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Effective Bible Study 0002 - Lesson 5
Attached Audio:
The Study of a Subject or Object
(Topical Study)- THE STUDY OF A SUBJECT
- Occurrence in Scripture
- Identify all synonyms which would be included in this topic.
- Find every occurrence of this subject in scripture.
- Use Treasury of Scripture Knowledge to find other verses that are related to your subject but might not use the exact word that you are studying.
- Divide the occurrences out by section of the Bible.
- Is this subject emphasized in one section of the Bible over the others? Why?
- Is this subject totally ignored in some sections of the Bible? Why?
- Is this subject covered in every section of the Bible? If so, what does that tell you?
- Is there a chapter in the Bible that focuses on this subject?
- Connotation in Scripture
- Does the subject that you are studying have an evil connotation in the scripture?
- Is this evil connotation limited to certain people, places or things?
- Is this evil connotation consistent throughout scripture?
- Does the subject that you are studying have a good connotation in the scripture?
- Is this good connotation limited to certain people, places or things?
- Is this good connotation consistent throughout scripture?
- Comparison or Contrast in Scripture
- To what other things is your subject likened?
- Covetousness is often likened to idolatry.
- Anger is often likened to fire.
- Death is often likened to sleep.
- With what other things is your subject contrasted?
- God’s righteousness is often contrasted with man’s righteousness.
- b. God’s greatness is often contrasted with man’s lowliness.
- The life of the wicked is often contrasted with the life of the righteous.
- Define the Subject.
- Once you have read every occurrence of the subject within its context, make a general definition of the subject. If possible, make a very specific definition but do not do so to the detriment of the scriptural use.
- Allow the scriptural connotation and the comparison or contrast of your subject to form your definition as well.
- Is the definition that you have arrived at the standard teaching of this subject? If not, what scriptures lead you to go against the standard teaching?
- Outline the Subject.
- Take what you have learned and make an outline.
- Your main points might contain things like…
- Place of emphasis in the scripture
- Connotation in scripture
- Comparison and contrast in scripture
- Literal interpretation from the scriptures
- Practical application from the scriptures
- THE STUDY OF AN OBJECT
- Occurrence in Scripture
- Find every occurrence of this object in scripture.
- What are the different forms of the object that are found in the scripture? Include plural and possessive forms.
- Find the first and last mention of the object. What is the significance of these references?
- Is the word used in more than one primary way (i.e., ark)? If so, identify the different meanings.
- Divide the occurrences out by sections of the Bible.
- Is this object emphasized in one section of the Bible over the others? Why?
- Is this object totally ignored in some sections of the Bible? Why?
- Is this object covered in every section of the Bible? If so, what does that tell you?
- Is there a chapter in the Bible that focuses on this object?
- Is this object tied to a specific people, place or time?
- Connotation in Scripture
- Does the object that you are studying have an evil connotation?
- Does the object that you are studying have a good connotation?
- Does the object that you are studying have a neutral connotation?
- Comparison or Contrast in Scripture
- To what other things is your object likened?
- With what other things is your object contrasted?
- More In-Depth Scriptural Usage
- Are there any Bible teachings or customs associated with this object?
- What adjectives are used to describe this object?
- What characteristics of this object can be seen in the scriptures?
- How does the Bible use this object to illustrate truth?
- Outline the Subject.
- Take what you have learned and make an outline.
- Your main points might contain things like…
- Truths taught using this object
- Connotation in scripture
- Comparison and contrast in scripture