Knowable Word

Helping ordinary people learn to study the Bible

  • Home
  • About
    • About this Blog
    • Why Should You Read This Blog?
    • This Blog’s Assumptions
    • Guest Posts
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • OIA Method
    • Summary
    • Details
    • Examples
      • Context Matters
      • Interpretive Book Overviews
      • Who is Yahweh: Exodus
      • Wise Up: Proverbs 1-9
      • Feeding of 5,000
      • Resurrection of Jesus
  • Small Groups
    • Leading
      • How to Lead a Bible Study
      • How to Train a Bible Study Apprentice
    • Attending
  • Children
  • Resources
  • Contact

Copyright © 2012–2026 DiscipleMakers, except guest articles (copyright author). Used by permission.

You are here: Home / Archives for Application

Un Resumen del Método OIA

February 24, 2026 By Peter Krol

Publicación original de Peter Krol, traducida por Sarah Oiler

————

Ryk Neethling (2011), Creative Commons

He discutido que todos tienen un método para estudiar la Biblia, sin importar si es consciente o no.  Entonces, aquí está lo mío. 

El acrónimo OIA resume el método:

  1. Observación – ¿qué dice?
  2. Interpretación – ¿qué significa?
  3. Aplicación – ¿cómo necesito cambiar?

Puedes replantear estos tres pasos así: qué, por qué y ahora qué? O de nuevo así: qué dijo el autor original? ¿Qué significó para el público original? Y qué significa en nuestro contexto?

Knowable Word no inventó este método. Es un método viejísimo. Los Seminarios lo llaman “el método gramático-histórico de la interpretación bíblica,” pero ese título puede ser intenso y dar miedo a mucha gente. Otros tratamientos populares lo llaman “el método inductivo de estudio bíblico,” pero yo pienso que eso es un uso erróneo desafortunado del término maravilloso de “inductivo” del campo de la lógica. Entonces, yo prefiero llamarlo simplemente “OIA.”

Lo maravilloso del método OIA es que permite al texto hablar a nosotros, en vez de nosotros leyendo nuestros propios significados en el texto. Lo bonito del método OIA es que se puede enseñar en el seminario y ser súper profundo, o se puede enseñar a los niños más chiquitos y les permite conocer al Señor por su palabra también. 

He explicado el método con más detalle en otras publicaciones, pero para este resumen, nota lo que pasa si perdemos cualquier parte del método.

Si desatendemos buena observación de lo que dice el texto, no tenemos un fundamento verdadero desde lo que podemos conocer a Cristo. Tenemos intenciones buenísimas, pero en todas las direcciones incorrectas. Somos la gente que no puede observar qué fin de semana fue el cambio del horario de verano, y llegamos a la iglesia una hora después de todos los demás. Un ejemplo de pobre observación de la Escritura se encuentra en Lucas 24:25-27.

Si desatendemos buena interpretación de lo que significa el texto, es posible que no sepamos si lo que creemos o hacemos es bíblico o no. Es posible que estemos honrando al Señor o no. No sabremos con certeza hasta que conozcamos a él cara a cara. Un ejemplo de pobre interpretación de la Escritura se encuentra en Marcos 12:24.

Si desatendemos buena aplicación de cómo debemos cambiar, somos como los constructores tontos que construyen sus casa sobre la arena. Somos digno de lástima. Hablamos con la boca pequeña con Cristo, pero nuestros corazones están lejos de él (Mateo 15:8-9). Dios quiere hacernos más como Jesús (Romanos 8:29), y no descansará hasta que su Palabra logre este deber (Isaías 55:10-11).

Para ver mucho más detalle del método OIA, lee mi serie de publicaciones se llama Cómo Estudiar la Biblia.

Filed Under: Method Tagged With: Application, Bible Study, Interpretation, Observation, OIA, Spanish

Detalles del Método OIA

February 3, 2026 By Peter Krol

Publicación original de Peter Krol, traducida por Sarah Oiler.


