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The Thematic Method
Unlocking God’s WordHow to Study the Bible
What is the Thematic Method?
A method by which you trace a subject matter through the Bible (or a single
book) asking no than 5 pre-determined questions.
Differs from a Topical Study
A Thematic Study is shorter (narrower in scope)
A Thematic Study looks at fewer verses
A Thematic Study entails fewer questions
Why this method?
You don’t need many reference tools Takes less time than a topical study To prepare for doing a topical study To prepare for a class
Tips
Don’t use too many questions You may not find answers to every
questions in every verse If you are not finding any answers…
reevaluate your questions Use a topical Bible to assist you Use a concordance to learn everything about a theme
Choose a Theme
Select a theme that interests you Start with themes that are small or
short
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleThe Walkthrough
List all the verse you intend to Study
Use your tools Study Bible Topical Bible Exhaustive Concordance
Remember to use synonyms and other similar words/concepts
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleList of References
Matthew 10:24-25 Luke 14:26-28 John 8:31-32 John 13:34-35 John 15:8
Decide on the Questions to be Asked
Brainstorm lots of questions about the theme
I keep six honest serving-men(They taught me all I knew);Their names are What and Why and
When And How and Where and Who.
The Elephant’s ChildRudyard Kipling
Decide on the Questions to be Asked
Brainstorm lots of questions about the theme
Narrow your list to no more than 5 questions
Sometimes one question is sufficient
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleQuestions to be Asked
A. What are the characteristics of a disciple?
B. What are the results of being a disciple?
C. D. E.
Ask your questions for each Verse
for each strVerse in aVerses {i = 1;do while i <= 5 {
strAnswer = AskQuestion(aQuestions[i],strVerse);writeOutput(strAnswer);i = i + 1;
}}
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions
Scripture: Matthew 10:24-25A. A disciple will be like his Master (in this
case, Christ)B. He should expect to be treated like his
Master was treatedC. D. E.
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions
Scripture: Luke 14:26-28A. A disciple gives supreme love to
Christ, bears his cross, and follows Christ
B. (No answer given)C. D. E.
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions
Scripture: Luke 14:33A. A disciple gives up all to follow ChristB. (No answer given)C. D. E.
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions
Scripture: John 8:31-32A. A disciple continually abides in Christ’s
WordB. He knows the truth and is set freeC. D. E.
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions
Scripture: John 13:34-35A. A disciple has love for othersB. Others will know that he belongs to
ChristC. D. E.
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions
Scripture: John 15:8A. A disciple bears fruitB. His bearing fruit brings glory to GodC. D. E.
Draw some Conclusion
Summarize the answers to your questions
Group similar verses together Outline the points Compare and Contrast PACE your STEPS
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleConclusions
Characteristics I discovered…A disciple…
is like ChristGives supreme love to ChristBears his cross and follows ChristGives up all to follow ChristContinually abides in Christ’s wordLoves otherBears fruit
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleConclusions
Results I discovered…A disciple…
Should expect persecutionKnows the truth and is set freeBrings glory to GodLives his life in such a way that others notices he belongs to Christ
Application
Application is always the goal
Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleApplication
Based on John 8:31-32I will establish a regular, daily quiet time in the Word, starting tomorrow morning
Based on John 13:34-35I will demonstrate love for a person who irritates me, and do so by asking his family to come to dinner this week.
The Thematic Method
Unlocking God’s WordHow to Study the Bible
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