Through the years of trying out different Bible Study methods, I’ve found that complicated (12 color-coded-highlighting-systems, complex charts, etc) does not necessarily mean better. It’s the simpler, easier-to-use tools that people will actually use and enjoy. But the simplicity of this method doesn’t mean it’s just for beginners and it’s not any less effective or impactful than other ways of studying the Scriptures.
What is the easiest way to study the Bible? The easiest way to study the Bible is to read a portion of Scripture and ask the following 3 questions: 1) What do I learn from this passage about God? 2) What do I learn about people? 3) What does God want me to do?
This is sometimes called the “Sword” Bible Study Method or Sword Method Bible Study. This picture of a sword helps us to remember the 3 questions to ask in a Discovery Bible Study (DBS). The sword points upward to God, the handle points downward to man, and the 3rd question is how we apply what we learned.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12)
If you’re ready to dive in and start using the tool right away, you’re good to go. It’s a simple tool that you can begin to use right away. Read on if you want to see a few examples and a little bit more explanation on how to use these 3 questions and why this method is so effective.
Table of Contents
- #1 What Do I Learn About God?
- #2 What Do I Learn About People?
- #3 What Does God Want Me to Do?
- The Sword Method of Bible Study
- Entering into Dialogue with God
- The 7 Blessings of Reading and Applying God’s Word
#1 What Do I Learn About God?
| #1 What does this passage teach me about God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit? |
The Bible is the story of how God works in the world and how He relates to people in their lives. The Bible is God revealing Himself to people. In asking “What do we learn about God in this story?” we’re hungry to know more about how God thinks, acts, and feels.
Some stories reveal what God is like, His character. Some reveal what God does, His actions. Some reveal how God thinks. Some show God’s emotions. Yes, God has emotions! We are created in God’s image, so we also have emotions. In asking these questions, we’re peering into the very nature of God.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
(Jeremiah 29:13)
Let’s look at an example. Luke 19:1-10 tells the story of Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree so he could see Jesus above the crowd.
| Luke 19:1-10 He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” |
Example 1: What do we learn about God from the story in Luke 19:1-10?
- Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ name although they had never met. God cares for us and knows us by name.
- Jesus offered to stay at Zacchaeus’ house to the horror of the religious people who didn’t really know God. God views people differently than we do.
- Jesus tells us His mission: to seek and save the lost. God’s heart is for the lost and hurting.
I’ve kept the answers brief in the example, but you can get an idea of where the answers to the question might lead to. Writing down your thoughts can help with processing your thoughts and lead to deeper insights.
The point of asking the question is not to get “all the answers right.” The important thing is that the questions are being asked and our minds and our hearts are engaging with God’s Word.
Also, not every passage or story in the Bible will deal with all 3 of these questions, so you can just answer the ones that apply.
#2 What Do I Learn About People?
| #2 What do I learn about people? |
|---|
| What do I learn about mankind in general – How and why do people act, think, and feel the way they do? |
| What do I learn about myself personally and why I act, think, and feel the way I do? |
| Do I identify with anyone in the story and why? |
In asking this second question, we’re letting the Bible search us so that we can better understand ourselves and others. The Bible is not just about God. It’s also about how God relates to all kinds of people in different circumstances throughout history.
Example 2: What do we learn about people from the story in Luke 19:1-10?
- Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. We can take steps to position ourselves to encounter God.
- Zacchaeus responded with joy when Jesus offered to stay at his home. We can feel joy when Jesus comes into our lives.
- Zacchaeus wanted to make things right if there was anyone he had wronged. How did he end up coming to this decision? What was he feeling?
- Some people weren’t happy at all with Jesus’ decision to stay at Zacchaeus because they thought he was a sinner. We need to see people through Jesus’ eyes.
#3 What Does God Want Me to Do?
| #3 What Does God Want Me to Do? |
|---|
| Is there anything that God wants me to do according to this passage? |
| Is there a sin to avoid? Is there a promise to claim? Is there an example to follow? Is there a command to obey? |
Obedience is key to spiritual growth. When we do what God calls us to do in His Word, we begin to understand His heart and mind.
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
(Matt. 7:24)
Obedience is also key to a deeper understanding. We don’t just want head-knowledge but heart transformation (1 Cor. 8:1). We want to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Example 3: Is there anything that God wants us to do according to Luke 19:1-10?
- Jesus looked at Zacchaeus differently than other people. Does God want us to see as He sees?
- Zacchaeus showed by his actions how his heart had changed. Does God want us to make things right with anyone?
- Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Is there anyone that God wants us to express His heart to?
Another way to ask this question about application is to use the acronym S.P.E.C. Is there a Sin to avoid, a Promise to claim, an Example to follow, or a Command to obey? I like to simplify it and just use the last question when people start out, but you can expand out to these 4 questions if you’d like.
