How do I Improve my Scripture Study? Ask Questions While Studying the Scriptures

I am always trying to find ways to bring the Spirit while I study my scriptures and make my study more meaningful. I am learning that asking questions brings insights and understanding, so I have been asking around and compiling ideas for good questions.

Questions to Consider While Studying the Scriptures

Relates to Me Personally or those I care about

How is this story like my life?

What topic do I need to study so I can help so and so?

What problems am I facing I would like answers about?

What scripture topic might help me receive revelation about a problem I am facing?

Context & Background

What is the context or background of this scripture?

Why was this scripture given? Is there a question or situation in the verses before?

What is the upstream doctrine?

            Some Christ-like attributes follow others – Charity is the culminating of all

Which core doctrine does this relate to?

Read the scripture backwards for different insights.

Can I diagram this verse?

Ex. Helaman 3:27-30 Pray + Believe + Read = Eternal Life

Is there a list in these verses?

Other Questions

Always ask, “Is there a connection between this subject and something else?

            Ex. Why is the word understand often used with the word heart?

Why does the Lord say it this way?

Why did he choose mercy instead of...?

Make a connection and then ask if there are scriptures to back it up.

Is this verse part of a bigger pattern or theme?

Improving Scripture Study from Elder Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water,” 2007

The blessings of knowledge, understanding, revelation, and spiritual exhilaration that we can receive as we read, study, and search the scriptures are marvelous.

I want to review with you three basic ways or methods of obtaining living water from the scriptural reservoir: (1) reading the scriptures from beginning to end, (2) studying the scriptures by topic, and (3) searching the scriptures for connections, patterns, and themes. Each of these approaches can help satisfy our spiritual thirst if we invite the companionship and assistance of the Holy Ghost as we read, study, and search.

Topical Study - We may identify and seek to find answers to important doctrinal and practical questions such as these:
• What is faith in the Savior?
• Why is faith in Jesus Christ the first principle of the gospel?
• Why and how does faith in the Redeemer lead to repentance?
• How does the Atonement strengthen me to do things in my daily life that I could never do with my own limited capacity and in my own strength?

Searching in The Revelations for Connections, Patterns, and Themes

In my judgment, diligently searching to discover connections, patterns, and themes is in part what it means to “feast” upon the words of Christ. This approach can open the floodgates of the spiritual reservoir, enlighten our understanding through His Spirit, and produce a depth of gratitude for the holy scriptures and a degree of spiritual commitment that can be received in no other way.

 

I. Connections - a relationship or link between ideas, people, things, or events

Prayerfully identifying, learning about, and pondering such connections—the similarities and differences, for example—is a primary source of living water.

Between:
   1. The Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 15:1–9)
   2.  Mercy and grace (see 2 Nephi 9:8)
   3.  Clean hands and a pure heart (see Psalm 24:4)
   4.  A broken heart and a contrite spirit (see 3 Nephi 9:20)
   5.  The wheat and the tares (see D&C 101:65)
   6.  Knowledge and intelligence (see D&C 130:18–19)
   7.  Justification and sanctification (see D&C 20:30–31)
   8.  Sheep and goats (see Matthew 25:32–33)
   9.  Immortality and eternal life (see Moses 1:39)
  10.  I noticed that the word understanding was commonly described in relation to the heart.

1.      I find it most interesting in these and many other verses that understanding is linked primarily to the heart. Note that we are not explicitly counseled to apply our minds to understanding. Thus, understanding, as the word is used in the scriptures, does not refer solely or even primarily to intellectual or cognitive comprehension. Rather, understanding occurs when what we know in our minds is confirmed as true in our hearts by the witness of the Holy Ghost.

2.      The spiritual gift of revelation most typically operates as thoughts and feelings put into our minds and hearts by the Holy Ghost (see D&C 8:2–3, 100:5–8). And as testimony and conviction move from our heads to our hearts, we no longer just have information or knowledge—but we begin to understand and seek after the mighty change of heart. Understanding, then, is the result of revelation; it is a spiritual gift, it is a prerequisite to conversion, and it entices us to more consistently live in accordance with the principles we are learning.

