If you've ever opened the Bible and wondered, "Where do I even begin?" — you're not alone. Whether you're a brand-new believer or someone looking to deepen your walk with God, learning how to study the Bible can feel overwhelming at first. But it doesn't have to be.
This guide breaks it down step-by-step — from choosing the right translation to creating a habit you'll actually stick with. We'll even show you how gamified Bible study tools like Ascend are transforming the way people engage with Scripture in 2025.
Why Should You Study the Bible?
Let's start with the big "why."
- Because the Bible is God's Word — it reveals His character, His promises, and His love.
- It gives you wisdom, guidance, and peace in a chaotic world.
- It fuels your spiritual growth and helps you understand your purpose.
The Bible isn't just a book to read — it's a living text meant to transform you. But transformation starts with understanding.
Traditional Bible Study Methods
Here are some of the most popular Bible study approaches:
1. The SOAP Method
- Scripture – Read a passage
- Observation – What's happening in the text?
- Application – How does this apply to my life?
- Prayer – Talk to God about what you learned
2. Inductive Bible Study
This method involves deep observation, interpretation, and application. It's detailed and great for book-by-book studies.
3. Topical Study
Choose a topic — like fear, grace, or forgiveness — and search Scriptures that relate to it. This is helpful when you're going through something specific.
These methods work. But there's one major challenge…
Why It's So Hard to Stay Consistent
Let's be real: life gets busy.
- You forget what chapter you were on.
- You miss a few days and feel guilty.
- You open the Bible and feel... lost.
This is where most people give up. Not because they don't care — but because there's no system that helps them stick with it in a way that feels natural and rewarding.
Enter: Gamified Bible Study
Imagine learning Scripture the way you'd use Duolingo — with daily streaks, points, quizzes, and levels that actually make Bible study fun.
Ascend is a new Bible study app designed to do exactly that. It helps you stay on track, build lasting habits, and actually enjoy learning God's Word — all in just 10 minutes a day.
Here's how it works:
- 📚 Interactive lessons on every book of the Bible
- 🔥 Daily streaks to keep you accountable
- 🧠 Quiz-style questions to help you retain what you learn
- 📖 Version support for ESV, NIV, KJV, and more
Let's walk through how to start studying the Bible effectively — whether you're using Ascend or a journal and pen.
Step-by-Step: How to Study the Bible
Step 1: Choose the Right Bible Translation
Pick a version that's accurate and easy to read. Here are some great options:
- ESV (English Standard Version) – Solid balance of word-for-word and readability
- NIV (New International Version) – Smooth and modern language
- KJV (King James Version) – Classic, poetic, but more complex
Step 2: Set a Realistic Goal
Start small. 10 minutes a day is enough. Try focusing on:
- One chapter per day
- One book per month
- Or follow a plan built into an app like Ascend
Step 3: Use a Bible Study Method
Try SOAP or use Ascend's structured question system that guides you through each chapter interactively.
Step 4: Reflect and Pray
Ask yourself: What is God saying to me? How does this change how I live today?
End with a short prayer asking for understanding, obedience, and wisdom.
Step 5: Stay Consistent
Consistency is where the growth happens. If traditional study hasn't worked for you in the past, consider using a gamified Bible study app to help you build a habit that sticks.
Common Questions
What's the best way to study the Bible for beginners?
Start with a Gospel (like John), use an easy-to-read translation, and apply a simple method like SOAP. For extra support, use an app like Ascend to guide you through the process interactively.
How long should I study the Bible each day?
Start with just 10 minutes. It's better to be consistent than to go too hard and burn out.
Do I need a Bible study book?
Nope — not unless you want one. Everything you need to start is in the Bible and apps like Ascend that help guide your study. That said, study books can add depth if you're looking for more structure.
Ready to Start? Make Bible Study a Daily Habit
If you've struggled to stay consistent with Bible study before, it's not because you're lazy — it's because the tools weren't built for how you live today. That's changing.
Ascend helps you build a streak, retain Scripture, and fall in love with God's Word — all from your phone.
You've got the desire. Now you've got the roadmap. Let's build a daily Bible habit — one that lasts.
Start Your Bible Study Journey Today
Join thousands building daily Bible habits through interactive lessons, quizzes, and gamified challenges.
Download on App Store Get it on Google Play