Why is it important to know how to ask good Bible study questions? Studying the Bible is crucial for a growing relationship with God. But, lets be honest… the Bible can be hard to understand sometimes. This can make it difficult in knowing how to apply what it says to our lives today.
We need to know how to interact and engage with the scriptures. Asking good questions as we study God’s word is the key to unlocking it’s meaning and application.
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3 Different Kinds of Bible Study Questions
Let’s talk about some different kinds of Bible study questions to ask. These questions can be used for individual study and reflection, or in a small group Bible study setting where the questions are being discussed with other adults.
There are 3 different categories of deep Bible study questions to consider. These categories follow the method of inductive Bible study.
- Observation Questions
- Interpretation Questions
- Application Questions
Observation Questions
Observation questions help us to consider what the scriptures are saying. This may seem pretty easy and straightforward, but once you slow down and really consider all the scriptures are saying, it’s amazing how much you realize that you could have missed if you had rushed through it.
Example of observations questions:
- Who is talking? Who are they talking to?
- Where are the events taking place? When are they taking place?
- What kind of writing is it? (letter, historical, poetic, prophetic)
- What themes do you see?
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation questions encourage us to dig a bit deeper in God’s Word and discover the meaning of what the passage is saying.
Look at other verses related to the main scritpure, do word studies, or share some historical context. These questions should help unveil the meaning of the passage.
Example of interpretation Bible study questions:
- How does (related verse) help you understand what is being said in (main verse)?
- Considering the context of (main verse) what do you think the author means when he says (scripture quote).
Application Questions
Now comes the fun part.
The application questions can be the most transformative, but also the most difficult. These application questions should be designed in a way that causes us to internalize the knowledge we gained from our study.
This forces you to shed light on the true condition of your hearts.
If you are In a small group setting, some are more than comfortable to open up and be vulnerable, others are not. I would encourage you to be prepare your heart to be open. Sometimes all it takes is for one person to open up for others to feel comfortable. That one person may need to be you.
Example of application questions:
- How has this passage encouraged you to fully surrender to God?
- How has this passage challenged you to change your thoughts about (specific concept)?
- What does this passage reveal about the character or nature of God
- Is there anything attitudes or behaviors I need to change?
Free Bible Study Lessons
Check out our current Bible study lessons here at Megan Allen Ministires. These
- Philippians Bible Study Questions and answers
- Colossians Bible Study Questions and answers
- John Chapter 1 Bible Study Questions
- Hebrews 11 Bible Study Questions and answers
Printable Bible Study Questions
If you would like the Bible study questions listed above in a printable PDF format, join my email community and I’ll send you the password for my entire library of Bible study printables!
Example of How to Ask Good Questions in Bible Study
Let’s take a look at a passage from Philippians chapter 1 and go over some different Bible study questions that could be used.
or I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again. – Philippians 1:19-26
Observation:
- According to v. 23, what is Paul’s desire?
- For what reason does Paul believe he will remain?
Interpretation:
- Consider all that Paul is saying this first chapter of Philippians. What do you think he means when he says, “to live is christ and die is gain”?
- How does 2 Corinthians 4-5:8 relate to this passage?
Application:
- How do your desires and ambitions compare to those of Paul?
This is a quick example of how you can use good questions to help you engage with scriptures.
More Places to Find Good Bible Study Questions
Here are a couple of other places to find some more questions for Bible study.
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