Key Terms
Observation — The first step of Bible study — carefully reading what the text actually says before trying to figure out what it means
Interpretation — The second step — determining what the text meant to its original audience using grammar, context, genre, and historical background
Application — The third step — determining how the text's meaning applies to your life today
Stewardship — The responsibility to handle God's Word faithfully — with humility, diligence, and reverence
Key Concepts
- The three-step method: Observation → Interpretation → Application
- This is a skill you build over a lifetime, not a test you pass once
- Faithful Bible study is an act of worship and stewardship
Scripture Focus
Colossians 3:1-17
2 Timothy 2:15
James 3:1
Psalm 119:105
Learning Objectives
- Execute a complete Bible study using the three-step method (Observe → Interpret → Apply) on a passage of Scripture
- Articulate a personal commitment to faithful, careful Bible study as an ongoing discipline
- Understand that studying God's Word is not just about knowledge but about knowing God — interpretation is stewardship, and stewardship is worship
Resources
Download the companion handout for this lesson to review key terms and concepts offline.
Download Lesson Handout (PDF)