Great Way To Study The Bible. pt.1
We love to read devotionals. We love to read books about the Bible. Certain topics and figures. But ultimately when it comes to studying the bible it can seem kind of daunting. Many of us feel as though we need to take three years of biblical studies to fully understand it. While greater education in the word of God is amazing, there’s a simpler way to get started.
I found the best way to come into understanding is discovery. While it’s great to be taught and told what to do, there’s an imprint on the mind and soul when you discover something new. Nothing is like that aha moment. No matter how many times you’ve been told it, when you see it for yourself, it just hits differently. Enter Inductive Bible Study.
Inductive Study is a method that brings you directly to the word of God apart from another’s understanding of the text, involves three skills: observation, interpretation, and application.
Observation- Discover what the passage says.
Interpretation- Discover what does the passage means.
Application: Discover what does it mean to me personally.
When you know what God says, what he means, and how to put these truths into practice personally, you will be ready and equipped for every circumstance in life. Ultimately the goal of a personal Bible study is a transformed life and a deep abiding relationship with Jesus.
10 easy steps to start.
1. Pray. Pray about what book of the bible you will start with. (I recommend something smaller to grasp this inductive study). Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth
2. Ask the “5 W and an H.” As you study the bible train yourself to constantly ask: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? These questions are the building blocks of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. Don’t be concerned if you can’t find the answer to each question every time. There are many types of literature in the Bible and they may all not apply.
o Who is speaking? Who is the author? Who are the main characters? To whom is he speaking?
o What is the subject or event covered in the chapter? What do you learn about the people, the event, or the teaching from the text? What instructions are given?
o When did the events occur? When did or will something happen to a particular person, people or nation? When is a key question in determining the progression of events.
o Where did this all happen? Where was it said?
o Why is something being mentioned? Why would or will this happen? Why at this time? Why this person?
o How will it happen? How is it to be done? How is it illustrated?
3. Mark Key Words And Phrases. Keywords are essential to the text. A keyword or phrase is one that, when removed, leaves the passage devoid of meaning. Use symbols to Mark these words. God. Love. Law. Repent. Gospel. Christ. Etc.… Be sure to mark pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, our, and so on) and synonyms the same. In the scripture, it could say God and him. Mark them the same so you create a visual for who is talking.
4. Look For List. The list reveals truths and highlights important concepts. The best way to discover a list in the text is to observe how a keyword is described, note what is said about someone or something, or group-related thoughts or instructions. Develop lists on a separate piece of paper, then if you want, record the significant list in the margin of your Bible.
5. Watch For Contrast And Comparisons. Contrasts and comparisons use highly descriptive language to drive home truth or vital lessons.
o A contrast is a comparison of things that are different or opposite, such as light/darkness or blessing/curse.
o A comparison points out similarities and is often indicated by the use of words such as like, as, and as it were.
Take time to read through Psalms 1 and use this new way of studying. It will bless you!