印刷
Recently, I gave you a simple format for using verse-by-verse study to enhance your quiet time. That’s one great method, but you might like to try another approach: topical study.
As with the verse-by-verse approach, you can use this method in your own personal study time or as preparation for a sermon. Either way, it will help you get a handle on what God’s Word says about particular topics that touch your everyday life.
After choosing a topic that interests you – and my recommendation is that you choose one that is not too vast or time consuming – build your topical study around these six steps:
1. Compile: Make a list of related words (synonyms and antonyms), phrases, events, and anything else that could have something to do with your topic. If you decide to study suffering, for example, list words such as affliction, anger, chastisement, grief, health, pain, sorrow, trials, and tribulation. If you see that your topic has become too broad, narrow it down to a manageable size.
2. Collect: Take your reference tools and begin to gather all the verses you can find on the topic. Using your concordance, look up each related word compiled in step one. Also, you will want to use your topical Bible to find verses for study.
3. Consider: Look up, read, and study each individual reference and write down your observations and insights. Be sure to check the context (surrounding verses) carefully when studying a verse to make sure you are interpreting it correctly.
Ask as many questions as you can about each verse you study. Remember to use what, why, when, where, who, and how questions. Don’t forget to define all key words.
4. Compare: After you've studied all your verses individually, you will begin to notice that some references naturally complement each other and deal with the same areas of the topic under study. Categorize these references on a piece of scratch paper.
5. Condense: Using those categories, outline your study. Do this by grouping related or similar references together into natural divisions. Then organize these divisions into a logical pattern. In helping you organize your study, this step will also enable you to share it with others.
6. Conclude: In your two-part conclusion, summarize your findings in a brief paragraph and then write out a practical application drawn from this summary. Remember to be personal and practical, writing a possible and measurable application.
If you want to jump-start your personal quiet time, make the effort to try topical study. Not only will you gain new insight for your own refreshment, you’ll undoubtedly find points and application you can use for future sermons. A two-for-one deal!
Until next time,
