Is there a right way to study the bible?

There are several methods when it comes to studying the bible. In fact, there are so many to choose from it can be a tad overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right one. For example, the PRAISE method, the SOAP method,  the OIA method, the devotional method, the chapter summary method,  the verse-by-verse method, and many more.

So how do we choose the right method?

God created us all differently (including the way we learn), and what works for some may not work for others. Before you settle on one particular method, I recommend trying out a few of them. This way, you’ll be able to find the one that allows you to get the most out of your study time.

To find additional Bible study methods, I recommend reading this article on Christianity Today—it explains some of them in detail and is full of great Bible study tips!  But before you run off to discover more, I have another method I’d like to share with you. It’s called the IDEA Method.

How to study the Bible using the Idea Method:

The Idea Method is a template I developed over time to help me pinpoint what God was teaching me through His word. This method uses a devotional approach to bible study as we meditate and reflect on the scriptures. This method is perfect for reading short passages or verse-by-verse studies. Its purpose is to help us discover the truth in God’s word and then apply that learned truth by asking these four key questions we study:

1. IDENTIFICATION

What’s going on in the passage?

2. DIRECTION
What truth is this passage directing us to see?

3. ENCOURAGEMENT
What is this passage encouraging us to do?

4. APPLICATION
How can we personally apply the truth and wisdom in this passage?

I hope you find this method helpful in your studies. Do you have another Bible study method that you like to use? I would love to hear about it.

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