how to study the bible intentionally [updated edition]: methods and conditions for effective bible study  <i>all scripture is given by inspiration of god, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of god may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.</i> – 2 timothy 3:16-17 <br> <br>nothing is more important for our own mental, moral, and spiritual development, or for our increase in usefulness, than bible study. but, not all bible study is equally profitable. some bible study is absolutely profitless. how to study the bible so as to get the most benefit from it is a topic of immeasurable importance. <br> <br>the practicality and effectiveness of these bible study methods and conditions have been tested in the classroom, and not with classes made up completely of college graduates, but largely composed of people of very simple education. the methods, however, require time and hard work. it must be remembered that the bible contains gold, and almost anyone is willing to dig for gold, especially if it is certain that he will find it. it is certain that one will find gold in the bible – if he digs. as you use the methods recommended in this book, you will find your ability to do the work rapidly increasing by exercise, until you can soon do more in fifteen minutes than you could do in an hour when you started. <br> <br>no book other than the bible provides the opportunity for intellectual and spiritual development by its study. no other book, and no other subject, will so abundantly repay careful and sincere study. the bible is read much, but is studied very little in comparison. <br> <br><b>table of contents</b> <br><b>ch. 1: </b> introduction to methods of bible study <br><b>ch. 2: </b> the study of individual books <br><b>ch. 3: </b> topical study <br><b>ch. 4: </b> biographical study <br><b>ch. 5: </b> study of types <br><b>ch. 6: </b> study the books of the bible in order <br><b>ch. 7: </b> studying the bible for practical usefulness in dealing with people <br><b>ch. 8: </b> the fundamental conditions of the most profitable bible study <br><b>ch. 9: </b> final suggestions <br> <br><b>about the author</b> <br>reuben archer torrey traveled all over the world leading evangelistic tours, preaching to the unsaved. it is believed that more than one hundred thousand were saved under his preaching. torrey married clara smith in 1879, with whom he had five children. in 1908, he helped start the montrose bible conference in pennsylvania, which continues today. he became dean of the bible institute of los angeles (now biola university) in 1912, and was the pastor of the church of the open door in los angeles from 1915 to 1924. torrey continued speaking all over the world and holding bible conferences. he died in asheville, north carolina, on october 26, 1928.