How to Study the Bible

Welcome

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for joining us. I know there are a lot of places you can be and you choose to be with us. I believe these classes are crucial to your beliefs and growth.

Conceptual Scriptures

James 4:8 CSB

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Hebrews 11:6 CSB

6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

2 Peter 3:18 CSB

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.

We see throughout scripture that positioning ourselves for the things of God provides blessing, favor, His presence. That should be our expectation every time we pursue the things of God. Intimacy, blessings, and growth.

Testimony

I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was a rainy Friday night, my friends and I were at the barbershop. I was newly saved. I found myself in the middle of an intervention. Though I was raised as a Christian, I could not answer a single question. It was a fork in the road moment for me. I could either allow the questions to allow me to shrink back or I could allow the questions to lead me to find answers. I chose the latter. My pastor told me do two things

Study like I don’t believe it

Research like I am trying to prove it

It seems contradictory but it provides balance where we don’t take everything at face value. It challenges me to get understanding in things that don’t make sense and make sense of things that should be understood. This has served as fuel for me over the years as I pursue the deep things of God but also seek to find new revelation that is hidden in plain sight.

Where Do We Begin?

Bible study can be overwhelming. It can seem like it is something for scholars or ‘professional’. Engaging in such a prolific book can also seem very confusing. We hear preachers referencing Hebrew, Greek, etc. and have no idea why it matters. We can begin to defer to said experts via messages, podcasts, etc. While these are great resources to support and reinforce scripture, it should not replace our time with God. When we engage the Word of God, we are engaging God; we shouldn’t outsource our personal relationship with Him.

What is the Bible?

The Bible is not a history book, though it contains history. It is not a science book but it is not anti-science.

The Bible is the living Word of God. God’s Word gives us direct insight into His mind, heart, will. It shows us what God wants from us and what we can expect from Him. The Bible is the story about our creator and His creation.

The Bible: 66 Books with 40 different authors. It is divided into 2 sections, Old Testament & New Testament. Testament means covenant, relationship. Old is God and His people before Jesus; New is God and His people through the lens of Jesus. Everything points to and from Jesus.

Psalm 40:7 CSB

7 Then I said, “See, I have come; in the scroll it is written about me.

Hebrews 10:7 CSB

7 Then I said, “See— it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, God.”

This Bible is both descriptive and prescriptive. Descriptive, just because it is in the Bible doesn’t mean it is God’s endorsement. However, because it is in the Bible it is important and can wisdom.

John 1:1 CSB

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 CSB

14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 8:31–32 CSB

31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

2 Timothy 3:14–17 CSB

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:11 CSB

11 I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.

Psalm 119:105 CSB

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

Ultimately, the Bible is a single story that points to Jesus. It gives us truth, direction, correction, encouragement, challenges us, equips us to be imagers of God.

There are different literary types. The Bible can be broken into several categories of writing. Approximately 43% of the Bible is made up of narrative, from historical narrative to parables. Roughly 33% of the Bible is poetry, including songs; reflective poetry; and passionate, politically resistant poetry of the prophets. The remaining 24% of the Bible is prose discourse, including laws, sermons, letters, and even one essay.

History

Law

Narrative

Poetry

Wisdom

Prophecy

Gospels

Epistles

Apocalypse

Bible Translations

What is the best translation of the Bible? The one that you read. As the Bible was translated from the original language (Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Aramaic) it is to be understood that language, culture plays a huge part. Different and updated translation were provided in an effort to bring greater clarity. We all have our favorites or ones we deem as the most sacred. However, you will find that we gravitate towards translations that speak to the way we learn.

Tactile learners are hands on. Very practical. They may enjoy a literal or word for word translation.

KJV

NKJV

ESV

NASB

Visual learners need to see it in order to learn it. They may enjoy videos or a dynamic translation which is thought for thought.

CSB

HCSB

NRSV

NIV

Auditory leaners can learn by hearing. They may enjoy audio Bibles and a paraphrase translation.

NLT

MESSAGE

PASSION

VOICE

There is no right or wrong. However, when engaging the Bible doing research, be sure to use resources that can assist in connect back to the original words.

