HOW to STUDY and PREPARE a LESSON
(Pastor Charles E. Price, Sr.)
I. SCRIPTURAL OVERVIEW: HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
Acts 17:11
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in
that they
received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the
scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
2 Tim. 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth
not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
How to Receive the Word:
With a readiness of heart and mind.
With a desire to search the scriptures (to verify truth).
With a committed heart to study the scripture (to understand what it means).
II. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
1. Observation
a. Rule of Context (What does it say?)
i. Read chapter before
ii. Read chapter after
b. Get the big picture (It’s all about Christ; He’s the only way to the Father)
i. Focus on detail (i.e. Answer the five [5] "W’s"):
WHO?
Who was speaking?
Who was the audience?
Who are the main characters?
WHAT?
What is the subject matter?
What is the main event?
What is the major teaching?
WHEN?
When was it written?
When did/will it take place?
When was it said?
When was it done?
WHERE?
Where was it done?
Where will it take place?
WHY?
Why was it written?
2. Interpretation
a. Rule on Content (What does it mean?)
i. Acts 17:11 - Search for the meaning
ii. Let scripture interpret itself.
3. Application
a. How?
i. How did it happen?
ii. How is it going to happen?
iii. How does it apply to my life?
III. STUDY TOOLS
1. Bible Dictionary
a. Strong's Greek/Hebrew
2. Thesaurus
3. Concordance
4. Study Bible
a. King James or New King James Life Application Study Bible
b. Hebrew/Greek Key Study Bible
IV. HOW TO PREPARE A LESSON PLAN
1. Lesson Structure (Outline Overview)
a. Introduction
b. Body (2-3 main points)
c. Conclusion
2. Teacher Preparation
a. Prayer
b. Preparation
c. Presence
d. Practice (Try to be faithful to God's word)
3. Presentation
a. Make Eye Contact
b. Take Your Time
c. Stick to the Subject Matter
d. Know Your Audience
e. Be Yourself (Relax and Have Fun!)