The Sword Method of Bible Study
This way is arguably the easiest way to study the Bible – I’ve shared this method with many children, including my own. Children can learn to use it and even teach others how to use it. At the same time, it’s flexible enough to lead anyone to profound discoveries in studying the Scriptures.
The “Sword” method of Bible Study is the easiest way to study the Bible. It’s also a good way to train someone how to teach the Bible, lead a Bible discussion or small group. The small group leader can simply ask the 3 questions one by one and let people answer. This method is used by some missions groups to disciple believers and to train them to teach the Bible to others on the mission field.
Entering into Dialogue with God
Whatever study method you use, the most important thing is to enter into a dialogue with the Holy Spirit, who will teach you what you need to know through God’s Word.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
(2 Tim. 3:16-17)
A method like the one we’ve been talking about is effective and powerful because we’re allowing God’s Word to speak for itself. And we’re opening to the Holy Spirit teach us as we ask these questions.
We’re also reading to follow Jesus and do what the Word of God says. We’re not reading just to fill our head up with facts from the Bible. We’re reading and studying to encounter Jesus, who Himself is the Word, the exact and complete expression of God, the Father (John 1:1).
I hope you’ll try using the “Sword” method of Bible study yourself or share it with someone so they can start studying the Bible for themselves.
In closing, here are some of the benefits of being in God’s Word.
The 7 Blessings of Reading and Applying God’s Word
- We can know the truth and our purpose in life. (John 17:17)
- We can know God as He has revealed Himself to us. (Acts 17:23)
- We can know the way to salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (1 John 5:13; Acts 4:12)
- We can grow spiritually and be nourished. (1 Pet. 2:2; Matt. 4:4)
- We can receive guidance and wisdom for our daily lives. (Psa. 119:105)
- We can receive victory over sin and temptation. (Psa. 119:11; Matt. 4:1-17; Eph. 6:17)
- We can be blessed in what we do as we obey God’s Word. (James 1:22-25)
Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content.
| The S.W.O.R.D. Method of Bible Study is one of the 11 ways that I explore in this article (opens in a new window): 11 Ways to Study the Bible: Methods, Techniques & Tips. See which one works the best for you. |
Photo Credit:
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Thank you n very helpful!! What is your church’s name?? God bless you, Gayle Lee
Thank you, Gayle! I’m glad to hear it was helpful. I’m the pastor at Parkway Fellowship. The link to the church website is on the About Us page (link at the bottom of the page) if you’d like to take a look. God bless you!
After Mark what chapter do you do next?
After going through the 16 chapters of the book of Mark, you can try a different type of book like Philippians or James. Or you can try one of the 11 Ways to Study the Bible.
Where does this discussion stem from? I’d like to take that journey too.
You can use the sword method on a handful of verses from the Book of Mark. For example, Mark 1:1-8 or Mark 1:1-11. The next day, you can go to the next section through the book of Mark. It’s a great way to study through a book of the Bible.
Like!! Thank you for publishing this awesome article.
Thank you! I hope it helps you engage with God’s Word and encounter Jesus, the Living Word.
how can I start my journey with Christ by reading the Bible
One great way is to start with the book of Mark in the New Testament. You can read 1 chapter a day or a shorter portion, and use the 3 questions above. Also, here’s another article that might be helpful: https://pursuitbible.com/how-to-get-to-heaven-according-to-the-bible/
At the end of that article, there’s an option to sign up for a 3-day Next Steps e-mail to make sure you have a good foundation in your walk with God.
Thanks Ptr. David Kim, am going to use this sword Bible study for some of our people in our connect group here in Darwin Australia, wanting to grow in the word of God and become a leader in the family connect groups around the world where they are planted…
I’m so glad it’ll be put to great use. I hope your group will be encouraged through it. Praying for God’s continued blessing on your group.
Thank you for your insight. This will be very helpful to me, beginning to study the Bible. Do you have any posts on how to read it in chronological order?
That’s great to hear! I think this is a great way to begin studying the Bible. We use this at our church for new disciples and mature ones too. Here’s a post on how to read the Bible in chronological order. I share a few other thoughts on reading the Bible but this link should take you to the right spot in the article.
I have been looking for an easy method for studying the bible for a long time. Most bible studies have something to read from the bible, then some questions. MOST do not furnish answers, so you are left wondering if your answer is in line with what it should be. I have only found a very few that offer an answer key so you can KNOW you are “on track” with your answers. I think this is how cults and schisms start by people coming up with their own ideas about what verses mean and not being “grounded” by reading orthidox opinions on what the verses mean. I like the idea of a bible study where you are expected to read say a chapter from a book then you have multiple choice questions with an answer key in the back. Even fill in the blank answers could be used as long as they are along the same thought as the answer in the answer key. This way one can grade their work and see if they are doing well in their study.
