Whether we are new to the Bible or have studied for years, reading Scripture can be challenging. When we feel limited by our lack of knowledge or are confused by difficult chapters, it helps to remember Bible study basics. At BSF, we know there are many helpful methods for Bible study, but the “read, reflect, respond” approach has guided our members for generations. For a visual guide, use this worksheet.
Step 1: Read
Pray before reading the passage. Ask God to give you understanding of His person and His Word. Ask Him to strengthen your relationship with Him and to show you how to apply His Word to your life.
Read the passage in context. As you prepare to jump into a verse or passage, read the surrounding chapters or the entire book before studying smaller portions. Keep this big picture in mind as you study. Understanding the context helps to avoid misapplying the Scriptures.
Write or record words or phrases that stand out to you as you read. Take particular note of repeated words and words that describe God, His commands, and His promises. Write these down. Take your time with this step. What God’s Word says is more important than our conclusions or opinions about it.
Step 2: Reflect
This requires taking time to prayerfully think. Ask God to help you answer the following as you write or record your thoughts.
What does the passage teach about God?
For deeper study:
What attributes of God are displayed?
What names of God are mentioned and what do they mean?
How does this passage point to the person and work of Jesus Christ?
What does the passage teach about people?
For deeper study:
What is the experience of each character in the passage?
What is occurring in the heart and mind of each character to motivate their actions?
What is right or wrong in their relationships with God and others?
What does the passage reveal about people and their complete dependence on God?
What does the passage reveal about people and their need for a gracious, merciful Savior?
Step 3: Respond
In this step we take action by praying about, and applying what we learn. By this point, there is usually one message that God continues to bring to your attention.
Pray as you consider how the passage applies to you personally.
Write or record how you plan to apply what the Scripture passage taught you. Some people choose to write a short prayer during this step.
For particularly challenging passages, pray for wisdom and clarity. If your Bible includes related Scripture references in the margins, footnotes, or a concordance in the back, use those references to guide an even deeper study of God’s Word. When we discover Scripture in context and in its entirety, God reveals life-changing truth one verse at a time.