A page that explains a variety of approaches to Studying the Bible

1. Introduction

This is a further page that sets out a possible approach to Bible Study. This particular method is especially good for meditation purposes.

It is very simple and very easy to apply.  For this page we'll lay out the method and immediately apply it by way of illustration.

2. The Method & Application

1.    A = ASK QUESTIONS about the passage   - see Page 1 in this series.

e.g. Psalm 23:1,2

WHO leads me?                                The Lord

WHAT is He?                                    My Shepherd

WHAT does He do?                           Makes me lie down and rest

WHERE will He lead me?                     Beside still waters.

A deep consideration of each of these answers will feed you.

2.     E = EMPHASISE each or various words

This is best done out loud.  Again we'll use Psa 22:1 again.

THE Lord is my shepherd      -   consider, there is only ONE Lord.

The LORD is my shepherd    -  He is the eternal God, the I AM (see Ex 3:14 ,15)

The Lord IS my shepherd     -  there is no doubt about it!

The Lord is MY shepherd      -  this is personal to ME, He shepherds me !

The Lord is my SHEPHERD    -  He looks after, cares for, provides for, and guides me.

3.    I = IN YOU OWN WORDS

New ideas come when you try writing out the verse using your own words, e.g. Psa 23:1

e.g. " God is the one who cares for me and looks after me, and so I'll never need anything because He'll be providing all I need. "

If you go back to the main contents page for "The Trustworthiness of the Bible", you will find several examples of studies where we have done this for longer passages.

4.    O = OTHER PASSAGES

i.e. find cross references to show similar ideas.  (Some Bibles have a central column on each page with references to other similar verses.)

Using Psa 23:1 again, such verses may be:

    Psa 78:53,    Psa 80:1,     Isa 40:11,        John 10:11

5.   U = USE the verse

i.e. apply the verse to your own circumstances, e.g. Psa 23:1

"Thank you Lord that you ARE looking after me and you WILL provide for me and protect me. Thank you that you know everything there is to know about me and you still look after me and care for me like a shepherd."