ABCD Bible Study Method

  Thank you for staying with me on this series. There are still more study methods to be talked about. I feel that for maximum benefit our Bible study should sooner or later end up related to a Bible book study. We must always guard against the danger of taking passages out of context. When we do so, error creeps in and even a cult is formed. In fact it is so important that I plan in the future to start a series of posting on Cults
   By definition a cult is something that calls itself Christian but isn't.
   At the moment though we are still looking at Bible Study Methods.
   In this posting I would like to expose you to  the 4P Method.

• Principle of Conduct
• Problems Related to the Principle
• Profit ( or loss) I can expect
• Plan of Action

       Since we don't find rules for every circumstance of life detailed in the Bible we must be careful. God does, on the other hand, reveal principles in His Word. In order to mature spiritually we need to learn to identify and apply these principles to our life.
        So to use this method, grab a piece of paper or two and divide it into four equal columns. Listed about is what you should put on the top of each column. Some principles are easier to see than others. In First Thessalonians 5:22 we can read "Abstain from all appearance of  evil" Okay, that one is an easy principle to see. But we look over at Paul's principle in first Corinthians 8 which tells us to not eat meat offered to idols. These principles are not easy to apply.
        The first step would therefore be to set down your principle for living in the first column. You may find several in one verse. You will find many in Romans 12:2.
         Ask "Is there a principle in this chapter I can apply to my life?" Record the principle in your own words.
       Ask "In what way could this principle be related to a problem I am facing in my life?" This goes in the second column. Don't limit it to one if you find it relates to many areas in your life.
      In the third column you will record the application and this is what you can meditate on.
      Definitely in the fourth column you have what you will be doing with this principle you have mined out. You mustn't be vague. "I will apologize to Bill tomorrow at work (if I see him)" "I won't be late to church on Sunday." No, no. Be specific. Be definite.

     Okay. Now we look at a variation of the analytical method known as the ABC Bible Study Method. This one is useful for discipleship and in followup.
     This one can be used with first John. Make a chart of your findings.
      You fill in your chart in reverse order, D through A.

1.      The D section stands for "digested" Read the passage through and summarize it. You can use one word for about every four.
2.      The C section stands for "cross references" Look for parallel passages for each verse. It can be related to a word, an idea, or general teaching.
3.       The B section stands for "best verse" You should be able to pick a verse as best. This is subjective
4.        The A section stands for "application" Try to find and make several applications from each passage you study.

  Thank you for reading this posting. Tell me how you are doing with the information. Is there anything that needs clarification. What method works best for you?