The “TOPICAL” Method of Bible Study
(How to Study the Bible for Yourself)
Step One: (T) Discover the Theme. First, find the theme or main idea of the portion of Scripture you’re studying.
1. What words connect the verses? Look for words like “But, so that, in order that, therefore, for, etc.” Instead of seeing each verse in isolation, see if you can follow the logical flow of the passage.
2. What repeated words or ideas do you see?3. Are there any lists in this passage? How would you title the list? (Lots of and’s)
4. Are there any commands? Often a passage is simply an explanation for why these commands are given.
5. Are there any contrasts? What is being contrasted? Why?
(Key word: “But”)6. Are there any cause/effect relationships? Why does what happened, happen? (Key words: “so that, in order that, because, for.)
7. Are there any words you can’t concretely define? Or where a knowledge of Greek or Hebrew might be helpful? Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Or Old Testament words) is a great resource, but even a simple English dictionary can yield significant insights.
Once you’ve answered these seven questions, see if you can summarize what each paragraph is about.
1. What is the subject of the paragraph?
2. What does the paragraph tell you about the subject?
3. How does each paragraph in the passage relate to the preceding paragraph?
Finally, what’s the Theme of the Passage?
Step Two: (O) Find the Outline of the passage.
Once you find the theme, see if you can find how that theme is developed. Simply ask, “What does each paragraph tell me about the theme?”
Step Three: (P) Find the Principles in the passage.
The goal of all Bible study is obedience. (James 1:22-25, Matt. 7:24-27) Using your theme and outline as a guide, find the principles (or lessons) for living in this passage by answering the natural question from the passage. Pay special attention to...
1. What are the commands?
2. Do you see any examples of good or bad behavior or attitudes?
3. Do you see any cause-effects? (When I do this, this will happen.)
4. If you believed what this passage is teaching, how would your life change?
By the end of step 3, you should have a number of practical lessons for living which you have discovered from the passage.
Step Four: (I) Find the Implications of each principle for your own life. (“Where do I fall short?”
How are you doing in light of each principle? How does your behavior compare with what the Bible teaches here?
1. What’s the opposite of the principle?
2. Do you find that opposite in your own life?
3. If so, what is that opposite attitude or behavior producing?
4. In contrast, what positive results might you expect from changing your attitude or behavior?
5. Does this principle answer a tough issue or controversial question?
6. Does this principle clarify any issues you’ve been struggling with?
Step Five: (C) What Corrections do I need to make in light of this passage? (“How according to this passage can I correct the areas where I’m currently falling short?”)
What specific goals do I need to set in order to obey what the Bible is teaching here? How will my life be different?
Step 6: (A) How specifically do I plan to Apply these principles?
What new habits do I need to develop? How will I go about developing them?
Step 7: (L) What Life illustration will help me to remember these principles?
Finding a good illustration from your own life or from the Bible cements what you’ve learned into your memory, and helps in teaching others what you’ve learned. How has applying these principles affected your life?
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