How to choose a personal Bible study

Devoting time to personal Bible study is an important way you can grow spiritually. You can choose a study designed for individuals or adapt a group study for personal use.

There are many things to consider when you’re selecting a Bible study. (You can find links to relevant studies or categories throughout this article.) Make sure to pray and ask God to guide you as you begin your search.

How to Get Started and Stay Committed

Make choices that set you up for success:

• If you’ve never consistently studied the Bible, look for a simple study that you find interesting. Once you get in the habit of studying the Bible, it will be easier to take on something more in-depth. Starting simple will help you build on your success rather than running the risk of getting overwhelmed and giving up.
• Consider the length of time you want to spend on each session and how many days or weeks you want to commit to one study.
• Pay attention to the format of the study. Does it have enough questions to help you go deeper but not so many that you can’t answer them in the time you’ve allotted?

Where Are You on Your Spiritual Journey?

Depending on where you are in your spiritual journey, you may benefit from studying some topics or books more than others. Are you exploring the Bible and want to know more about its core message? Are you a new Christian who needs to be grounded in the basic elements of the faith? Do you want to understand the overall storyline of the Bible better? Do you have a lot of experience reading and studying the Bible in a group but need something that will help you feel motivated to study the Bible on your own?

What Do You Want to Learn More About?

Many Bible studies are topic-based, and there are a wide variety from which to choose.

Do you need more spiritual insight into an area of your life like money, relationships or work? Do you want to know more about God’s character?

Do you want to go more in-depth with a specific book of the Bible?

What Are Your Spiritual and Personal Needs?

Consider the needs in your life, both personal and spiritual. For example, do you feel overwhelmed by worry or stress? Are you excited to talk with others about your faith but not sure where to start? Do you feel crushed by guilt and need assurance of God’s forgiveness?

As you choose a study and get started, pray and ask God to use the study to help you grow spiritually.