How to read through the Bible in a way that is life transforming?

As we grow in Christ, it’s important that we learn to dig into the Word of God for ourselves and not depend solely on the instruction of others. Consider the challenge from the writer of Hebrews:

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:13,14 NIV).

We must become self-feeders and teach others to do the same. “Feed yourself, don’t starve.”

One of the best ways to get to the “solid food” of the Word is through “inductive” Bible study. The inductive method makes observations on a passage of Scripture and then draws conclusions based on those observations. Commonly, three parts define this method: Observation, interpretation, and application

Inductive bible study is a great way to help the bible move from our head to our heart and into our hands. Don’t let this become so legalistic that you miss out on hearing from God. This is a great tool for bible study, but many don’t like it as a way to have a personal quiet time.

“Living by the book” – Howard Hendricks.

Inductive Bible Study Method – (List all 7 steps before working through them together.)

  1. Historical Background – Who? What? When? Where? Why?
  2. Who wrote it? To whom was it written?
  3. What type of literature is this? The bible is not one book, but 66 books. There are 39 in the OT and 27 in the NT. One God writes them through 40 authors. There are several different types of literature found within. (Law, history, wisdom, poetry/psalms, gospel, epistles, prophecy, apocalyptic.)
  4. When? The time it was written helps us understand what was taking place. This helps us read responsibly. This is especially important for the prophecy and apocalyptic literature.
  5. Where was it written ad where was it sent?
  6. Why was it written?
  1. Personal paraphrase – Write out each verse or paragraph in your own words.
  2. Lets do this with Philippians 2:1-11
  3. Q &A
  4. Write down any questions you may have?
  5. Go and Find your answers via good commentaries, word studies, etc.
  6. Cross References –
  7. Make a note of other passages that speak to the same topic or issue.
  8. Insights – Write down anything that occurred to you. I call them “a ha!” moments.
  9. After you have completed the insights portion you are ready to read other peoples thoughts on the text. Seek a trusted commentary or teacher.
  10. Personal Application – Study must move from our head into our hearts and out through our hands. Educating people beyond their obedience creates Pharisees.
  11. Write down the next steps you will take to make sure your study leads to transformation.
  12. Title and Summarize – Now you give it a title and identity I key verse or two. This helps you better remember what this portion of scripture is all about.

(Today we will work through Philippians chapter 2:1-11 together.)

1. Historical Background

a)  Who wrote it? Paul

b)  What type of literature? Epistle.

c)  When? Around a.d. 63 while Paul was in in prison in Rome.

d)  Where? From Rome. From a Prison Cell.

e)  Why? He wrote to the church he loved in Phillipi to tell them to thank you for a gift. To let them know about the health of Epaphroditus. To encourage the believers who found themselves under persecution. To remind them of the gospel.

2. Personal Paraphrase –

Verse 1 – 5- If knowing Jesus has benefited you in anyway, then do me a favor, love one another and agree with one another. Don’t make it all about you. Care for one another. Consider the person next to you as more important that yourself. Look out for them like you would your own kids. Act like Jesus. Have the mind of Christ.

3. Q & A -

4. Cross references – John 1, Colossians 1, Hebrews 1. (Christological passages)

5. Insights -

6. Personal Application -

7. Title and Summary -

Josh’s method.

  1. Set a Goal – Set a goal for how much scripture you want to read within a defined time period. (Week, Month, Year)
  2. This could be the whole Bible or portions, i.e. the gospels, the prophets, the Pentateuch.
  3. If you read 3 chapters a day you will finish the bible in a year.
  4. If you read 6 chapters a day you will finish the bible twice in a year.
  5. 9 chapters = 3x
  6. 12 Chapters = 4 times through in a year.
  7. Choose a topic to study – Pick a pen color for the “Kairos/learning moments” that take place for each time through the scripture.
  8. Ask 4 questions to help you move the information from your head to your heart and into your hands.
  9. Who is God?
  10. What has He done?
  11. Who are we in light of who God is and what He has done? (identity)
  12. What do we do in light of our new identity?
  13. Choose a topic you want to study within the scripture
  14. Pick a Pen color that will coincide with that topic.
  15. See Josh’s Journaling Bible as an example.
  16. Choose a way to memorize the verses that “you need”.
  17. I use the notecard method.
  18. See my notecards as an example.