Your “Sword” study idea is great but the great questions you came up with after the section from the bible on Zacchaeus would not have come into my mind. I would like a study with the questions already supplied. Then an answer key!
Maybe you could write one and make it for sale? Maybe just one book of the bible at a time? And see how it sells. I’ll be your first purchaser.
Thanks, J.D.
Thank you, J.D., for sharing your ideas! That sounds like it would be a great resource. If I do write one like that, I’ll be sure to let you know!
At the moment, I’m working on a few projects including a book and some video courses that I’m excited about and hope will be helpful for people.
Hey this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!|
There are quite a few options out there, but many of them are WYSIWYG, or close to it and don’t require coding. Which one you use depends on what your end-goals are. This blog uses WordPress.org, which is not as WYSIWYG as some of the options out there, but is the most common option if you want to own your content. Feel free to email me through the contact form if you have any questions and I’ll try to point you in the right direction. I wish you the best on your blog!
Thank you so much. I am equipped after reading all these.
I’m so grateful to hear it was helpful. God bless you in your times in His Word.
Thank you. This is helpful. I will teach my 4th graders to use this method. God bless you.
That sounds wonderful. I hope your students will enjoy it! God bless you in your teaching and serving the Lord.
Thank you so much Pastor David Kim.
This article is really helpful, had to share it with some of my folks that have been asking questions on how to study the Bible. I pray this will shed more light to my walk with God as I practice the methods.
God has blessed real good sir.
I’m so grateful to hear the article was helpful. I pray that you and everyone you share it with will be able to use the simple tool to receive all that God has for you through His Word. God bless you.
I thank the Holy Spirit for leading me to your site. I have been in search for ways or methods on how to study the Bible and where to start reading. I see that your method is very simple for anyone to understand and know how to study and read the bible. May God bless you and continue to lead you for his glory.
Holy Spirit really is a brilliant leader and guide! A friend passed on this Bible study method to me. I’m grateful to hear it was helpful. May God bless you and lead you deeper into the knowledge of Him.
Thank uh,Ps David
Its very helpful🤞to read and understand bible
How to know what to read nxt chapter?
You’re very welcome. I’m glad to hear it’s helpful. You can use this for any part of the Bible. I recommend starting with a book like the Gospel of MARK. For example, you can read Mark 1:1-8 one day and the next day read Mark 1:9-11, and keep going through the book of Mark. You can take more verses or less, depending on what fits for you.
Good day , pastor it is my pleasure .it is very helpful for me , i hope that their are many people like me who encourage study about bible ,study the word of God.
God Bless you ang your entire family.
I’m so grateful to be able to serve and encourage you, and I hope many others as well, to study God’s Word. Thank you and God bless you and your family.
it is so easy and so simple to read the word and to unlock the bible by David Pawson is a great book to read and great to use at times instead of doing looking up in your phone or computer i think its wonderful to understand the Bible its a life changer for me as well
Yes, I’m so grateful for helpful resources like David Pawson’s Unlocking the Bible. It’s one of my highest recommended resources for people who want to understand the Bible more.
Hello, I’ve struggled to study the Bible for years. It’s causing intense frustration, pain & even caused me to drift from my relationship with God many times. I have tried so hard! This is so simple yet I can see the benefits instantly. I just cried after reading this. I feel hope. Thank you for sharing…I’m going to pick up my Bible and start again with Mark.
I’m so grateful to hear! I know God has so much good things for you as you start again. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions I can help with along the way.
This is so helpful, I didn’t understand the scripture before but now it’s flowing in my heart
I know that God has many great things in store for you in His Word. I’m so grateful for His grace and pray that God will give you more!
Thank you very much for writing this wonder stuff! I really praise God for you. What is the name of your church? and which denomination is your affiliated to?
My name is Newton Dennis Mugisa, I’m from Uganda. I’m on my way to start planting a local church. I need people like you. Would partner with me in any case?
Thanks and best regards
May the Lord bless you as you labor in the Lord’s harvest in Uganda! I’ll reach out to you via e-mail.
Very helpful, many thanks.
Stay blessed 🙏
I’m so grateful to hear. Thank you and Blessings
What a wonderful article. Thank you so much. Very helpful. Although I’ve been in Bible Study for years, I still find it difficult to understand at times. Most appreciated.
God Bless You and thank you again.
Thank you, I’m so grateful to hear it was helpful. Yes, it can be difficult to understand at times. I’m glad you’re sticking with it. May God, Who is faithful, grant you the desires of your heart as you delight in Him!