Bible Study Skills

Adolescent Global Resource Curriculum

Ages 15-18, Year 1

November 22, 2008

Compassion International, Inc.

12290 Voyager Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
http://www.compassion.com
 Bible Study Skills
Compassion International Ages 15-18, Year 1

Contents
Lesson 1: Memorizing Scriptures............................................................................2
Objectives............................................................................................................. 2
Assets................................................................................................................... 2
Requirements........................................................................................................ 2
Activities................................................................................................................ 2
Initial activities.................................................................................................2
Learning activities........................................................................................... 3
Why should I memorize Scripture?..........................................................3
How do I memorize Scripture?.................................................................3
Closing activities............................................................................................. 5
Lesson 2: Studying the Bible through Observation..............................................6
Objectives............................................................................................................. 6
Assets................................................................................................................... 6
Requirements........................................................................................................ 6
Activities................................................................................................................ 6
Initial activities.................................................................................................6
Learning activities........................................................................................... 7
Prepare to observe Scriptures..................................................................7
Practice observing Scriptures...................................................................8
Closing activities............................................................................................. 8
Lesson 3: Interpreting the Bible............................................................................10
Objectives........................................................................................................... 10
Assets................................................................................................................. 10
Requirements...................................................................................................... 10
Activities.............................................................................................................. 10
Initial activities............................................................................................... 10
Learning activities......................................................................................... 11
Asking questions....................................................................................11
Finding answers.....................................................................................13
Closing activities........................................................................................... 13
Lesson 4: Applying the Bible.................................................................................15
Objectives........................................................................................................... 15
Assets................................................................................................................. 15
Requirements...................................................................................................... 15
Activities.............................................................................................................. 15
Initial activities............................................................................................... 15
Learning activities......................................................................................... 16
Ways to apply Scripture.........................................................................16
Ways to apply prayer.............................................................................17
Closing activities........................................................................................... 17
Tips for Success...................................................................................................... 19
Assessment.............................................................................................................. 20
Evaluation................................................................................................................ 21
Bibliography............................................................................................................ 22

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 Bible Study Skills
Compassion International Ages 15-18, Year 1

Lesson 1: Memorizing Scriptures

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to do the following:
_____________________________________________Memorize a Bible verse
_______________Identify/describe at least three creative memorizing techniques

Assets
Developmental assets used in this lesson include the following:
_____________________________Positive peer influence (15) - student activity
________________________________High expectations (16) - tutor discussion
_______________________________School engagement (22) - student activity
____________________Self-esteem (38) - student activity, discussion questions

Requirements
This lesson requires the following:
________Group size: Students will work with a partner for the learning activity
___________________________________________________Time: 45 minutes
_____________________________________________Materials / equipment:
- Bibles
- Paper and pencils (1 per student)
- Colored pencils or markers, if possible (1 color per student)
__________________________________________Physical setting: Classroom

Activities
Today’s lesson highlights the importance of memorizing Scriptures. Some students
may feel they are unable to memorize or have great difficulty with memorization.
They will discover several techniques that will help them successfully memorize
God’s Word. Encourage each student to try the different methods. Students will find
these techniques work with any information (school, work, etc.) that they are trying
to learn. As they discover how easy it is to learn God’s Word, they are being
equipped with a powerful tool that will help them throughout their lives.

Note: Scriptures used are from the New International Version, unless otherwise
noted.

Initial activities

Step 1. Recite a poem or text you learned as a child. Then give the students an opportunity
to recite something from their childhood.
Step 2. Say, “God created our minds to be able to recall information that was memorized.
Some information may seem lost, but often something can spark its retrieval. When

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you memorize God’s Word, the Holy Spirit can bring it to your mind at the times
you need it. Today we will discover several memorization techniques that will help
you hide God’s Word in your heart.”

Learning activities

Why should I memorize Scripture?

Step 1. Say, “Why is it important to know and memorize God’s Word?” (Possible answers:
don’t always have a Bible with you, Holy Spirit can remind you of what God’s Word
says because you’ve memorized it, you will know God’s answers to life’s problems,
you have a word of comfort or encouragement from God to share with someone, etc.)
Step 2. Ask for volunteers to look up the following verses and read them to the group.
___________________________________________________Psalm 119:9-11:
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I
have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
___________________________________________________Colossians 3:16:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one
another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with
gratitude in your hearts to God.
Ask, “What Bible verses have you memorized?” (Let several students quote
Scripture memory verses.)
Step 3. Say, “You may find memorization comes easily to you. If memorizing is difficult,
we will practice some techniques that should help you easily memorize and retain the
verses. One key is to involve your senses. The more senses you can involve, the
stronger the learning will be and the longer the information will stay with you!”

