How do I “level up” my Bible study?

August 28, 2025

I’ve read through the Bible 3 times in my life, and now I’m in Leviticus working on a 4th. Unfortunately at this point most of what I read I only understand the surface level, and I become bored since “I’ve read this before.” I want my Bible studying to be more than just reading through passages. What should I do to get more out of my Bible reading? What commentaries would you recommend so I can understand things in more depth? Or should I buy a particular study Bible? Is there anything else I should do? I have been praying before Bible study, but I still find my mind wandering while I’m reading.

The Bible does not exist merely for words and theories. Instead, it serves as a foundational teaching to guide people toward receiving God’s power to do good. Many people mistakenly believe that the good deeds they perform out of their own will and effort represent God’s love, but that is not true. Human love is inherently calculative and selfish.

Even between parents and children, siblings, and married couples, if things do not align with their own interests, calculations, or expectations, love can quickly change into conflict and strife. Arguments and disputes are natural outcomes of human nature, driven by the desires of the flesh. Humans do not have the capacity to love even their enemies. The self-sacrificial love of the cross, where one gives up their own life, can only be received from God. One cannot obtain God’s power through mere knowledge and theory.

In other words, no amount of momentary awakening, determination, or commitment—driven by the teachings and emotional impact of pastors’ sermons—can truly lead a person to be born again, changed, or transformed.

Over time, they begin to either take their sins lightly, become increasingly bold in their sin, or justify and excuse their actions. As a result, instead of becoming examples of light and salt in the world, many Christians today no longer even feel convicted by their conscience.

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, throughly furnished unto all good works.(2 Timothy 3 : 16-17)

Reading the Bible is fundamental. However, studying the Bible or reading it without prayer as a foundation is ultimately in vain. The reason God has given prayer to humanity is because human awakening, determination, and effort alone cannot overcome the limits of human nature. Through prayer, God grants His divine power and love, which surpass human limitations. In other words, the Word, faith, prayer, and the Bible itself exist so that we may embody the beautiful nature of God and fulfill the love of the cross.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.(1 John 4 : 7-8)

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.(1 John 4 : 16)

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.(Romans 13 : 8-10)

Today, almost all Christians and religious followers alike are trapped in a cycle of sin because they are taught and learn to rely solely on their own efforts—repeating moments of self-awareness, determination, and commitment—through emotional sermons and teachings that are treated as if they were the ultimate truth. As a result, most believers spend their entire lives sinning, repenting, and yet turning back to sin again, never breaking free from this bondage of sin. In other words, the emotional impact and lessons from sermons may lead believers to moments of awakening, determination, and commitment, but these alone do not lead to true rebirth, transformation, or change. Instead, most modern Christians pursue a faith that revolves around personal interests and self-benefit, rather than genuine spiritual renewal—leaving them in a tragic reality where they endlessly repeat sin.

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.(1 John 3 : 8)

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.(Romans 8 : 12-14)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.(Galatians 5 : 22-24)

All who continue to repeat sin are children of the devil. The children of God do not commit sin. However, just because someone prays before God or claims to have faith and devotion in His name does not mean that God is truly at work in them. Those who lack the fruit of Christ and show no evidence of God’s presence—those who fail to be an example like light and salt but instead always prioritize their own interests within personal gain and relationships, endlessly repeating sin—are not true Christians.

The depth of spiritual sight and understanding differs for those who possess the gifts of divine power, following the love of the cross even to the point of laying down their own lives.

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.(1 John 3 : 3-10)

Due to serving both God and the world—alongside materialism—Christianity has long been filled with heresies, distortions, falsehoods, wickedness, and arrogance disguised as faith and belief. For a long time, many have lived fleshly, worldly lives, thinking that simply attending church and invoking God’s name is enough to be considered Christian. As a result, they have fallen into a cycle of sin—repenting with regret, only to turn back and sin again. Many so-called Christians today live entirely for their own happiness, success, and prosperity, chasing after worldly desires and human greed. But can such people, who live for themselves, ever truly follow the love of the cross, where one sacrifices even their own life? Can they truly set their hope in Christ and live a life of complete self-denial, surrendering their entire existence, ideals, and even their own life for Him? What do you believe in God for? Do you believe in Him with the goal of living the life of Christ—a spiritual life—following the holy love of the cross? Or do you believe in Him solely for your own happiness, success, and prosperity, driven by the desires of the flesh?

