Precept

Bible
Study
Method
Precept Bible
Study Method
We believe that relationship with God comes
through knowing His Word, and that means studying
it hands-on. Precept’s Method explains the nuts
and bolts of our studies so that every student can
discover God’s truth for themselves.

These steps—observation, interpretation,

application—are numbered for clarity, but it’s
important to remember that you don’t have to use
them in order. As you study, you should expect to
move fluidly between steps and respond to the text
as it is presented.
 Observation
01 Begin with Prayer
Prayer is often the missing element in Bible study, and we can’t
overemphasize its importance. No matter how good your method or your
tools, life-change and true understanding only come from God.

02 Ask the “5 W’s and an H”

As you study any passage of Scripture, train yourself to constantly ask: Who?
What? When? Where? Why? How? These questions are the building blocks
of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation.

03 Mark key words and phrases

(see figure on page five)
A key word is one that is essential to the text. Key words and phrases are
repeated in order to convey the author’s point or purpose for writing. For
example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three times in
1 Peter 5. Key words can be marked using symbols, colors, or a combination
of the two.

04 Make lists
Making lists can be one of the most enlightening things you do as you
study. Lists reveal truths and highlight important concepts. 1 Peter 5:2,3,
for example, contains a simple list regarding the role of the elder, shown by
numbering the items in the text. It is also helpful to make a list of what you
learn about each key word or person you mark.
Observation

05 Watch for contrasts and comparisons

Contrasts and comparisons use highly descriptive language to make it
easier to remember what you’ve learned. For example, Peter compares the
devil to a roaring lion in verse 8. Peter also contrasts God’s attitude toward
the proud and the humble.

06 Note expressions of time

The relationship of events in time often sheds light on the true meaning of
the text. Marking them will help you see the sequence or timing of events
and lead to accurate interpretation of Scripture.

07 Geographic Locations
Often it’s helpful to mark geographical locations, which tell you where an
event takes place.

08 Mark terms of conclusion

Words such as “therefore,” “thus,” and “for this reason” indicate that a conclusion
or summary is being made.

09 Identify chapter themes

The theme of a chapter will center on the main person, event, teaching,
or subject of that section of Scripture. Themes are often revealed by
reviewing the key words and lists you developed. Try to express the theme
as briefly as possible, using words found in the text.
Precept Marking
Precept Method
Marking Method
Here are our suggested Scripture markings. Over time, you can develop your own markings to help you carefully examine God’s Word.

MARK KEY 1 Peter 5 — NASB

WORDS &
SYNONYMS, WITH EPISTLES,
SUCH AS GOD, 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow MARK AUTHOR &
CHRIST, DEVIL, & RECIPIENTS
elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a SEPARATELY
SUFFERING
partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,
2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising
IDENTIFY LISTS oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily,
MAKE LISTS
according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but FROM KEY
WORDS
with eagerness;
3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge,
but proving to be examples to the flock.
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive
the unfading crown of glory.
5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and
all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one
MARK another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace
CONTRASTS to the humble.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of
MARK TERMS OF God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
CONCLUSION
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil,
MARK prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
COMPARISONS
9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same
experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your
brethren who are in the world.
MARK 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all
EXPRESSIONS
OF TIME grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will
Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard
him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying
that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!
DOUBLE
UNDERLINE 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends
GEOGRAPHICAL you greetings, and so does my son, Mark.
LOCATIONS
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace be to you all who are in Christ.
Interpretation
While observation leads to an accurate understanding
of what the Word of God says, interpretation goes a step
further and helps you understand what it means. As
you seek to interpret the Bible accurately, the following
guidelines will be helpful:
Interpretation
01 Remember that context rules.
If you lay the solid foundation of observation, you will be prepared to consider
each verse in the light of the surrounding verses, the book in which it is found,
and the entire Word of God. As you study, ask yourself: Is my interpretation of
this passage of Scripture consistent with the theme, purpose, and structure
of the book in which it is found? Is it consistent with other Scripture about the
same subject? Am I considering the historic and cultural context? Never take
a Scripture out of its context to make it say what you want it to say. Discover
what the author is saying; don’t add to his meaning.

02 Always seek the full counsel of the

Word of God.
When you know God’s Word thoroughly, you will not accept a teaching
simply because someone has used one or two isolated verses to support
it. You will be able to discern whether a teaching is biblical or not. Saturate
yourself in the Word of God; it is your safeguard against wrong doctrine.

03 Remember that Scripture will never

contradict Scripture.
Remember, all Scripture is inspired by God. Therefore, Scripture will never
contradict itself. Sometimes, however, you may find it difficult to reconcile two
seemingly contradictory truths taught in Scripture, such as the sovereignty of
God and the responsibility of man. Don’t take a teaching to an extreme that
God doesn’t. Simply humble your heart in faith and believe what God says,
even if you can’t fully understand or reconcile it at the moment.
Interpretation
04 Don’t base your convictions on an
obscure passage of Scripture.
An obscure passage is one in which the meaning is unclear or not easily
understood. Because these passages are difficult to understand even when
proper principles of interpretation are used, they should not be used as a
basis for establishing doctrine.

05 Interpret Scripture literally.

God spoke to us that we might know truth. Therefore, take the Word of God
at face value—in its natural, normal sense. Look first for the clear teaching
of Scripture, not a hidden meaning. Understand and recognize figures of
speech and interpret them accordingly. Consider what is being said in the
light of its literary style. For example, you will find more similes and metaphors
in poetical and prophetic literature than in historical or biographical books.
Interpret portions of Scripture according to their literary style. Some literary
styles in the Bible are: Historical—Acts, Exodus; Prophetic—Revelation,
Isaiah; Biographical—Luke; Didactic (teaching)—Romans; Poetic—Psalms;
Epistle (letter)—2 Timothy; Proverbial—Proverbs

06 Look for the single meaning of

the passage.
Always try to understand what the author had in mind when you interpret
a portion of the Bible. Don’t twist verses to support a meaning that is not
clearly taught. Unless the author of a particular book indicates that there is
another meaning to what he says, let the passage speak for itself.
 Application
The first step in application is to find out what the Word
of God says on any particular subject through accurate
observation and correct interpretation of the text. Once you
understand what the Word of God teaches, you are then
obligated before God to accept that truth and to live by it.

Scripture will always teach what is right, show us where

we are wrong, how to correct, and train us in right living; so
that we are complete, fully equipped for every good work. 2
Timothy 3:16-17.
Find a
Precept
group
near you!
Visit Precept.org/Find-A-Group
today to find out more about local
Bible studies.
What makes
Precept unique?
Method & Materials
The Precept Bible Study Method
teaches individuals to observe, interpret, and apply God’s Word for their lives

Precept Resources
incorporate the PBSM and exist for every book of the Bible and experience level

Individual Study
Prayer
provides a foundation for learning as individuals invite the Holy Spirit to teach them

Bible Exploration
to discover God’s Truth and build relationship with Him

Group Study
Skilled Leader
trained in leading transformative discussions

Group Discussion
to confirm and clarify individuals’ understanding

Multiplication
involves seeking and encouraging new group members and their growth

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