Today, we are continuing our series on discipleship by looking at two additional methods of studying Scripture. (Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.) We will take a look at teaching from Priscilla Shirer and Anne Graham Lotz on this topic. Both are highly effective.
In part 5, we looked at three different, but equally effective methods for studying and applying truth to our lives from God’s Word. Here are two more methods to consider:
Method 4: Reading & Teaching the Word
In most of Anne’s Bible studies, she offers a workshop on how to study any portion of Scripture. In later studies, she concludes the video series with a second workshop teaching how to write out and teach Scripture. Here is a simplified version of her method:
- Read God’s Word. In other words, just take a look at the passage.
- What does God’s Word say? List facts you have read.
To teach the Word, take these additional steps:
- Divide the facts. Put brackets around main thought and sections, label, and explain. (Brackets are divisions.)
- Write down a summary sentence. Note outstanding facts using key words.
- Write down the aim. Look for a common thread or specific command. Use verbs to write one lesson as your main aim.
- Write down applications. Keeping in mind the overall aim, write out a lesson from each division and put it in the form of questions:
- What does God’s Word mean? Learn the lessons by answering this question. This takes us deeper than just reading words to what those words in the Bible mean.
- What does God’s Word mean to me? Listen to His voice as you seek how these words are to instruct you personally.
- How will I respond to God’s Word? Live it out by writing down what God has told you to do in response to what you read.
Method 2: The 5 P’s
Next, let’s take a look at one more method. This one is what Priscilla Shirer uses in Can We Talk? and Seed. Check out these 5 “P’s” for digging deeper into the Word.
- Position yourself to hear from God. For that, you need solitude and silence (Hab. 2:1). Expect God to speak (Ps. 27:14)
- Pore over the passage and paraphrase major points. Look intentionally and deliberately at Scripture (James 1:25), read slowly and meditatively (Josh. 1:8). Ask these questions: Who are major the participants? What are they doing and saying? Where are they going? Why is this happening? How is this occurring?
- Pull out spiritual principle. Ask, What is God teaching and revealing about Himself?
- Pose the questions: Does my life coincide with the message of this verse? How does this apply to my life right now? Then, listen to His voice (Eccl. 5:1-2).
- Plan obedience and pin down a date. We must plan to obey (James 1:22) by listing specific steps and dates for action.
Using these methods (and others you may be aware of), you can study any passage of Scripture and apply it to your life right now. And although they all have things in common, each also has its own unique differences. All are valid; So, how do you know what to use?
Pray and ask God which one will be more effective not only for you personally, but also for the women in the small groups you lead or coordinate. Train your small group leaders in these specifics as they seek the best ways to help women dig deeper into and apply the truths of the Bible.
Watch for a couple more posts in this series that answer the question, Are we discipling women or just hosting them?
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.