The document provides a multi-step process for studying the Bible systematically: 1. Start with prayer and an open mindset of seeking God rather than oneself. Read whole books in one sitting without distractions to get an overview. 2. Study books and chapters in order, asking what the passage means in its context by considering who wrote it, to whom, when, where, how it applied originally, and how it applies today. 3. Reflect on how the meaning convicts, encourages, or reveals areas for growth and change; and determine what can be taught to others from what was learned.

1. How to study the Bible

2. Prayer “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Psalm 119:18)

3. Start with an clear and open mind. Attitude! Have a good attitude based on seeking Christ rather than seeking self. Our minds must be clear and childlike Adjust to a good attitude and reverence for God and His Word.

4. Overview The Bible was written in books not verses. Look at the whole book and “see the big picture.” Read the book in an easy-to-read translation. Read it like you might be reading a favorite novel. Enjoy it! Read it through in one sitting with no distractions. It is best to do this step at least two or three times!

5. Study whole books, and not just by topics or chapters. Do not read a passage here and a passage there. Read a whole book through systematically. Then, read the chapters; Then, study the verses, verse by verse, in order.

6. Ask the Question: “What Does This Passage Mean?” This task is called exegesis. (x-a-jez-us) It simply means to study a text carefully, rationally, and thoroughly to find the original, intended meaning. We are to do this without any preconceived ideas or agendas. It is best not to have a Bible that is highlighted or marked up.

7. Who Who wrote it or said it? Who were they talking or writing to? When?

8. What What is it about? What does this passage say? What does it mean? Context is everything.

9. Where Where does it take place? Is it directed at non-Christians, new Christians, old Christians, Jews, Gentiles, etc.

10. When? When does it take place?

11. How How did it apply at the time it was written or said? How does it apply today? How does it apply to myself? How does it apply to us?

12. Why? Why is it in the Bible? Why is it important?

13. Charting Draw three columns What Meaning Apply

14. Answer these Questions What is it about? What does this passage say? What does it mean? What does it mean within the context? How did it apply when it was written? How does it apply today? How does it apply to me?

15. Context Context is everything Be careful not take the meaning out of context otherwise you will apply it out of context.

16. “What is God Telling Me?” This is where you are seeking conviction. Allow His Word, to show you principles and precepts to apply to your life. Be aware that sometimes you may not like what is shown, but it is what you need to hear.

17. “How am I Encouraged and Strengthened?” God calls us to encourage others, just as He encourages us. With His encouragement, we can tell others about Him just by our attitude. This builds unity and strength.

18. “Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance are needed?” Confession and repentance require us to employ our faith and repent. That means to embrace Christ by completely and utterly turning away from our sin (as in our wrong desires and deeds), moving toward His love and plan.

19. “How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?” This is the step that helps us internalize what we are learning. It is the process of interpretation, which means determining the meaning of the text—not just what it says, but what we do with it. Thus, when we ask “what does it mean?” We then need to determine how the answer is going to “fit” into our lives so we are changed individuals.

20. “How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?” This is the question that we ask to see how the truth of what we are reading applies to our lives. We have to be willing to hear it before we can practice it. If we do not practice, it becomes useless. This does not mean doing something without the knowledge to do it right, or going off without purpose or direction.

21. “What can I model and teach?” This is the main point of why we study the Bible—and that is to do something with it. Either we ignore it or we are transformed by it. We must ask ourselves, “How can the teaching about God’s Word relate to my problems, feelings, values, attitudes, situations, ambitions, needs, desires, and relationships?” What have I leaned that can benefit others?

22. Credits Taken in part from Inductive Bible Study Basics By Dr. Richard J. Krejcir A link will be posted on the FaceBook Group Page http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=31556&columnid=3801