THE BASICS OF BIBLE STUDY

Study the Bible

Apr 29

Teaching the Bible begins with an effective study of the biblical text. I like to tell my preaching students, “Good hermeneutics (Bible study) leads to great homiletics (teaching).” So, before you stand in front of an audience to teach, take the time to dig deep into the Scriptures. Here are some basic steps to get you started.

Pray: Ask for wisdom and guidance as you seek to follow his word and live according to his will.
Choose a passage: Choose a passage from the Bible that speaks to you or that you want to study. You can start with a shorter passage, such as a verse or a few verses, and work your way up to longer passages.
Read and observe: Read the passage carefully and observe what it says. Take note of any key themes, ideas, or words that stand out to you. Ask yourself questions like: What is the passage saying? What is the main point? What does it reveal about God or about humanity? What does it teach me about how to live my life?
Interpret: Interpret the passage by considering its context, including the historical and cultural context, as well as any literary or theological themes. Seek to understand what the passage meant to its original audience, and then consider how it applies to your life today.
Apply: Apply the passage to your life by asking how you can put its teachings into practice. Consider how it applies to your relationships, your work, your attitudes, and your actions. Ask yourself: How can I live out the truth of this passage in my daily life?

Following these steps, you can do a basic Bible study that helps you apply the Bible to real life. Remember to approach the Bible with an open heart and mind, seeking to learn from it and grow in your relationship with God.

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