How do I memorize Scripture?

Step 1. Have the students find a partner to work with as they practice these techniques.
Step 2. On the chalkboard, write the verse that the students will memorize.
_If you have a favorite verse or verse that would be very timely or meaningful to
the students, use that verse.
_____________If you need a suggestion, try Psalm 119:9-11 or Colossians 3:16.
Note: On the chalkboard or on separate pieces of paper, list the following
memorization techniques. If you write them on papers, they could be left on the
wall or bulletin board as reminders and then periodically reviewed.

Meditation—Think about the meaning

Say this…
What is this verse saying to you? Ask the
Holy Spirit to guide you and help you
understand what God is speaking to you
through this verse.”
Then…
Invite students to look up this verse and then
ask a volunteer to read it aloud.

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Say this… Then…

John 16:13-14 But when he, the Spirit of
truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.
He will not speak on his own; he will speak
only what he hears, and he will tell you what
is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me
by taking from what is mine and making it
known to you.
As you meditate on the verse, read it over Allow each pair to practice paraphrasing the
and over. Each day read it and think about memory verse.
what God wants to say to you through the
verse. Rephrase the verse in your own
words.”

Visual—Write it out
Say this… Then…
Colorize the key words as you copy the  Have the paper and pencils or pens passed
verse. You may want to use several different out to each person.
colors or use the same color for highlighting.  Give each person or pair a colored pencil
Your brain remembers colors that are used or marker to use as they write and colorize
for emphasis.” the verse.
Another way to help your mind remember the Give the group an opportunity to illustrate the
verse is to create pictures. Some people can verse.
visualize the picture and then they remember
the words. Illustrate key words or the
concept of the verse. You may want to draw
over some of the words, above them, or
create a picture to the side of the verse.”

Auditory—Hear it over and over

Say this… Then…
Some of your minds are more auditory than Have the partners say the verse out loud
visual. By saying the verse out loud as you together a few times.
look at it, you are involving two of your
senses. The more senses you involve—the
better you learn and remember the verse.”

Taste or Smell—Allow the words to evoke a taste or smell

Say this… Then…
Your mind can be sparked to remember Encourage the partners to discuss pleasant
something that has a pleasant smell or taste smells or tastes and then imagine them while
associated with it. Imagine a pleasant smell saying the verse aloud.
that comes from God’s Word. You could also
imagine a sweet taste of something that
brings pleasure to your mouth as you think
about God’s Word.”

Physical—Actions for the words

Say this…
Physical actions or activity while saying the
verse will help your mind remember the
verse. You may want to do the physical
action of “hiding the verse in your heart.” Or,
Then…
Let the pairs stand and act out the meaning
of the verse or perform a physical activity
while saying the verse.

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Say this… Then…

try an activity such as jump rope, walk and
clap, hop, skip, etc.”

Music—Sing or create a rhythm to accompany the verse

Say this…
Some people can easily remember a song or
a rhythm. Let’s try to sing the verse or say
and clap it to a rhythm.
Then…
Allow time for the partners to experiment with
different tunes or rhythms. As you hear some
very creative responses, ask the students to
share their song or rhythm with the whole
group.

Closing activities

Step 1. Ask, “Which technique was the easiest for you?” (Let several students respond.)
Step 2. Ask, “Which technique was the hardest for you or seemed the most frustrating?”
(Give an opportunity for other students to answer.)
Step 3. Say, “You all did a wonderful job of practicing techniques and applying them to
memorizing Scriptures. I know that you will be able to apply these on your own as
you memorize God’s Word. God created our minds to work in amazing ways, and
these techniques can be applied to other learning also.”
Step 4. Ask, “What are some other ways you will use these techniques?” (Possible answers:
at school, at home when I’m studying, at my job where I need to learn several
written procedures, etc.)
Step 5. Say, “Next time we meet, I hope you have some newly memorized verses to tell the
group.”

