Basics to Studying a Book of the Bible

To recap, in the simplest of terms, inductive Bible study involves Observation, Interpretation, and Application. As you study, keep in mind that the better you are at observation, the more accurate your interpretation will be, and that will lead you to better application of the Scriptures to your life. Underline in your Bible (or the provided text) the key words and phrases. Use colored pencils to help categorize the words. For example, use one color for anything related to God, another for commands, another for characters in the narrative, etc. Record your observations as your read. List the key words. Give each paragraph a title of not more than three words using words from the text. (Using words from the text itself will help you draw meaning out of the text.) Write a one-sentence summary of each paragraph. Select a basic passage (key verse) a verse or verses that relate to the other parts of the segment. Give an explanation on why you chose it. Ask the following questions: Why did the author write this? What was authors original application for the people? How can I make application to my life? Read the book quickly in one sitting (we suggest using the NIV or translation you are familiar with). Write down your first impressions. Read through the book in two of the following translations: NASB or ESV, and New Living, TEV, Phillips or The Message. Read and reread in the translation you will use for your studying. You may want to print the book out or use a Bible with wide margins. (We would recommend using a more literal translation for your actual study.) Color, underline, circle and bracket key words and phrases as you read. Put the key words in a key word chart. List some of the major themes and where they are found. Divide the book by paragraphs and give each paragraph a title. Some characteristics of good titles are that they are: short, usually one to four words picturesque, helping you visualize the contents from the text if possible unique and not used as other titles. Group the paragraphs into segments (often a chapter) and give each segment a title and put them in a horizontal chart. Research the Background: Author and audience; For New Testament books read the related history from the book of Acts and describe any visits made by the author. Date written and historical setting Place written from Style of writing (Tone, Literary features) Reason for writing Give the book a title. Choose a key verse and state why you chose it. Write a summary paragraph describing the book and its main message. Application What application did the author intend for the original audience? How can this book help me in my personal life? How can it help me in my ministry?

Bible Study Book Initial Overview

Read the book quickly in one sitting using a translation you are familiar with). Write down your first impressions. Read through the book in two other translations: (NIV, NASB or ESV, and New Living, TEV, Phillips or The Message, etc.) You may want to print the book out or use a Bible with wide margins. Color, underline, circle and bracket key words and phrases as you read. Put the key words in a key word chart. List some of the major themes and where they are found. Divide the book by paragraphs and give each paragraph a title. Develop an initial outline. Research the Background: Author and audience, related biblical references, Date written and historical setting, Place written from, Style of writing (Tone, Literary features), Reason for writing

Written to/at:

Written by/from:

Historical Setting When/Where? (Are there other relevant Biblical texts? What historical or geographical information might be available and relevant?)

Major Characters Identified (Who are they? Where do they appear elsewhere in the Bible?)

Purpose/Tone (Why was it written? How was it written: instructional, informational, illustrative, logical argument, emotional, sarcastic, motivational, etc.)

Major Themes/Key Words:

Simple Outline: (On a separate sheet of paper)

OICA Bible Study Sheet Bible Passage:

Verse

Observations (Write 5 or more observations from the passage. Then circle the 3 you consider most key to the passage)

Interpretations and/or Questions (For each of the 3 circled observations, write down 2 or more ideas of what it means to you, your life, your thoughts & words, etc.) Write any questions that may come to mind.

Correlations (cross-references) Find 1 cross reference or more for each of your 3 key observations. You also might want to search for answers to questions that came up.

Prayers & Possible Applications Write a prayer & possible app. for each of your 3 key observations (or maybe from a cross reference.)

A verse to store away for the future (memorize ):