As we approach the end of one year, we plan for the next. For many Christians, the start of the year offers a chance to assess their devotional habits and commit to new practices.
Lots of believers begin read-through-the-Bible plans in January, and this is a good thing! (Here at Knowable Word, we have our own 2021 Bible reading challenge!) Surveying the totality of God’s word is good for our souls.
But a careful study of the Bible is essential for our spiritual lives as well. If you’d like some structure to help you study the Bible in 2021, this article is for you.
What We Mean by “Bible Study”
In some circles, an article touting Bible studies for the new year would give recommendations of resources to peruse or purchase. It’s not too hard to find devotional works that guide believers through sections or books of Scripture.
That’s not what I’m advocating here. Though devotionals have their place, we want you to hear directly from God.
You might think you don’t have the time, ability, or intellect, but you’d be wrong—you can study the Bible yourself. That’s the very reason this website exists! God’s word is a knowable word, and he wants you to know him through his word.
Toward that end, we have many resources and articles to help you get started. Studying the Bible begins with reading and rereading the passage at hand. You’ll want to observe what the author wrote and use those observations to ask interpretive questions. As you answer those questions, seek out the author’s main point in writing. As you grow in your understanding, apply the passage to your life and your spheres of influence.
While you can and should study the Bible on your own, it’s healthy to talk about what you’re learning with others. As you consider the Bible study plans below, consider recruiting some friends from your local church to travel this path with you. A check-in meeting every week might be a helpful practice to begin the year.
Four Plans to Study the Bible
As with my previous articles on Bible studies for Advent and Lent, there isn’t anything revolutionary in these Bible study plans. Instead, I’ve provided sections of Scripture that can be studied over four weeks, broken down by week.
The studies below relate to the theme of newness. So, at the beginning of the new year you can study portions of the Bible in which you will encounter other beginnings.
A Study in Genesis
Genesis is the ultimate book of beginnings, and its opening chapters are foundational to the rest of Scripture.
- Week 1 (January 3–9): Genesis 1:1–31
- Week 2 (January 10–16): Genesis 2:1–25
- Week 3 (January 17–23): Genesis 3:1–24
- Week 4 (January 24–30): Genesis 4:1–26
A Study in Joshua
After Moses dies, the people of Israel get a new leader (Joshua). They cross the Jordan into the Promised Land and begin their new mission.
- Week 1 (January 3–9): Joshua 1:1–18
- Week 2 (January 10–16): Joshua 2:1–24
- Week 3 (January 17–23): Joshua 3:1–17
- Week 4 (January 24–30): Joshua 4:1–24
A Study in John
The beginning of John’s Gospel connects the beginning of Jesus’s ministry with the beginning of creation.
- Week 1 (January 3–9): John 1:1–18
- Week 2 (January 10–16): John 1:19–51
- Week 3 (January 17–23): John 2:1–25
- Week 4 (January 24–30): John 3:1–36
A Study in Acts
The first chapters of Acts describe the beginning of the gathered and scattered church.
- Week 1 (January 3–9): Acts 1:1–26
- Week 2 (January 10–16): Acts 2:1–36
- Week 3 (January 17–23): Acts 2:37–3:26
- Week 4 (January 24–30): Acts 4:1–37
The Best Way to Start a Year
Whether you adopt one of these study plans or not, there’s no better way to begin 2021 than to draw closer to God through his word. May your year be full of joyful understanding of the truth of Scripture and the glad fruit of a changed heart and life.
