We all know that reading and studying the Bible helps us grow in our walk with Christ. Topical Bible study is a particular method to grow in our knowledge of scripture.
Topical Bible study provides a way to focus on one particular theme – such as sin, prayer, love, or forgiveness – and take a deep dive into that theme.
What’s The Real Benefit Of Topical Bible Study?
One benefit is, of course, increasing our knowledge of scripture. But – just as important – topical Bible study will help us APPLY scripture to our lives and our spiritual walk with Christ. Plus, topical Bible study will help you explain your Christian faith to others to help bring them to Christ.
Some Simple Steps For Effective Topical Bible Study!
Step 1: Start with prayer. Pray for guidance about what you should study. Pray to be aligned with God’s will so that your study is pointed in the right direction. And pray for God to grant you the gift of wisdom just like Solomon asked to be granted with wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:10). And search your heart to discover where you’re struggling in your Christian life. Let your prayer invite the Holy Spirit to nudge you in the right direction.
Step 2: After you pick your topical study theme, grab your study notebook and write down the questions you might have regarding the topic you’re going to study.
Step 3: Now go to your favorite search engine, like Google, and type in “Bible Verse + Your Question (or the key words in your question).” You’ll get a comprehensive list of Bible verses related to your specific topic of interest. Now start writing those verses in your study notebook. Just the act of writing those Bible verses will start the scripture to work on your heart, mind, and soul.
Or you can use online tools like the Blue Letter Bible website or app to find appropriate Bible verse and do word studies.
Step 4: Read and absorb all the Bible verses and information that you wrote down. Also read the verses above and below the specific verse you’re studying to help give the verse more context. Now take time to consider what you’ve read. Interpret the information so you can come to new and deeper understandings.
Step 5 – A Most Important Step
The last step is super important. It’s applying what you’ve learned from your topical Bible study. If your study swas about prayer, did the study enrich your prayer life? If the study was about forgiveness, did it help you in your efforts to truly forgive? Or, if the study was about loving your neighbor, have you found increased ability to do that and be kind to all?
A treasure of knowledge and wisdom is waiting for you in the Bible’s page. What topic do you want to explore?