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Lesson 2: Studying the Bible through Observation

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to do the following:
__________________________________Observe details of a Scripture passage
___________________Read Scriptures on their own and formulate observations

Assets
Developmental assets used in this lesson include the following:
_________________________________High expectations (16) - closing activity
______________School engagement (22) - discussion questions, student activity
______________________________Reading for pleasure (25) - closing activity
___________________________________Responsibility (30) - closing activity

Requirements
This lesson requires the following:
__________________Group size: Entire class, small groups for student activity
___________________________________________________Time: 45 minutes
_____________________________________________Materials / equipment:
- Bibles
- Paper and pencil (1 per small group)
- Blank jounals, if possible, or several sheets of writing paper with a
plain sheet of paper stapled or attached to create a journal (one journal per
student)
Note: If possible, before class time, ask someone help you with a brief
observation exercise at the beginning of the class.

__________________________________________Physical setting: Classroom

Activities
Today’s lesson begins a three-week study of techniques to help students study the
Bible: observation, interpretation, and application. The students will discover the
importance of observing details in a Bible verse or passage. As they understand how
to observe feelings, setting, context, and cultural details, the Scriptures will have new
excitement and meaning to their lives!

Note: Scriptures used are from the New International Version, unless otherwise
noted.

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Initial activities

Step 1. Say, “Today we will begin to look at some ways to study the Bible. God’s Word has
much to teach us, and it is possible to understand what He says to us through His
written word.”
Step 2. At this point, have the person, who has agreed to help you, run into the classroom.
The person should run to the front of the room, do about three actions (such as hop
on left foot, pat head, and rub right knee), and then run back out of the classroom.
TIP: Adapt this exercise to fit your setting. You may want to have the person wear some unusual
item or have several bandanas of different colors. The object is to have several things for the
students to observe. You will want to know exactly what the person will do and wear so that
you can check the students’ answers.

Step 3. Ask, “What did you observe about the person and the situation that just occurred?”
(The students should give details about colors or patterns on the clothing, details
about each movement or action performed, and anything else the person did or said.)
If possible, have the person return to the class and slowly repeat the actions. Have
the person stand at the front of the room so that the students can observe all of the
clothing, hair, or other details that they missed seeing earlier.
Step 4. Say, “Often we see things go past us, but we don’t look for the details. When we
stop and really study something, we discover the many details that are available to be
seen. Studying God’s Word is similar. We can choose to quickly read a passage and
miss the abundant details that are present. Today we will talk about ways to observe
the Scriptures.”

Learning activities

Prepare to observe Scriptures

Step 1. Say, “Any time that you open God’s Word, you can be certain that God has
something to say to you as you read His words. Develop a good habit of asking the
Holy Spirit to help you understand the passage and guide you to God’s truth.”
Step 2. Ask for volunteers to read these verses:
_____________________________________________________Psalm 119:18:
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
_______________________________________________________John 16:13:
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will
not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what
is yet to come.
Step 3. Ask, “What might happen if you don’t ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and help you
understand the Scriptures?” (Possible answers: might misinterpret it, might feel
God’s word doesn’t have anything to say to you, etc.)
Step 4. Say, “Let’s take time right now to invite the Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts to
receive what God wants to say to us through His Word.”

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Invite volunteers to pray out loud. Close the prayer by thanking God for keeping His
promise of speaking to people through His words.

Practice observing Scriptures

Step 1. Have the students form seven small groups. Each group should have at least one
Bible, paper, and a pencil. Assign a topic and Bible passage to each group. The
group should read the entire chapter to understand the context of the verse or verses.
Each group should prepare to read their passage and explain what they observed
from the passage.
TIP: During the small group time, walk around and help the groups that need help or are failing to
stay focused on the activity. If a group finishes early, ask them to apply the other observation
techniques to their verse or verses. Write the seven observation techniques on the
chalkboard.

Observations Biblical examples (Possible answers)

Setting (people, Mark 14:1-3 (Jesus is in Bethany before the Jewish feast of
places, events) Passover, resting at the table in a home, woman pours perfume
on his head)
Repetitions (made for Philippians 4:4 (rejoice - everyone, at all times, so Christ can be
emphasis) seen in your lives, because of God’s power)
Key word or phrase Matthew 18:1-4 (kingdom of heaven—whoever humbles himself
will be the greatest in the kingdom)
Contrast (opposites) Galatians 5:19-23 (works of the flesh contrasts with the fruit of
the Spirit)
Comparison (similar) Psalm 42:1 (deer longing for fulfillment from water, my soul wants
God to fulfill it)
Figurative or literal John 15:1 (figurative—Jesus isn’t a vine and God isn’t a
gardener)
Cause/effect Acts 2:21 (salvation comes by calling on the name of the Lord)

Step 2. After about five to ten minutes, have the small groups stop their discussions and join
back together as a class.
Let each group present their observation topic, read the Scripture, and explain what
they observed. Allow group members to make relevant comments about the passage
or assignment. Ask each group after they share, “How would the understanding of
that passage change if a person didn’t observe that aspect?”
Step 3. Ask the entire class, “What surprised you in your observations?” (Encourage
responses.)

