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Creative Bible Study
Introductions:
Watch for paragraphs that introduce the subject that is to follow. For example, in the book of Jude which you studied in the last chapter verse 3 introduces the material to follow:
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3)
This introductory paragraph explains the purpose of his writing. He is exhorting them to earnestly contend for the true faith. The remainder of the chapter gives reasons for this exhortation. There are false teachers creeping into the church who are trying to turn them from the true faith.
Summaries And Conclusions:
Be alert for paragraphs that summarize an entire passage, chapter, or even a book. For example, the book of Ecclesiastes contains one verse which summarizes the whole book. In Ecclesiastes the writer has described his quest for life apart from God. His final conclusion is:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Progressions In Thought:
When studying paragraphs, watch for progressions in thought. Note the following paragraph: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (II Peter 1:5-9)
There is definite progression in this passage. We are to add one thing to another until we become fruitful.