Edward Louie (2011)

La frase “estudio bíblico” puede tener un significado diferente para gente diferente. Algunos usan el término para describir una discusión en grupo que quizás hable de la Biblia o algún otro libro inspirador. Estudios bíblicos incluyen cuadernos de trabajo que te ayudan a conectar con las ideas de los textos bíblicos. Otra gente considera que “estudio bíblico” se refiere a estudios académicos y teológicos sobre la Biblia. 

En Knowable Word, yo uso el término “estudio bíblico” para describir a la persona promedio con la Biblia abierta en la mano. Tienes la Palabra de Dios, un deseo de conocerle, y te sobra el tiempo. ¿Ahora qué? ¿Qué haces con este texto antiguo para ayudarte a conocer a Dios mejor? Esto es el estudio bíblico.

¿Querrías aprenderlo conmigo? ¿Querrías desatar el poder de Dios para la salvación en nuestra generación? ¿Querrías entrenar a otros así que pueden ser administradores efectivos de la Palabra? 

Mi misión es ayudarte a hacer exactamente eso.

El propósito de esta publicación es darte un esquema para el proceso. Cada enlace debajo te lleva a una publicación que explica un paso del método del estudio bíblico OIA (Observación, Interpretación, Aplicación). Para aprender más sobre dirigir grupos pequeños de OIA, ve la serie de cómo dirigir un estudio bíblico.

Introducción

Por qué estudiamos la Biblia
Todos tienen un método de estudiar la Biblia
Resumen del método del estudio bíblico OIA
Por qué OIA es el mejor método de estudio bíblico
6 razones por qué no estudiamos la Biblia

Observación

El peor enemigo de la observación es la familiaridad
5 cosas para observar

  1. Las palabras
  2. La gramática
  3. La estructura
  4. El género
  5. Estado de ánimo

4 más consejos para la observación

Interpretación

¿Por qué deberíamos interpretar?
El peor enemigo de la interpretación es la observación
Otro enemigo de la interpretación es el relativismo
3 pasos para interpretar la Biblia

  1. Hacer preguntas
  2. Contestar preguntas
  3. Determinar el propósito principal

La diferencia entre el propósito principal y un resumen
La importancia del contexto (Parte 1 y Parte 2)
Cómo ver a Jesús en cualquier pasaje bíblico
4 errores al usar comentarios

Aplicación

La transición desde la interpretación hasta la aplicación
El peor enemigo de la aplicación es conocimiento
10 razones por qué deberías aplicar la Biblia a tu vida
Aplicación: el arte de producir cambio

  1. Dos direcciones para la aplicación
  2. Tres esferas de aplicación
    1. La cabeza
    2. Las manos
    3. El corazón

Cómo aplicar la Biblia: resumen
Recuerda Jesús en tu aplicación
Sé específico en tu aplicación
Mi ejemplo de la aplicación de Lucas 2

Conclusión

Correlación: entender toda la Biblia
3 consejos por la correlación saludable (Parte 1 y Parte 2)
Ya estás aprobado para estudiar la Biblia

Filed Under: Method Tagged With: Application, Bible Study, Interpretation, Observation, Spanish

Take the Obvious Step

September 22, 2025 By Ryan Higginbottom

steps

Mahkeo (2017), public domain

If you need refreshment or encouragement, schedule some time with a new Christian. The recently-reborn often have a clarity and passion lacking in those who are older in the faith.

A friend was recently telling me about a new Christian he knows. I was thrilled to hear the steps this young man was taking! He heard biblical teaching on stewardship and finances, and he asked for helping making a budget. He was convicted about church membership, so he looked for a local body to join. He read the Great Commission and began inviting his unbelieving friends to an evangelistic Bible study.

For this young man, there is great power in recognizing and submitting to Jesus as Lord. When the master’s commands are clear, there is no room to argue.

How We Mangle Application

As we study the Bible, we often come up short when it comes to application. This is both understandable and regrettable.

