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The Bible study questions method
This method of Bible study is actually a part of all the other methods, but deserves to be addressed all on its own because of how useful it can be when you focus on it more intently.
The Bible study questions method is exactly what it sounds like.
You ask a series of questions about the passage you are considering to help you better understand the context and meaning.
BENEFITS
- This method will open up new doors of understanding for you.
- It’s so easy, anyone can do it.
- It will force you to look at the context carefully so you can get a more complete understanding of the passage.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- A trustworthy Bible translation (ESV, NIV, NASB, NKJV, KJV, RSV).
- A journal or notebook (optional).
HOW TO DO IT
- Read the passage you’ve chosen.
- Begin to ask questions about the passage:
WHO is speaking?
WHO are they speaking to?
WHAT are they saying?
WHY are they saying it?
WHAT importance does it have?
WHAT is the main point of what is being said?
WHEN was this said (in history, in the story, etc.)?
WHAT is being said about behaviors, attitudes, or heart motives?
WHAT does it say to me, my situations, my life?
WHAT is happening in me as I begin to understand this truth?
DOES the passage reveal God’s thinking or heart about a subject?
DOES it show me something I should change in my life?
AND ANY OTHER QUESTIONS THAT COME TO MIND…
- Write down the answers to the questions you ask (optional).
Do you get the point? (Another question there… get it?)
These are only suggested questions; you could ask thousands of questions about every passage you read.
Feel free to make up your own!
You’ll find that you understand the passage to a much greater degree as you ask and answer questions about it.
How do you see the Bible study questions method being helpful? Leave your comments below!
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Another helpful thing is to think of why the author DIDN’T phrase it a certain way – or why the author might have intentionally left out some statements. I think you can learn as much from what scripture doesn’t say as much as from what it says.
For instance, when Gideon says he’s not important enough to take on the Midianites, God doesn’t pump him up and tell him how great he is. He simply says “I’ll be with you.”
@Loren Pinilis … I agree… though I have caught myself reading a bit too much into passages at times as I’ve done with that. Have to be careful.