My method of Bible Study

Since I am going to be sharing my Bible studies here on this blog, I thought it only fair that I share my method of study.

My method is based on having read Living By The Book by Howard Hendricks, and working through the accompanying workbook.

This was the book I found in the Denver Airport over two years ago.  I wasn't even interested in finding a book to read for the flight, let alone looking for a book on Bible study!  And yet I felt compelled to go to the bookstore and there it was!  I did not purchase the book right away but I got it soon thereafter and have been grateful to God ever since for sending me to that bookstore!  And I can not say enough about Henricks' book.  A truly wonderful textbook written by a master teacher.

Below is my method for studying a section of the Bible.  I have not yet worked up to studying an entire book.  I do jump around a bit.  Still if you are going to be reading my thoughts you should know how I go about it!
 
So here is my method based on the Howard Hendricks book:

PART I-READING, LABELING AND ASKING:

-Listen to it once @ the ESV study bible.

-Read the entire section in 3 or 4 translations

-Identify the paragraphs and label each with one or two words.

-Think on each paragraph and write down any questions I would need or like to have answered for that paragraph or the section as a whole.

PART II-OBSERVATION

Find and draw out the following considerations:

-Things emphasized

-Things repeated

-Things related

-Things alike-Comparison (word pictures, metaphors and similes-like, as etc.)

-Things unalike-Contrast (certain metaphors, but, irony etc.

-Things that are true to life

-Cause and effect

Draw out the following factual considerations:

-Author and intended audience

-Important People

-Important places

-Historical context

-Textual context

-Any other grammatical considerations(verb tense etc.)

-Important terms

PART III-GATHERING:

Gather any and all relevant Scriptural cross references using E Sword software word and phrase search.  (important terms in the verse(s), people, places etc. etc.)

Find, gather and write down definitions (literal and expository) on the above mentioned important terms using:

 

-The Complete Word Study Dictionary

-Vine’s Expository Dictionary

-Mounce’s Expository Dictionary

Find, gather and write down any information on the above mentioned factual considerations using:

-Holman Atlas

-Holman Bible Dictionary

-Chapter Introductions from the ESV Study Bible and the Life Application Study Bible

-Any literary thoughts from the ESV Literary Study Bible

-NET Study Notes

Gather any further relevant Scriptural Cross-References using the following:

-Nelson Cross Reference to the Bible

-Any further concordance (e sword software) searches that have come up during the process.

Using Esword, compare the section of Scripture in all other translations you have and record any thoughts or questions that may arise.

PART IV-ANSWERING AND SUMMARIZING:

-Using all the above data and good old fashioned prayer, answer my original questions the best that I am able!

PART V-BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES:

Answer the following questions to discern the main Biblical Principles stated in this paragraph.

-Given the original context, what does the text mean?

-What fundamental Universal truths are presented in this passage.

-State that truth in a simple sentence or two.

-What issues in our own culture and my own situation does this truth address?

-What are the implications when applied to my life and the world around me?  What changes does it require?  What values does it reinforce?  What difference does it make?

PART VI-APPLICATION:

Answer the following questions regarding the paragraph:

-Is there and example to follow?

-Is there a sin to avoid?

-Is there a promise to Claim?

-Is there a prayer to repeat?

-Is there a command to obey?

-Is there a condition to meet?

-Is there a verse to memorize?

-Is there an error to mark?

-Is there a challenge to face?

Summarize the answers and form into how YOU are being directed to apply this Scripture to your life!

PARTVII-COMPLETION:

-Reread the entire segment again in a few translations.  Are there any new questions??  Any new revelations or insights?  Record them and meditate on them.

-Consult the ESV Study Bible, Life Application Study Bible and Matthew Henry Commentary to compare what I have found.  Make notes!

-Write a BRIEF summary on the entire section in a form that could be considered a lesson.

In my next post I will discuss in some detail the resources I use for this method.  And after that I will begin posting my studies!