Our flesh is fiercely resistant to the Spirit, so it is natural to omit application. It’s the hardest step in the Bible study process precisely because it is the most personal. Application requires repentance and faith and change, all of which are hard.

But stopping short of application is also a great tragedy. In fact, many unbelievers would be comfortable observing and interpreting the Bible. We show and pursue the fruit of the Holy Spirit when we apply God’s truth personally and corporately.

Even those familiar with solid Bible study principles may wriggle out of applying God’s word. Seasoned Christians, tired of “read more, pray more” mantras, may dig and brainstorm instead. They end up distracted by a countryside hunt when the treasure was sitting on their doorstep.

Different Kinds of Application

In an effort to seem original or deep, our chase for applications can dodge the undeniable thrust of a passage of Scripture. We approach the gold mine with a shovel and end up buried under a pile of nuance.

It’s worth re-orienting ourselves. Peter has urged us to consider two directions (inward and outward) as well as three spheres of application (head, hands, and heart). Though this makes six total combinations (our worksheet can help), not every passage will land on every person or group in all six ways.

However, dividing possible applications into these categories may lead you away from actually applying the main point of a passage. Resist this temptation! Sometimes the next steps are obvious, and instead of spending time checking boxes, we should direct our prayer and planning toward the clear application.

There may be something obvious we should believe (head application).

There may be something obvious we should embrace or love (heart application).

There may be something obvious we should do (hands application).

A Recent Example

My small group is studying Luke, and at a recent meeting we read Luke 14:1–24. In part of this passage (verses 7–11), Jesus tells a parable about a wedding feast. Jesus insists that his followers should not assume a place of honor but rather the “lowest place.” This way, if anyone is in the wrong chair, the public re-seating would be honoring instead of shameful. Jesus ends the parable with his main point: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).

In our meeting, we talked about humbling ourselves. How can we remember our standing before God on a regular basis?

In the moment, I thought of an obvious application: confessing my sins. In remembering my sins and taking them to God, seeking and receiving his forgiveness because of Jesus’ work, I have a plain application of this passage. I have been trying to work this into my regular devotional life.

Find the Next Step

Not all passages have obvious applications, but some do. If you have been following Christ for many years, you may instinctively resist what seems easy and obvious. However, these applications are abundant in Scripture for a reason: We need to hear them. Often.

And, as always, remember Jesus as you apply his word. Walk toward that application in the Spirit’s power and with the understanding that—as a Christian—you are already loved and forgiven.

This was originally posted in 2019.

Filed Under: Method Tagged With: Application, Bible Study, Confession, Humility

Reading the Bible for the Ten Thousandth Time

August 11, 2025 By Ryan Higginbottom

bible glasses

Lilian Dibbern (2018), public domain

We’re good at learning our surroundings, aren’t we? After living in one place for many years, we know every last detail. We know which noises are normal and which drips and knocks require a phone call. We know the cold spots of each room, the number of stairs between floors, and which floorboards squeak the loudest. If necessary, we could find our bed in the deepest darkness, because we know our place. It’s home.

For some people, this familiarity is comforting. They like the warmth and security that comes from knowing a place inside and out. But for others, the comfort makes them uneasy. It seems boring and dry, like a mouth full of uncooked oats. They start to look for something new.

Some might think of the Bible as predictable and stuffy, especially those who have been reading it for years. They know every beat of every story. There are no more surprises; the excitement is gone.

By instinct we know that first-time readers of the Bible need guidance. But long-time readers need help too. In this article we’ll explore some of the ways to combat boredom and lethargy for experienced Bible readers.

Five Ways to Fight Bible Weariness

There are many ways to guard against the boredom that can come with age and familiarity. Here are five of the best.

Remember why you’re reading. The Bible is not boring because it has a grand, explosive, eternal purpose. We read the Bible in order to know the God of the universe! We wouldn’t know him, or know how to approach him, if he didn’t tell us. And because God is infinite, we cannot exhaust our understanding of him. So, while you might know all the stories in the Bible, you can always know and worship the God behind those stories better. And here’s a glorious follow-up: This is exactly what God wants!

