Teaching Outine Title: Studying Scripture With Clarity and Confidence
Text, Theme, Big Idea
Bible Text: 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:1
Theme: Understanding Scripture rightly
Big Idea: A believer grows more spiritually by seeing the big picture first, then studying Scripture carefully, honestly, and obediently.
1. Start With the Big Picture (50,000-Foot View)
a. Read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation to understand God’s overall story.
b. You may forget details (like Genesis 7), but you remember major movements—creation, fall, exodus, captivity, Christ, redemption.
c. The goal is understanding where you are in God’s story, not mastering every verse at once.
2. Use Helpful Reading Methods
a. Audio Scripture (such as Max McLean reading KJV) helps when eyes are tired while keeping the Word flowing.
b. Reading and listening together strengthens comprehension and retention.
c. Consistency matters more than speed.
3. Move to Deeper Study (Inductive First)
a. Inductive study asks: What does the text say? What does it mean? How do I apply it?
b. Read verses multiple times and always include surrounding context.
c. Deductive study can help, but must never override what the text actually says.
4. Study by Topics and Words
a. Topic studies trace themes like faith, prayer, salvation, or obedience through Scripture.
b. Word studies focus on specific words (e.g., “believe,” “love”) using Hebrew and Greek tools.
c. Tools like Strong’s, Nave’s, Torrey’s, and Thompson’s help connect Scripture with Scripture.
5. Handle Scripture Honestly and Carefully
a. Context matters—Jeremiah 29:11 means what God intended before it means anything to us.
b. God promises peace, but also requires obedience and faithfulness.
c. Studying what Scripture does not say can sometimes clarify what it does say.
Conclusion / Application
Study the Bible to know God, read it like a love note from the one who loves us most.
Start wide, get the panaramic view of the Bible, then dig deeper with topics, word studies.
Pray for understanding, read humbly, study honestly, and apply faithfully.
The goal is not knowledge alone—but a transformation from a novice to competent Christian.