How To Study the Bible

The best way to study the Bible is to begin in the Bible.

Precept™ Inductive Bible Study Method workshops and Bible studies take you straight to the Bible. Following are the key components of a Precept™ Inductive Bible Study:

Prayer: the Bible cannot be understood apart from God opening up our understanding. When we humble ourselves before God and ask Him to teach us from His Word He will answer.

Observation: As you observe the text, you will begin to see and mark key words, time, places, people. As you continue to observe you will begin to see the purpose and the themes in the book.

Interpretation: As you carefully observe the text, the interpretation of the Scriptures will become clear. Interpretation always takes into account the context. There is the immediate context, the context of the whole book of the Bible and then the greater context of all 66 books of the Bible. Another major factor that affects interpretation is the type of literature (i.e. is the text history, poetry, a letter, etc).

Application: The study of God's Word is only beneficial if you apply it to your life. As you observe and understand the Scriptures through interpretation, the Holy Spirit will speak to you about how you can line your life up with God's Word. Nothing is better than the joy and peace that comes from hearing from and obeying God!

The Precept Ministries workshops enable you to learn these inductive study skills in a classroom setting under the teaching of an experienced inductive Bible study trainer. Click Event Registration to find a workshop near you.

There are also studies that can help you get started studying this way if a workshop is not available near you.

Try out one of the "Lightning Studies" below to see what inductive Bible study is like. Discover how easy it is to go deeper in God's Word and know you've heard directly from Him.