So you have figured out what type of Bible study you want to do, where to start, and even how to study, but how much should you study?
The amount of time I spend on my personal Bible study varies from day to day. If I am doing a type of study where I have determined that I am reading a certain number of chapters, then my study lasts as long as it takes to get through the material, usually no more than fifteen minutes. If I want to do a more in-depth mediation on a section of scripture, the study would probably last longer.
I would recommend starting your Bible study out slowly in one of two ways: time of study or quantity of study. If you chose to begin with a certain time of study work on reading through the scriptures for a certain amount of time. Choose to read for ten, fifteen, or even twenty minutes. If you choose to do a certain quantity of study read a smaller section of scripture, then take a deeper look at the verses.
I suggest laying a good foundation for your Bible study. It is just like beginning a physical workout. If you have not worked out in a while, deciding to run for an hour a day can easily become discouraging and overwhelming. However, if you start out slowly it is much easier to build up to working out for an hour a day. Gradually building your study (in time, in quantity, and/or in quality) will probably be more beneficial in your future growth.
Remember that Bible study should be a life-long habit. Sometimes I see Bible study as a layering process. One must first know the story but then as one increases in knowledge layers will begin to build. I am constantly amazed at the new things I see in the Bible each time I read through a passage, even if I have read it a hundred times before. I am reminded of the Old Testament example in Ezra 7:10: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.”