How to Engage the Bible

Prayerfully

Elevates God and silences you

It creates a posture in your soul

Invites God into the text

Spiritually

Don’t rush for a revy

Let God speak

Practically

Remember, the Word became flesh. This means, if it doesn’t translate into fruit, it will cultivate pride.

Tools

Study Bible (Paper Bible; Electronic is convenient but may not help with retention)

Notepad

Pen

Highlighter

Dictionary/Encyclopedia (Modern and Biblical)

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Concordance

Strong’s

Zondervan

Commentaries

Bible Knowledge

IVP Background

Baker Commentary

NIV Application

The Bible Project

Olive Tree

Logos

YouVersion

Blueletter Bible

Techniques

Read

Without Stopping

5 times

Highlight and take notes

Consider Context. Who is the original audience? The Bible is written FOR us, but not TO us.

Culture?

Region?

Time?

What is the literary style?

Who is the author?

When was it written?

What happened before/after?

What is the overall theme?

What is the principle?

How does it apply?

Research

Summary

Application: We are full of information but starved of transformation.

Observational Questions

Chief People: List the most important people in the chapter. Ask questions such as, Who are the main people in this chapter? Why are they included? What is significant about them? If the chapter contains pronouns (he, she, they, etc.) you may have to refer to the previous chapter to identify the people. Write down your reasons for choosing certain people as the chief ones of the chapter. When you come to long genealogies (lists of people), don’t try to list each one, but summarize the list.

Choice Verse: Choose a verse that summarizes the whole chapter or one that speaks to you personally. In some chapters you may find a key verse that summarizes the writer’s argument; in other chapters there may not be a key verse. On occasion you may want to pick a verse from which you will be writing your application, a verse that you believe God would have you apply to your life.

Crucial Word(s): Write down the key word or words of the chapter. Many times the key word will be the one that is used most frequently (“love” in 1 Corinthians 13 and “faith” in Hebrews 11). Sometimes the crucial word may be the most important word but not the most used one. In Romans 6, for example, the word “count” (KJV, “reckon”) is the important word even though it is used only once (Rom. 6:11). Also, a chapter may have more than one crucial word.

Challenges: List any difficulties you may have with the passage. Are there any statements you do not understand? Is there any problem or question you would like to study further? Often while doing a chapter summary you will get ideas for other types of studies you may want to do in the future. For instance, a certain word in the chapter may catch your attention. Take note of that word; later you may want to do an in-depth study of it. A question about a doctrinal matter might motivate you to do a topical study on that particular teaching.

Cross-References: Using the cross-references in your study Bible, look up other verses that help clarify what the chapter is talking about and list them on your form. Ask the question, What else in the Bible helps me understand this chapter? Cross-references are important because they are helpful tools in interpreting the meaning of a chapter; they enable you to see what the Bible as a whole has to say on any given teaching.

Christ: The entire Bible is a revelation of the person of Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus used the Old Testament to teach his disciples about himself. On the day of resurrection on the Emmaus road, Jesus taught two of his disciples: “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). As you study each chapter, be alert for statements that tell you something about Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, or God the Father. Ask yourself, What can I learn about the nature of Jesus from this chapter? What attributes of God in Christ are illustrated here? (Some examples: his love, justice, mercy, holiness, power, and faithfulness.) This step may be the most difficult to complete in some portions of the Bible, particularly in Old Testament narratives and in passages where symbolism is used.

Central Lesson: Write down the major principles, insights, and lessons you learn from this chapter. Ask yourself, Why does God want this passage in the Bible? What does he want to teach me from this chapter? What is the central thought the writer is trying to develop? A possible answer might be “We should be loving in all interpersonal relationships” (1 Cor. 13).

Methods of Study

Martin Luther, who began the great Reformation in the 16th century, not only restored the Bible to the common people, but also gave some practical suggestions for Bible study. He once said that he studied the Scriptures the way he gathered apples: “First I shake the whole Apple tree [study of the Bible as a whole], that the ripest might fall. Then I climb the tree and shake each limb [study of a whole book], and then each branch [study of a chapter of a book] and then each twig [study of the paragraphs and sentences], and then I look under each leaf [study of single words].”

Devotional

This is typically a consistent and personal journey with you and God.

