The Simple Six
Over the years many people have told me that they don't study the Bible because they don't have time, it's hard to understand, and probably the most cited reason is, they don't know how. This post is dedicated to helping you to use some simple principles in learning to study the Bible for yourself. I have had some great mentors in this area. People like Dr. Howard Hendricks, Dr. Charles Sell, the late E.K. Bailey and the late Michael Teague were extremely influential in me developing personal Bible study habits. Here are six questions that will help you unlock deep truths found in the Bible.
Who?
Who is the author of the book your are studying?
To whom was is the book addressed?
If it is a story, who are the main characters in the story?
Who is speaking and who are the listeners (audience)
What?
What is happening in the passage?
What idea or thought does the author want us to understand?
Are there words that are repeated in the passage?
When?
When was the book written?
When did the story happen?
Where?
Where was the book written? (Knowing the setting is important)
Where was the author when he wrote the book?
Why?
Why did the author write this book?
Why did he use particular words or phrases?
How?
How did the author intend for the verses, chapters and book to be applied?
Here are some important application questions:
Is there a command to obey?
Is there an example to follow?
Is there a sin that I should avoid?
Is there a promise from God that I can claim?
Is there a warning that I should heed?
Is there a truth I should believe?
Is there something that requires me to pray, praise, or repent?
Is there a teaching I should keep?
Some important tools for studying the Bible for yourself:
ESV Study Bible (One of the best study Bibles on the market today)
The New Bible Dictionary (1 volume)
Eerdman's Bible Dictionary (1 Volume)
Eerdman's Commentary (1 Volume)
Concordance
What others principles and tools do you use to study the Bible for yourself?
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Tags: The Bible