Closing activities

Step 1. Say, “I’m so proud of all of your efforts to understand God’s Word. I want to help
you be effective in your study of the Bible, so I have some journals for you. You can
use them to record your observations and how God speaks to you through His Word.
You may want to write down your thoughts or draw pictures to illustrate the main
point.”

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Step 2. Set out the journals or paper for the students to make a journal for Bible study. Give
the students about five minutes to decorate the cover of the journal and/or copy the
seven observation techniques into their journals.
Step 3. Ask, “How could these seven observation techniques change how you read the
Bible?” (Possible answers: read more carefully, slow down and ask more questions
about what I read, feel empowered that I can understand the Scriptures better, etc.)
Step 4. Say, “This week I hope you will choose to read God’s Word and apply these
observation techniques. Bring your journals back next time and share some of the
wonderful things you’ve learned from your time studying the Bible and writing in
your journals.”

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Lesson 3: Interpreting the Bible

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to do the following:
__________________________________________Interpret a Scripture passage
__________________Read Scriptures on their own and formulate interpretations

Assets
Developmental assets used in this lesson include the following:
_________________________________High expectations (16) - closing activity
______________School engagement (22) - discussion questions, student activity
______________________________Reading for pleasure (25) - closing activity
___________________________________Responsibility (30) - closing activity
________________________________Cultural competence (34) - initial activity

Requirements
This lesson requires the following:
_________________Group size: Entire class; one activity requires small groups
___________________________________________________Time: 45 minutes
_____________________________________________Materials / equipment:
- Bibles
- Bible study journals from the previous class
- Any Bible reference tools available, such as Bible dictionary, Bible
atlas and maps, concordance, Bible handbook, and commentaries
Note: Check with a local pastor or the project director to borrow some Bible reference
materials to show to the class.

__________________________________________Physical setting: Classroom

Activities
Today’s lesson focuses on the aspect of interpreting a passage of Scripture to
understand the truth in those words. This lesson will help the students ask questions
of the passage and look for answers from Bible reference tools that are available.
Students will not be encouraged to make up interpretations, but will be inspired to
consider historical and cultural aspects that give background information and help
with understanding the passage.

Initial activities

Step 1. Ask, “What are some words or phrases that have meaning in our particular culture,
but would be misunderstood in another culture?”

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Example: Cool in some cultures is a slang word meaning “excellent or appealing,” but
other cultures interpret the word as pertaining to the temperature of something.

Let the students contribute ideas. Keep this fun and informal as students freely offer
answers without judgment or criticism. Encourage everyone to enjoy speculating on
how other cultures might interpret some of the words and phrases.
Step 2. Say, “Today we will take a look at how understanding the culture and history of
Bible times will help us interpret God’s Word.”

Learning activities

Asking questions

Step 1. Say, “Last week we learned that before studying God’s Word, it is wise to pray and
ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth and guide your reading and thinking.” Ask for
volunteers to pray.
Step 2. Say, “Let’s turn to Jonah chapter 1 in our Bibles.” Divide the passage among the
volunteers and ask them to read it aloud to the group. If students don’t have a Bible
with them, read the passage to the group.
Jonah 1:
1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of
Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to
Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went
aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that
the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his
own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had
gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went
to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will
take notice of us, and we will not perish.”
7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is
responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.
8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us?
What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what
people are you?”
9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who
made the sea and the land.”
10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was
running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)
11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do
to you to make the sea calm down for us?”
12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I
know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”
13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea
grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried to the LORD, “O LORD, please do
not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an
innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took
Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men

