Studying the Bible is not like studying for a test. When you study for a test, you are memorizing facts and data. when you study the Bible you are looking to know God deeper. The Gospels give a close look at Christ’s ministry on earth.  The Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Studying the Bible is more than just reading your Bible. Studying is getting in deep and looking at words, meaning, themes, application. Make studying the Bible part of your spiritual goals for each year.

As you study, your goal should be the following:

• Study to know God, who he is and what he does
• In your Study apply God’s Word in your life, looking at your own heart and applying
• From your Study to be changed and more like God

Understand the Gospels for Growth in Christ

The Gospels are a bit different than other books of the Bible. The Gospels show the person and work of Christ who is the long-awaited Messiah. Each of the Gospels has a different perspective of Christ and his work while he was here on earth. The Gospels “are an account of the provision of the gospel for needy sinners in the person and work of Christ.” (Unger’s Bible Handbook, p. 466).

As you study the Gospels, it is helpful to have an atlas so you can follow where Christ is ministering. It is helpful to know the region where he is.

The Gospels are full of dialogue. Reading this will show you how Jesus interacts with individuals and crowds. Look at who is speaking and what they are saying. Careful attention to who Jesus is speaking to will give you insight into what he is saying. Is he teaching his disciples? When he is responding to the Pharisees it is different. Notice who he is speaking to.

The Gospels show the fulfillment of prophecy and the death and resurrection of Christ. As you study, look back at prophecies and look at how the work points to the Cross.

The principles below are written for studying a Gospel but can be used for studying other books.

Steps How to study the Gospels for Growth in Christ

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Pray and decide which Gospel to study. Each of them has a different perspective of showing Christ’s ministry. I did John about 3 years ago and loved digging into that. Last summer I studied through Luke. Then this winter I did Mark. Maybe it is time to go through Matthew.

Have your tools ready to use. Some of the tools you might find helpful include, your Bible and a Bible in a different translation, a notebook, pen, pencil, and sticky notes. Have you seen the ESV Scripture Journals? Here is John. I love the extra space around the verses for lines, boxes, notes. The lines on the other page are great for sermon notes or your own notes. These are a great tool to use in your personal study. Having a notebook is a great way to record your thoughts but also a place to refer to later.

Read through the whole book. If you can do it in one sitting, do it. As you read through look for themes, repeated words or phrase, get a picture of the timeline. This is a bit of the overview before you get down in the details of each chapter and verse.

Dig in. Begin with Chapter 1. Read the whole chapter then begin to look at the sections. Observe what is happening, who is involved, what is being said, what is the teaching, where is this happening, etc. Write down your observations, look at what it means, and begin to apply it in your own life. Go at your own pace.

Think horizontally and Think Vertically. Think horizontally means that as you are reading and studying you are aware of what is written in the other gospels. Parallels will give different bits of the story again based on the author, the purpose of the Gospel, and the intended audience. Think vertically means that you are aware of the historical context. For more information on this see How to Read the Bible for All its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

Review what you have read. If you had questions that didn’t get answered, read a commentary. Some helpful resources that I have used include the following:

Bible Speaks Today Series -I used Luke last summer when I was studying Luke. I have found these easy to read and helpful in explaining background information.

The Bible Project – If you have not seen this website and the videos, they are a great resource especially giving an overview.

Blue Letter Bible – This website has been available for years but they continue to add to it providing more and more resources.

Journal and Doddle – I used John study a few years ago and this has been helpful for me in just studying and doodling. You will learn how to draw bowling pin people. I admit it changed a bit the way I record my notes from Bible study.

Study the Gospels for Growth in Christ

The Gospels are not that long and I would challenge you to study one each year. As you study, you will grow in Christ. Take the challenge and begin to study one of the Gospels.

Here are some photos of my studies. I share these to encourage you to dig in and study the Word. Study the gospels and see Christ.

My son said that Moses looks like he ate too much manna.

Personally, I have been challenged, encouraged, and blessed through my study of the Gospels. I encourage you to dig in and begin to study. What Gospel will you begin with?