The prayers of true Christians seek God’s power and gifts to put to death their sinful desires and greed, which otherwise lead them to repeat sin. They pray for tears that enable them to love even their enemies.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.(Ephesians 4 : 15-16)

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;(1 Peter 2 : 11)

Christians who pray only for their own family problems, business problems, workplace issues, children’s concerns, health issues, or personal relationships are not truly living the life of Christ, following His love.

For those who spend their entire lives pursuing the desires of the flesh—seeking only personal happiness, success, ideals, and prosperity—can Bible study and the Word of God truly be of great benefit to them?

… because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.(2 Thessalonians 2 : 10)

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.(1 John 3 : 14)

…He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.(3 John 1 : 11)

God’s love is the nourishment and power of love that guides us to grow in His love, which is revealed in those who live the life of Christ—a spiritual life—pursuing the hope of Christ through the love of the cross.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.(Titus 2 : 11-14)

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:…(Colossians 1 : 10-14)

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.(Philemon 1 : 4-6)

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.(Colossians 2 : 18-19)

‘Am I truly aware of what I believe in?’, ‘Do I genuinely believe in Christ to follow His love and live the life of Christ’, or ‘Am I simply serving both God and the world—seeking material wealth—trapped in a corrupted, heretical, and false faith that inevitably leads to repeated sin and wickedness?’ Perhaps now is the time to take a step back and seriously reflect on yourself first. For faith that follows the flesh, the Word holds no value; rather, it only accumulates more sin. However, many Christians today take it for granted that seeking worldly desires and personal gain is acceptable, which is why they remain unchanged and fail to be truly born again. Those who spend their entire lives pursuing only worldly and fleshly desires are nothing but adversaries and enemies before God.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.(1 John 2 : 15-16)

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.(1 Timothy 6 : 9-10)

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.(Proverbs 23 : 4-5)

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?(Matthew 6 : 24-25)

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.(James 4 : 3-4)

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after:…(Luke 12 : 29-31)

The majority of Christians today are trapped in a cycle of sin—sinning, regretting, repenting, only to turn back and sin again. Over time, they begin to take sin lightly or become increasingly bold in their sin, to the point where most no longer even feel convicted by their conscience, as if it has been seared. True truth is receiving God’s power that sets one free from sin. The Bible is doctrine and law, but truth is God’s wisdom that leads us to receive His divine power, which works within His love.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.(1 Peter 4 : 1-2)

…I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.(Jeremiah 23 : 17-22)

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.(James 5 : 19-20)

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.(Daniel 12 : 3)

My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.(Malachi 2 : 5-6)

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.(Romans 6 : 16-18)

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.(Romans 8 : 19-21)

Do not follow the sermons of pastors who rely only on words and theories, leading believers to self-awareness, determination, and pride—yet bringing no true transformation. Instead, seek a true shepherd who reflects the beautiful love of Christ, following the nature of God, and who serves as a genuine example of light and salt, teaching the gifts of God’s power. First and foremost, find a true shepherd who follows Christ’s love as testified in the Scriptures. Seek the teachings of that true shepherd—one who teaches the power of God.

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.(Colossians 2 : 2-3)

The Word of the Bible is not a subject of intellectual or theoretical interpretation based on human reasoning and intelligence. It is the wisdom of divine power, revealed within God’s love—a truth that cannot be understood by human logic alone. Today, because many Christian pastors serve both God and the world, along with materialism, the world has become filled with corruption, heresies, distortions, and falsehoods. This is why Christianity has become one of the religions that has produced the largest number of heresies and sectarian divisions in the world.

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.(2 Peter 3 : 16)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.(2 Corinthians 10 : 5-6)