Do you ever feel overwhelmed when it comes to studying the Bible? You're not alone! The vastness of scripture can feel intimidating, and knowing where to begin can be a challenge.
But what if there was a way to approach Bible study in a structured yet flexible way? A way to deepen your understanding and ignite meaningful discussions, all without needing a degree in theology?
That's where a Personal Bible study template comes in! This handy tool will guide you through a step-by-step process, equipping you to have engaging and enriching devotions day in, day out.
My Personal Bible Study Template
Pray for guidance
Before jumping right into devotion, it's important to pray. Humans have a way of hearing what they want to hear as opposed to what's being said. Ask God to give You the Holy Spirit so you can hear what He has to say to you instead of what you want to hear. Surrender to Him and come with an open heart and mind.
Unpacking the text
Title & Summary
Although these are at the top of the page, I usually fill them in last. Once I've completed my Bible study I give it a title and create a summary that encapsulates everything I've read.
Characters - Who
Get to know the people in the passage you've read about? Ask yourself questions about who they are, what their position is and note down details about their character. Use this section to really understand the who. I often like to also use a Bible concordance to find out the meaning of each characters name. My favourite tool is the Pocket Sword app.
Locations - Where
Where is the scene set? Time to use google maps and get researching history. You'll be surprised when you research certain cities and places in the Bible. It can give you a new perspective on what is happening and the context.
Plot - What
What is actually happening in the passage? Write it out in your own words to make sure you fully grasp and understand. At this point in my study I like to use a tip I heard in a sermon and engage my senses. What can you smell? Feel? Taste? Hear and see? Put yourself into the mind of the writer or one of the characters.
Context - When
At school I didn't really listen in history, but I have realised as an adult that history can inform your understanding of so many things, especially when it comes to the Bible. Who was the king? Who was the main power? What time period in history did this happen?
Questions - Why
The last part of unpacking the text comes down to the why. Ask yourself some questions about what you have read. Why did this happen? Why now? What happened before? What is coming after? What stands out to you the most?
Deepening Your Understanding God
Everything we read in the Bible should point us back to God. Take time to ask yourself these questions:
What does this tell me about God's love?
What does this tell me about God's character?
What does this tell me about the help God gives?
What does this tell me about God's power?
Gathering Real Life Applications
Principles
With all your findings, draw out a few principles. For example, I've been studying the story of David and Bathsheba. One principle that really stood out to me is that no matter how hard you try to hide your sin, God still sees everything we do. We cannot hide from Him.
Application
Everything we read in the Bible should also provoke change in our lives. So take time to ask yourself these questions:
How is this passage relevant to my life?
Is there change God wants me to make in your life?
Is there a sin I need to confess?
Is there something to thank God for?
Is there a promise to claim?
Is God calling me to serve?
Take time to pray
To conclude your devotional time, end the same way you started, with prayer. Include these things:
Claim the promises you've found in God's word
Confess the things you've highlighted
Thank God
Pray for guidance
I hope this Bible study devotion template empowers you to unlock the richness of scripture and help you dig deeper daily.
Yes, there is a lot to digest but remember, there are many different approaches to studying the Bible and this is just one. Feel free to use this template as a springboard to get you started. Don't hesitate to modify it to better suit your time with God.
Are you ready to personalise your Bible study experience? Here's my notion template which you can access and copy for FREE!