BIBLE STUDY: practical steps

Transcription

1 BIBLE STUDY: practical steps Observation: What does it say? 1. Pray 2. Research background information. Study Bible introductions, online, IVP Bible Background Commentary 3. Read the section you are studying in ESV and the NLT. 4. Listen to the audio version of the passage in the ESV. 5. Write out the passage by hand in the ESV. 6. Identify the author, audience 7. Mark transitions words and consider their purpose. Mark transition words as they occur at the start of a sentence or paragraph, not in the middle of a sentence. These words are: and, but, now, therefore, then, so, for. 8. Mark any and all phrases that seem to be main concepts/ideas. Identify any phrases, words, or ideas that seem important or carry a lot of theological information. No conclusions are made at this point, but these are just observations of what might be important. (Note: pay attention to any repeated words) 9. Write down any confusing words, phrases, or any general questions about the passage. Interpretation: What does it mean? 1. Pray 2. Identify the truth statements A truth statement is a complete thought that makes sense by itself. It is not a sentence because sentences can be made up of many complete thoughts. Break the passage into the truth statements one per line on a piece of paper (or in a word processor). 3. Outline the truth statements Outlining the truth statements in the passage helps to identify the main points the author is making, to see how the main points are connected to create the flow of thought in the passage, and to understand how those main points are supported by the surrounding text. This is an extremely important process for accurately interpreting the text.

2 Start at the beginning of your passage and write down the first truth statement you come across. Write that statement down in the left most margin of your paper (or word processor). Continue to the very next truth statement. At this point ask, "Is this supporting in some way the previous truth statement?" If the answer is, "Yes," then record the current truth statement under the previous one, but indented to show the supporting relationship. If the current truth statement does not support the previous one, then you write it down under the previous one, but not indented. During the outlining process, it is helpful to recall and consider the purpose of each of the transition words that you marked during the observation step. Recognizing the purpose of each transition word can greatly help you determine how each truth statement relates to the others around it. Here are some helps: And This means that the new material is simply being added to the previous material. But, Now These words signal a new related point to the theme line that has already been established. Therefore, Then, So These words develop, in some way, a main point that was already stated and they do not necessarily introduce a new point or idea. For This word signals that the material that follows it is still part of the same point previously mentioned and it merely strengthens it in some way. See the Appendix for a sample outline from Colossians 1: Define the truth statements In your own words, restate the basic meaning of each truth statement. If need be, identify some additional biblical facts that explain and give meaning to the truth statement you are studying. First look for additional facts in the immediate passage/book, then to other books written by the same author, and finally look to other books written by other authors. This process will likely help you define some of the confusing words that you marked earlier as well. 5. Discover principles from the truth statements A biblical principle by definition is a fundamental conclusion that connects or is demonstrated by the flow of thought in the text. Discovering these principles in the text will come as your outline begins to take shape. In every text there is a primary principle or conclusion but there can also be various secondary principles as well. Note: The primary principles throughout the book will ultimately connect to develop the overal flow of the book. For Colossians 1:3-14, as you look at the outline the Appendix, it is easy to see that Paul's main emphasis is on his prayer for the Colossians. So, the main principle from this passage must have to do with prayer. The main principle might be: Regular and purposeful prayer for one another is essential for discerning God's Will and living God's Way.

3 Application: What are the implications for my life? 1. Consider areas of your thinking that contradict with the principles you have uncovered. Do these principles contradict with ways that I think or values that I hold to? 2. Consider areas of your lifestyle and actions that contradict with the principles you have uncovered. Do you act in ways that are contrary to these principles? What does this reveal about your understanding of these principles? 3. Consider avenues of change that you could embrace which would better align your thinking and actions with the principles you have uncovered. What practical steps might you take to realign your thinking and life around these principles How might you set your mind on these principles? How might you take steps to walk in faith in these new principles and include other brothers and sisters in Christ in the process?

4 Infographic: Relationship Relationship principle secondary Principle PRIMARY principle secondary APPLICATION APPLICATION APPLICATION

5 Sample Outline: Colossians 1: We always thank God...when we pray for you since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints because of the hope laid up for you... of this you have heard before in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing as it also does among you since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth just as you learned it from Epaphras.. He is a faithful minister and has made know to us your love 2. And so...we have not ceased to pray for you asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord fully pleasing to him bearing fruit... increasing in the knowledge of God. being strengthened with all power (what) according to his glorious might (how - source of) for all endurance and patience with joy (why) giving thanks to the Father (response) who has qualified you to share... He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son in whom we have redemption the forgiveness of sins