Skip to main content

A Bible Study Method

A Bible Study Method

If I am going to do more than nibble at the truth, then I am going to need a Bible study method. Search, study, learn, read, seek, receive the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 :STUDY; Deuteronomy 17:19 :READ; Isaiah 34:16 :SEEK; John 5:39 :SEARCH; Acts 17:11 :RECEIVED, SEARCHED; Romans 15:4 :LEARNING

Studying by topic: like "Church Customs and Practices Inspired by Scripture":

  • Nehemiah; 8:5 Standing for the Reading of the Word
  • Luke 22:19 Communion
  • Altar Call
  • Praying Aloud
  • Lifting up hands
  • Water Baptism
  • Instruments, Singing, Music in worship
  • No Swearing
  • 1 Cor. 6:19,20 No Alcohol, No Drugs
  • etc.

Verse By Verse: 1. Observe 2. Investigate 3. Apply

1. READ: Observation - What does it SAY?

  • Before looking at what others have to say about it, familiarize yourself first with what the text says. Our initial focus should be on "what does the Bible say?"
  • Look up unfamiliar words
  • For difficult wording find paraphrases
  • What is NOT said? What is conspicuously missing?
  • Develop a consistent bible reading habit.

2. RESEARCH: Investigation - What does it MEAN?

  • What did it mean to the writer/God?
  • First interpretation should be what is most direct, simple, literal
  • Before looking at what others have to say about it, familiarize yourself first with what the Scripture as a whole says about itself. Find other places a word is used or a particular subject is mentioned. The Bible generally speaking has a "built in" dictionary"
  • Introductory questions to ask when beginning a book:
  • What is the name of the book?
  • Who wrote the book? Biographical details of writer "Authorial intent"
  • When was it written? Historical setting?
  • Who is the original intended audience?
  • What are some key words and phrases
  • What kind/category of writing is this book? History, Prophecy, Doctrinal, etc.
  • What is the length of the book so I can PLAN my study.
  • How to find answers to questions?
  • With Book Text (objective)
  • With Other Book Texts (objective)
  • Other Historical Records (objective)
  • Commentary Insights (subjective)
  • Using tools help you find other places a word is used in the Bible but perhaps translated differently.
  • What about other translations of the Bible?
  • As God chose each Biblical writer knowing their story and personality, understanding each writer is a key to understanding their writings.
  • Answering the question of Meaning requires "INTERPRETATION". (Nehemiah 9:1-7) Adding 1+1+1 to get 3.
  • What are some Bible study tools?
  • Making "unordered" lists (no particular order) while studying is helpful. You can organize and order later on in your process.

3. REALIZE: Application - What can I DO with it?

  • How does it relate to me? subjective (inductive vs.deductive)
  • All Scripture is true, but some is merely DESCRIPTIVE without being PRESCRIPTIVE.
  • Assessment is an important part of realization. Memory and Memorial.
No Comments
Back to top