This method of Bible study is called the A-E-I-O-U Method.
"A"—ask questions
As you’re reading the Word of God, ask questions like:
- What does this passage say?
- What does it mean?
- Who wrote this book?
- Who said this in this passage?
- Whom were they talking about?
- To whom were they speaking?
- What happened?
- What are the major events?
- What are the main ideas?
- What is the main theme of the passage?
- When was it written?
- When did these events take place?
- Why was this written?
- Why did he say that?
- What does this mean?
- Where did it happen?
"E"—emphasize key words and phrases
Look for a key verse in the chapter that captures the heart of that passage. Search for key words, patterns, repeated words or phrases, and things that recur in the chapter or the book or the passage. Then summarize what the book teaches about those subjects.
"I" in your own words
Write a brief summary or an overview of the passage in your own words. What is this about? Include the major points. This helps in meditating and thinking about the passage.
"O" other related Scriptures
Look for other related Scriptures. There are two tools that will help. One is a concordance, which lists every word in the Bible. Under each of those words is a list of every place where that word appears in Scripture. As you pull these verses together, you’ll find that they interconnect.
Another tool is called The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. This tool goes through the Bible and next to each verse it gives other references that have something to do with the theme of that verse.
"U" use it in application
Here’s where we ask the question, “So what? What am I supposed to do about what I just read?”
After you study it, after you read it, after you meditate on it, after you memorize it, you’ve got to do it. So write down some applications.
- What does this passage say to me?
- What does God want me to do as a result of what I just read?
- Does this passage have any promises that I should claim?
- Are there commands here that I need to obey?
- Is there an example in this passage that I should follow?
Everything we read in God’s Word calls for some sort of response. It may be to exercise faith in God’s promises or His character, to humble ourselves, to acknowledge our need, to confess a sin, or to turn from a wrong way of thinking. It may be to worship and adore the God who has revealed Himself in the Scripture, to forgive someone who has wronged us, or go and seek forgiveness from someone we’ve wronged.
But the main point of Bible study is to apply the truth of God’s Word to your own heart.
Content adapted from Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ A Place of Quiet Rest.
© Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com.