Bible Study Methods

By Dan Lewis
Posted on May 4, 2005

Lately our Rio Link has been taking a chapter a week and studying it together. We start by reading the chapter together and then discuss what we learned from it during the week. Here are a few tips that have helped us come more prepared to discuss the chapter and better apply the passage to our lives. These tips come from the book "Personal Bible Study Methods” by Rick Warren. You could apply each one of the methods in the book to studying the Bible together as a Rio Link. These are a few methods that I’ve found most helpful…

The Devotional Method of Bible Study

1. Pray for insight on how to apply the passage
2. Meditate on the verse(s) you’ve chosen to study
3. Write out an application
4. Memorize a key verse from your study

S.P.A.C.E.P.E.T.S. (acrostic for applying the passage to your life)

Sin to confess?
Promise to claim?
Attitude to change?
Command to obey?
Example to follow?
Prayer to pray?
Error to avoid?
Truth to believe?
Something to praise God for?

The Chapter Summary Method of Bible Study

Tips on how to read a chapter in the Bible:
1. Read it in a Bible without notes
2. Read it without stopping
3. Read it in several different translations
4. Read it aloud to yourself

Caption: Write a title to the chapter
Contents: Make a list (outline) of major points in a chapter
Chief People: List the most important people in the chapter. Ask, Who are the main people? Why are they included in this chapter?
Choice Verse: Choose a verse that summarizes the whole chapter or one which speaks to you personally.
Crucial Word(s): Write down the key word or words of the chapter.
Challenges: List any difficulties you may have with the passage. Anything hard to understand – maybe for further study?
Cross-References: List other verses that help clarify the chapter. Ask what else in the Bible helps me understand this passage?
Christ Seen: Be alert for statements that tell you something about Jesus Christ. The entire Bible is the revelation of Jesus.
Central Lesson(s): Write down the major principles, insights, & lessons. Ask, Why does God want this passage in the Bible? What does He want to teach me from this chapter.
Conclusion: Ask, How do these truths apply to me personally?

CHAPTER SUMMARY SHEET:

Chapter:
Caption: (Title)
Contents: (Outline)

Chief People:

Choice Verse(s):

Crucial Word(s):

Challenges: (Difficulties I need to study)

Cross-References:

Christ Seen:

Central Lesson(s)

Conclusion: (Personal Application)

Youth	Ice Breakers	Simple Churches	Serving the Community	Worship
God Stories	Summer Outreach	Stories of Generousity