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Study Section 14: Studying the Bible for Knowledge

14.1 Connect.

Another approach to studying God’s Word is to search for information within the text that
will enlighten you. This approach is normally the approach you would take when preparing a
lesson for a class or a sermon at church. You are trying to dig out the choice jewels in the
text so you can share them with others.

14.2 Objectives.

1. The student should be able to explain how to study the Bible for knowledge for the purpose
of digging out the real meat of the Word for the edification of others.

2. The student should be able to describe helpful tools that will assist us in a knowledge study.

3. The student should be able to explain the step by step process of conducting a knowledge study.

14.3 Study for Bible Knowledge.

The purpose of this type of study is to probe the depths of God’s Word - to get to the real
meat of the passages and better understand God’s original thoughts which He inspired.

Background study: Before studying the details of the passage, you must first understand
some background information about the passage. This includes:

When the book was written and to whom it was written.
The author of the passage, if known.
The date it was written.
The purpose of writing the book.
The language of the book.
The culture of those to whom it was written.
The geography of the passage.
The history behind the passage. Answer the question, “What was happening historically during
the writing of this passage or book?”

Getting out your tool chest of helpful aids

Just as a carpenter uses tools to form wood into a beautiful cabinet or piece of furniture, the person
who wants to carefully study God’s Word must utilize some basic tools to achieve success. Let’s look at
some of those tools.

1. A good study Bible (translated with a formal approach). It will contain:
a. Charts
b. Cross References (generally in the margin next to passage)

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