Studying the Bible is an important part of the believer’s Christian life. Regular Bible study assists believers in increasing their faith. Because there are so many different kinds of people, there are also different kinds of Bible study methods, and some work better for some people and some for others. One of the possibilities is the W.O.R.D. Bible study method.
You will need a couple things to begin this type of study. The first thing is, naturally, a Bible, in your preferred translation. Any Bible will do, but some people prefer a study Bible, because the notes and cross references in it are handy. You will definitely need a notebook or binder with filler paper, and a pen or pencil. Highlighters may come in handy, as well.
Any time you are beginning a study time, the first step should be prayer. Pray that God will show you what you need to learn from what you are studying in God’s word.
As you can see, W.O.R.D. is an acronym, and the letters stand for the steps that students will use for this study.
W stands for Write. Start by writing a verse in your notebook. Write it word for word, exactly as it appears in your Bible. Read over it a couple times before you move on to the next step.
O stands for Observe. This is where you examine the context of the passage and note the key words and concepts in the verse. Consider the “w questions.”
- WHO is the author? WHO is being written about, or to WHOM is it being written?
- WHAT genre is being used? (Is it history or poetry, etc.) WHAT is the primary subject or concept?
- WHEN was it written?
- WHERE was it written?
- WHY was it written?
R stands for Relevance, or Reflection. Reflect on how this verse applies to your current life. How is it relevant to you?
Examine the passage in the light of questions about application.
- How can I see myself in this passage?
- How can I apply it to my own daily life?
- Is there instruction, encouragement, or correction included in this passage?
- What can I change in my life to follow the information in this passage?
- How can what I have learned in this verse bring more glory to God through my life?
While every verse may not answer every question, it will give you a starting place to find appropriate applications.
D stands for Declare, or Devotion. Speak the Scriptures; declare through devotional prayer.
Write down what you determine in your notebook. Pay attention to promises, personal changes, and encouragement. Make a note of how it will affect your walk with God.
Once you have finished, review to see if there is anything else that you may have overlooked or underrepresented from the verse. If not, start the next selection! There are thousands of verses in the Bible, so it is likely that completing the whole Bible would take ten to fifteen years, even if it is done every day.
While you may, of course, use whatever resources you are able to obtain for your Bible study time, it may be helpful to consider some of the resources listed below.
Study Bibles
NIV Life Application Study Bible
The Life Application Study Bible is the best-selling study Bible in today’s world, available in a variety of translations, including the popular New International Version. It has notes that offer potential applications to life.
KJV: Life Application Study Bible
NLT: NLT Life Application Study Bible
NKJV: NKJV Life Application Study Bible
HCSB: HCSB Life Application Study Bible
ESV Study Bible
This English Standard Version study Bible has thousands of study notes and cross references, articles, maps, charts, and illustrations to assist in understanding the text.
The Amplified Study Bible
The Amplified Bible includes wording to help with full understanding of the Biblical text, in all its nuances and meanings. This Bible includes study notes, background information, maps, and a topical index.
KJV Study Bible
This large print, King James Version Bible is printed in full color and has commentary, notes, insights, and study aids included. Topical indexes, outlines, and a concordance will assist believers in finding pertinent information while studying.
Tools
Hardcover Scripture Notes Bible Study Notebook
The lay-flat spiral binding on this notebook makes it easy to use the double-sided sheets. The pages have room for the verse or passage you are studying and your notes about the verse.
Be Still Watercolor Hardcover Wirebound Journal
This spiral-bound journal has 192 lined pages just waiting for your notes. The beautiful cover reminds the owner to “be still” as Psalm 46:10 encourages.
The Words of my Mouth Purple Flexcover Journal
This purple-covered journal has Psalm 19:14 in silver foil on the front of the faux-leather cover. It has 160 lined pages and an elastic band to keep it closed.
Bible Notebook: A Beautiful Bible Study Journal
This 8.5” x 11” notebook has Psalm 56:3 on the front. The pages inside have places for the Scripture, your prayer list, what you are learning, and more, as well as extra note space.
Bible Highlighters
Six Bible-safe highlighters in six colors make it easy to mark things and will not bleed through the pages. Flat tips apply smudgeless acid-free pigments. The durable plastic case holds yellow, orange, pink, green, blue, and purple markers.
GTL 10 Piece Inductive Bible Study Pen/Pencil Set
This set includes a mechanical pencil, three 0.7mm fine point pens in black, blue, and red, and six 1.0mm bright colored medium point pens. The pencil and fine point pens also have stylus ends to use on touchscreens.
Accu-Gel/Pigma Micron Bible Marking Study Kit
Four highlighters and a fine point pen have non-smearing ink that makes note-taking and marking your Bible an easy task.
Zebrite Bible Marking Kit
Five double-ended highlighters (one chisel point and one fine point) come in yellow, pink, blue, and green. Also included are a fine point black pen and a ruler/bookmark that has the books of the Bible listed on it, as well as inch marks.