There are various ways to study the bible that could make it possible to understand, which is why there are so many different methods out there you could use to dive deeper into the word of God. Some methods are easier to understand than others, but they are all beneficial in their way. Each method is a guide to help elevate your Bible study time, and as we all can agree, scriptures can sometimes be a bit challenging to grasp especially if you attempt to study a huge chunk at one time.
The main reason why we study the bible is to grow closer to God and grow in our understanding of the scriptures. We should not get caught up or get overwhelmed by the different methods, but try each of them and choose one that is easier for us. One important factor to remember is that without God revealing the mysteries of the scriptures, it will be difficult to understand them anyway. So before we attempt reading and studying the word, we must pray and ask God to give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
The method that I will introduce is the WORD method. The WORD Bible study method is similar to the SOAP method, it stands for Word of God, Observation, Reflection, and Devotion. The WORD Bible study method is easy to understand and can be combined with other Bible study tools, and it is very effective with Bible journaling which is a way to get more out of your study time with God.
The WORD method acronym stands for:
- W – Word
- O – Observation
- R – Reflection
- D – Devotion
How to Use the WORD Bible Study Method
The method is simple and easy to understand. It would be recommended to use a Study Bible paired with this method to get the most out of your study, and to help grow your faith.
W – Word of God
Choose an entire passage from the Bible or a few verses. It also helps to write down the verses chosen. If it is an entire passage, it would be beneficial to write out a few of the verses, this helps with retention and memorization.
O – Observation
What did you notice about the passage, or what is saying to you? Was there anything that stuck out to you? Take note of who wrote the passage, where was it written, who was the intended audience, and why was it written.
R – Reflection
What personal reflection can be made from the reading? Was there something specific that speaks to you about your personal life? What can you most relate to from the passage? Was there something from the passage that the author was trying to convey to you today? What did the Lord reveal to you about your life that needs attention, and how can you use what you have learned moving forward?
D – Devotion
Now it is time to take any revelation and interpretations God has given you through your Bible study time and bring them before the Lord in prayer. What has the Lord laid on your heart that you have a burning desire to talk to him about? You can take this time to pray physically or through prayer journaling. Finally, write down the Lord’s response to your prayer and any directions He has given you.
What would the WORD method look like when used?
Here is an example…
The first thing to do is to choose a scripture:
Word:
We’ll be looking on Ephesians 2:8-9, it reads:
8 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God –
9 – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Observation:
This is the second letter of the Ephesians written by Paul when he was imprisoned in Rome. He wrote this letter to the church of Ephesus on Christian living.
Grace – unmerited favor towards us, it is a gift from God.
Because of God’s grace unto salvation, we are given the faith to believe Him. We have to understand that God is the only one who could save us because we are sinners in need of a savior.
No one can save themselves, and that is why we cannot earn salvation by doing good. Salvation comes through God, and Him alone. God has given us the gift of salvation through His grace even though we are undeserving. Therefore; no one can take the credit for his/her salvation – God alone will receive the glory and praises from us.
Reflection:
Since God has freely given us His grace not for self service, but to serve Him. Serving God means proclaiming the good news of the gospel to a lost world. We have to live a life for Christ, and living for Him means we have to pray for the salvation of others and pray for those who need help growing in their faith. Keep in mind that we have to be humble in all this because our prestige, intelligence, ability, or anything else for that matter cannot save us.
Devotion:
Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of salvation through your grace. I pray that you will continue to increase my faith in you. Please help me not take this gift for granted, knowing that no amount of work I do will ever save me. I realize that I am a sinner and in need of a savior because only you can save me from the path of destruction. Through your love, I now have eternal life through your son Jesus Christ. I also pray for the unbelievers so they will experience your love and mercy towards them. Help them to have enough faith to believe in you because only you alone can change their lives and give them purpose. Amen!
This free printable bible study tool will help you get the most out of your bible study time. Studying the scriptures will be much simpler and allow for a more in-depth study time with God.