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greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows
to him.
17 But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the
fish three days and three nights.
Step 3. Ask, “What were the seven keys to observation that we learned last week?” (Setting,
repetitions, key word or phrase, contrast, comparison, figurative or literal, and cause
and effect.)
“After hearing the passage, let’s list the observations we can make.” On the
chalkboard, write the following categories and let students offer answers. Note that
not all keys to observation apply to this passage.
___________________________________________Key people (Jonah, sailors)
________________________________________Location (aboard a ship at sea)
_______________________Key events (terrible storm, Jonah thrown overboard)
___________________________Contrast (Jonah slept while sailors were afraid)
_________________________________Cause/effect (sinned/thrown overboard)
_________________________________________Key verse (answers will vary)
Step 4. Write the six question words on the chalkboard. Have the students get into small
groups of three to five people and formulate together a list of questions about the
first chapter of Jonah. Encourage the groups to use the Scripture passage to formulate
questions, but to also creatively think of questions that reach beyond the text.
Remind students that no answer is right or wrong.
Example: Who: Who did the sailors worship? (based on Jonah 1:5) Who was the captain -
a Jew or non-Jew?

Step 5. If paper is available, have the group elect someone to write down the group’s
questions. The following chart gives possible questions. Encourage creativity in the
students and supply suggestions from the chart if some groups are having difficulty
with the activity.
Question Possible questions about Jonah 1
words
Who?  Who wrote the book?
 Who were the sailors and where were they from?
What?  What made Nineveh so “great?”
 What did the sailors sacrifice?
When?  When did Jonah live? (time period)
 What time of year did this take place?
Where?  Where is Nineveh?
 Where is Tarshish?
Why?  Why didn’t Jonah want to go to Nineveh?
 Why were the sailors afraid of a Hebrew?
How?  How could Jonah sleep while the sailors were terrified?
 How could Jonah be swallowed and not digested inside the
fish?

Step 6. After about ten to fifteen minutes, have the groups end their discussions. Ask for a
representative from each group to come forward with the list of questions or to tell
the class the group’s questions.

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a. Ask, “What questions did you formulate for the word who?” (Let each
representative read or speak the list. Allow students to comment on why some
questions were similar or different.)
b. Continue asking for the group’s questions on the rest of the question words.

Finding answers

Step 1. Say, “Some of the answers to these questions can be found by using some Bible
reference tools.”
___If you have Bible reference tools available (Bible dictionary, Bible atlas and
maps, concordance, Bible handbook, and commentary), identify and explain the
purpose of each one.
____If not, suggest some resources that could be used by students, such as local
pastor, seminary library, Internet, etc.
Step 2. Say, “Let’s take a look at some of the historical and cultural background that might
answer some of your questions.”
a. Discuss some of the historical and cultural information:
- Time frame: Jonah lived from 800-750 B.C. during the reign of King
Jeroboam ll.
- Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. The city was
about thirty miles long and ten miles wide and might have had a population
of a million people. Israel and Assyria were enemies at this time—no
wonder Jonah ran away.
- II Kings 14:25 places Jonah during the reign of Jeroboam II (793-
753 B.C.). The Assyrian nation was powerful, and its greatest city was
Nineveh. The Assyrians were viewed as wicked, and the Jews despised and
feared them. Jonah no doubt realized that Nineveh’s repentance could allow
it to turn around and destroy Israel, an unrepentant nation. The prophet
Hosea also shared this sentiment (Hosea 11:5). Jonah’s fears became reality
when Assyria took Israel captive around 721 B.C.
- The Book of Jonah was written by the prophet Jonah, but is not a
collection of prophecies. Instead, it is a biography that explains a message to
God’s people. In the Old Testament, God spoke to prophets in a variety of
ways (Hebrews 1:1) such as dreams and visions. It is evident that God spoke
to Jonah (1:1; 3:1), but it is Jonah’s life that God uses to speak His message
of love for all people.
- Tarshish is in modern-day Spain and Nineveh is modern-day Mosul,
Iraq.
b. Let students identify any questions that they can now answer based on the
historical and cultural information.
c. (Optional) If you have Bible references available, let each small group have a
resource to research information about Jonah.

Closing activities

Step 1. Say, “We can take those observations one step further by using them to help you
interpret the passage. The purpose of interpreting is to discover truth from God. If
you are studying one verse, it helps to read the entire chapter to understand how this

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verse fits into the scope of the chapter. If you study an entire chapter, you should
read the chapter before and after to understand the context.”
Step 2. Say, “Sometimes you can discover truth by finding the main idea of the passage. As
you think about the passage, it is helpful to give the verses a title that reflects the
main idea.”
Step 3. Ask, “What main idea or title could you give Jonah 1?” (Possible answers: Big
Storm, Jonah Flees and God Pursues Him, Sin Has Consequences, etc.)
Step 4. Say, “Before the next class, I hope you will use your Bible study journals and spend
time in God’s Word looking for observations and interpreting the information that
you discover. Bring your journals next time and we’ll add some application tips.”

