Bible Study Template

Note, the videos below are from an old way I used to study the Bible. I’ve updated the software I use (Obsidian instead of OneNote with Logos still), the template structure, and added more things to the template listed below. I’m going to do a video soon on how this works, so check back for that upcoming video. I’m also considering selling an Obsidian vault that provides templates, an organized structure, and a lot more explanations on how to study the Bible. If this is of interest to you, let me know in the comments below! If this Bible study template is helpful to you, please let me know. Or if you have suggestions on things that you would change for your own bible study template, share with the rest of us!

I did a video a while back on how I use the Logos Bible Software and Onenote to study the Bible together. Here’s that video.

Since I created that video, I’ve had a few people ask for a copy of the template that I use in this video. I’m going to post that below along with a video on how I use it, because can be helpful to see how someone uses the Bible study template. Please feel free to go through this template, use it, adapt it, or whatever. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me and ask me!

Here’s how to use the (original) Bible study template from 2022:

Bible Study Template

Passage

Book Chapter and Verses being studied.

Translations

Having each of the translations easily accessible means you can see how the different translations understand something together. Kind of like building your own parallel Bible.

ESV Reader

NASB

NIV

NLT

Greek

ESV

Prayer

God must guide our understanding of Scripture and help us apply it to our lives. Consider how the passage fits into the types of prayer listed below.

Adoration             Confession        
Thanksgiving    Supplication    

Outline

I.

II.

III.

Propositions

  1. (v.1) Proposition 1
  2. (v.1) Proposition 2
  3. (v.2) Proposition 3

Explanation of the relationships between the propositions.

Notes & Listening

  1. First factual observation.
  2. Second.

Passage Priority

What does this passage mean on it’s own within it’s original context? Consider the knowledge of God that would have already existed prior to this passage’s writing (antecedent theology).

Repeated Words/Phrases/Themes

  1. Repeated word 1 (count)
  2. Repeated word 2 (count)

Word Studies

  1. Important or repeated word worth studying (word type.) – definition.
    • Other important passages this word was used in that gives context.
    • Full understanding of how this word impacts the passage.

Discontinuities

  1. The original author/audience doesn’t share _____ with us.

Continuities

  1. The original author/audience does share _____ with us.

Summary

Summarize this passage in your own words.

Subject

What question does this passage seek to answer?

Compliment

What is the answer to the subject, or the question the passage is trying to answer?

Author’s Big Idea

The author’s intent in this passage, in its original context, summarized in a single sentence.

Purpose

Why is the author writing?

Emotional Hook

What emotion(s) is/are the author using to capture the attention of the audience? What emotions would you expect the audience feels when they listen/read this passage?

Theological Big Idea

What is the timeless message of the text to God’s people across time in one sentence?

Fallen Condition

What is true about the original author/audience from this passage that reveals the brokenness or sinfulness of hearts, lives, thoughts, or environments that will be true until Christ’s return ?

Gospel Application

How does the gospel address the fallen condition?

Appreciate the Reality of This Text

Don’t allow the passage to be just a collection of facts. Put yourself in the shoes of the author/audience or the narrative. Consider what the emotions of each person involved might have been like. Think about why this particular passage was written or what they might have hoped would have been the result of the passage. Imagine what it would have been like for them and then translate that into your own life. This piece is more subjective and emotive and is not meant to be the basis of interpretation. Instead, it is meant to help the passage become more real rather than allowing the passage to be head knowledge only. The truth of the passage should be how we interpret it but having insights of what the author/audience might have been going through is helpful in guiding our hearts.

Questions

  1. What’s the literary type or genre of this text? How does that impact how I understand this passage?
  2. Is it prescriptive (telling me how I get to think, believe, feel, or do), or is it descriptive (explaining something that is not intended to be a model for others)?
  3. How does this passage fit in with the surrounding passages, the entire chapter, the entire book, and the entire Bible?
  4. What aspect of God’s character do we see in this passage?
  5. What activities do we see God doing in this passage?
  6. What things, events, people, and situations is God concerned about?
  7. What aspects of the image of God (longings, desires, interests, and values) are reflected in this passage?
  8. What does this passage reveal about the nature of salvation?
  9. In what specific ways has Jesus obeyed in the areas where you have failed? How do we see Jesus in this passage?
  10. How should the truths of this passage affect my relationships (i.e. God, spouse, children, extended family, co-workers, fellow believers, unbelievers, etc.)?

Personal Application

The passage must first be applied to our own hearts before we can adequately apply it to the hearts of others.

  1. How does this passage call me to think (Romans 12:2)?
  2. How does this passage call me to believe?
  3. How does this passage call me to feel?
  4. How does this passage call me to act?

Tangible Application For An Audience

Think/Believe:

Feel:

Do:

Message Title or Message Big Idea for Public Speaking

If you were to take into account all the above, how would you faithfully title a talk on this passage?

Prayer

Start your study and end your study with prayer. If God does not work in us as a result of our study, it is all for naught.

Parallel Passages

What other passages have an impact on this passage’s meaning? This is where a good book like “The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge” or a concordance comes in handy. Start using reference works here. Just remember the intertextuality principle.

Notes for Further Study

Not every person has unlimited time to study Scripture. Make notes for what to study the next time you are in this passage here.

Illustration(s)

Consider illustrations of the main points of this passage for your own benefit or that might be used if speaking publicly on this passage. If you struggle to come up with some, find illustrations from other speakers/teachers that connect properly to this passage.

Commentary Notes

Try to avoid using commentaries until this point. The discovery of the passage is part of what helps it come alive.

  1. Commentary note 1 (citation).
  2. Commentary note 2 (citation).

Other Ministry Implication(s)/Reflection

How does the truth of this passage impact other practical ministries beyond the individual lives?

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