The Thematic Method

Unlocking God’s WordHow to Study the Bible

What is the Thematic Method?

A method by which you trace a subject matter through the Bible (or a single

book) asking no than 5 pre-determined questions.

Differs from a Topical Study

A Thematic Study is shorter (narrower in scope)

A Thematic Study looks at fewer verses

A Thematic Study entails fewer questions

Why this method?

You don’t need many reference tools Takes less time than a topical study To prepare for doing a topical study To prepare for a class

Tips

Don’t use too many questions You may not find answers to every

questions in every verse If you are not finding any answers…

reevaluate your questions Use a topical Bible to assist you Use a concordance to learn everything about a theme

Choose a Theme

Select a theme that interests you Start with themes that are small or

short

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleThe Walkthrough

List all the verse you intend to Study

Use your tools Study Bible Topical Bible Exhaustive Concordance

Remember to use synonyms and other similar words/concepts

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleList of References

Matthew 10:24-25 Luke 14:26-28 John 8:31-32 John 13:34-35 John 15:8

Decide on the Questions to be Asked

Brainstorm lots of questions about the theme

I keep six honest serving-men(They taught me all I knew);Their names are What and Why and

When And How and Where and Who.

The Elephant’s ChildRudyard Kipling

Decide on the Questions to be Asked

Brainstorm lots of questions about the theme

Narrow your list to no more than 5 questions

Sometimes one question is sufficient

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleQuestions to be Asked

A. What are the characteristics of a disciple?

B. What are the results of being a disciple?

C. D. E.

Ask your questions for each Verse

for each strVerse in aVerses {i = 1;do while i <= 5 {

strAnswer = AskQuestion(aQuestions[i],strVerse);writeOutput(strAnswer);i = i + 1;

}}

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-25A. A disciple will be like his Master (in this

case, Christ)B. He should expect to be treated like his

Master was treatedC. D. E.

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions

Scripture: Luke 14:26-28A. A disciple gives supreme love to

Christ, bears his cross, and follows Christ

B. (No answer given)C. D. E.

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions

Scripture: Luke 14:33A. A disciple gives up all to follow ChristB. (No answer given)C. D. E.

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions

Scripture: John 8:31-32A. A disciple continually abides in Christ’s

WordB. He knows the truth and is set freeC. D. E.

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions

Scripture: John 13:34-35A. A disciple has love for othersB. Others will know that he belongs to

ChristC. D. E.

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleAnswers to Questions

Scripture: John 15:8A. A disciple bears fruitB. His bearing fruit brings glory to GodC. D. E.

Draw some Conclusion

Summarize the answers to your questions

Group similar verses together Outline the points Compare and Contrast PACE your STEPS

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleConclusions

Characteristics I discovered…A disciple…

is like ChristGives supreme love to ChristBears his cross and follows ChristGives up all to follow ChristContinually abides in Christ’s wordLoves otherBears fruit

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleConclusions

Results I discovered…A disciple…

Should expect persecutionKnows the truth and is set freeBrings glory to GodLives his life in such a way that others notices he belongs to Christ

Application

Application is always the goal

Jesus’ Definition of a DiscipleApplication

Based on John 8:31-32I will establish a regular, daily quiet time in the Word, starting tomorrow morning

Based on John 13:34-35I will demonstrate love for a person who irritates me, and do so by asking his family to come to dinner this week.

The Thematic Method

Unlocking God’s WordHow to Study the Bible