3.         This revealed insight about the relationship between the heart and understanding has greatly influenced my approach to gospel learning and study, has affected positively the way Sister Bednar and I teach our children and grandchildren, and has impacted my priesthood service.

II.    Patterns - a plan, model, or standard that can be used as a guide for repetitively doing or making something.

A.    Typically, a scriptural pattern is broader and more comprehensive than a connection.

B.     In the Doctrine and Covenants we find patterns for:

1.  Preaching the gospel (see D&C 50:13–29),
2.  Avoiding deception (see D&C 52:14, 18–19)
3.  Constructing temples (see D&C 115:14–16)
4.  Establishing cities (see D&C 94)
5.  Organizing priesthood quorums (see D&C 107:85–100)

C.   Identifying and studying scriptural patterns helps us become acquainted and more familiar with the wisdom and the mind of the Lord (see D&C 95:13).

D.   As I have both read from beginning to end and studied topics in the Doctrine and Covenants, I have been impressed with a pattern that is evident in many of the Lord’s responses to the questions of missionaries. On a number of occasions in 1831, various groups of elders who had been called to preach the gospel desired to know how they should proceed and by what route and manner they should travel.

1.     The principal issues in this episode are not horses, mules, or chariots; rather, they are gratitude, judgment, and faithfulness. Please note the basic elements in this pattern: (1) a thankful heart in all things; (2) act according to judgment and the directions of the Spirit; and (3) the Savior is with the faithful always. Can we begin to sense the direction and assurance, the renewal and strength that can come from following this simple pattern for inspired and righteous judgment? Truly, scriptural patterns are a precious source of living water.

2.     The most demanding judgments we ever make are seldom between good or bad or between attractive and unattractive alternatives. Usually, our toughest choices are between good and good. In this scriptural episode, horses, mules, and chariots may have been equally effective options for missionary travel. In a similar way, you and I also might identify at various times in our lives more than one acceptable opportunity or option that we could choose to pursue. We should remember this pattern from the scriptures as we approach such important decisions. If we put essential things first in our lives—things such as dedicated discipleship, honoring covenants, and keeping the commandments—then we will be blessed with inspiration and strong judgment as we pursue the path that leads us back to our heavenly home. If we put essential things first, we “cannot go amiss” (D&C 80:3).

III. Themes - overarching, recurring, and unifying qualities or ideas.

A.    [They are] like essential threads woven throughout a text.

B.     Generally, scriptural themes are broader and more comprehensive than patterns or connections.

C.     Themes provide the background and context for understanding connections and patterns.

D.    The process of searching for and identifying scriptural themes leads us to the fundamental doctrines and principles of salvation—to the eternal truths that invite the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost (see 1 John 5:6).

E.     This approach to obtaining living water from the scriptural reservoir is the most demanding and rigorous; it also yields the greatest edification and spiritual refreshment.

F.   The scriptures are replete with powerful themes.
   1. The central and recurring theme of the Book of Mormon is the invitation for all to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32). The teachings, warnings, admonitions, and episodes in this remarkable book of scripture all focus upon and testify of Jesus the Christ as the Redeemer and our Savior.
   2. “If . . . the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them” (1 Nephi 17:3).
   3. “Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ” (2 Nephi 31:20).
   4. “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25).
   5. “In the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things” (Alma 20:4).
   6. “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10).

Ask, "What does this word mean?"

             ex. from Elder David A. Bednar, “In the Strength of the Lord”: 

In the Bible Dictionary in our scriptures we learn that the word grace frequently is used in the scriptures to connote enabling power. In my personal scripture study I often insert the term enabling power whenever I encounter the word grace. I believe we can learn much about this vital aspect of the Atonement if we will insert enabling and strengthening power each time we find the word grace in the scriptures.