Adjust your routine. There are lots of different ways to take in the Bible. If you’ve been reading a lot, try listening. Read through the Bible as quickly as you can. Or take six months, read one book as many times as possible, and let it sink into your bones. Study the Bible, memorize it, sing it. A different translation or a different physical Bible might offer the fresh perspective you need.

Teach the Bible. Most Bible teachers will tell you they learn far more during their teaching than any of their students. Most churches and ministries often need Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders, and volunteers at the local nursing home. Don’t shy away from children’s ministries either—you really have to know and believe the Bible to explain it to kids! If your Bible intake is not just for yourself, you may find it more challenging, comforting, and life-giving.

Apply the Bible. Though the Bible’s text and truths don’t change, we do. This means that the same accurate interpretation of a passage at age 25 has massively different implications when we’re 55. Application is the most difficult step of Bible study, so we often skip it, but application is precisely where we are forced to trust in God. Our faith grows the most when we take steps of obedience and witness God supporting our feet. To fight disinterest in the Bible, push your Bible study from observation and interpretation all the way to application.

Share the gospel. It’s tempting to think the Bible is dusty and anemic when we never witness the power of God through its words. In addition to applying the Bible to ourselves, we can see this power as we tell others about Jesus. The Holy Spirit most often uses the words of the Bible to awaken the dead and grant faith in Christ, and we can be a part of this! If you want to see just how powerful the Bible is, pray for opportunities to talk to others about Jesus, and then rejoice and obey when those opportunities arise. (God loves to answer this prayer!)

Ask and You Shall Receive

When we feel fatigue with the Bible, the problem is not with the book. The problem is with us.

But remember—God is a compassionate father who loves his children. At the bottom of every strategy given above is this encouragement: Talk honestly with God about your struggles. Confess your sin, your apathy, your lack of love. Ask him to be merciful, to change you from the inside out.

Don’t let your boredom with the Bible lead you away from God. Take it to him; he already knows and is eager and able to help.

This post was originally published in 2018.

Filed Under: Method Tagged With: Application, Bible Listening, Bible reading, Bible Study, Bible teaching, Evangelism, Prayer

Three Important Contexts for Bible Study

June 2, 2025 By Ryan Higginbottom

newspaper

Jay Clark (2018), public domain

We use the word “context” a lot on this blog. However, we don’t always use the word in the same way.

There are at least three different contexts that are important when studying the Bible: the historical context, the literary context, and the personal context. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Historical Context

Each book of the Bible was written at a specific time, and that historical background is important. At minimum, we should recognize who wrote the book and what was happening in that part of the world at the time.

One of the main themes of the Bible is how God calls and saves his people and how they extend his kingly rule over the earth. Therefore, it is crucial to understand who is in power and the condition of God’s people.

The question of power is relevant both for God’s people and those nearby. When reading the Old Testament, we should learn about the leaders of Israel and the surrounding nations. How the king in Israel came to power and whether he was faithful to God will explain much about the mood of a passage and any warnings or commands contained therein.

God’s people have gone through long stretches of faithfulness and rebellion, punctuated by prophetic announcements. As we read the Old Testament, we need to discern whether Israel is turning toward or away from God at the time.

(The questions of power and faithfulness apply when reading the New Testament as well, but the span of time and the number of other nations involved are much larger in the Old Testament.)

The best place to find a short historical introduction to each book of the Bible is a good Study Bible. For more detailed information, a commentary is the place to turn.

Literary Context

The context to which we refer most frequently on this blog is the literary context of the passage in question. This is certainly true for our ongoing Context Matters series. In these posts we examine well-known verses or phrases from the Bible and show how they might mean something deeper or different that what we assume.

Literary context matters because the Bible is not a loose collection of inspirational stories or aphorisms. The biblical authors wrote works of literature, so where an author places a passage was a deliberate choice, and the meaning of that passage is framed by what comes before and after.

