I. Observe: What do I see?
1. Read the passage with care
a. read repeatedly
b. read thoughtfully
c. read patiently
2. Record initial impressions
3. Record major facts
a. Who?
b. What?
c. When?
d. Where?
II. Interpret: What does it mean?
1. Some principles of interpretation:
a. Let scripture interpret
scripture
b. Interpret the Bible
literally
c. Interpret the Bible
grammatically
d. Interpret within the historical
setting
2. Why was it originally written?
a. The reader’s needs
b. The writer's message
III. Apply: How should I respond?
1. Know yourself
a. Be honest
I know that I struggle
with…
I have gone through this
in my past…
2. Relate the passage to life
a. Write brief statements of
universal
truth that apply to
you
b. Determine if the principle is
timeless
and
universal