Bible Reading Cheat Sheets & Charts for Bible Reading Methods

BIBLE READING

CHEAT SHEETS

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12)

Cheat Sheet
Is a concise set of notes used for quick reference.

Inductive Bible study is an approach to God’s Word focusing on three basic steps that move from a general overview to specifics. Through these three steps, we apply inductive reasoning, which is defined as the attempt to use information about a specific situation to draw a conclusion.

The steps are observation (what does it say?), interpretation (what does it mean?), and application (what does it mean for my life?). Inductive Bible study is a valuable tool in understanding and applying the principles of God’s Word. Inductive Bible study can be done on many different levels. The shorter version is good for a brief devotional. The more extensive reading cheat sheets are wonderful for digging deeper into the mind and heart of God.

Recommend printing PDF and keeping a copy in your Bible for reference and guidance.
All Cheat Sheets Download PDF Download Word

BIBLE READING CHEAT CHART EASIEST

Example:

Name _____ CHARTING - BIBLE BOOK CHART Date____

WHAT

MEANING

APPLY

QUESTIONS
____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________
Date

SEE CHART Download PDF Download Word

-------------------------------------

BIBLE READING CHEAT CHART

Example:

Scripture: Chapter and Paragraph Titles? PRAY, direct your will, make a commitment; Look at the whole book, then Chapters, & then verses STEP I & II: PRAY & HOW	Observations: What Does it Say? Give the "looks'" observe grammar & literary style STEP III: OBSERVE IT	Observations: What Does it mean? Ask questions, be aware of making errors, use "tools," implications, " who what where, when, how, & why" STEP IV: QUESTIONS	Application: How Does It Apply to Me? Make an emotional identification! Look for the answers, dig personally, let it affect you! STEP V & VI: KNOW IT & APPLY
Passage:___________________ Key Verse(s): Key Word(s):	Biblical Statements:	My Questions:	What Will I Do: When Will I Do It? BE OBEDIENT!!!

LIST OTHER INFORMATION AND PRAYER ITEMS:

SEE CHART Download PDF Download Word

-------------------------------------

PARENT'S BIBLE READING CHEAT SHEET FOR CHILDREN
Example:

READ
Read a portion of scripture with your child. Remind them of simple truths such as:

The Bible is true.
The Bible is the most special book.
The Bible is God’s word, written for us to know Him more.

Remind them to listen carefully because this passage will tell them important things about who God is, who we are, and what God’s plan is for us in Jesus.
OBSERVE
Ask your child comprehension questions to help them recall important details about the passage. Focus on:

Location, characters, and actions.
Memorable/notable events – especially about who God is and what his plan is for people.

INTERPRET
Make note of any questions your children have. These questions might be the only conversation starters you need to have some important light bulb moments. If they are stuck, consider asking:

“Why do you think God put this in the Bible?
“How does what we read in this story show God cares?”
“How does this show us, Jesus?”

APPLY
Encourage your kids to think about how this text applies to their everyday lives. Have fun brainstorming! This can also become a time of confession with one another, encouraging each other towards good words/deeds, offering affirmation to other family members and even openly sharing the gospel.

SEE CHEAT SHEET Download PDF Download Word

-------------------------------------

NEW CHRISTIANS OR NEW TO THE BIBLE READING CHEAT STARTER
Example:
OBSERVE

Who was this written to?
What is happening in the passage?
When and where did this take place?
Why did the author write this?

INTERPRET

What would the original hearers have thought?
How does this fit in with the greater story of the Bible?
Are there other parts of scripture that help you understand this passage?

APPLY

What does this tell about who God is?
What does this tell you about your sin and need for a Savior?
How might these truths transform your life today?

SEE CHEAT SHEET Download PDF Download Word

--------------------------------------

INTERMEDIATE BIBLE READING CHEAT SHEETS (2 PAGES)
Example:
OBSERVATION: WHAT DOES THE TEXT SAY?
As you work through the text, note any questions you have.
Read the entire text for comprehension. Read again, this time marking:

Keyword, Times, locations, and people, Repeated words, ideas and phrases, List, Contrasts and comparison, Commands.

Read again, marking major themes such as:

Gospel Truth, New Self / Identity, The Great Commission, The Great Commandment, The Church, Redemptive Promises, Types of Jesus.