The immediate context refers to the sections directly before and after a passage. But the broader literary context matters too. One of the great values of a book overview is getting an outline of the author’s flow of thought and purpose in writing.

The best way to grasp the literary context of a passage is to read it yourself. Unlike historical context, where we mostly need to depend on experts, any ordinary person with a Bible can see the literary context. When studying a smaller passage of Scripture, it is a good practice to read the entire book which contains that passage on an ongoing basis.

Personal Context

The way we apply the Bible is personal, since obedience to the same command may look different for different people. The context of our lives matters.

Some commands in Scripture look much the same for all people. The eighth commandment (“You shall not steal”) has far-reaching and profound implications, but it always boils down to not taking what isn’t yours.

Other commands of God will look quite different for different people. God has called us to our particular places—married or single, urban or rural, healthy or ill, different countries of residence—and much of the difficulty of applying God’s word is discerning how his general principles should be worked out in those particular places.

For example, for me to love my neighbor I need to know my neighbor, care for my neighbor, and seek to do good for my neighbor, even at great cost to myself. But if my neighbors are not your neighbors, we will necessarily obey this command in slightly different ways.

God’s call to personal faith, repentance, and obedience means that we need to seek the Lord as individuals. However, God does not call us and leave us alone. He calls us into the church, and we need this community to apply the Bible faithfully.

All Contexts Matter

Because the Bible was written by people, about people, to people, and for people, all of these contexts matter. As we study the Bible we need to take all of these contexts into account as we observe, interpret, and apply God’s word.

This was originally posted in 2018.

Filed Under: Method Tagged With: Application, Bible Study, Context, Historical Background

Hospitality in Ancient Cultures

April 9, 2025 By Peter Krol

This post by Michael Kruger provides an excellent example of how cultural context ought to inform both interpretation and application. The New Testament repeatedly commands Christians to show hospitality. Unless we understand what that meant to the original readers, we will miss much of the purpose of the command today.

Harnack also highlights the extensive travel of later Christian leaders such as Justin, Hegesippus, Julius Africanus, and (especially) Origen.

Origen travelled to Sidon, Tyre, Bostra, Antioch, Casesarea, Nikomedia, Athens, Nicopolis, Rome, and number of other cities (some of which he visited more than once). Such travel was made possible because of the advancements made in the first-century Roman roads, though journeys were still slow and often dangerous.

But, Christians didn’t just travel for missionary work. They traveled for two additional reasons. First, travel was the way they spread Christian writings in the ancient world. It wasn’t just a generic message that these missionary-teachers were promulgating, but particularly Christian texts. Even in the first century, we see that early Christians had a remarkably well-organized network for distributing their writings. For instance, Paul frequently names the letter-carriers who would often have to travel great distances to deliver his epistles.

Second, and equally important, Christians traveled for the purposes of fellowship, networking, and encouraging one another. Despite the lack of modern travel conveniences, Christians traveled great distances just to be with one another. They were so highly networked, that one recent writer referred to early Christians as having a “Holy Internet.”

Check it out!

Filed Under: Check it Out Tagged With: Application, Context, Culture, Historical Background, Michael Kruger

How Haggai Can Help with your Priorities

April 2, 2025 By Peter Krol

Samantha Decker learned something about her priorities from Haggai 1. I bet you and I can as well.

The Israelites were planting, eating, drinking, dressing, and earning wages, but ultimately, it was all fleeting and futile. They were busy with the wrong things.

So often, we’re like the Israelites. We pursue productivity, job success, endless pleasures, do-it-all parenting, and even ministry opportunities over God’s commands and will. Like the Israelites, we need to consider our ways.

Decker’s applications of the text might not be the same as yours ought to be. But nevertheless, she demonstrates well the skill of applying Scripture to head, heart, and hands.

Check it out!

Filed Under: Check it Out Tagged With: Application, Haggai, Samatha Decker

Make Your Bible Application Stick

November 18, 2024 By Ryan Higginbottom

Steve Buissinne (2015), public domain

How often do Christians interact with the Bible? Forget the inspirational bookmarks and proof texts—let’s count substantial encounters.