Scripture

Observation

Application

Prayer

Character

This type of study allows us to see the activity of God through a persons life. We can see His grace, correction, and the decisions they have made that we can learn from. It can be encouraging and a cautionary tale.

Name

Qualities

Faith

Doubt

Fear

Strength

Weakness

Cross-References

Situations

Relationships

Thematic/Topical

The Thematic Method of Bible Study involves approaching a biblical theme with a set predetermined questions in mind. You then trace that theme through the Bible or a single book by asking only those questions, summarizing your conclusions, and writing out a personal application.

When is the first time I see this theme?

When is the last time I see this theme?

Is there something to avoid or embrace?

What must be done?

Background

It is much easier to understand and appreciate a play if all the props and background scenes are in place. The actors on the stage perform against the backdrop of the props and painted scenery. It is the same way with Scripture. God’s revelation was given in the midst of history, and the dramatis personae of the Bible act out their God-given roles against the background of their times. We understand the Word of God more clearly when we see it against the backdrop of the days in which it was written.

Step One: Choose the Subject or Book of the Bible

Step Two: List Your Reference Tools

Step Three: Obtain Insights from Geography

Step Four: Get Insights from History

Step Five: Discover Some Insights from Culture

Step Six: Research Insights from the Political Environment

Step Seven: Summarize Your Research

Step Eight: Write Out a Personal Application

Book

First, we make an initial survey of the book to see it as a whole; this is our “telescopic view” study. Then we take the book apart chapter by chapter and do a detailed analysis of each one; we look at all the details as through a microscope. Finally, we put it all together again in a synthetic study in which we summarize the book as a whole and produce our own outline. The process moves from the whole to the particulars and back to the whole: Survey — get a bird’s-eye view of the book. Analysis — study everything in each chapter in detail. Synthesis — put it back together again and draw some conclusions.

Step One: Read the Book

Step Two: Make Notes on What You Read

Step Three: Do a Background Study

Step Four: Make a Horizontal Chart of the Book's Contents

Step Five: Make a Tentative Outline of the Book

Step Six: Write Out a Personal Application

Chapter

1,189 chapters in the Bible. The second stage of studying a book of the Bible is to do a chapter analysis of each of the chapters of that book. After the survey study has been completed and you have a pretty good grasp and overview of the book, begin examining its individual parts. Since most chapter divisions are suitable and useful, it is best to examine the parts in this way.

Step One: Write Out a Chapter Summary

Step Two: List Your Observations

Step Three: Ask Interpretation Questions

Step Four: Correlate Your Chapter with Other Scripture

Step Five: List Some Possible Applications

Step Six: Write Down Some Concluding Thoughts

Seven: Write Out One Application

Verse by verse

As an alternative to the Chapter Analysis Method of Bible Study, where you use the principles of observation, interpretation, correlation, and application in a systematic fashion, the verse-by-verse analysis of a passage is useful when you don’t have the time for an in-depth study. Rather than doing an extensive job on book survey, chapter analysis, and book synthesis, the verse-by-verse analysis of a passage takes each verse and examines it from five viewpoints, using the special Verse-by-Verse Analysis Form.

Step One: Write a Personal Paraphrase

Step Two: List Some Questions, Answers, and Observations

Step Three: Find Some Cross-References for Each Verse

Step Four: Record Any Insights You Get from Each Verse

Step Five: Write Down a Brief Personal Application for Each Verse

Word

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Even though the average Christian does not know these languages, we can still do word studies because of the availability of many excellent translations and reference tools. In the past, people who were interested in doing personal Bible study had to learn the original languages. Only those who had spent years learning Greek and Hebrew were able to enjoy the exciting insights that come from studying the original words of Scripture. Today, however, the riches to be found in word studies are within reach of every Christian who knows what tools are available.

Step One: Choose Your Word

Step Two: Find Its English Definition

Step Three: Compare Translations

Step Four: Write Down the Definition of the Original Word

Step Five: Check the Word's Occurrences in the Bible

Step Six: Find the Root Meaning and Origin of the Word

Step Seven: Discover the Word's Usage in the Bible

Step Eight: Write Out an Application

Conclusion

Bible study is a journey; a marathon, not a sprint. As we continue to engage God’s Word, our faith will grow, we will grow, and more importantly, we will draw closer to Jesus.