The three steps of Bible study are: observation, interpretation, and application. In this video we will learn about the first phase which involves observing the features of a passage. Psalm 119:15 says, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” We can be tempted to rush through our reading of the Bible, but the psalmist helps us to slow down and delight in God’s Word. If we skip this step, we will end up bringing our own ideas into the text rather than drawing from it what is actually there.
There were two men who both visited the ocean.
The first arrived on a tour bus, stepped onto the beach, took a few photos, said, “Wow, this is really something,” and quickly returned to the bus, ready for the next stop.
The second arrived early in the morning. He took off his sandals, let the sand slide between his toes, waded into the water, and closed his eyes. He listened to the waves, felt the cool mist on his face, smelled the brine and seaweed, heard children building sandcastles nearby. Surfers rode waves in the distance. Fishermen lined the pier. A group of snorkelers invited him to dive in.
“Absolutely,” he said, eager to explore the world beneath the surface.
Both men visited the ocean. But only one truly experienced it.
How Do You Approach the Bible?
Now, instead of the ocean, think about the Bible.
Do you skim the surface, glancing over a few verses here and there, then moving on? Or do you dive deep, immersing yourself in Scripture, eager to discover what lies beneath?
Many of us have experienced both approaches. But our prayer should be that we become people of the Word, those who are no longer satisfied with a casual glance, but long to explore its depths.
Why Study the Bible This Way?
God didn’t give the Scriptures only to experts or scholars. He gave them to all His people, so that we might know Him, walk with Him, and grow in faith.
The Word of God is living and active. Yet for many, it feels confusing or overwhelming. They don’t know where to start or how to understand it, so they rely on others to interpret it for them. But like the Bereans in Acts 17, we’re called to examine the Scriptures daily, with eagerness and discernment.
A Simple Framework: Observation, Interpretation, Application
This method is often called Inductive Bible Study, and it involves three key steps:
- Observation – What does the passage say?
Slow down. Read and re-read. Pay attention to the details. - Interpretation – What does it mean?
Let the text speak for itself. Study the context. Don’t rush to conclusions. - Application – How does it apply to me?
Don’t just gather information—let it transform you.
Start with Observation: Meditate on the Word
Let’s consider Psalm 119:9–16:
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (v.15–16)
Observation begins with meditation. Not emptying your mind like in Eastern mysticism, but thoughtfully reflecting, asking questions, and filling your mind with truth.
We’re told in verse 12, “Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!” And again in verse 18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
Prayer must be at the heart of our study. We ask, like the psalmist: “Prepare my heart, Lord. Open my eyes. Teach me Your ways.”
Focus, Reflect, Ask Questions
The psalmist doesn’t rush through Scripture. He fixes his eyes, stores up the Word, and delights in it as in great riches.
When we meditate, we look for:
- Repeated words or themes
- Commands to follow
- Warnings to heed
- Truths about God’s character
- Context—who is speaking, and to whom?
Just like savoring a delicious meal, we slow down to chew every bite of Scripture. This helps us digest and apply God’s Word meaningfully.
Highlighting: A Practical Observation Tool
One useful skill for observation is highlighting. Whether in your Bible or a printed page, marking key words and themes helps you engage more deeply.
Here’s a simple color-coding system you can try:
- Purple – Names or titles of God
- Yellow – Promises or prophecies
- Green – Commands or instructions
- Orange – Warnings or sin
- Pink – Praise or encouragement
- Blue – Context (places, people, time)
You can also use symbols:
- ⭐ – Verse to memorize
- ❓ – A question to explore
- ⭕ – Repeated words
- 🔁 – Arrows to connect related ideas
Your goal isn’t to make your Bible look artistic. It’s to slow down and interact with God’s Word, noticing things you might otherwise miss.
The Posture of the Heart
Bible study is more than an academic exercise. It’s a spiritual discipline. As Kay Arthur writes: “Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, it’s just a method… So ask God to lead you into all truth and open your eyes to behold wondrous things.”
We don’t approach the Bible to win debates or impress others. We approach it to know God, to hear His voice, and to walk in obedience.
It All Leads to Obedience
The psalmist doesn’t study just to gain knowledge. He says: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (v.11)
True meditation leads to transformation. Observation fuels interpretation. Interpretation leads to application. Application leads to obedience.
Assignment: Practice Highlighting
This week, spend time in a passage of your choosing. Print it out, grab your highlighters or colored pencils, and begin your observation. Ask: What does this passage say?
- Look for repetition
- Identify commands
- Note themes and ideas
- Highlight, underline, and annotate
Closing Thought: Treasure the Word
Proverbs 2:1–5 encourages us to seek wisdom like silver and search for it like hidden treasure. That’s what Bible study is all about—not reading with our eyes only, but with our hearts and ears open to the voice of God.
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes, and I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:15–16)
Let this be our prayer as we study God’s Word.