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.