1. Observation"What is there?" · Read the passage slowly and carefully as if you were reading a love letter.
· What kind of literature is this? (narrative, parable, poetry, a teaching letter, etc.)
· Who is the writer and who is he writing to?
· Look for things that are emphasized. (amount of space used, stated purpose, etc.)
· Look for things that are repeated. (patterns, etc.)
· Look for things that are related. (questions & answers, cause & effect, etc.)
· Look for things that are alike. (similes, metaphors, etc.)
· Look for things that are unlike. (use of the word but, etc.)
· Look for things that are true to life.
2.
Interpretation "What does it mean? What is the point?" · Rule #1. Interpret the passage in context! · Rule #2. Interpret the passage in context! · Rule #3. Interpret the passage in context! · Take into account normal use of language. Allow for figurative speech, but if the normal sense makes common sense, seek no other sense. · What is the writer trying to communicate? What is his point?
· What does this passage tell us about God?
· What does this passage tell us about ourselves?
· Why was this written?
· How does this compare to other teachings in the Bible. How does it fit in?
· To see if you really understand what the passage is saying, try to paraphrase it accurately in different words.
3. Application
"How does this impact my life?" · Make sure you have done the observation and interpretation steps first or you will be putting your thought into the Bible instead of letting the Bible teach you.
· How does this relate to my spiritual life?
· How does this relate to my family life?
· How does this relate to my social life?
· How does this relate to my dating life?
· How does this relate to my church life?
· How does this relate to my school life?
· How does this relate to my work life?
· How does this relate to my community life?
· Is there an example to follow?
· Is there a sin to avoid?
· Is there a promise to believe?
· Is there a prayer to repeat?
· Is there a command to obey?
· Is there thinking I need to change?
· Is there a habit I need to stop or start?
· Is there something I can praise God for?
