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Book Study Method

This method is more extensive than the others because it covers more material:  an entire book of the Bible.  This method takes longer and involves more study but yields great results.  You can use this method for any book.

You will need a good study Bible, dictionary, commentary, maps, encyclopedia or other resource book that contains historical and geographical information.

1.     Choose a book to study and make a short list of what you would like to learn about it.

 

2.    Gather background information on the book.  Identify the author, his purpose for writing the book, historical setting, cultural information, geographical locations, and other information you find interesting or important.  Record this information in a manner that is easy for you to understand and to refer to.

 

3.    At this point, I strongly suggest that you read the book through at least once.  If possible, do it at one sitting, keeping in mind the background information.  You want to get an overview of the entire book.  If it is too long to read at one time, break the book into comfortable lengths.

 

4.    As you read sections, write a short summary for each chapter.  This is not a detailed summary like the ones we wrote for the Chapter Study Method.  These summaries should contain enough details to remind you what is happening in each chapter.

 

5.    As you read and write your summaries, keep another list of questions or insights or revelations that come to you as you read.  As you continue reading, see if any of your questions are answered and if your observations are supported by other events in the chapter.

 

6.    After finishing with the short chapter summaries, read over them at least once.  Then, write what you have learned about this book and what you have learned from this book.

 

7.    Finally, write out how you can apply what you have learned from this chapter.  Write out what has made an impression on you.