Attitude is important in any spiritual endeavor, and will often determine the degree of success. This is certainly true with a preacher’s Bible study.

The preacher is to study eagerly (Matthew 5:6; 2 Peter 2:12; Psalm 42:1; 119:20, 40, 131).

The preacher is to study reverently. With David he should say, “But my heart standeth in awe of thy word” (Psalm 119:161).

The preacher studies the Bible purposely. He never studies the Bible from such shallow motives as to find curiosity items, to merely win an argument, to just “get up a lesson,” to try to find sanction for an already-espoused position, or to satisfy a proud ego in being known as some great Bible scholar. Rather, he studies the Bible to learn, to obey, and to teach (Revelation 1:3; James 1:22-25; 2 Timothy 2:2).

The preacher studies the Bible regularly and frequently (Matthew 5:6; 1 Peter 2:1-2; Hebrews 5:12-14).

The preacher studies the Bible without prejudice. He engages in exegesis and not in eisegesis. He will not study the Bible to merely sustain a position but, rather, to form his position. He will prove all things, holding fast only to the good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

The preacher will study the Bible thoroughly. He will search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11-12; John 5:39), seeking to know the totality of the Bible’s teaching on any subject.

The preacher will study the Bible discriminately (Hebrews 5:14; Philippians 1:9-10, ASV). He will study the Bible discriminating between aids and additions, custom and law, essentials and nonessentials, law and expediency, etc.

The preacher will study the Bible hermeneutically. He will become very familiar with the laws of biblical interpretation and will avidly apply them in his personal studies. He will be convinced of the absolute necessity of biblical authority and he will know how to establish the same, not being swept off his feet by the new hermeneutics now appearing on the horizon, fully well knowing that such does not constitute a valid hermeneutic.