Note taking

Amy, do you mean you want to keep notes of what you are seeing or understanding as you read?

 

It is a great idea especially if you are a visual learner. You need to study it book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

1. understand the overall message of the book and why it was written

2. understand the chapter and verse in the context of the book itself.

3. understand the different types of languages used ie parable etc.

4. understand the overall message of the Bible as a whole

 

good counsel

Then ask Lord what are you saying to me now. Prayer dates and answers can be important in your Bible as well. He will speak, you will speak, He will answer. Then your Bible becomes so personalized for you.:saint: :thumbs: :godisgood:

 

Amy, here is the way I approach the Bible..
And the way I have taught my congregation to approach it...
Use the last part to make a worksheet..
Feel free to cut and paste any of it..

I hope it helps...

The 7 steps to understanding the Bible​

In order to properly apply a Bible scripture to your life, you have to properly interpret the scripture.

If you apply the scripture without the proper interpretation it is called eisegesis. This is using the Bible in a wrong way. It is making the Bible say what you want it to say. It is adding to the Bible.
When you first interpret the scripture, then apply it, it is called exegesis. This is drawing the meaning of the text from the text. This is what we should be doing.

Here is a list to run through when you approach a scripture. Remember to always pray first. It is God that directs your steps.

1) Lexical: When you read a passage, do you know what all the words mean? Define all questionable words. Remember, as someone has said before, “If the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense.”

2) Literary: What section of the Bible are you in? Prophecy, narrative, poetry, letters, history, etc.

3) Historical/Cultural: When was the book written? What was going on in history at the time the book was written? What did this passage mean to the original readers?

4) Theological: What are the other scriptures in the Bible that deal with the same subject as this scripture? Imagine all the writers of the scripture sitting around a table discussing this scripture, what would they say?

5) Contextual: Look at the scriptures surrounding this scripture, in what context is the verse written in?

6) Orthodox: If the meaning of the scripture can be debatable, how has the church interpreted this passage in the past? That may give you an idea. You are not bound to believe someone’s interpretation, but it may give you fresh way to look at the passage.

AFTER, you interpret what the passage says:

7) Application: Ask, “What does this mean for me today?” “Why did God put this in the Bible?” “If this wasn’t in the Bible, how would it affect my life?” “What can I get out of this passage that will help me, or help others?”







Worksheet:
Scripture: ________________________
Author: ________________________ Date of writing: _________
Type of writing: (literary style) ___________________________


Lexical (definitions of words):




Historical/cultural influences:




Theological (Other scripture in the Bible that are connected to this passage):




Context of surrounding scripture:




Orthodox (What has been the teaching of the church?):




How does passage this apply to me?

 

Here's a good method to try with a few verses. You can't do it with all verses unless you want to go really, really slowly, but this is a great way to really study.

Write down as many observations of each verse as you can. We had to do this in seminary.

For example with this verse, Col 2:5, which I picked at random:
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

1. Paul is absent, not there.
2. He is with the Colossians in spirit.
3. He is rejoicing to see they are disciplining themselves.
4. The Colossians have a stable faith in Christ.
5. Being absent does not take away from his rejoicing.
6. The Colossians are commended for their discipline and strong faith.


Okay, that's 6 observations. You could maybe get a few more. Don't write an essay or add to it, or interpret. You are merely observing what the passage says.

You'll be amazed at what you see when you do this, because normally when we read we don't pick up everything. It's a good exercise to try. You might get some insight from doing this, which you could then write down, such as:

Being disciplined and having a stable faith go together.

My prof said when he was in seminary, they had to write out 100 observations of some verses! Maybe he was joshing with us, but I don't think so.

 

A good Resource.

 

Marcia, that is similar to what I was taught nearly 64 years ago, only it was called writing a diary. To read a passage as if for the first time and not trying to include previous knowledge, but present spiritual impressions.

I do this for my private devotions in the morning and follow Scripture Union notes to select the passage of scripture.

Evening study is more academic and my note keeping is somewhat sermonic; point one, point two, point three........

Works for me.........most times.

The rev's is more academic if that is what you want, but a good outline.

Cheers,

Jim

 

I give it away a bunch. Its a good one.

 

Amy, I bet you would enjoy and get a lot out of reading this book.

"Living By The Book" by Howard Hendricks

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0802408168/?tag=baptis04-20

 

study Bible

I was given a present by a pastor friend of mine. It is an "experiencing God" study Bible by Henry Blackaby. Each page has personal study questions in a small box at the top and a did you notice section at the bottom. It has been a real blessing to me. Plenty of space to write on the side the notes and it's in the translation I prefer NKJV. God bless you as you grow in Him!!!:godisgood: :jesus: :wavey:

 

Glad you like it, Amy! :wavey:

 

good one

Yep, that's a good one. When He is glorified then others are blessed and convicted if they don't know Him:thumbsup: :laugh:

 

On my computer I have folders for each book of the Bible. Within those folders are notes on various chapters and passages. It seems to work well especially if I want to send someone the notes through an email.