METHODS OF BIBLE STUDY.

Methods are the laid down principles by which something is done. In this section we will discuss five methods of Bible studies, taking into consideration the four parts of Bible studies as discussed earlier - observation, interpretation, correlation and application.

These methods are:

1. Verse Analysis
2. Analytical Method
3. Synthetic Method
4. Topical Method
5. Biographical Method

*1. VERSE ANALYSIS.*

Verse analysis calls for concentration on a particular verse, seeking its meaning and application. In this method you pick a particular verse for your study. This is how this method is done using the  OICA principle we learnt earlier:

*1. Observe the verse* -
(a) Observe the verse by reading it - probably over and over and even memorising it. As you read or memorise the verse it sticks in your mind and your heart gets hold of it. Let us pick Matt. 7:8 for analysis:

_For everyone who asks receives, and he who  seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be  opened._

(b) You then move on to see how other versions render the verse in order for you to have broader knowledge on what exactly the verse means. The International Standard Version (ISV) for example renders it this way;

_Because everyone who keeps asking will receive, and the person who keeps searching will find, and the person who keeps knocking will have the door opened._

Observe the broader meaning this version brings such as the use of the phrases; _"Keeps asking...keeps seeking...keeps knocking."_

You will now notice quickly that the asking, seeking and knocking in the verse must be a continuous action, not a one time thing. That observation alone can draw you more into the verse.

(c) observe the immediate scriptures surrounding the verse, such as the verse before and after it. For example, the verse before, ie vrs 7 says;

_Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you  will find; knock, and it will be opened to you._

And the verse after, ie verse 9, says;

_Or what man is there among you who,  if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?_

You will observe that the verse under study is a dependent scripture that takes it basic essence from the verse before it and its conclusion from the verse after it. Thus Jesus was teaching on asking, seeking and knocking. And so the verse was only an elaboration Jesus was giving on the reason for his statement in verse 7.

You will also notice that the verse after gives practical example of the assurance there is in asking. It also reveals who is qualified to keep asking, seeking and knocking; that is the son. The example Jesus made was a reference to the relationship between a father and a son. So then it is God's children, not just everybody, who has the right to make demands on God as the verse says.

*2. Interpret*
You can now interpret and understand the verse  in context to the verses before and after:

i. *The command* - ask, seek and knock.

ii. *The assurance for asking, seeking and knocking* - everyone who asks receives; seeks, finds; and knocks will have the door opened.

iii. *The boundaries for asking, seeking and knocking* - Children of God are those qualified to ask, seek and knock because God is their Father and God is a better Father than earthly fathers to give good things to his children.

Thus the child of God must ask, seek and knock with full assurance of receiving answer.

*3. Correlate*
You must now cross reference, ie search for other scriptures that relate to the verse and will help in elaborating, explaining or illustrating the verse. Cross references for the verse under study could include:

Matt. 21:22
1st John 3:22
John 15:7
Mark 11:24
1st John 5:14-15
Jeremiah 33:3

You can also look at Luke 18:1-8 and use the parable of the widow and the judge to illustrate the verse.

*4. Apply*

Now that you have understood the verse you now apply the verse to your personal life.

In application you need to take note of information and instructions. Some verses are informing you while others are instructing you.

From the study you will see the verse in question informing you on what happens when you ask, seek and knock. To apply this therefore will answer the question; *What are you going to use the information for?*

The previous verse carries the instruction: ask, seek and knock.

So to apply you begin to find out why you don't have yet. And then you begin to ask, to seek and to knock.

You might have asked, sought and even knocked without answer but then you moved on to ask whether you have a relationship with God as your Father or not.

If God is your Father but you still don't have then you then ask whether you have believed truly the assurance in the verse or waiting in faith for the answer.

Doing this will help you understand almost every verse in scriptures in their immediate context.

Abeiku Okai
Lecturing at KNTC.