This document provides a summary of 10 lessons for studying the Bible methodically. It outlines key steps and questions for observation, interpretation, context, references, overall meaning, and word studies. It also includes an expression of gratitude from the author for the opportunity to teach these Bible study methods to various churches over the years. The author dedicates the study guide to those churches and their elders.

1. Methods for Bible Study

5. • Lesson 1 Review of the First Course ............................................. 4
• Lesson 2 Observation Questions .................................................... 9
• Lesson 3 Interpretive Questions ................................................... 14
• Lesson 4 Summarizing the Passage.............................................. 17
• Lesson 5 The Context: Historical Setting.................................... 20
• Lesson 6 The Context: Literary Context ..................................... 23
• Lesson 7 Cross References............................................................ 27
• Lesson 8 The Big Picture............................................................... 31
• Lesson 9 Word Study ..................................................................... 35
• Lesson 10 Bible Study Tools........................................................... 39

6. Continued thanksgiving
• The older I get, the more aware I become of my own frailty and utter sinfulness. How true are the words
penned by Robert Robinson in 1758, “Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love…” So it is
with great thanks that I wish to dedicate this little tool to the great God and King who is our “fount of every
blessing!”
• One of those many blessings have come in the form of various churches that I have worked with over the
years in “interim” teaching-equipping capacities while an Elder based out of Bethlehem Baptist Church in
Minneapolis. What a strange and unique joy these last several years, to be able to come along side His
body—diverse and varied, bro-ken, and yet beautiful each in their own way as God’s grace is poured out into
them and through them. To preach and shepherd alongside the shepherds of these bodies in this capacity has
been a merciful grace in-deed. I dedicate this study guide to Faith Baptist Church, Grace Church Richfield,
Grace Community Fellowship, Woodland Hills Bible Church, Fellowship Bible Church, Community Baptist
Church of Fargo, and of course to our home church and to the Elders of Bethlehem Baptist. I hold all of these
men in high regard.
• A pleasure to serve indeed!
• Paul Dreblow – August 2003