You can also use many different translations of the Bible during your study time. To start out, you may want to use the King James Version and The Amplified Bible. Brother Copeland does the majority of his studying in these two versions. He also recommends the Worrell, Goodspeed and Wuest’s Expanded translations. All of these helps and versions of the Bible can be found in almost any local Christian bookstore.
Use the books and tapes of other ministers, but do not allow them to take the place of your personal study time. Take what they have learned and allow the Holy Spirit to add to it. And of course, no matter what material you study, be sure it lines up with God’s Word.
Here are some steps to follow in studying the Word:
- Apply the Word to yourself personally.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to make the Word a reality in your heart.
- Carefully ponder how the Word applies to your everyday life.
- Dwell on how the Word changes your situation.
- See yourself as God sees you.
- Realize the integrity of God’s Word.
Here is a prayer to pray with confidence as you sit down to study and meditate on His Word:
Father, in the Name of Jesus I come before You today. I take authority over Satan and bind his operation in my life. I pray the eyes of my understanding are enlightened that I may know how rich is Your inheritance in the saints, that I may be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, walking fully pleasing to You, increasing in the knowledge of You.
Father, I pray I will be rooted and built up in Jesus, established in the faith. I am confident that You who began a good work in me will continue it until the day of Jesus Christ.
I know You have heard my prayer, so I know I have the petitions that I asked. Thank You in Jesus’ Name.