Use the dictionary to look up key words, note appropriate meanings and related words.
Consult different translations of scripture.
Look up related cross-references.

INTERPRETATION: WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN?

What would the original hearers have thought?
How does this passage fit within the greater story of the Bible?
(Creation-Fall-Redemption-Restoration)
Paraphrase: Rewrite the text in your own words.
Consult reliable commentaries.

APPLICATION: HOW DOES THE TEXT CHANGE ME?

What does this passage tell you about who God is?
What does this passage tell you about your sin and need for a Savior?
How can these truths transform your life today?
Remember that all actions begin as thoughts and desires of the heart.
How do these truths transform what you love, worship and value most?
In turn, how will these renewed desires change the way you respond to God and others?
Are there practical things God is leading you to do differently as your heart changes?
What might these truths look like in action?
Is the Holy Spirit bringing to mind specific people, circumstances, conversations or sins to mind for prayer, repentance or reconciliation?

SEE CHEAT SHEET Download PDF Download Word

-------------------------------------

A STARTER’S GUIDE TO BIBLE READING CHEAT METHOD (2 Pages)
Example:

STEP 1. OBSERVE
Read Text: Read through your passage at least 2-3 times. You may want to read it in a different translation to see some of the nuances from the original languages.
Make Observations: Take time to slow down and observe the content in the text.

Consider the content in the passage. Are there any keywords? Repeated phrases or ideas? Purpose statements? Cause and effect relationships? Main characters? Important conjunctions? Metaphors? Comparisons/contrasts? A particular tone and mood?
Notice the structure (the flow) of the text. How has the author organized the passage?
Write down (or mark up on your printed pages) everything you observe about the text and any questions you have.

STEP 2. INTERPRET
Consider Context: Think about how the context impacts the main idea(s) being communicated in and through the text. The goal is to find the author’s intended meaning.

The Literary Context—What kind of writing is this? How does its genre impact meaning?
The Historical Context—What is the particular historical and cultural setting to which the author is writing? What are the circumstances under which the book was written? (It’s helpful to refer back to the Who, What, Where, When, Why.)
The Immediate Context—What happened immediately before and after your passage? What is the relationship of your passage to the surrounding sentences and paragraphs?
The Redemptive-Historical Context—Where does your passage fit into the whole storyline of Scripture? How does this passage relate to Jesus?

Write Summary: Taking the content and the context into account, write a summary sentence (or a couple sentences) that conveys the main idea(s) of the passage.

STEP 3. APPLY
Consider Implications: Are there any principles in the passage that is true for all of God’s people, in all places, at all times? Look for these “timeless truths” as you do the application.
Apply Text: Apply the main idea(s) of the text to your life. This involves being, thinking, and doing. It’s a whole-person process. Encountering the living God should transform you!

What does this passage teach you about God and his salvation in Christ? How should that affect your whole person—who you are, how you think, what you do, the manner in which you speak, the things you desire, your inner motivations, etc.?
Are there any direct statements in this passage (such as commands, encouragements, challenges, or affirmations) that speak to you where you are right now?
How does the meaning of the text apply to different “spheres” of your life—your life, your family and friends’ lives, your church, your community, your city, and your world?

How will you respond to God’s Word today? Be incredibly specific and personal!

SEE CHEAT SHEET Download PDF Download Word

-------------------------------------

COMPREHENSIVE BIBLE READING CHEAT METHOD (3 Pages)

Example:

STEP I: "KNOWING THE KNOWABLE:" - Bringing our Mind to be right with God.

STEP 2: "HOW:" - The Method of Getting into God's Word.

STEP 3: "OBSERVE IT:" - Ask what does it say? Ask what does it Mean?

STEP 4: "QUESTIONS:"- Ask and Learn!

STEP 5: "KNOW IT" - Start Looking for the Answers

STEP 6: "APPLICATION"

STEP 7: Make use of a BOOK CHART

SEE CHEAT SHEET 3 Page Download PDF 3 Page Download Word 2 Page Download PD

All Cheat Sheets Download PDF Download Word

To be Successful in Your Bible Reading!!

More On Bible Study Methods here.
Study the Bible by Topical Study Methods here.
Study God's Word here.
Bible Study Methods here.
10 Creative Bible Reading Methods here.
Overview of the Books of the Bible here.
Themes of the Bible Books here.
70 Bible Reading Plans here.
Free Study Guides here.