Episode Overview

Podcast: Back to the Bible Podcast
Host: Larsen Plyler
Episode: 122 – Bible Study Basics, 2
Release Date: September 7, 2025
Theme:
This episode continues the “Bible Study Basics” series, focusing on how to study the Bible effectively. Larsen discusses the importance of foundational habits like Bible reading, preparation for group study, using tools and resources wisely, and the difference between topical and textual Bible studies. The episode is practical, addressing both mindset and method, with the goal of making listeners better Bible students.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance of Regular Bible Reading

[00:47–04:19]

• Larsen stresses that while Bible reading and Bible study are not the same, reading regularly is essential for familiarity and making connections across Scripture.
• He shares his own challenges in reading the Prophets, illustrating that even seasoned students need breadth in reading.
• Quote:

  “Most of our issues when it comes to knowing the Bible well is a lack of familiarity with the text.” — Larsen Plyler [01:23]

• Regular reading exposes us repeatedly to the grand story of the Bible and increases our understanding.

The Right Attitude: Open Hearts and Open Bibles

[04:20–08:35]

• Larsen highlights the need for humility: approach Scripture willing to be corrected.
• Quote:

  “It is not proud or arrogant to believe that we have the truth... Humility does is to say that I am not the origin of that truth and that I'm going to be willing to submit myself to what God’s word has to say.” — Larsen Plyler [05:43]

• Emphasizes reading entire books to understand context, not just topical “proof texts.”
• The Berean example from Acts 17: searching Scripture daily with an open mind.

Making Time for Study: The “Open Schedule”

[08:36–09:56]

• Bible study requires intentional prioritizing. Larsen shares how he arranges his day to allow for reading and encourages others to find their own routine.
• Regular study is achievable for everyone with commitment.

Preparing for Bible Classes Improves Learning

[09:57–14:58]

• Preparation before attending a Bible class or group transforms participation and retention.
• Even non-teachers benefit by preparing as if they’ll help guide the discussion.
• Cites 2 Timothy 3:14–17—how Timothy’s regular exposure to Scripture from childhood was formative.
• Suggests using “Bible periods” (developed by Bob and Sandra Waldron) as a timeline and filing system for scriptural events, aiding memory and context.
• Quote:

  “Once I have made the connections between how we get from one Bible period to the next, I think that you could sit down and just tell someone what the Bible is all about.” — Larsen Plyler [13:37]

Understanding the Narrative Flow with Bible Periods

[13:00–16:16]

• Lists the value of memorizing “Bible periods”: improved organization of knowledge, ability to contextually place prophets and stories, and ultimately, their role in directing the story toward Jesus.
• Asserts that good knowledge of context allows a person to “preach Jesus from almost anywhere” in the Old Testament.

Benefits of Prior Preparation

[16:17–19:56]

• Preparation pays off even if the teacher underdelivers: “You’re going to be alright, you’re going to be able to participate more fully in the class.”
• Increases your familiarity and makes group study richer.
• Also equips parents, grandparents, and others to discuss Bible topics fluently.

Using Outside Resources Carefully

[19:57–25:59]

• Scripture affirms the value of guides and teachers. Examples: Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), Nehemiah and the Levites, Ephesians 4:11–12.
• Not all resources or authors are equally trustworthy—exercise discernment.
• Quote:

  “My radar is always on when I’m reading books about the Bible... I have gained tremendously from people who I would disagree with on a range of topics.” — Larsen Plyler [22:13]

• Recommends seeking resource recommendations from mature Christians, using a “wheat and chaff” approach—keep what is helpful, discard what is not.
• Always read, even trusted authors, with discernment and critical thinking.

Recommended Tool: The Literal Word App

[26:00–28:41]

• Larsen praises the Literal Word app (free, no sponsorship), which offers four conservative translations: KJV, NASB 1995, ESV, Legacy Standard Bible (LSB).
• Highlights its strengths:
  • Downloadable for offline access
  • Ability to tap on a word for definitions, original language roots, and to see every instance it appears
  • Great for tracing themes or understanding nuanced meanings (e.g., "godliness," "hesed").
  • Minimal commentary—purely text-driven, encouraging readers to make connections themselves.
• Quote:

  “Of Bible study tools, probably more than anything else because it is so easy to access... all it’s doing is helping you make connections within God’s word.” — Larsen Plyler [28:14]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Most of our issues when it comes to knowing the Bible well is a lack of familiarity with the text.” — Larsen Plyler [01:23]
• “It is not proud or arrogant to believe that we have the truth... Humility does is to say that I am not the origin of that truth and that I’m going to be willing to submit myself to what God’s word has to say.” — Larsen Plyler [05:43]
• “Once I have made the connections between how we get from one Bible period to the next, I think that you could sit down and just tell someone what the Bible is all about.” — Larsen Plyler [13:37]
• “My radar is always on when I’m reading books about the Bible... I have gained tremendously from people who I would disagree with on a range of topics.” — Larsen Plyler [22:13]
• “Of Bible study tools, probably more than anything else because it is so easy to access... all it’s doing is helping you make connections within God’s word.” — Larsen Plyler [28:14]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Regular Bible Reading: [00:47–04:19]
• Attitude: Open Heart and Humility: [04:20–08:35]
• Making Time for Study: [08:36–09:56]
• Preparing for Bible Classes: [09:57–14:58]
• Bible Periods as a Tool: [13:00–16:16]
• Benefits of Prior Preparation: [16:17–19:56]
• Using Resources & Discernment: [19:57–25:59]
• Literal Word App Recommendation: [26:00–28:41]

Summary Takeaways

• Regular Bible reading is crucial for familiarity and making scriptural connections.
• Approach the Bible with humility and a willingness to be corrected.
• Preparation for group Bible study deepens understanding and benefits the community.
• Organizational tools (like Bible periods) give structure and context, aiding recall and interpretation.
• Use outside resources with discernment—seek wise recommendations, but always keep your “radar on.”
• The Literal Word app is highly recommended for its accessibility, accuracy, and focus on textual connections.

For more resources, questions, or local connections, Larsen invites listeners to reach out via backtothebiblepodcast.com.