For Christians who regularly attend church, belong to a Bible study, and maintain a personal devotional life, they consult the Bible 5–10 times each week.

Now the uncomfortable question: How many of those encounters with Scripture produce lasting change?

You don’t need an advanced degree to see that the lives of Christians—our lives—rarely carry the fragrance of Christ (2 Cor 2:15). If the Bible has as much power as it claims, why is this?

Why We Resist Change

Any significant time in the Bible should involve application.

But application is hard! Much as we don’t like to admit it, we’re fond of our sin. We have the powerful Spirit of God within us, but the flesh is formidable. The world and the devil also sling their arrows, leaving us battle-weary most days.

We’re also ignorant of our sin at times. We have serious blind spots, and we need the help God provides through Christian community.

Further, we lack imagination to change. Sometimes we’ve been walking in a deep, muddy trench for so long we can’t envision life in the nearby meadow. We can’t picture ourselves taking that risk or loving that difficult person.

Why We Must Apply the Bible

It’s tempting to study the Bible as an academic exercise. Observe the passage and interpret it carefully. Try to discern the author’s main point in writing.

But if we don’t carry on to application, we’re fools. That’s what Jesus calls us.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24–27)

And James says that we can know the truth and yet be deceived if we don’t apply it.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:22–25)

We show our love for Jesus by keeping his commandments (John 14:15). And God sent the Spirit to be our Helper in this effort (John 14:16–17). We must apply the Bible.

How to Apply the Bible

We have many articles at Knowable Word on applying the Bible. Here, I’ll mention four strategies to help your application stick.

Be specific. Peter has written about this in detail, but it’s worth repeating. Vague goals and resolutions won’t take you far. If you want to produce real change, list the necessary steps and make your progress measurable.

Be realistic. Your goals should stretch you, but consider your starting place when you set them. Aiming for a four-minute mile isn’t the wisest approach, especially for the out-of-shape father with angry knees.

Enlist help. We need community to apply the Bible. Tell your friends what God is teaching you and how he is leading you to change. Ask them for counsel. Ask them to pray, and encourage them to follow up.

Remember Jesus. The biggest need you have in applying the Bible is not self-control. It isn’t discipline or accountability or time. It’s Jesus. He welcomes all who come to him, whether for the first time or the ten thousandth. Stand as a child of God on the finished work of Christ, and apply the Bible with confidence in his love for you.

Originally published in 2017

Filed Under: Method Tagged With: Application, Bible Study, Resistance

When the Prophet Declares Peace on Pagan Temple Attendance

October 2, 2024 By Peter Krol

Susan Tyner has a thoughtful piece wondering “Why Did Elisha Allow Naaman to Bow to an Idol?” Naaman the Syrian, cleansed of his leprosy, asks the prophet for the Lord’s pardon on his participation in the worship of the god Rimmon.

Elisha’s response? “Go in peace” (2 Kings 5:18-19).

Tyner explores the implications, comfort, and conviction offered to us through this narrative.

Living in today’s society can be a lot like the Israelites living in exile then. We struggle with various questions: Should I teach a school curriculum that goes against my beliefs? Should I quit a job that has LGBT+ stickers on its storefront window? Will my boss understand if I ask for the Lord’s Day off? In this story from the ancient world, we sense God’s compassion for us as we try to figure out how to be in the modern world but not of it (John 17:14, 15).

Tyner examines the story’s context, along with the contrast between Naaman and Elisha’s servant Gehazi to draw implications for true worship and obedience.

Check it out!

Filed Under: Check it Out Tagged With: 2 Kings, Application, Susan Tyner, Worship

3 Questions I Ask During Every Bible Study

August 12, 2024 By Ryan Higginbottom

Evan Dennis (2016), public domain

Good questions are at the core of good Bible study planning. And the best questions are crafted to relate both to the text at hand and the people in the group.

