“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

—2 Timothy 3:16-17

Pray

Ask the Lord to reveal His thoughts to you. The Word is living and active, and so is its Author. We look to Him for understanding because without Him, there is a veil over our eyes—a veil that is taken away in Jesus Christ (the incarnate Word of God).

(Psalm 119:18; Luke 24:25; 2 Corinthians 3:14-16)

Observe

What is the text saying plainly?Remember: the main things are the plain things, and the plain things are the main things. Read, read, read, and re-read the section of Scripture that you wish to study. There’s no magic number of times you should read it through. Just absorb the text. Abide in it. Pray through it. Get comfortable with it. Often times this is when the Lord begins to reveal His thoughts to you.

(2 Timothy 2:15)

Interpret

What does the text mean? As always, it is ever important to be seeking the Lord actively throughout this process, asking Him to reveal His mind to you. Be disciplined not to read into the text what is not said there explicitly. Focus first on the simplest interpretations and this will prove to be the most beneficial to keeping you from misconstruing what is being said and being led astray.

(1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 2 Peter 3:15-16)

Correlate

What else does the bible say about this? It’s often said that the best commentary on the Bible is the Bible! As you begin to interpret what is being said, pray that the Lord would direct you to other passages in the Scriptures that corroborate what is being said. Other Scriptures will illuminate more fully and confirm what the Lord is speaking to you through the text you are reading today.

(2 Peter 1:20-21)

Apply

How do I need to change based on what this says? As you’ve been spending time ruminating on the passage, interacting with it, thinking through interpretations of it, and correlating other verses, likely the Lord has already been revealing to you what this Scripture means, and how it is applicable for you today. How can you apply what you’ve read to your life right now?

(Colossians 1:9-10; John 15:10)

Abide

Continue in the things you have learned and bear fruit as you walk in His ways, in His power! The Lord uses His Word to impact you in different ways and at different times as you continue to grow and walk with Him.

(Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; John 15:4)