Scripture Study

Thesis

Studying scripture—especially the Gospels and Jesus’ words—is essential for following Jesus. This page provides practical methods for reading the Gospels, understanding context, and applying Jesus’ teachings to your life. The goal is not just knowledge, but transformation and action.

Why Scripture Study Matters

Jesus’ words are our foundation. To follow him, we must know what he said. Scripture study is not academic exercise—it’s the foundation for action. We study to understand, understand to apply, and apply to transform.

“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.” - Matthew 7:24

How to Study the Gospels

1. Read Regularly

Daily Reading:

  • Read a passage from the Gospels each day
  • Start with Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)
  • Focus on Jesus’ words (the red letters)
  • Read slowly and reflectively

Weekly Reading:

  • Read through one Gospel over several weeks
  • Focus on understanding the flow and context
  • Notice themes and patterns
  • Connect teachings to action

Monthly Reading:

  • Read through all four Gospels over several months
  • Compare how different Gospels present the same events
  • Notice the unique emphasis of each Gospel
  • Build a comprehensive understanding

2. Focus on Jesus’ Words

Red-Letter Focus:

  • Pay special attention to what Jesus says
  • These are our primary source of authority
  • Don’t let other voices drown out Jesus’ words
  • Go back to the source

Key Passages to Study:

  • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
  • The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
  • Parables (throughout the Gospels)
  • Teachings on the Kingdom (throughout)
  • Final instructions (Matthew 25, John 13-17)

See Also: The Sermon on the Mount, Red-Letter Teachings, The Beatitudes

3. Understand Context

Historical Context:

  • Learn about first-century Palestine
  • Understand the political and religious situation
  • Recognize how Jesus’ teachings challenged the status quo
  • See how his teachings apply today

Literary Context:

  • Read passages in context
  • Understand the flow of the narrative
  • Notice how teachings connect to events
  • See the big picture

Cultural Context:

  • Understand first-century Jewish culture
  • Recognize cultural references and metaphors
  • See how Jesus used familiar images
  • Apply the principles to your context

4. Ask Good Questions

Questions to Ask:

  • What is Jesus teaching here?
  • What does this mean?
  • How does this apply to my life?
  • What action does this call me to?
  • How does this connect to other teachings?

Avoid:

  • Over-spiritualizing everything
  • Making it only about personal piety
  • Ignoring the practical implications
  • Separating faith from action

5. Connect to Action

From Understanding to Action:

  • Every teaching connects to practical action
  • Don’t just understand—apply
  • Create action plans based on what you read
  • Measure your life against Jesus’ teachings

Action Steps:

  • After reading, ask: What should I do?
  • Create specific action steps
  • Share your commitments with others
  • Join a community that holds you accountable

See Also: Action, Serve the Poor, Practice Mercy

Practical Methods

Method 1: Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)

Steps:

  1. Read - Read a passage slowly
  2. Meditate - Reflect on what stands out
  3. Pray - Talk to God about what you’re learning
  4. Contemplate - Rest in God’s presence
  5. Act - Take action based on what you’ve learned

Best For: Daily personal study, spiritual formation

Method 2: Inductive Bible Study

Steps:

  1. Observe - What does the text say?
  2. Interpret - What does it mean?
  3. Apply - How does it apply to my life?

Best For: Understanding specific passages, group study

Method 3: Thematic Study

Steps:

  1. Choose a theme - e.g., “serving the poor”
  2. Find all passages - Search for related teachings
  3. Compare and contrast - See how teachings relate
  4. Synthesize - Create a comprehensive understanding
  5. Apply - Take action based on the theme

Best For: Deep understanding of specific topics

See Also: Red-Letter Teachings - Organized by theme

Method 4: Character Study

Steps:

  1. Choose a character - e.g., Jesus, a disciple, someone Jesus helped
  2. Read all passages - Find all references to this character
  3. Observe patterns - Notice how they act and respond
  4. Learn lessons - What can we learn from them?
  5. Apply - How does this apply to my life?

Best For: Learning from examples, understanding Jesus’ interactions

Method 5: Book Study

Steps:

  1. Choose a Gospel - Start with Matthew or Mark
  2. Read through completely - Don’t skip around
  3. Notice themes - What themes emerge?
  4. Understand structure - How is it organized?
  5. Apply teachings - Take action based on what you read

Best For: Comprehensive understanding, seeing the big picture

Study Resources

Essential Passages

Start Here:

  • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
  • The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
  • Matthew 25:31-46 (The Least of These)
  • The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
  • The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40)

See Also: The Sermon on the Mount, The Beatitudes, Matthew 25

Study Tools

Bible Translations:

  • Use multiple translations for comparison
  • Focus on translations that are accurate and readable
  • Consider: NRSV, NIV, ESV, WEB (World English Bible)

Study Bibles:

  • Choose study Bibles that focus on Jesus’ teachings
  • Look for notes that connect to action
  • Avoid study Bibles that over-spiritualize everything

Commentaries:

  • Use commentaries to understand context
  • Focus on commentaries that emphasize application
  • Don’t let commentaries replace your own study

Community Study

Join a Study Group:

  • Study with others who are trying to follow Jesus
  • Share what you’re learning
  • Hold each other accountable
  • Take action together

See Also: Community, Community

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Over-Spiritualizing

Problem: Making everything about personal piety, ignoring practical implications

Solution: Always ask: What does this mean for how I live? How does this apply to my community? What action does this call me to?

2. Ignoring Context

Problem: Taking verses out of context, missing the meaning

Solution: Read passages in context. Understand the flow. See the big picture.

3. Separating Faith from Action

Problem: Studying without applying, knowledge without transformation

Solution: Always connect understanding to action. Create action plans. Measure your life against Jesus’ teachings.

4. Relying Only on Later Interpretations

Problem: Letting commentaries and traditions replace Jesus’ words

Solution: Go back to the source. Focus on what Jesus actually said. Let his words be your guide.

See Also: Red-Letter Teachings

5. Individualistic Reading

Problem: Reading only for personal benefit, ignoring community and justice

Solution: Read with others. Ask how teachings apply to community and justice. Connect to action that serves others.

Practical Application

Daily Practice

  • Read a passage from the Gospels
  • Focus on Jesus’ words
  • Ask: What is Jesus teaching? How does this apply?
  • Take one action based on what you read

Weekly Practice

  • Study one theme or passage in depth
  • Use one of the methods above
  • Connect to practical action
  • Share what you’re learning with others

Monthly Practice

  • Read through one Gospel completely
  • Focus on understanding and application
  • Create action plans based on what you read
  • Join a study group or community

Connection to Action

Scripture study must connect to action:

See Also

Categories:
Foundation