HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
The strategy is comprised of these three steps: observation, interpretation, and application, in that order.
Observation
1. What does the context say? Collect as many facts as possible about the context. Don’t take anything for granted. Ask the questions: Who? What? When? Where? How? Ask yourself what logic indicators can be marked in words such as therefore, then, and, also, but, however, or nevertheless? What recurring words indicate a main idea? What elements, arguements, or illustrations does the author use?
Interpretation
2. What does the text mean? After we’ve collected the facts, we ask, “What does the author mean by these words as they relate to the words that precede and follow them? What was his intent? What is the context?” A word is best understood in the way that the author used it. Now the scriptures come alive with the pulse and throb of the author’s own heart and intent.
Application
3. What does this text mean to me personally? Only after discovering the meaning of a text in its own time and place should a student ask, “What does this mean to me?” Distinguish between cultural facts and timeless principles. Focus on the main idea. What are the primary issues of the heart? What does this say about my relationship to God? As we answer these questions the Bible comes alive with meaning and significance.