1. How To Study The Bible
Lesson 6: “Digging Deeper”
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the
dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
Seven Words You Should Never Overlook
Therefore - Points to conclusions drawn from previous statements.
And - Introduces an addition of similar thoughts.
But - Draws a contrast of ideas.
That…For…Because - Give further explanation of statements already made.
If - Sets forth a conditional argument.
The Biographical Method: Learning Lessons from Real Life
The Biographical Method is a form of topical study that examines the lives of individuals in the Bible
to discern character lessons from their stories. Bible Dictionaries and concordances are a must for
this method.
How to Use the Biographical Method:
STEP 1: CHOOSE THE PERSON WHOSE LIFE YOU WISH TO STUDY.
STEP 2: USE A CONCORDANCE OR TOPICAL BIBLE TO LOOK UP ALL OF THE BIBLE REFERENCES RELATED TO THE
PERSON (NOTE: TAKE INTO ACCOUNT VARIATIONS IN SPELLING).
STEP 3: READ THE SELECTED PASSAGES RELATING TO THE PERSON'S LIFE AND CREATE A BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCH. A BIBLE DICTIONARY IS USEFUL FOR THIS STEP AS WELL. INCLUDE:
Facts about the person's background and historical context
The meaning of the person's name
The key events in the person's life and relationship with God
Any Crowning achievements or failures
The circumstances of the person's death
Other interesting or significant details
STEP 4: CHOOSE A KEY VERSE FOR THE PERSON'S LIFE THAT SUMMARIZES THE MAIN LESSON OR CHARACTER
QUALITY.
STEP 5: SUMMARIZE THE LEADING LESSON(S) FROM THE PERSON'S LIFE WHETHER POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE.

2. The Topical Method: Exploring the Themes of Scripture
The Topical Method examines all that the Bible says on a given subject and organizes the
information. Topical Bibles are the best tool for this method of study, though a concordance can be
used.
Suggestions to aid in Topical Bible Study:
R. A. Torrey, in his New Topical Textbook, offers the following important four suggestions regarding Topical
Bible Study:
1. BE SYSTEMATIC: CAREFULLY SELECT THE SUBJECTS YOU WISH
TO STUDY.
2. BE THOROUGH: DO NOT BE CONTENT TO STUDY JUST A FEW
PASSAGES ON A SUBJECT.
3. BE EXACT: FIND THE MEANING OF EVERY PASSAGE GIVEN ON A
SUBJECT.
NOTE THE EXACT WORDS USED
GET THE EXACT MEANING OF THE WORDS.
OBSERVE THE CONTEXT OF THE VERSE.
COMPARE PARALLEL PASSAGES.
4. BE ORGANIZED: ARRANGE THE RESULTS OF YOUR STUDY IN
AN ORDERLY WAY AND WRITE THEM DOWN.
"The topical method of Bible study is simplest, most fascinating and yields the largest immediate results."
Reuben Archer Torrey
The Devotional Method: Growing Nearer to God through His Word
The Devotional Method is primarily for personal inspiration and encouragement to deepen our
relationship with God. Personal devotions may involve time simply praying and reading through the
Bible, or use of other devotional material.
DEVOTIONAL STUDY SHOULD INCLUDE: Suggestions for Good Devotional
BIBLE READING Material
PRAYER
• Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries
MEDITATION
INSIGHTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE • My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald
Chambers
FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR MORE MEANINGFUL DEVOTIONS:
• Morning and Evening, Charles
1. SET ASIDE A SPECIFIC TIME EACH DAY FOR PERSONAL
Spurgeon
AND FAMILY DEVOTIONS.
• Streams in the Desert, Mrs. Charles
2. FOLLOW A PLAN FOR BIBLE READING AND STUDY
Cowman
3. PRAY SPECIFICALLY AND MEANINGFULLY, AND KEEP
• Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn
TRACK OF GOD'S ANSWERS.
Stories for Daily Devotions, Kenneth
4. USE PROVEN RESOURCES TO KEEP YOU FOCUSED W. Osbeck
THROUGHOUT THE DAY.