Guide to effective Bible Study

Step 1

Get a Bible, a small notebook, and a pencil. (Use a NASB, NIV, ESV, or NKJV translation)

Step 2

Find a quiet place and silence all your devices.

Step 3

Use the table of contents to find the book of John. John is a Gospel or account of  Jesus’ life. (Make sure you are not in 1 John, 2 John, or 3 John)

 Step 4

Read Chapter 1:

– underline things that stand out to you

– circle things you do not understand

Step 5 – (S)cripture

Write a phrase you underlined on page 1 of your notebook. Label it with the book, chapter, and verse where you found it.

(e.g., John 1:4)

 Step 6 – (O)bservation

Write down why that verse stood out to you.

Step 7 – (A)pplication

Write down how you can apply it to your life.

Step 8 – (P)rayer

Write a prayer to God based on your thoughts today and pray.

Step 9

Later, ask a Christian mentor or pastor for help understanding what you circled.

STRATEGIES

 Struggling to find meaning or keep focused? Use these helpful tools to help you get the most out of your Bible reading. Given time, these will become habits that your brain will easily identify.

5 W’s OF SETTING

Who – characters

What – actions

Where – locations

When – time expressions

Why – purpose

TACT

Terms – words that serve as a subject

Adjectives/adverbs – descriptive words

Connectives – Words that connect other words together (and, therefore, if)

Tenses of Verbs – past, present, and future

SPECTRUM

Identify a/an:

Sin to avoid

Promise to hold onto

Example to follow

Command to obey

Truth to know

Room for repentance

Upside to embrace

Moment of thanksgiving