How to Study the Bible
—The Q-U-I-C-K Method
You may wonder how to study the Bible. How, for instance, does a skilled Bible teacher study the Bible to draw out of a passage far more than you ever saw in it, though you have read it many times?
This page will give you the “secret” of how to study the Bible effectively. I call this method the “QUICK” method.
We are often amazed at how professionals, in any skill, do such a competent job in such a short while. The following method will show you how to study short passages of scripture like a professional.
Work through these principles using an example passage (Ephesians 3:14-21). Then try the method on some of your own favourite verses.
I'm sure you will produce many well-framed lessons.
Questions
Ask thought provoking questions that help you to explore the meaning and message of the passage. (Don't get bogged down. If you cannot answer the question, leave it and move on).
Example: (Ephesians 3:14,17-19)
What is meant by "name" in verse 14? How can we "know the love of Christ" if it "surpasses knowledge"? How are mere mortals able to be "filled up to all the fulness of God"?
Uses
Think about ways you can use the passage, eg as a prayer, an encouragement, an argument, a warning, a principle for life, etc.
Example: (Ephesians 3:14-21)
A very strong word of encouragement exhorting us to pray to our Father and to base our lives on the faith and love of Jesus in the power of God.
Ideas
Look for the ideas that the passage connects to, and what kind of ideas they are, eg theological, moral, spiritual, practical, etc.
Example: (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Universal family, God's infinite power and glory, unlimited blessing, faith and knowledge, love, godhood, prayer. These are spiritual and theological ideas.
Contexts
Consider the settings of the message, eg historic, cultural, literary, personal, scriptural (the latter for cross reference) etc.
Example: (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Cultural: Ephesus was an idolatrous city (Acts 19), Personal: Paul worked 3 years with the Ephesian church (Acts 20:17-38), Literary: Ephesians is one of many letters written by Paul and collected in the New Testament.
Keywords
Isolate the keywords and examine their meaning, impact, nature, complexity, etc.
Example: (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Word list: glory, power, faith, love, knowledge. Comment: These are simple words which stand for desirable personal attributes. Each attribute reflects the nature of God, and is a gift to us from God.
Now you know how to study the Bible in a methodical and thorough manner. There are many other lessons about how to study and teach the Bible. Use the buttons below for a list.