Methods of Studying the Holy Bible Notes, Quizzes & Revision

Learning goals (what you should be able to do):

• Explain five methods of studying the Bible: Inductive, Devotional, Topical, Biographical, and Word Study.
• Describe benefits of studying the Bible for life in school, family and church.
• Use the inductive method to study a short Old Testament passage.
• Discuss how the Old Testament teaches chastity and integrity, and apply those lessons daily.
• Use the biographical method (study a character) to apply their lessons to your life.
• Show ways to apply scripture lessons in everyday life and build a desire to read God’s Word for spiritual growth.

a) Inductive Method 🔎

Steps: Observe (what does the text say?), Interpret (what did it mean to the original readers?), Apply (how does it apply to me today?). It is a careful, hands-on way to discover truth in a passage without jumping to conclusions.

b) Devotional Method 🙏

Focused on personal growth and prayer. Read a short passage slowly, ask God to speak, reflect, pray, and write one practical decision you will make because of the reading (for example, pray before exams or forgive a friend).

c) Topical Method 🗂️

Choose a subject (e.g., chastity, honesty, leadership) and collect Old Testament verses about that subject. Compare what different books say and make a summary of biblical teaching on the topic.

d) Biographical Method 👤

Study the life of one person (for example Joseph, Ruth, David, Daniel). Look at their choices, mistakes, faith in hard times and how God worked through them. Use their example for personal application.

e) Word Study 📘

Pick an important word (e.g., "faith", "righteousness", "integrity") and find all Old Testament places it appears. Compare context, synonyms and opposite ideas to get a clear meaning for life today.

Text focus: Genesis 39:7–12 (summary): Potiphar’s wife tries to force Joseph; Joseph refuses and runs away.
(You can read the full passage in your Bible: Genesis 39:7–12.)

Step 1 — Observe (What do you see?)

• Who: Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.
• What: She tries to force Joseph; Joseph refuses, citing loyalty to Potiphar and to God; he escapes by running away.
• Where/When: Potiphar’s house, while Joseph was serving there.
• Key words: "refused", "sin against God", "ran out".

Step 2 — Interpret (What did it mean then?)

Joseph was a slave in Egypt; refusing a powerful man's wife was risky. Saying "it would be a sin against God" shows Joseph’s faith and moral courage. The story shows how faith can guide actions even when pressure is strong.

Step 3 — Apply (What does this mean for you now?)

Practical ideas for a Kenyan teen:

• If a friend or older person pressures you to do something wrong (cheat in exams, share intimate pictures, lie), remember Joseph: have a clear reason to refuse (honour God, protect your future).
• Prepare what to say: short, firm refusal and then leave the situation (like Joseph ran away).
• Seek support: tell a trusted teacher, parent, pastor or youth leader if pressured or harmed.

How to study a life and apply it:

1. Read the whole story (Genesis 37–50) and divide it into stages: dreamer, sold to Egypt, Potiphar’s house, prison, rise to power, reunion with family.
2. List Joseph’s choices and motives in each stage (faith, patience, refusal of sin, hard work, forgiveness).
3. Ask: Which choices can I copy? Which mistakes should I avoid?
4. Make a personal plan: e.g., "When tempted to do wrong, I will... (pray, leave, tell someone)." Write a one-week action step and review.

Example application: Joseph forgave his brothers even after suffering. A Kenyan teen could apply this by choosing to forgive a friend who betrayed them, instead of holding anger—seek reconciliation or wise counsel if necessary.

Simple habits to build:

• Set a short daily time: 10 minutes before school or after evening chores—read one short passage and write one sentence about how it helps you.
• Join or start a youth Bible group at church or school for accountability and shared learning.
• Use a reading plan focused on the Old Testament themes (wisdom, prophets, history) so you see how God worked in the past.
• Keep a small notebook: record insights, prayers and one action step you will try each week.

Why this builds desire: When reading becomes practical (it helps with friendships, exams, discipline), it feels useful—this makes you want to come back. Prayerfully ask God to help you understand and act on what you read.

Remember: The Old Testament is full of real people and practical wisdom. Use careful study methods (like inductive and biographical) and ask God to guide you as you apply what you learn to school, family and community life in Kenya.