapter review and in the book there are actual outlines you can make copies of. I also loved his technique for memorizing scripture. Not only would I have not had the forsight to memorize but even if I had my technique wouldn't have been as succesful as what he teaches.
And it certainly was! So much great information I had to buy a copy as my copy from the library was due and I just wasnt ready to give it up. I knew there would be things in this book I would want to reference back to so I had to buy it.
He shows you how to do a character study, chapter review and in the book there are actual outlines you can make copies of. I also loved his technique for memorizing scripture. Not only would I have not had the forsight to memorize but even if I had my technique wouldn't have been as succesful as what he teaches.
June 19, 2012
If you want to become more serious about studying the bible then I seriously suggest you buy this book. It clearly sets out why we should be reading the bible more thoroughly and gives detailed plans for doing this. It is designed to immerse you in Gods word so you will find yourself reading the same sections over. For example he suggests you start with reading 1 John and doing this once a day for 7 days. During this time you look for what God is,saying to you in 4 key areas. Alongside this you also memorise verses from the bible in other books. This is a book for those who really want to know Gods word and I would highly recommend it.
October 11, 2016
This is an amazing tool for those who desire to really, really study the Bible for all it is worth. Mr LaHaye gives an easy to read and understand guide to reading the Bible as well as in depth examination of chapters, books, character studies and the like with reproducible worksheets/guides to complement each study. I will definitely be putting his plan into action. I enjoyed the way Mr LaHaye presented each of his ideas and directives in a simplistic way. It encourages me that even I can become a student of the Word. This book would be extremely helpful to new Christians. I wish I would have read it years ago!
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April 15, 2011For a new Christian or a Christian wanting to study their Bible this was a very good read. It provides some structure and advice on what to read and where to start. I started in the New Testament then read the Old Testament straight through, but had some issues with understanding the order. I'm going to re-read the bible several more times now concentrating on memorization and putting it together chronologically using the daily spiritual diary outlined in this book.
August 13, 2014
While I do not necessarily agree with all of the authors points of view I love the formula for bible study he puts forth. (I would venture to say he may not even believe everything in his own dogma all these years later.)
Studying the bible based on the bible and not the opinions of others was an incredibly freeing and eye opening experience. It pretty much cured me of religion and opened me up to relationship.
Studying the bible based on the bible and not the opinions of others was an incredibly freeing and eye opening experience. It pretty much cured me of religion and opened me up to relationship.
July 19, 2016
This is a good basic book on both Bible reading and Bible study. The author attempts to extend the topic a bit too far by including teaching and discipling others (as important as that is). The chapter on hermeneutics is superficial ["take the Bible literally", needs to be explained in much more detail]. That chapter would be better if some resources for further study were given.
December 15, 2011
This is a good read for those new to in-depth bible study. It's not as detailed as "How to Study Your Bible" by Kay Arthur but it's still a good book to have if you're interested in serious bible study.
July 19, 2013
I wish I would have found this book years ago! I'd love to give it to every new Christian and anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of studying the Bible. It gives very practical advice and a straightforward plan for immersing yourself in the word and actually get something out of it.
June 16, 2014
This is a good book to read if you are not on a study bible schedule and want to find a good way to read and study the bible. It had a lot of good scriptures to back up of how to study and how to memorize it.
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September 10, 2016Promoting the excitement of Bible study and spiritual growth, LaHaye helps Christians at all levels discover the Bible’s major principles, promises, and commands; keep a daily spiritual diary; and understand key verses and themes.
January 15, 2015
Not bad but it doesn't really cover bible study methods. I found it to be more of a reading / memorization plan than actual in depth study
February 7, 2012
exelente libro se lo recomiendo a todo nuevo creyente
October 17, 2013
Excellent book with lots of good information; as well as, blank study sheets to use. I recommend this book.
July 28, 2015
Excellent! I especially want to review again his method of memorizing scriptures by topic -- like his ideas!
July 13, 2011
Excellent - gave me many good ideas.
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