This document outlines a method for interpreting and applying biblical texts in 4 steps: 1) Determine what the text says by analyzing its context, structure, and themes. 2) Determine what the text means by understanding its continuity, context, and customary meaning. 3) Identify the text's big idea around its subject, what is said about the subject, and any generalizable principles. 4) Determine how the text is relevant by considering how it teaches, rebukes, corrects, or trains, and what personal changes the reader should make based on the text.

1. James McGowan
Adapted from Richards/Bredfeldt’s
Creative Bible Teaching

2. WHAT DOES IT SAY?



Settings Questions
 Author; Recipients; Purpose;
Theme; Date; etc.
Context Questions
 Lit. style; B&A pass.; Fit
 Philosophers/Politics/Religion
Structure Questions
 Repeated; Compare; C&E;
Questions; Verbs; Pivotal; etc.

3. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
1.
Continuity of Message
2.
Context of Material
3.
Customary Meaning

4. WHAT IS THE BIG IDEA?

Subject: What is the
author talking about?

Compliment: What is the
author saying about what
he is talking about?

Generalization: What is
the transferable principle?

5. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?
2 Timothy 3:16-17
1.
2.
3.
4.
Is the passage teaching?
Is the passage rebuking?
Is the passage correcting?
Is the passage training?
…so that you may be complete, equipped
for every good work.

6. WHAT MUST I CHANGE?
Transformation Statement
Ex. (poor) – I will be a better dad
Ex. (strong) – I will set aside 5pm to 9pm
Monday through Friday to spend
uninterrupted time with my family.
…BY GOD’S GRACE YOU CAN DO IT!