Foundations

How to study the Bible

A six-session primer in the simple but powerful inductive method that has trained generations of Bible students: observe, interpret, apply.

Good Bible study is not a secret unlocked only by experts. It is a learnable skill of paying close attention to what God actually said. This primer teaches you how.

Sessions

Session 1 · 2 Tim. 3:14-17

Why study the Bible?

Big idea: Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable.

What is one principle from this session you want to remember?
What passage will you practice on this week?

Session 2 · Sample: Psalm 1

Observation — what does it say?

Big idea: Slow down. Notice. Ask the text questions.

What is one principle from this session you want to remember?
What passage will you practice on this week?

Session 3 · Sample: Mark 4

Interpretation — what does it mean?

Big idea: Context, genre, and authorial intent.

What is one principle from this session you want to remember?
What passage will you practice on this week?

Session 4 · James 1:22-25

Application — what does it mean for me?

Big idea: Be doers of the Word.

What is one principle from this session you want to remember?
What passage will you practice on this week?

Session 5 · Sample: Philippians

Studying a whole book

Big idea: How to outline and trace an argument.

What is one principle from this session you want to remember?
What passage will you practice on this week?

Session 6 · Sample: 'fear of the LORD'

Studying a theme

Big idea: Cross-references and tracing topics across Scripture.

What is one principle from this session you want to remember?
What passage will you practice on this week?

Read the passages

Other studies

21 weeks

The Gospel of John, chapter by chapter

21 sessions verse-by-verse through John — the 'I AM' statements, the signs, and the cross.

16 weeks

Romans: The gospel in full color

Paul's masterwork — sin, grace, justification, and life in the Spirit.

Keep going · Amazon picks

Study helps for How to study the Bible on Amazon

Recommended books, workbooks, and study Bibles that pair well with this study — searches open on Amazon.

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How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth — Fee & Stuart
The best-selling intro to Bible study.
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Living by the Book — Howard Hendricks
Classic guide to inductive Bible study.
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Bible study journal
A journal for notes, prayer, and reflection as you work through this content.
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Ships from Amazon · Prime eligible titles

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