BIBLE STUDY WORKSHEET

What is the text for your study? __________________________________________________

I. Observation

A. What type of literature is it?

B. Ask the obvious questions:

1. Who?

2. What?

3. When?

4. Where?

5. Why?

6. How?

C. In your own words, what does the passage say?

D. Do you know the definition of all the words?

E. What are the key words or phrases?

F. Are there any...

1. Commands to obey?

2. Promises to claim?

3. Questions to answer?

4. Examples to follow?

5. Examples to avoid?

6. Is this descriptive, prescriptive, or proscriptive?

G. Are there any words, phrases, or ideas that are repeated? Would a word study/survey be helpful?

H. Are there any structural relationships? (contrast, comparison, cause & effect, conditional statements, purpose statements, lists, temporal relationships, tension building/climax/resolution, etc.)

I. Give a title to each chapter or paragraph.

J. Have I considered this text in the immediate context, in the context of this book, and in the context of the entire Bible?

II. Interpretation

A. In light of the author’s own context, what was he specifically thinking about or addressing?

B. How are the author’s ideas and train of thought organized?

C. What is the author’s purpose?

D. What is the author talking about generally; what is the theme of the passage?

E. Is this theme addressed elsewhere in Scripture? If so...

1. What is the context elsewhere (people, place, time, circumstances, etc.)?

2. Who is the author elsewhere?

3. Is the theme addressed in the same way (e.g. positively or negatively)?

F. Have I considered using:

1. A Concordance to cross reference and study specific words?

2. A Reference Bible to cross reference words, phrases, and ideas?

3. A Study Bible to gain a general understanding of the meaning and theme(s)?

4. Commentaries to gain specific insights from other theologians?

III. Application

A. What point is the author making about the theme?

B. What does God want me to do?

C. How is the author’s context similar to and different from my context?

D. In light of this theme and what God wants me to do, how does this text apply to my...

1. Family relationships?

2. Friendships?

3. Work relationships?

4. Witness to other Christians?

5. Witness to non-Christians?

6. Personal beliefs?

7. Attitudes?

8. Thought life?

9. Habits?

Download the PDF here: Bible Study Worksheet