Second Friend Day - Elmer Towns

Begin your study by reading a passage several times. Read the portion in several
versions. As you go over the passage, ask these questions, "What is it saying?" Don't read your
thoughts into the verse. Ask what the author meant. Interpret each verse in its context.
Next question, "Where else does God say this?" Use the center column reference in
your Bible to find other places teaching the same truth. You may have to use a concordance to
find a parallel passage. But comparing Scripture with Scripture will expand your knowledge of
the Bible.
Next ask, "What are the problems in the passage?" You don't want to center your life
on problems, but don't overlook any. You solve them by a clear understanding of the problem.
Write it out. List what you think the answers might be. Then look in a Bible commentary. The
author's explanation may give you an insight in finding the answer.
The final question, "What does it mean to me?" Here you apply the Scripture to your
life. Think of the ways you could apply these verses to your life. Then write out the principles
so you have a clear understanding of the practical application.
You will grow as you analyze words. Look up their meaning in a dictionary. Then look
up the word in a concordance to see the way it is used in other references. In-depth word study is
an excellent means to grasp biblical doctrine.
When you come to unclear circumstances, look up the geography or social backgrounds
in an encyclopedia. Don't let anything escape your grasp. When doctrinal problems face you,
search for the correct interpretation in a book on doctrine.
The third step in Bible study is memorization. The psalmist declared, "Thy word have I
hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps. 119:11). You will want to memorize
portions of Scripture for various reasons. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He quoted
Scripture. If you have the Bible in your heart, you can quote the Scripture in an hour of trial.
When Philip, a deacon, wanted to witness to the Ethiopian in the chariot, he knew Isaiah 53 and
used it to lead the eunuch to salvation. Also, when you must make difficult decisions, God's
Word will guide you into God's will.
Memorize Scripture by first marking the verse in your Bible. Underline the verse so it
will stand out the next time you study the passage. Next, write or type the verse on a small card.
Carry the cards with you for review in free time. Plan a systematic way to review the verses you
have already memorized. Without review you can't remember the exact words that you
memorize. You may even forget the whole verse. But you will grow in the process of applying
diligent effort to master the verse and its meaning.
"The Bible runs through my mind like a sieve," a person once observed. "Why should I
memorize?"
"The Bible is like water; at least it keeps the sieve clean.”