As we grow in Christ, it’s important that we learn how to study the Bible for ourselves and not depend solely on the instruction of others. Consider the challenge from the writer of Hebrews:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:13<\/a>,14 NIV<\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best ways to get to the \u201csolid food\u201d of the Word is through \u201cinductive\u201d Bible study. The inductive method makes observations on a passage of Scripture and then draws conclusions based on those observations. Commonly, this method is defined by three parts: Observation, interpretation, and application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Navigator Dwight Hill has broken this method into seven steps. Try it out on one of the short epistles\u20141 Thessalonians<\/a>, Philippians<\/a>, Colossians<\/a>, or 1<\/a> or 2 Timothy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, do a basic background study on the book: Who is the author? Why was it written? Learn the historical background, dates, key people and so on. Some Bibles have summaries at the beginning of each book that will provide some of this information. A Bible dictionary or online commentaries can also be helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting with the first chapter, write out each verse or section of verses in your own words. This will help you understand each verse in wording that makes more sense to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is an example using 1 Timothy 1:1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Original Verse: Write down some questions you have about the passage, or unfamiliar or confusing terms that you come across.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: Make a note of any similar or related passages that come to mind while you\u2019re reading, paraphrasing, and asking questions about the passage. Consult a concordance, other study guides, or footnotes to collect related passages you may not have thought of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: If an observation occurs to you that relates to any part of the passage or its background, be sure to write it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: After completing your own analysis, consult a Bible commentary for additional insight. Seeking out other believers\u2019 insights about the passage can provide a broader, more solid understanding of the passage than you might be able to come to on your own. Remember, don\u2019t go to commentaries first; start by making your own observations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a possible application of 1 Timothy 1:1:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like Paul, I need to recognize that I am tasked with being Christ’s ambassador, authorized and sent out with a divine message. I can only be effective in my mission if I am aware of my status as a divinely appointed witness.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n After completing this verse-by-verse analysis of the chapter, assign it a title and identify a key verse or verses. This will help solidify the message of the chapter in your mind. Write a summary paragraph outlining the thesis of the chapter. Repeat the process for subsequent chapters. When the book is completed, give it a collective title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sadly, mediocrity is a hallmark of our age. Consider breaking that pattern and setting some high goals for your spiritual growth. Motivational writer and speaker Zig Ziglar said, “Aim at nothing and you are sure to hit it.”<\/em> Let\u2019s aim high in our goal to know God and be transformed by His Word. There is nothing greater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord\u201d (Philippians 3:8 NIV<\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n While there isn\u2019t only one right way to read and study Scripture, The Navigators have put together a resource outlining a study method that has helped thousands draw closer to the Lord through a deeper understanding of God\u2019s Word. We\u2019d like to share this proven system of study by giving you a free digital copy of How to Study the Bible: A 7-Step Method for Inductive Bible Study<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click the button below to let us know where to email this free ebook!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n7 Steps to Studying the Bible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1) Background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2) Personal Paraphrase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope . . . ” (1 Timothy 1:1 NIV).
Personal Paraphrase:
<\/strong>Paul, a proclaimer of Jesus Christ, obeying the instructions of God who is the One who saves us, and of Jesus Christ who is our hope…<\/p>\n\n\n\n3) Questions and Answers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Q.<\/strong> What does the word “apostle” mean? What does it mean to be one?
A.<\/strong> The Greek word apostolos<\/em> comes from the verb apostello<\/em>, which means “to send forth.” So to be an apostle means to be someone who is sent forth\u2014in this case by Christ to spread His message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4) Cross References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apostle<\/em>: 2 Corinthians 1:1<\/a>
God my Savior<\/em>: Luke 1:47<\/a>; Titus 1:3<\/a>
Christ our hope<\/em>: Colossians 1:27<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n5) Insights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paul was commanded by God to be an apostle. It wasn\u2019t something he decided to do on his own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6) Personal Application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7) Title and Summarize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For example, you might say that within the next 10 years you will have studied a certain number of the books of the Bible in this manner\u2014spending perhaps three hours a week to study (which is not to be a substitute for your “quiet time”\u2014that is separate).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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