"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:16-17
This verse tells us that all Scripture is breathed out by God. Essentially, the very essence and spirit of God is found in every word written in the Bible. Have you noticed that you may read the same verse or chapter more than once, but you get a different message or you notice something new, every time? This is because the Word of God is living. The Bible is not just a book, but when we read it, it's us having an active conversation with God. He gave us what we need to be "equipped for every good work": the Bible.
The Bible is the Word of God, so we must try our hardest to not only read it, but also study it. I know firsthand that sometimes life overwhelms us, we forget, or we run out of time to read, much less study the Bible. The important thing is to just keep going and look straight ahead. (Proverbs 4: 25) If you missed one day, just keep going the next day. There are many ways and methods to study the Bible, but I've compiled a list of four ways to study our bibles. I've also included a list of my favorite FREE printables to help you on the road to a better bible study.
4 Methods to Study the Bible
1. SOAP
This is one is my favorite method. I learned of this method a few years ago, and it really helped me dig deeper into God's Word. This is a great infographic that explains this method really well. I use this method as part of my bible study. Back when I started using this method, I would read a chapter and I would write down the scripture that spoke out to me the most during that particular study time. My favorite part is the application part. This part of SOAP really makes you think, since it's just so easy to just read over a bible verse, get excited about it, and then later forget about it.
Source: Sarah Nuss |
2. W.O.R.D.
Similar to SOAP, W.O.R.D. also takes you deeper into God's Word. This method also makes you really think about what you are reading. I would like you to visit The Felicity Bee, because I just love how she thoroughly explains this bible study method. I've also really enjoyed her Inscribe the Word monthly series. This is an excellent source for anyone looking to dig deeper in God's Word.
Source: The Felicity Bee |
3. "How Jesus Taught"
While searching through Pinterest, I found this very neat bible study method. The last two steps are what intrigued me to check out this bible study method. Jesus tells us to "go and do likewise" and to tell others about His Word. Since His Word is active and living, we must also be active and living with the knowledge we receive from Him. Even if it's something as simple as sharing your favorite verse that you read today with a friend. Visit Bible Journaling Digitally to read more about this method and also grab her super cute free worksheet.
4. Inductive Bible Study
This is the lengthier of the four methods listed here, but it is very thorough. Here is a walkthrough of this bible study method. Visit Walk With the Word for a very detailed explanation and guide about this method. They even offer a printable bookmark guide, so you can always have it in your bible.
Observation:
- Prayer
- Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
- Key Words & Phrases
- Lists
- Contrasts & Comparisons
- Terms of Conclusion
- Character Themes
- Expressions of Time
Interpretation:
- "What Does this Passage Mean?"
Application:
- "What does it mean to me personally?
What truths can I put into practice?
What changes should I make to my life?"
Now... for that list of FREE printables I promised!
Here are a variety of bible study printables, I'm sure you'll find one you like. :)
- Free Bible Journal Key Worksheet
- SOAP Method Printable
- Inscribe the Word Printable
- Printable Prayer Journal
- Free Bible Journaling Printables
- Free Bible Study Printables
- 7 Day Devotional Journal Sheets
- Free Inductive Bible Study Worksheet
- Free Printable Prayer Cards
- Devotional Study Form (PLUS S.P.A.C.E.P.E.T.S. Bible Study Method!)
- Daily Prayer Journal Printable
- Prayer Journal Free Printables
- Bible Study Printable
- Sermon Notes Printable for Kids
- Bible Study Worksheet Single Passage Template
- Scripture Study Journal
- Bible Verse Map
- Personal Bible Study & SOAP Worksheet
- Topical Word Study
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