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Why Study the Bible?

How to Begin

Inductive Bible Study

Tools for Bible Study

In-Depth Bible Study

Basic Principles of Bible Study

Select from any option above

HOW TO BEGIN

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HOW TO BEGIN

Plan a Study Time

• Decide on a quiet time and place to study God’s Word and make it a daily habit, like eating.
• Some people get up early to spend time with God. Others study during the day or evening.

HOW TO BEGIN

Pray

• Ask God to help you understand his Word.
• Pray something like this: “Lord, thank you for the Bible so that we will know who you are and what you want for our lives. Please help me understand it and do what you want me to do.”

HOW TO BEGIN

OLD TESTAMENT

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

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INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

1. What Does It Say?

• Read and re-read the Bible passage using the “Basic Principles of Study.”
• Read silently some times and read aloud other times.
• Don’t start by reading what others have concluded about the Bible; start first with the Bible.

BASIC PRINCIPLES

Look for God’s Over-All Plan

• God inspired 40 people over a period of 1,600 years to write the 66 books of the Bible.
• The Old Testament reveals God’s loving plan of salvation, from Creation to prophecies of the future Messiah (the Savior).

BASIC PRINCIPLES

Look for God’s Over-All Plan

• The New Testament reveals God’s salvation of sinful man by the suffering, death and resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and reveals the everlasting Kingdom of God.

BASIC PRINCIPLES

Whole Message of God’s Word

• Look at the small cross references in your Bible to help you find other verses on the same subject.

Example: John 3:16

BASIC PRINCIPLES

Discover the Intended Meaning

• As you read the Bible, look for the author’s intended meaning.
• What did the author want to say?
• What did it mean in that culture?
• What does it mean now?
• What are the main ideas?
• If you have questions, write them down, pray for insight, and discuss your ideas with others.

TOOLS

Study Bibles

• Study Bibles contain explanations, introductions, outlines, cross references, and study notes. Some have a concordance, maps, and a topical index.

Some examples

TOOLS

Concordances

• A concordance helps you look up any word in the Bible. It gives an alphabetical listing of key words, names, and topics, plus a list of verses that contain that word.
• Example: Look up how the word “divorce” is used in Scripture.

IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY

Observation: What Do I See?

• Observe the Text
• Do word studies. Observe words or expressions.
• Notice synonyms (words that have similar meanings) and antonyms (words that have opposite meanings).
• Pay attention to reoccurring words.
• Who are the people in the passage?
• What are the important ideas in the passage?

IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY

Interpretation: What Does It Mean?

• The Theological Question
• What truths are taught about �the nature of God?
• What does this passage tell �us about human nature?
• Does this passage have anything �to say about sin?

IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY

Life Application: How Does It Apply?

• The Contemporary Question
• How do we apply what the author has said to the assumptions, values, and goals of our lives and societies?
• What are the principles found in this passage that apply to the contemporary situation?

IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY

Life Application: How Does It Apply?

• The Contemporary Question
• How is God’s redemption illustrated by this passage?
• Is there anything this passage has to say about certain social issues, such as racism, justice, poverty, or money?