Investigation Bible Study Method – Personal Bible Study Part 2

Advent has started! If you’d like a reading calendar based on the names of Jesus, I’ve put one together for you. Merry Christmas! On to individual study…

A few weeks ago, I shared the simple four-letter Bible study methods of word, hear, and soap, in Personal Bible Study. I also mentioned that these are not at all what I do when I study the Bible. Ha! I have not yet formulated what I do when I study, but it is a fascinating subject, so I’ve continued looking into these methods and trying to understand more about how to do personal study. I’m not sure how many parts this series will have, but as I continue looking into it, I’ll share what I have found.

So, I’m introducing the Investigation Bible Study Method today. I found the outline for this in Experience your Bible by McDowell & McDowell. I find that it gets a little closer to that still undefined way that I use when I study. I admit this method is a bit like a basic report, looking at the W-questions: who, what, where, when, why, how. This is much like the investigative reporter does, looking first at the facts and not interpretation. The method then goes on to ask the universal truth of God that is revealed in the passage. I have then added an opportunity to respond to the truth and understand how that changes our relationship with God.

I’ve compiled some guidance questions for each of the portions of the investigative method and put together a basic form to use as well. There is space to jot down thoughts, questions, and comments in the accompanying pages. The compilation is available below as a free download.

What are you studying in this period? What method do you use? Leave a comment as I would love to hear - I’m always interested in adding studies to my list of ‘goodies’.

Investigation Method

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