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Lesson 4: Applying the Bible

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to do the following:
_________________________________Apply a Scripture passage to their lives
_______________________Read Scriptures on their own and personally apply it

Assets
Developmental assets used in this lesson include the following:
_________________________________High expectations (16) - closing activity
______________School engagement (22) - discussion questions, student activity
______________________________Reading for pleasure (25) - closing activity
___________________________________Responsibility (30) - closing activity

Requirements
This lesson requires the following:
__Group size: Entire class; students will work with a partner on the two student
activities
___________________________________________________Time: 45 minutes
_____________________________________________Materials / equipment:
- Bibles
- Bible study journals from the previous lessons
- Small piece of candy, fruit, or any kind of food (amount = one
mouthful)
__________________________________________Physical setting: Classroom

Activities
Today’s lesson teaches the most important aspect of Bible study—application. The
students will be encouraged to be doers of the Word and to look for ways to apply
the truth of Scriptures to their lives. Prayerfully prepare for this lesson and ask God
to let His Word change your life also!

Initial activities

Step 1. Bring to class a small piece of candy or food. Ask for a volunteer.
Step 2. Say, “I’m going to give you this wonderful food and you may chew it—but don’t
swallow it. Keep it in your mouth.” Let the student put the food in his or her mouth
and chew.
a. As the person chews, say, “God’s Word is like a morsel of food. It is nourishing,
tasty, provides what we need, brings zest to our lives, and meets our desires. But
we sometimes don’t allow God’s Word to accomplish these goals.”

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b. Let your volunteer swallow. Ask the volunteer, “How did it feel to hold the food
in your mouth, and then swallow and allow the food to fill your stomach?”
(Allow the volunteer to talk about the experience.)
c. Say, “When we read God’s Word, it is like having food in your mouth. You need
to swallow food to receive its benefits. When you apply God’s Word to your life
and allow it to change you, then it is like swallowing and allowing it to do the
work in your life that it was intended to do. Today we will learn how to apply
God’s Word to our lives.”

Learning activities

Ways to apply Scripture

Step 1. Say, “The Bible presents a good word picture to help us understand the importance
of doing or applying what we’ve learned from God’s Word.”
Step 2. Ask someone to read James 1:22-25:
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks
at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately
forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law
that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but
doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
Step 3. Copy this chart on the chalkboard and have students copy it in their journals.
Questions about the passage Questions about your life
Is there an example for me to What habits would I change?
follow?
Is there sin for me to avoid? What new habits would I cultivate?
Is there a promise for me to How would my attitudes change?
claim?
Is there a prayer for me to How would my priorities change?
repeat?
Is there a command for me to What would I value more?
obey?
Is there an error for me to What would I value less?
avoid?
Why did God bring me to this truth at this time in my life?
What obstacles interfere with my complete obedience of
God’s Word?

(Pyle, worksheet 17.3. Used by permission from ACSI.)

Step 4. Say, “Let’s think back to Jonah 1 that we read and studied last time we were
together. What are some answers to these questions that come from that passage?”
(Possible answers: don’t try to cover up my sin when I disobey, don’t run away from
what God wants me to do, etc.)

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Step 5. Let the students find a partner and look up these verses. The pairs should look for
answers to these questions. Use the following suggested Scriptures or verses that the
group might be studying at church.
___________________________________________________Ezekiel 11:19-20
____________________________________________________1 Peter 1:13-15.
Step 6. After five to ten minutes, let the group share their responses to the questions from the
chart.
Step 7. Say, “As you develop the habit of reading Scriptures and looking for applications,
you will see wonderful changes as you are being transformed by the power of God to
the likeness of Christ.”

Ways to apply prayer

Step 1. Say, “God is faithful to keep His promises. Whenever you ask God to help you be
more Christ-like, you know He will answer that prayer, “Yes!” As you seek to apply
truths from Scripture in your life, you can personalize the verse and pray it back to
God.”
a. Ask a volunteer to read 1 Peter 2:1-2:
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and
slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that
by it you may grow up in your salvation,
b. Read this example of how to pray for God’s help to apply that verse:
Example: Heavenly Father, I ask that you would give me strength to rid myself of all
malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn
babies, I crave pure spiritual milk so that I may grow up in my salvation, now that I
have tasted the Lord. Amen.

