Unlocking The Scriptures: Three Steps to Personal Bible Study

by Hans Finzel

Publisher:

David C. Cook

, 2003

Overview

This updated classic leads the reader through the inductive Bible study process, showing practically how to study the Bible for one’s self.

With this tool, Christians can learn to relevantly apply God’s Word to their lives as His Spirit leads them personally, rather than as some other leader might direct. Originally published in 1986, Finzel’s style remains very accessible—providing practical examples that walk the reader through the steps of unpacking Scripture, using actual passages to practice.

Key Features

• Provides a practical guide for studying the Word for oneself
• Presents a model that is both workable and realistic
• Talks about the practice of the great adventure of personal Bible study

Contents

Introduction

• The Bible Gets Personal
• What Is Inductive Bible Study?

Part One: The Basics of Bible Study

• Step 1: Observation Asks, "What Do I See?"
• Looking at the Whole Picture
• Looking at the Individual Parts
• Looking at the Fine Details
• Step 2: Interpretation Asks, "What Does It Mean?"
• The How-tos of Interpretation
• Step 3: Application Asks, "How Will I Respond?"
• In Application, God's Word Studies Us

Part Two: Advanced Bible Study

• How to Study a Whole Book of the Bible
• Narratives—True Stories about God and His People
• Epistles—Letters with a Purpose
• Wisdom Literature and Poetry—God's Truths to Remember
• Prophecy and Revelation—"Judgment with Hope"
• How to Study a Topic
• How to Study a Person in the Bible
• How to Study Key Words
• How to Study a Doctrine

Top Highlights

“The word inductive describes reasoning that proceeds from basic facts to conclusions.” (source)

“The term structure here means ‘the relationship of ideas or actions to one another within the passage or book being studied.’” (source)

“The inductive approach involves three steps: observe, interpret, apply” (source)

“Illumination can be further defined as ‘the ministry of the Holy Spirit which makes clear the truth of the written revelation of the Bible.’” (source)

“Old Testament narratives do not always teach directly” (source)

Product Details

• Title: Unlocking the Scriptures: Three Steps to Personal Bible Study
• Author: Hans Finzel
• Publisher: David C. Cook
• Print Publication Date: 2003
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Bible › Study and teaching
• Resource ID: LLS:9781434703798
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-01-24T16:23:35Z

About Hans Finzel

Leadership, Columbia Biblical Seminary & School of Missions, Columbia International University.