Called to be God's People Bible Study

One at a Time Bible Study Method

Most of us have a special verse or two of Scripture, and regardless of how often we read them they continue to speak powerfully to us. This Bible study method is geared toward helping us dig even deeper into those all-time favorite life verses, in order to pull out every pearl of wisdom. The Word of God is alive, that is why even one Scripture can captivate our hearts and instruct us in so many different ways. If you are tempted to pass on this method because you think you already know everything about your favorite verses, think again. The Bible is always worth rereading, and those special verses where the Lord speaks so personally to us, are the ones we should reread often. Why not let God surprise you one more time?

Hebrews 4:12 says, “the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” His Word will speak to you right where you are today, just like in times past.

Follow these simple instructions to begin a One at a Time Bible study:

Step 1 Write out the verse you are studying

Read the verse repeatedly—seven to ten times—and then write it out in its entirety. Writing out a verse helps us remember it.

Step 2 Rewrite the verse in your own words

Write out the verse again using your own words this time. What is the central theme? Does the verse contain a commandment, a promise, a warning, a doctrine?

Step 3 Think about possible meanings

Write down all the possible meanings of this verse that you can think of (at least three). What was the writer’s intended meaning? Now, choose the most likely meaning.

Step 4 Think about questions you have

Write any questions you have about this verse. Would your friends or family have any difficulty with any part of this verse?

Step 5 Check the context

For a better understanding, read the verse in context. Read the verses immediately before your verse, and write down how they add to your understanding of the passage you are studying. Now read the verses directly after your verse, and write down any additional insights you get from reading them. How is the picture clearer with this information? Where is the writer going with his thought? Context is necessary for a complete understanding of a passage.

Step 6 Decide on your application

Now that you have spent time observing the verse, how do you think God wants you to respond? Write out any thoughts and impressions you have concerning how you could begin applying this verse to your life. Become a doer of the Word! Remember, it is important to give yourself a deadline or else you may never do anything. Start today!

Andy Deane, Learn to Study the Bible: Forty Different Step-by-Step Methods to Help You Discover, Apply, and Enjoy God’s Word (Maitland, FL: Xulon Press, 2009), 72–73.