Searching the Scriptures: Studying God’s Word with Childlike Faith and Spiritual Insight

Searching the Scriptures: Studying God’s Word with Childlike Faith and Spiritual Insight

(This Bible Study Tips was written by one of our incarcerated students, sharing their faith and study of God’s Word.)

When studying the Word of God, we must do so with the heart and attitude of an innocent child—like a child listening closely to a loving father offering important instructions. Our posture should be humble, attentive, and eager.

We should search the truths in the pages of Scripture as one would search for buried treasure or fine gold. Then, like a detective building a case, we must carefully examine every detail, comparing evidence, drawing connections, and leaving no stone unturned.

The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. We live under the New Testament today. The Old Testament includes laws, ordinances, statutes, and rituals given through Moses. Though the Law could not save, it had a divine purpose—to reveal sin and lead us to Christ (Galatians 3:19–26). It showed us what was right and wrong, and gave instruction for living in a way that pleased God.

As Paul reminds us in Romans 15:4:
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

We are commanded to study all of God’s Word and rightly divide it, as Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:15:
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

This means we are to prayerfully seek God’s help in understanding His Word, using one Scripture to interpret another. For example:

In John 3:5, Jesus says:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

To understand this, we look at supporting passages:

• Romans 10:9–10 – We are born of the Spirit when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit enters, giving us new life.

• Romans 8:16 – The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.

• Ephesians 4:24 – This new spiritual nature is “created in righteousness and true holiness.”

• James 1:21 & 1 Peter 1:23 – Being born of water refers to being born of the Word of God, the incorruptible seed planted in our hearts.

• Ephesians 5:26 – God sanctifies and cleanses His people through “the washing of water by the word.”

Jesus is teaching us that we must be born again—both by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Through faith, the Word is implanted in us, and the Holy Spirit gives us new life. This is how we apply sound biblical interpretation.

Effective study also considers context—the culture, historical setting, and original audience. It’s not just about reading—it’s about listening, discerning, and obeying.

In all things, we must let the Holy Spirit be our guide. As John 16:13 says:
“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”

Reuben B.