Podcast Summary: Back to the Bible Podcast – Episode 120: Bible Study Basics

Host: Larsen Plyler
Date: August 24, 2025
Episode Theme: Principles of Effective Bible Study—Topical and Textual Approaches

Overview

In this episode, Larsen Plyler explores essential principles and foundational habits for meaningful Bible study. Emphasizing the importance of going “back to the Bible” for guidance in faith and practice, Larsen discusses the value of reading scripture regularly, cultivating the right heart as a Bible student, and learning from biblical models such as the Bereans. The episode aims to encourage listeners—from curious beginners to seasoned Christians—to renew their commitment to regular Bible reading and study.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Value of Regular Bible Reading

• Larsen highlights the sometimes-underappreciated distinction between simply reading the Bible and formal Bible study, asserting the vital spiritual benefits of regular reading.
• Citing the influence of preacher Tom Holly, Larsen relates how habitual Bible reading has personally transformed him and benefitted his family and congregation:
  • “Regular Bible reading is a major help. And we know that should be the case, given what the Bible is.” (13:45)
• Reads and dissects 1 Corinthians 2 and Ephesians 3 to illustrate that scripture is the revealed will of God, granting access to divine mysteries previously unknown.

2. Scripture as God’s Revealed Mind

• Uses an analogy about mind-reading to underscore the point that, just as we can't read other people’s minds (or even Larsen's, as he jokes about holding a clay slingshot pellet), it is only through God’s revealed word that we can “read” the mind of God:
  • "If you can't read my mind...how much less are we going to be able to read God's mind? But here's the beauty. That God revealed his will to the apostles who wrote that down..." (22:35)

3. The Apostle Paul’s Teaching on Revelation and Understanding

• Larsen unpacks Ephesians 3, explaining that the “mystery” of the Gospel was unknown until revealed through Paul and other apostles.
  • “They could read what Paul wrote and understand what he understood about the mystery that was revealed in Christ.” (31:10)
• From this, Larsen argues that reading the Bible today can give us access to the same divine insight the apostles received.

4. The Power of Scriptural Familiarity

• Larsen asserts the immense value of deep familiarity with the Bible:
  • “The very best way to explain Scripture is to use Scripture.” (39:50)
• Encourages repeated readings and making the Bible central—ideal for personal, family, and communal spiritual growth.

5. Practical Advice: "1% of Your Day"

• Citing Tom Holly, Larsen suggests dedicating just 1% of daily time—about 14–15 minutes—to Bible reading.
  • “If you just gave him 15 minutes a day, 1% of your day, you’d be able to read the whole Bible and more every year.” (41:20)
• Emphasizes doing this with children as a family practice.

6. Biblical Models for Bible Study: The Bereans (Acts 17:10–11)

• Larsen presents the Bereans as a pattern for effective Bible study, breaking down their example into three key practices:
  • Open Hearts: They were eager and honest in seeking truth.
    • “The first thing we see about them is they have open hearts... more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica.” (48:20)
  • Open Bibles: They investigated the scriptures themselves, not just taking preachers at their word.
    • “We don’t want to just accept the word of a preacher... If they can’t back up what they are saying by Scripture...you should not put that much investment into [it].” (54:25)
  • Open Schedules: They searched the Scriptures daily, showing regular commitment.

7. Confidence in Scripture

• Larsen reasserts the reliability and sufficiency of the Bible, referencing 2 Timothy 3:16–17:
  • “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable...that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished to every good work.” (58:05)
• Uses an illustration of hiking to explain that Scripture both marks the right path, warns when one strays, and instructs on returning and continuing.

8. Urgency of Listening to Scripture: The Rich Man and Lazarus

• Refers to Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16, highlighting the importance of heeding the Word now, not waiting for miraculous signs:
  • “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” (01:04:10)
• Stresses the relevance for listeners: “If you are not listening to the Scriptures, then you do not have hope of eternal life.” (01:05:25)

9. Developing Routine and Sacrifice

• Encourages listeners to set routines, make sacrifices, and arrange schedules to prioritize regular Bible study.
• References Psalm 119 to underscore the benefit and necessity of continual meditation on God’s word:
  • “O how I love your law. It is my meditation all the day.” (01:11:45)
  • “Set a time, set a priority. Self-sacrifice, make your schedule well.” (01:12:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the sufficiency of scripture:
  "Reading the Bible is how we can come to a knowledge of revelation. We can see the mystery and the mystery revealed as we read the Scriptures." (33:10)

• On dedicating daily time:
  "Is God worth 1% of your day? Surely you would say, isn't he worth way more than 1%?... If we gave God 1%... that would be about 14 and a half minutes every day." (41:00)

• On evaluating teachers:
  "Never say that I can know the truth about something because some teacher told me... if it contradicts scripture, you certainly need to just reject it." (54:50)

• On scriptural guidance:
  "The Bible is the path... signs that say, you're not on the path, you're off the path, you're in danger, get back... instructions about staying on that way." (59:50)

• On family Bible reading:
  "I think there could not be a better way to spend 1% of our day... than sitting around... and reading God's word together." (44:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Bible reading vs. study and benefits of regular reading – 11:10–15:55
• On God's revelation via scripture (1 Cor 2 & Ephesians 3) – 16:03–34:00
• Scriptural explanation using scripture – 39:40–42:30
• Tom Holly’s ‘1% of your day’ insight – 41:00–43:40
• Acts 17 and the Berean Bible study model – 48:10–56:10
• Role of trusting scripture over teachers – 53:50–55:30
• Analogy: Bible as guide and corrective – 59:50–01:01:15
• Urgency from the story of the rich man and Lazarus – 01:03:55–01:06:00
• Encouragement to set habits (Psalm 119 references) – 01:11:30–01:12:45

Conclusion: Back to Basics

Larsen Plyler closes with a call to action—ground your life in scripture with an open heart, an open Bible, and an open schedule. "Regular reading with an open heart, an open Bible and an open schedule is the very best place to start." (01:13:05)

For previous episodes and supplemental resources, visit backtothebiblepodcast.com.