Intermediate Guide

If you’ve been studying the Bible for a while and are ready to move beyond the basics, this intermediate guide will help deepen your understanding and enhance your study practices. We’ll focus on building on foundational skills, exploring more complex themes, and utilizing advanced resources. 📖✨

Steps for Intermediate Bible Study

  1. Expand Your Translation Usage:
  • In addition to your primary translation, explore others like the New American Standard Bible (NASB) or The Message (MSG) for a more nuanced view. 📘
  1. Develop a Deeper Understanding of Context:
  • Study the historical and cultural background of the passages. 🌍
  • Use resources like The IVP Bible Background Commentary or The Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.
  1. Study the Original Languages:
  • Begin with basic tools for Hebrew and Greek, like Strong’s Concordance. 📜
  • Use interlinear Bibles and apps like Blue Letter Bible or Logos Bible Software.
  1. Utilize Bible study methods:
  • Topical Study: Choose a theme (e.g., grace, redemption) and explore it across different books. 🎯
  • Character Study: Focus on a biblical character (e.g., David or Paul) and their life journey. 👤
  • Book Study: Dive deeper into a single book, understanding its structure, purpose, and message.
  1. Engage in Exegetical Study:
  • Move beyond basic observation to detailed exegesis, drawing out the original meaning of the text. 🔍
  • Use commentaries like The New International Commentary on the Old and New Testaments.
  1. Compare and contrast:
  • Study parallel passages (e.g., the Synoptic Gospels) to see different perspectives on the same events. 📜
  • Understand different interpretations within Christian traditions.
  1. Apply Biblical Theology:
  • Explore how individual passages fit into the larger narrative of the Bible. 📖
  • Study systematic theology resources like Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology.
  1. Reflect and respond:
  • Journaling your insights and reflections can deepen your engagement. ✍️
  • Discuss your findings with a study group or mentor. 🗣️

Advanced Bible Study Techniques

  1. Inductive Bible Study:
  • Observation: What does the text say? Look for keywords, repetition, and literary forms. 🧐
  • Interpretation: What does the text mean? Use hermeneutical principles to uncover deeper meanings.
  • Application: How should this affect my life? Consider both personal and communal implications. 🤔
  1. Word Studies:
  • Use lexicons and Bible dictionaries to study key Hebrew and Greek words in their biblical context. 📜
  • Example tools: Vine’s Expository Dictionary and Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon.
  1. Cross-Referencing:
  • Explore how different passages relate to and illuminate each other. 🔄
  • Use a Thompson Chain-Reference Bible or Bible apps with cross-referencing features.
  1. Biblical Typology and Symbolism:
  • Study how Old Testament events and figures foreshadow New Testament revelations. ✨
  • Example: Christ as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system.
  1. Explore Biblical Genres:
  • Understand the unique characteristics of genres like prophecy, poetry, epistles, and apocalyptic literature. 📚
  • Use guides like “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.
  1. Engage with Church History and Tradition:
  • Read how historical Christian thought and tradition have interpreted scripture. 📜
  • Resources: “Church History in Plain Language” by Bruce Shelley.

Recommended Resources for Intermediate Study

  1. Advanced Study Bibles:
  • The ESV Study Bible: is known for its comprehensive notes and theological articles.
  • NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Offers historical and cultural context for deeper understanding. 📖
  1. Comprehensive Commentaries:
  • The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Covers the entire Bible with detailed explanations.
  • The New Interpreter’s Bible: Combines exegesis with application, offering both historical and theological insights. 📘
  1. Hebrew and Greek Tools:
  • Strong’s Concordance: Essential for understanding the original languages.
  • Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: A more accessible resource for word studies. 📚
  1. Systematic and Biblical Theology:
  • “Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem: A foundational resource for understanding Christian doctrine.
  • “Biblical Theology” by Geerhardus Vos explores the unity and diversity of biblical revelation.
  1. Historical and cultural background:
  • “The IVP Bible Background Commentary” provides literary insights on each passage.
  • “The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary”: richlyillustrated and detailed commentary. 🖼️
  1. Online and digital resources:
  • Logos Bible Software offers a vast library of resources and powerful study tools. 💻
  • BibleHub: Free access to commentaries, concordances, and interlinear translations.

Intermediate Bible Study Plan 📅

Months 1-2: Romans

  • Read a chapter weekly with focus on theology and practical application.
  • Use commentaries like The Epistle to the Romans by Douglas Moo. 📖

Months 3–4: Isaiah 40–66

  • Study these chapters to understand prophecies about the Messiah.
  • Explore the historical context and New Testament fulfillment. ✨

Months 5–6: Hebrews

  • Study this epistle to understand the connection between the Old and New Testaments.
  • Look for themes of Christ’s supremacy and the new covenant. 📜

Months 7-8: Revelation

  • Approach with an understanding of apocalyptic literature.
  • Use commentaries like Revelation by G.K. Beale for in-depth analysis. 🕊️

Daily Intermediate Study Checklist ✔️

  1. Pray for Insight 🙏
  2. Read the Passage in Multiple Translations 📖
  3. Observe Key Details and Literary Features 📝
  4. Contextual and Background Research
  5. Perform Word Studies
  6. Consult Advanced Commentaries 📘
  7. Reflect on Theological Implications
  8. Journal and Apply Learnings ✍️
  9. Share and Discuss with a Study Group 🗣️

Tips for Continuing Growth

  • Join or Lead a Bible Study Group: Engaging with others can provide new perspectives and insights. 🤝
  • Attend Bible Study Workshops or Seminars: Look for events that focus on advanced topics and methods.
  • Read Theologically Rich Books: Authors like N.T. Wright, John Piper, and Tim Keller provide deep, accessible theological insights.
  • Listen to Sermons and lectures. Expand your learning with teachings from respected pastors and theologians. 🎧

Final Thoughts

As you move to an intermediate level in Bible study, remember that the goal is not just knowledge but transformation. Let the truths of Scripture shape your mind, heart, and actions. Stay curious, be disciplined, and seek to grow in your relationship with God through His Word. 🌱😊

Some Interesting Studies