How to Study the Bible Chapter-by-Chapter
Many Christians spend regular time in the Word, as God’s guidebook. Studying the Bible, however, helps us see how God wants a relationship with us by revealing his character and the effects of a relationship with him in people found in the Bible. A chapter-by-chapter study helps us look closely at a smaller chunk of the Word to know God better and deepen our understanding of him.
Chapter-by-chapter study of the Bible allows the opportunity to dive deep into a single portion of scripture while also keeping the big picture in mind. We can focus on themes or lessons that God has given us through the Bible.
Step-by-Step Chapter Study
Remember to open all Bible study in prayer, asking God for guidance and open our eyes and hearts to hear him. The follow these six steps:
1. Read several times. Because a chapter-by-chapter study is not too long, we can begin by reading the chapter in a number of versions and even listening to it read aloud. This will give us an idea of the nuances of the original text and the areas where translators have sought to convey ideas verses using words to help us grasp God’s intended meaning. Note areas that may have different meaning, and, time permitting, look up the words in a Greek or Hebrew guide.
2. Key words. Note any key words which are used or described. Pay particular attention to the words or ideas that are repeated in your reading. Take time to look these up in an English dictionary, or even in a concordance, like Strong’s concordance to help identify the authors meaning. These words will often point to themes or lessons that run through the chapter.
3. Outline the Passage. It may be helpful as you read to copy the chapter into a computer document to remove the chapter heading and subheadings as well as verse notations so you will not be influenced by later section divisions. The original readers did not have such dividers in their text. They also did not have chapter headings, so you may find as you read a book chapter-by-chapter that you would separate them differently (so go ahead!).
4. Identify primary theme or lesson. From the outline, you may find that it points to a theme or lesson for the readers. Take time to write this down. There may also be a specific verse which summarizes this idea; note it too.
5. Consider the passage. Now consider the who, what, where, when, why, how of the passage. Think over the length of the passage if there are points that we can learn about God or if there are changes in the passage from beginning to end. Sometimes we will see situations or people change from the first of the chapter to the last. Take time to look up any passages that are confusing or contradict your thoughts about God and his people.
6. Universal Truth. From the details you have already gathered, identify what truth (or truths) about God have been presented, or what truths about following Him have come forth. Use these to formulate any application for your own life. Take time to think about how this truth changes your ideas of God or your life and circumstances. These truths may challenge our understanding of who God is and in turn bring us closer to him.
The Bible is God’s book, not of instruction, but of love to his followers. By opening our eyes and hearts to his Word and what he wants to say to us in this love letter, rather than how he wants to instruct us, we deepen our relationship with him. Our lives flourish in relationship with him. God is not an instructor who tests us in our understanding but has sent Jesus that we may have a loving friend who ushers us in to the throne room of the Father and lives in us through the Spirit. Seek this relationship in your reading, rather than instruction.
