Beginner’s Bible Study Plan

A Simple 4-Week Plan Using the CSB Bible

You don’t have to read several chapters a day to have a meaningful Bible study. Start small and give yourself time to think about what you’re reading.

I recommend setting aside 15–20 minutes a day, but even 10 minutes is a wonderful place to begin.

Before You Begin

Find a quiet place where you can spend a few minutes with God.

You might want:

Your CSB Bible
A notebook or Bible journal
Pens
Bible-safe highlighters
Sticky tabs
Your favorite coffee or tea
A prayer list

You don’t need fancy supplies. Your Bible and a willing heart are enough.

WEEK 1: Getting to Know God

Day 1 — Genesis 1

Theme: Creation

Read Genesis 1 and think about God’s power as Creator.

Ask yourself:

What does this chapter tell me about God?
What stands out to me?
What does God’s creation show me about Him?

Journal:
“Today I learned…”

Day 2 — Genesis 2

Theme: God’s care for His creation

Think about how God created people and provided for them.

Day 3 — Psalm 23

Theme: God is our Shepherd

Read slowly and underline words or phrases that bring you comfort.

Journal prompt:
“Where do I need God to guide me right now?”

Day 4 — Psalm 46

Theme: God is our refuge

Look for words that describe God’s strength and protection.

Day 5 — Psalm 121

Theme: God watches over us

Write down one thing you’re thankful for today.

Day 6 — Psalm 139:1–18

Theme: God knows you

Think about what it means that God knows you completely.

Day 7 — Review & Prayer

Look back at what you wrote during the week.

Write a prayer thanking God for what you’ve learned.

WEEK 2: Getting to Know Jesus

This week, begin reading the Gospel of John.

John is a wonderful book for beginners because it introduces us to Jesus and focuses on who He is and what He came to do.

Day 8 — John 1:1–18

Theme: Who is Jesus?

Day 9 — John 3:1–21

Theme: Being born again

Day 10 — John 4:1–26

Theme: Jesus and the Samaritan woman

Day 11 — John 6:1–15, 35–40

Theme: Jesus provides

Day 12 — John 10:1–18

Theme: Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Day 13 — John 14:1–14

Theme: Jesus brings comfort and hope

Day 14 — John 15:1–17

Theme: Abiding in Christ

Weekly question:
What am I learning about Jesus?

WEEK 3: Learning How to Live as a Christian

This week focuses on practical Christian living.

Day 15 — Matthew 5:1–16

Theme: The Beatitudes and being salt and light

Day 16 — Matthew 6:5–18

Theme: Prayer and fasting

Pay special attention to the Lord’s Prayer.

Day 17 — Matthew 6:19–34

Theme: Worry and trusting God

Journal prompt:
“What am I worrying about that I need to give to God?”

Day 18 — Philippians 4:4–9

Theme: Peace and prayer

This is a wonderful passage to return to whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Day 19 — Galatians 5:22–26

Theme: The fruit of the Spirit

Write down the fruit of the Spirit and think about which one you’d like to grow in.

Day 20 — Ephesians 4:25–32

Theme: How we treat others

Day 21 — Review & Prayer

Look back over the week’s passages.

Ask:

“What is God showing me about how I should live?”

WEEK 4: Growing in Your Faith

Now that you’ve spent three weeks reading Scripture, this week focuses on building a lasting Bible-study habit.

Day 22 — Proverbs 3:1–12

Theme: Trusting God

Day 23 — Proverbs 4:20–27

Theme: Guarding your heart

Day 24 — James 1:1–8

Theme: Wisdom and perseverance

Day 25 — James 1:19–27

Theme: Putting God’s Word into practice

Day 26 — Romans 8:1–17

Theme: Life through the Spirit

Day 27 — Romans 12:1–21

Theme: Living as a Christian

Day 28 — Psalm 1

Theme: Growing through God’s Word

Finish your first month by praying and thanking God for helping you begin this journey.

A Simple Bible Study Method

You can use the S.O.A.P. method with almost any passage.

S — Scripture

Write down the verse or verses that stood out to you.

O — Observation

What do you notice?

What is happening? Who is speaking? What does the passage tell you about God?

A — Application

How can you apply this Scripture to your life?

P — Prayer

Write a short prayer based on what you read.

For example:

Scripture: Write the verse that spoke to you.

Observation: What did you learn?

Application: What can you do differently?

Prayer: Talk to God about what you’ve learned.

Don’t Be Afraid to Write in Your Bible

If you’re comfortable doing so, make your Bible your own.

You can:

Highlight meaningful verses
Underline important words
Add tabs
Write notes in the margins
Add sticky notes
Record prayers
Write dates beside meaningful passages
Add cross-references
Mark verses you want to return to

Your Bible can become a record of your journey with God.

And remember, you don’t have to mark everything. Choose the things that are meaningful to you.

Make It Your Quiet Time

You might enjoy creating a little routine around your Bible study.

For example:

Make coffee or tea.
Begin with a short prayer.
Read your Scripture.
Write what stood out to you.
Pray about what you learned.

Don’t worry if you miss a day.

You don’t need to start over.

Just pick up your Bible and continue.

One Last Encouragement

Bible study isn’t a race.

You don’t have to understand everything the first time you read it. Some passages may make perfect sense immediately, while others may take time, prayer, study, and perhaps some additional resources.

The important thing is to keep coming back to God’s Word.

Start with a few minutes. Read slowly. Ask questions. Write down your thoughts. Pray.

And most importantly, don’t worry about making your Bible study perfect.

Be consistent, not perfect.

One verse can encourage you.

One passage can teach you.

One prayer can change your perspective.

One quiet moment with God can make a difficult day feel a little lighter.

Happy studying, and may your time in God’s Word bring you peace, encouragement, wisdom, and joy.

— Mary
Crafting Lifestyles by Mary

Crafting Lifestyles by Mary