Asking Questions
christian formation, spiritual formation, discipleship, prayer, bible study methods, mission, witness, how to, spirituality, spiritual, christian, christianity, lessons, study, guide,
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About This Project

how does this apply to me?

Sometimes when I read my Bible, I think to myself, “but what has this got to do with me?” or, “what difference does this make?” If I do not learn how to apply God’s mind and heart to myself, I will have wasted my time.

7 questions

Applying the Bible to our lives is the most important part of Bible study. Here are 7 questions to ask as you read the biblical text to help with applying the meaning of the text to your life.

  1. Is there an example for me to follow?
  2. Is there a sin God wants me to avoid or repent of?
  3. Is there a command for me to obey?
  4. What does the passage teach me about God the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?
  5. Is there a difficulty for me to explore?
  6. Is there a promise for me to claim?
  7. Is there something in the passage the Holy Spirit is urging me to pray about?

 

passages to start with

The stories about Jesus in the Gospels are great places to begin using this method of study. You can start at the beginning of a Gospel and work your way through to the end. As you think about the seven questions, remember that these stories are not simply historical records, but were inspired by God for your spiritual growth.

If you want to move outside of the four Gospels, you can also use this way of studying in Acts and the writings of Paul. Paul’s letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are also great places to explore.

 

how to use the questions

  1. Prayerfully choose a passage to read, or continue from where you finished reading last time.
  2. Pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read, that your life will be increasingly shaped by the mind and heart of Jesus.
  3. Read your chosen Bible text a few times until you understand what you are reading.
  4. Once you have read through your passage, go through the 7 questions to see which ones may apply to you.

Praying at the end of your study is really important. Pray that the Holy Spirit will remind you of what you have learned, and that your life will increasingly reflect the mind and heart of Jesus.

 

using your journal

In your Bible study journal, write down what God teaches you each time you study. You may also want to write down any further questions to explore later, and their answers as God reveals them. You can also write prayers in response to what God has revealed is on His heart and mind for you.

Category
Bible study methods, Communion with God