BIBLE STUDY VS DEVOTIONAL

A common question I get from Christian women is what is the difference between a Bible Study vs Devotional, and which is better. Many articles and blogs I have read on this are somewhat long and dragged out, and since the majority of who I speak to are busy women that don’t have time for a lot of fluff and prefer to get straight to the point, I wanted to address these questions here in a simple and straightforward way.

What is a Bible Study

A Bible Study is just what it sounds like, a study of the Bible. However there are 2 different ways this is typically meant. One is the reading and studying of the Bible itself, with no other resources or books. Just a person studying the word of God by reading it directly, often using a Study Bible that has cross-references, notes and commentary to assist with understanding and interpretation. The other is a separate book/workbook that typically focuses on a book, passage or topic from the Bible and does an in-depth study of those particular verses (usually more in-depth, focused and intentional than a devotional). In my personal opinion though, and for the purposes of this article, I am going to reference Bible Study as the direct reading and personal study of the word of God. I believe that the Bible is the true and inerrant Word of God, written by authors divinely inspired by God Himself. Studying this beautiful Book of Scripture, these living words of God, includes reading it (out loud is especially great!), poring over it, memorizing it, meditating on it, with the purpose to know, love and obey God more. Also read the cross-references that are listed in most Bibles (especially Study Bibles) and let Scripture interpret Scripture. If there are words that you don’t know look them up in a Bible dictionary or regular dictionary (or the original Hebrew/Greek can be helpful too). Let Scripture soak in and saturate your heart and mind as the Holy Spirit reveals and works it in you. Then, and only then, after you have studied God’s Word directly from the Bible yourself, if you would like further study it can be good and useful to turn to the notes in your Study Bible, commentaries, Bible study workbooks, and other Bible tools and resources (always remembering that all of those things are other people’s interpretations and thoughts, and though they may be true and excellent they are still inferior and secondary to the Word of God) to help you understand in a deeper way and assist you with your interpretation. Then do what God says, apply what you learn to your life as you follow the Lord. THIS is Bible Study.

Some are warm and conversational while others or more scholarly or poetic. Their purpose is usually to inspire the reader to reflect on God as well as their own spiritual growth. Devotionals come in many different lengths (10/30/90 days, seasons, sometimes even an entire year) with a wide range of styles and authors. Each author has their own set of beliefs, religious backgrounds and theology. It is important to research an author prior to choosing a devotional, however regardless of the author you choose it is even more important to remember that author and their words are not divinely inspired like the authors and words of the Bible. That does not mean they have no truth or value, but it does mean that they do not carry the same weight or strength as the words of the Bible. 

Which is Better

As I stated in the beginning, this is only my personal opinion. However, I strongly believe and am an advocate for Bible Study first and foremost. Now, that does not mean that I think devotionals are “bad” or should not be used…quite the opposite! There is a definite value in using a devotional as a tool to set your mind on things above and your heart on goodness and truth. However, I feel it is never a good idea to use a devotional instead of a Bible to know God. A devotional is not the Word of God, it is not divinely inspired as the Bible is (2 Timothy 3:16-17), it is not living and active like Scripture (Hebrews 4:12). Though it may (and usually does) have Scripture included, it is usually just a small passage (often even just one verse) which can easily be misinterpreted or taken out of context. It also often includes someone else’s interpretation or view, sometimes even twisting the meaning to support what the author thinks (whether intentionally or unintentionally). And the only way that you can know if that is happening is if you know your Scripture, if you read the Bible yourself. That is the only way that you can protect yourself against false teaching. Not to mention, the authors of devotionals are not divinely inspired like the authors of the Bible were, the words are not God-breathed. A devotional cannot do the same work of sanctification that the Bible can. Therefore, it is important that your time in a devotional should only be IN ADDITION TO your time in the Bible, and not as a REPLACEMENT of it. If your time is short and you only have time to do one or the other, then choose the one that can truly transform you…the Bible itself. That is where you seek Him to know Him and learn His will for your life. Then, if you have additional time, a devotional is a great extra resource. My favorite is New Morning Mercies, it is an entire year of devotions and I have used it in the past for a short sweet time in the morning (I typically spend time in prayer and worship in the morning, then do my Bible Study around lunchtime) and have found the devotions in there to be meaningful and deep. So, Scripture first and then tools which can include devotionals if time allows. May God bless your time of study as you seek to know and obey Him!

I truly hope this blog article was informative and helpful to you on your journey as you SEEK + OBEY God, may He bless you and keep you my sister/friend!  In Christ – Jenna