Stand Firm: Reading Plan

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN STUDYING THE BIBLE

A key part of understanding and applying what we read is to read the Bible reflectively. The questions below are not exhaustive, but they’re there to help you study the Bible with the framework of Look, Understand, Apply, and Pray. Find ways that help you study and apply God’s Word. Take notes; write down thoughts and prayers; ask questions; chew on or meditate on what you see; and ask a friend or use a good Study Bible or commentary if something doesn’t make sense.

As you get started, protect yourself from distractions as much as you can. Put away your phone, email, social media, or TV. Grab your Bible, a pencil, and a notepad. Pray for God’s Spirit to give you understanding of what you read, to help you know and love God more, and to change you through it.

  • What stood out to you right away or what do you notice? Is there anything new I’ve not noticed before?
  • Are there keywords, themes, repeated words or ideas, connecting words, transitional statements, or parallel sentences?
  • What is the structure of this passage? What is the main point?
  • What metaphors, word pictures, or allusions does the author use?
  • Ask: who, what, where, when, and why to see the key parts.

  • What is the context of this passage (historical, cultural, literary)? What happened just before this that connects to it?
  • What other verses or cross references might help you better understand this or will shed light on it? Is the author drawing on something from an earlier part of Scripture?
  • Does this section contain commands, promises, warnings, theological truths, ethical imperatives, indicative statements about who we are, or habits to develop? How are they used and what role do they play in the passage?
  • What does this passage tell us about God (His attributes, actions, promises, purposes, heart, etc.)? How is God at work? How might this text create in us greater trust, worship, and love for God? How is God the hero of this story?
  • How would I summarize the author’s meaning to his original audience in one to two sentences?

  • Was there anything God impressed on my heart through this text that I need to respond to?
  • How does it apply to my own circumstances? Is there:
    • A command to obey or live out.
    • A truth to understand and believe.
    • A promise to cling to and act on.
    • A sin or idol to confess, turn from, and replace.
    • An attribute or action of God to give thanks for or worship Him because of it.
  • Where do I need to depend on the Spirit for help to change?
  • Are there ways I can better serve, love, and encourage those around me as I apply this? How so?
  • How does this passage point us to the gospel of grace and Jesus as our hope and help?
  • What can I do today to mediate on this and to apply it in my thoughts, actions, words, and relationships?

Seal these truths in your heart through prayer that is a direct response to what you’ve just read and seen. Pray for the things on your mind but also pray God’s Word back to Him and pray over the things you discovered. Ask God’s help to obey and walk in the Spirit. Thank God for who He is and all He’s done. Pray for opportunities to show Christ and share Christ to those around you today.

WEEK 01

  • June 2 | Ephesians 1:1-2

  • June 3 | Ephesians 1:3-6
  • June 4 | Ephesians 1:7-12
  • June 5 | Ephesians 1:13-14
  • June 6 | Ephesians 1:15-17

WEEK 02

  • June 9 | Ephesians 1:18-23
  • June 10 | Ephesians 2:1-3
  • June 11 | Ephesians 2:4-10
  • June 12 | Ephesians 2:11-13
  • June 13 | Ephesians 2:13-18

WEEK 03

  • June 16 | Ephesians 2:19-22
  • June 17 | Ephesians 3:1-6
  • June 18 | Ephesians 3:7-13
  • June 19 | Ephesians 3:14-17
  • June 20 | Ephesians 3:17-19

WEEK 04

  • June 23 | Ephesians 3:19-21
  • June 24 | Ephesians 4:1-6
  • June 25 | Ephesians 4:7-10
  • June 26 | Ephesians 4:11-16
  • June 27 | Ephesians 4:17-19

WEEK 05

  • June 30 | Ephesians 4:20-24
  • July 1 | Ephesians 4:25-32
  • July 2 | Ephesians 5:1-7
  • July 3 | Ephesians 5:8-17
  • July 4 | Ephesians 5:18-21

WEEK 06

  • July 7 | Ephesians 5:21-33
  • July 8 | Ephesians 6:1-4
  • July 9 | Ephesians 6:5-9
  • July 10 | Ephesians 6:10-13
  • July 11 | Ephesians 6:14-15

WEEK 07

  • July 14 | Ephesians 6:16-17
  • July 15 | Ephesians 6:18-20
  • July 16 | Ephesians 6:21-24