This is usually called the Inductive Method of bible Study. I did not create it and it is not new. This will help to direct your notes in your notebook as you consider your passage.
READ
the passage once
the passage again – aloud
ESTABLISH THE CONTEXT
Consider and Understand the passage in the CONTEXT of the…
BIBLE – it’s GOD’S word, which means it demands reverence and respect.
Remember that scripture is God-inspired and never contradicts other scripture.
BOOK OF THE BIBLE
- In which book of the bible is your passage found?
- is it in the old testament or the new testament?
- Type of Book (Division)?
- Period of History?
- What are some major events before and after?
- When does it take place in the context of the book?
Ask and note the answers to the Five “W” questions: Who? What? When? Where? and Why?
Always WRITE DOWN the answers in your notebook; it will help you remember and if you are studying an entire book, you can reference them.
WHO…
- Wrote it?
- Is speaking?
- Is (are) the recipient(s)?
- Is this about?
WHAT…
- Is the theme?
- Is the subject or event?
- Do you learn about the people?
- Event, teaching from the text?
- Instructions are given?
WHEN…
- Was it written?
- Do or will events occur?
- Did or will something happen to a person, people or nation?
WHERE…
- Are the main characters?
- Did or will this happen?
- Was it said?
WHY…
- Was it written?
- Is something said, mentioned?
- Would or will this happen?
- At this time?
- This person?
BIBLE MARKING FOR UNDERSTANDING
Highlight or mark in some way any of the following that you find in your passage. Write these in your notebook, noting the verse. You will begin to see lessons and outlines take form.
People – note who they are and where they are found in other scriptures
Places – find the place on the map and note other events that have occurred there
Events – What leads up to the event and what is the outcome
Repeated or prevalent (Key) words or phrases
Prayers
Petition Verbs (“I Beseech you,” “I Beg of you”)
Purpose Statements (“I am writing to you because…”)
Expressions of time words (“then,” “after this,” “until,” “when,” “now,” “soon,” “as soon as”)
Terms of conclusion or reason words (“wherefore,” “therefore,” “so,” “for,” “for this reason,” “finally”)
Contrast words (“but,” “however,” “yet,” “nevertheless,” “on the other hand”)
Comparison words (“like,” “as,” “such as;” also metaphors)
Warnings (“beware,” “heed”)
Exhortations (“let us”)
Instructions (“do,” “do not,” “shall,” “shall not”)
“If-Then” statements
Lists
APPLICATION – Apply what you have learned to your life
- Is there a single meaning of this passage?
- What does the passage teach me?
- What does the passage require of me?
- What does it inspire me to do?