However, there are some general questions I ask during just about every Bible study I lead. Sometimes I’ll modify these questions slightly, but mostly they can be used as is. These questions almost always help my group look closely at the Scriptures, work to understand its meaning, and draw out its implications.

What Do You Notice?

The people in my Bible study group know this question is aimed at observation. I’m not fishing for anything specific; I’m genuinely curious what they observed when this passage was read aloud.

With some planning, I can usually (though not always!) anticipate some answers to this question, directing the conversation to further observation or interpretation.

Alternate versions of this question: What jumped out at you? What are some important details in this text?

What’s the Flow of Thought?

To understand the author’s main point, we must determine what he is saying and how he is connecting his ideas. When the logic connecting one paragraph to another is obvious, I don’t need this question. But when the transition is more subtle, this question does wonders.

This question forces people to identify or remember the main points of the smaller units of thought and think about their connections. When we can link these ideas together and follow those connections through the passage, we’ll almost always be able to sniff out the main point.

Alternate versions of this question: How do these paragraphs connect? What’s the logical flow? Why does this paragraph come before/after this one?

How Can We Apply This?

After we have observed and interpreted, we want to apply the text of Scripture. We don’t want to look into this mirror and remain unchanged. We want to be hearers and doers of the word (James 1:22–25).

This is an open-the-door question, asked to see what work the Holy Spirit might be doing in the hearts of my Bible study friends. I try to have more pointed questions prepared in case this doesn’t draw any responses. But sometimes a generic question is all we need—the conviction or comfort a person needs may have already come to them powerfully, and this question kicks off a fruitful conversation aimed at genuine application.

Alternate versions of this question: What does this mean for us? How might we live differently because of this text?

Not My Only Questions

A Bible study leader’s plan cannot consist of only these questions. However, sometimes the best questions are the ones most likely to get people talking. We can take advantage of the interaction for which a Bible study group is designed when we make it easy for our friends to enter the discussion. And these three questions are a good start.

Filed Under: Leading Tagged With: Application, Flow of Thought, Leading Bible Study, Observation, Questions

Next Page »

Find it here

Have It Delivered

Get new posts by email:

Connect

RSS
Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter
Follow Me

Learn to Study the Bible

Learn to Lead Bible Studies

Popular Posts

  • Method
    Summary of the OIA Method

    I've argued that everyone has a Bible study method, whether conscious or un...

  • Sample Bible Studies
    Context Matters: The Parable of the Talents

    Perhaps you've heard that your talents are a gift from God, and that he wan...

  • Sample Bible Studies
    Overlooked Details of the Red Sea Crossing

    These details show God's hands-on involvement in the deliverance of his peo...

  • Check it Out
    What Does it Mean to “Keep” the Book of Revelation?

    Revelation 1:3 declares: Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of th...

  • Proverbs
    Change, Part 3: Wisdom Comes Out the Fingertips

    Wisdom comes in the ears, through the heart, and out the fingertips. This w...

  • Exodus
    What Should We Make of the Massive Repetition of Tabernacle Details in Exodus?

    I used to lead a small group Bible study in my home. And when I proposed we...

  • Sample Bible Studies
    The Structure of Luke’s Gospel

    Luke wrote a two-volume history of the early Christian movement to Theophil...

  • Sample Bible Studies
    10 Old Testament Books Never Quoted in the New Testament

    I recently finished a read-through of the Bible, during which I kept track...

  • Sample Bible Studies
    Top 10 OT Books Quoted in NT

    I recently finished a read-through of the Bible, during which I kept track...

  • Sample Bible Studies
    Context Matters: The Ten Commandments

    The Ten Commandments are not rules from a cold and distant judge. They are...

Categories

  • About Us (3)
  • Announcements (67)
  • Check it Out (710)
  • Children (16)
  • Exodus (51)
  • Feeding of 5,000 (7)
  • How'd You Do That? (11)
  • Leading (119)
  • Method (305)
  • Proverbs (122)
  • Psalms (78)
  • Resurrection of Jesus (6)
  • Reviews (77)
  • Sample Bible Studies (244)
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT