Bible Study Methods

Over the years, I have compiled a list of the various Bible Study (BS) Methods. These are listed below for all to refer and try.

1.      Q & A BS – e.g. from Studies in Christian Living, Design for Discipleship by Navigators.

2.      Verse Analysis – Choose a verse; ask what is it about; determine the context; ask questions about it; draw applications for yourself.

3.      ABC BS – Choose a passage/verses; A title; Best Verse; Challenge – truth of challenge & application of challenge; Difficulties of passage; Essence – i.e. outline of passage.

4.      Search the Scriptures – Choose a passage; Point of passage; Parallel passages – look up the cross references; Problems of Passages; Profit of Passage – application.

5.      Advanced ABC BS – Choose a passage; give the passage a title; Application; Basic Passage – i.e. key verse; Cross-Reference; Difficulties; Eminent Truth; Final Study – do a passage (psg) outline.

6.      Comprehensive Book study – Choose a Bible book;

A)    Major Headings in Book Survey:

v  Principal Personalities;

v  Historical Setting;

v  Purpose of book;

v  Themes;

v  Style;

v  Key Words;

v  Geography;

v  Overview/Outline;

B)    Chapter Analysis:

v  Passage Description

v  Observations

v  Q & A

v  Cross Reference

v  Notes and Comments

v  Title

v  Theme

v  Conclusion

v  Applications

C)    Book Summary:

v  Book Title

v  Final Outline

v  Main Theme

v  Main Conclusions

v  Final Applications

7.      Topical BS: Choose a topic (e.g. stewardship, fruits…); scripture passage studied; summary or outline; key verse/favourite verses; illustrations; problems; applications

8.      Bible Character: Choose a character; scriptures used; biographical sketch; key verse; leading lesson – lesson from his life; problems; applications.

9.      Doctrine study: what is the doctrine about, what are the supporting verses for it, what are the debates on it, how can I apply this doctrine in life. A Systematic Theology Book will be helpful for this BS.

10.  God’s character: study the various aspects of God's character.