Thank you for asking the question, “How can I understand the Bible more?”
There are many booklets on how to study the Bible from Bible Study Methods to Meditation/Devotions studies on the Word of God. Many of the Bible Study Methods are excellent. I would recommend visiting a Christian book store if there is one near by or go online to Christian Book Distributor: Christian Books, Bibles, Gifts & more.
In order to have a good understanding of the Bible, here is what I suggest for one’s consideration:
A. Read the introduction to the book that is being studied.
Most Bibles have an introduction so reading that will give you an overall view of the book and its divisions with the author’s interpretation of the Bible like historicity, purpose/theme, dating, authorship, etc. It is very helpful to read them. Remember that the introductions are the writer’s comments. They are not authoritative in themselves, but one should give good consideration to them.
B. Read the Book for example Philippians 2–3 times.
Seating down and taking 15 to 30 minutes to read it in one seating if that is possible or in major sections if it a larger book like Genesis. Do this for the next two or three days. This will begin to give you an overall view of the book for yourself. You will begin to notice key words or ideas by the author, the subjects that is being written on and the problems that Israel or the Church was facing at the time of the writing.
C. Writing down the observations or verses that stands out to you.
One may want to write down those key words or phrases that stood out to you. Take time to look at the paragraph and ask what is this paragraph speaking out. Look at the subject, verb, and object. In addition, write down words or phrases that you don’t quite understand or need clarification. The observations ought
D. Researching the words or phrases that needs definition or explanation.
One can look on the internet for definition of terms. The term world, could mean the physical world, the people of the world, or principles or values of the world. Context would help one to evaluate what meaning is used in the verse. Try to come to your own tentative interpretation. Upon finishing that, then read other writers on the verse. Quite often the NIV gives their interpretation/notes on it. Read two or three commentaries. Be careful, not all comments are equal, not even my own as I also have blind spots in my thinking or theological biases.
The New Bible Commentary is a good source. Read a conservative commentary and even a “liberal” commentary to see how each person translates that difficult verse. Talk to your pastor or someone who is knowledgeable on the Bible for their viewpoint.
If one follows the general principles, then one may have a good grasp on the meaning of the passage. Meditation is require to think about it and how that relates to other Bible passages. Thus a word study by using a concordance as key words are listed in the back of the Bible for one’s further study on a topic.
Studying the meaning of a passage is different from the relevance of the passage to my life. This is application. What is God seeking to show me through his Word as I read it. The study of the Scriptures is not a mental exercise but for transformation of life. Thus the question, “So What?” must be asked for one relevance to one’s life.
The Apostle Paul writes in II Timothy 3, “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (NIV).
One final comment is that understanding of God’s Words and its relevance for transformation comes primarily by the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit. Atheists knows the Bible just as well as some/many Christians. Thus it is not knowledge or fact, but the application of it. Thus before one begins the study, if even a person is an agnostic, one can ask God to show truths to him/her.
SUMMARY: Using the Bible study method enables one to understand the text but using meditation and reflection on the passage may bring about transformation of one’s character and action by the work of the Holy Spirit.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-understand-the-Bible