Step 2. Have the partners read 2 Timothy 2:15 and then practice personalizing it in a prayer
to God:
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does
not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Example: Dear God, I desire to present myself to you as an approved workman for good.
Guide me to choose ways to bring you glory and apply your truths to my life. In
Jesus’ name, amen.

Note: If you or your students have access to the Internet, the following website
offers free personalized passages of Scripture in English. Go to
http://www.achievebalance.com/napsv/.

Closing activities

Step 1. After the pairs have finished praying, have the group stand together in a large circle.
Step 2. Say, “As we close, I’d like to pray this passage of Scripture over you and ask God to
help these truths be seen in your life.”
a. 1 Peter 5:8-10
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring
lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith,

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because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the
same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his
eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore
you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
b. Pray, “Father in heaven, I ask your Holy Spirit to guide the students to be self-
controlled and alert against the evil one who desires them to be ineffective
witnesses for You. Give them strength to resist temptation and stand firm in their
faith in You. Sustain them through suffering so that they will be strong examples
of Christ to those around them. Amen.”
Step 3. Say, “As you continue to record your observations, interpretations, and applications
of God’s Word, I know you will see growth in your spiritual life that will be
evidenced in your daily life. I look forward to hearing some of the wonderful truths
you’ve learned and applied to your lives!”

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Tips for Success

Consider these tips to ensure success:
__The students will reflect your level of enthusiasm. As you spend more time in
the Scriptures and begin to practice the memorization and Bible study
techniques, God’s Word will be alive in your life—and visible to the students!
_Encourage the students to bring their Bibles and Bible study journals to class by
having a small prize or reward with choosing where they sit or who they partner
with for the activities.
_You may want to lead a Bible study for students in the evening or after school.
Set a time and a place where interested students could come and study God’s
Word together. Ask to borrow Bible reference tools from a local pastor. You
could choose to study a book like Ephesians or Philippians.
__Hold a Bible memorization contest. Set a realistic goal, such as memorize ten
verses in a month or choose a Psalm to memorize each week. All students who
achieve the goal get to spend time with you in a fun setting, such as a picnic
together, a time together at the church rehearsing verses and singing, or a special
football game together.

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Compassion International
Assessment
Test your knowledge by doing the following activities.
Table 1. Assessment Activities
Lesson Question
1 Name some memorization
techniques.
Recite a verse you have
memorized.
2 What important step will help you
prepare to study Scriptures?
What are some observation
techniques that will help you gain
information from the Bible
passage?
3 What will help you interpret a
Bible passage?
4 What questions can you ask
about the Scriptures that will help
you apply them to your life?
November 22, 2008
Bible Study Skills
Ages 15-18, Year 1
Answer
 Meditate - think about the meaning
 Visual - write it out
 Auditory - hear it over and over
 Taste or smell - allow the words to evoke
a taste or smell
 Physical - actions for the words
 Music - sing or create a rhythm to
accompany the verse
Answers will vary.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it
and guide you to discover God’s truth in the
passage.
 Setting (people, places, events)
 Repetitions (made for emphasis)
 Key words or phrases
 Contrast (opposites)
 Comparison (similar)
 Figurative/literal
 Cause/effect
 Asking questions about the verses
 Looking at the historical and cultural
background
 Bible reference tools - Bible dictionary,
Bible atlas and maps, concordance, Bible
handbook, and commentary
Variety of possible answers that reflect
questions about the passage and questions
about your life.
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Compassion International Ages 15-18, Year 1

Evaluation
Evaluate the learning process/lesson plan through the following activities.

Table 2. Evaluation Activities

Question Answer
Do the students memorize things using one
or more of the memorization techniques?

Do the students willingly choose to memorize

Scriptures?

Do the students willingly choose to study

their Bibles?

Do the students turn Bible passages into

personalized prayers?

Additional Comments:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

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Bibliography
Pyle, Paul. Mastering Bible Study Skills. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Association of
Christian Schools International, 1999.
Sutton, Nancy. Bringing the Bible to Life. (DiscipleLand Curriculum 6A), Fort
Collins, Colorado: Through the Bible Publishers, 2008.

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