Customer Reviews

How to Study the Bible

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This book has two main sections: "Preparing the Person" and "Methods of Studying the Bible". In the Introduction, Nee writes: "Many of [the books published on the study of the Bible] are very good, but almost all are short in one matter--they only pay attention to methods of studying the Bible; they do not pay enough attention to the person who is studying the Bible. They give the impression that anyone who uses these methods will achieve good results...Those who have written books on the study of the Scripture have studied the Scripture well, but those who try to imitate them by approaching the Bible with the same methods do not necessarily fare as well. The study of the Bible is not only a matter of methods but a matter of the person. Some study the Bible well because they--the persons--have learned the proper lessons from God. When they find the right methods to assist in their study, they reap rich results. It is wrong to pass on methods without considering the kind of person one has to be. Even when some have the right methods, they can never study the Bible well because they are wrong in their very person."

Nee then goes on to show from the Bible that in order to properly study the Bible, one must be spiritual, must be consecrated to God, must be practiced in objectivity and accuracy, must be of a non-petty character--not straining out the gnat while swallowing the camel, must enter into the thoughts of the Holy Spirit, must enter into the facts recorded by the Holy Spirit, and must enter into the spirit of the Scriptures.

The second section of the book--"Methods of Studying the Bible"--is very much focused on practical methods, tools, and plans.

I really enjoyed how this book began - the focus was placed squarely on the shoulders of each individual to prepare himself to receive insight and truth from God's Word. The problem with interpretation, according to Nee, isn't with the Bible itself or the words on the page, it is with the heart of man. J.I. Packer once wrote, "One of the many divine qualities of the Bible is that it does not yield its secrets to the irreverent and the censorious." Nee would agree wholeheartedly. In How to Study the Bible, Nee writes, "Don't ask what the Bible teaches, ask whether you are willing to obey." And, again, he reiterates his point that "spiritual things can only be communicated to spiritual men."

With this caveat in mind, Nee moves on to suggest that a student of Scripture needs to be cautious, focused, diligent and objective in their approach to study. Once a student of Scripture has learned to navigate with care, Nee encourages them to connect with the Spirit of the Living God who is alive and active in giving light and understanding to those who will seek Him. Nee writes, "[t]he ministry of the word is the release of the spirit."

The second half of the book moves from preparation to practice where Nee gives dozens of examples of how to study the Bible. He begins with a few "keys" to studying Scripture including memorizing and mediating on Scripture, two infrequent spiritual disciplines. Finally, Nee gives several suggested plans for studying the Bible including the examination of biblical main characters, the study of the various women of the Bible, a look at the significance and meaning of biblical prophecies, a study of the miracles and the parables of Christ, an in depth examination of biblical prayers and even a study of the significance of biblical geography. Nee encourages the reader to truly be a student of Scripture, to examine and evaluate with great care and diligence not merely to mine great truth from the Word of God, but with the end goal of drawing close to God in the process.

How to Study the Bible is a great read, but a rather difficult one in my opinion. Nee's examples and suggestions are tremendously valuable, but he sets the bar very high and his expectations might be a little intimidating for most people!

This books focuses not so much on techniques that can be employed in reading the Bible but first and foremost on the reader.

God speaks through Watchman Nee His intention when we come to the Bible.

I enjoy this book very much! It shows me the importantance of eating God's Words everyday, the importance of growing in his Spirit everyday. Besides, it shows how to grow healthily in our Lord's words.

I'm very proud when I found this book. Because, I fell confuse when I read the bible.

How to study the Bible is no easy feat according to Watchman Nee, and I agree with his statement. It all begins for me with this book with Watchman Nee flipping script with the Good Samaritan and who he is. Have you ever been a recipient of misinterpreted scripture? I have and Watchman Nee helps people understand very clearly how scripture needs to be carefully studied and interpreted. And an interpretation other than clarified and revealed by the Holy Spirit is incorrect. After reading Nee, I have been on Isaiah 6 and Matthew 13 for over 7 years now and the scripture is massive and more than a single interpretation; it builds and builds.

Straightforward and easy to understand - a great guide for how to best study God's Word. I recommend it highly.