DEEPENd Summer Study Plan – June 7 * July 12 * August 2, 2008


I am so excited that you have decided to join us as we study the incredible book of Hebrews together. I know that some of you will not be able to attend all three sessions, but we would love to have you attend as often as you can. And even though you may miss a meeting, it would be very helpful for you to still read and study those chapters so you can still have the context for the other passages.


Here are a few things I have been praying you will receive as a result of our time together.

  1. You will maintain, develop, or begin spending time daily with God through studying His word and praying to Him (Proverbs 8:33-35).

  2. You will encounter the person of God and learn more about His character in the pages of His word.

  3. You will experience the power of the Holy Spirit as you rely on the Spirit to give you understanding and insight into God’s word (John 16:13, 15b).

  4. You will see how relevant and powerful God’s word can be to your daily life and circumstances (Hebrews 4:12).


Here are some things I’d like you to prayerfully consider and try to do.

  1. Spend time before we meet completing the three questions so you are prepared to discuss the chapters in our small group break-out (Acts 17:11).

  2. Do your best to meet with God daily (Luke 11:3).

  3. Just read the Scripture passages, and wait until after our meetings to read any commentaries. It is wonderful to see how God can give you His insight into His word on your own and then later have the revelations confirmed through your small group time, the teaching time and then later in your reading of a commentary. Consulting the commentary later will also develop stronger faith and trust in the Holy Spirit’s work of teaching and instruction (John 16:8, 13, and 15).


Here’s what our monthly meetings will look like:

8:30 – 8:45 AM Begin promptly with two worship songs and quick welcome.

8:45 – 9:30AM Break into small groups of 3 to 4 within the room

9:30-10:30AM Gather as a large group, and close with one or two songs, teaching, and prayer


Now for the outline of our study, as I explained before we will have read all thirteen chapters of Hebrews by the end of the summer, however, due to our monthly meeting schedule we will only discuss six of those chapters in our small groups. In the larger teaching time I will highlight principles from each chapter.


For June 7: Read and study Chapters 1 -4 (we will discuss Chapters 2 and 4)

For July 12: Read and study Chapters 5-10 (we will discuss Chapters 7 and 10)

For August 2: Read and study Chapters 11-13 (we will discuss Chapters 12 and 13)


Lastly, how do I study these passages alone with God? We will be utilizing the simplistically powerful ‘three question study’ method. Below are the questions you should ask yourself regarding each chapter, with special attention to those chapters we’ll be discussing at our monthly meetings.


  1. Start by praying to God as you begin your time, specifically calling on the Holy Spirit to give you insight and understanding to the passage (John 16:8, 13, and 15).

  2. Read your self-appointed amount of text. For example, you can do 10 verses at a time or ½ a chapter each day, or just do your best to meet Him each day.

  3. Then re-read your scripture passage again. The more times you read something the greater depth of information and understanding you can receive from it.


Q1: What is this passage about?

In a notebook or journal, write down the facts of what’s happening in this passage (for ex: who are the people, where does this take place, when, etc.). Just make observations right now, and don’t try to draw conclusions, yet. Then write a brief sentence that summarizes what you have read.


Q2: What do I learn from this passage?

Ask yourself these kinds of questions: is there a warning, command, or promise? Is there an example to follow or not to follow? What is the main truth of this passage? Is there a lesson or universal truth (a truth that is for all people for all time)? Why is the passage in Scripture? Why did God put this passage in the Bible? What does this passage reveal about the character of God? (for ex: His attributes, ways of relating to people, emotions, His views about something, reason to love Him more, etc.). Are there specific things to pray? Is there a new thought to me? an encouraging thought? etc.

After answering some of those above questions then write your conclusion(s) in your journal. Concentrate on one, two or even three things that were especially meaningful to you personally.


Q3: How can I apply what I learned to my life?

Can you think of a current situation in your personal life, home life, church or business that is similar to what you learned? In that situation ask yourself a personal question that demands action, e.g., NOT “Will I spend more time in God’s Word?” BUT ‘How (or when) can I set aside time to study God’s Word?” Write the answer to your question(s), e.g., ‘By setting aside time from 8:30-9:00a.m. daily to read one passage (chapter, sections, etc.) of Hebrews and to write out the facts, lessons, and practical applications I discover there.” Then begin to do whatever you answered above.


Then sit back and watch how God will meet you in the pages of His Word and be blessed.


Please know that I’m available for any questions you may have. You may email me at dishinger@earthlink.net, or call my cell at 203-4072.


Please know that I am praying for you, and so is our Lord Jesus Christ Who lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25).