LEADING AN EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY
For City Groups and Growth Groups
At City Life San Diego, Bible study is more than reading—it’s about understanding God's Word in context. We believe Scripture should shape our lives, not be reshaped by our opinions. That’s why we study the Bible by digging into the historical, cultural, and geographical setting of each passage. We ask, What did this mean to the original audience?—so we can faithfully apply it today.
You can download the pdf of the bookmark below!
Key Questions for study:
1. What comes directly before and after this passage?
2. Are there any words or phrases you didn’t understand?
3. Did you notice any repeated words or phrases?
4. What does this passage say about Jesus
5. Simply put in 1 or 2 sentences, what is the main point of this passage?
6. Does this passage remind you of any other verses in the bible?
7. What would be an unhealthy or legalistic perspective on this passage?
8. How does this Bible verse apply to your life?
IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE STUDY
Bible study is more than just reading—it's how we grow in our relationship with God, understand His heart, and apply His truth to our lives. Studying Scripture helps us see who Jesus truly is, not just what others say about Him. It grounds us in truth when the world is full of noise and distractions.
Through regular Bible study, we learn to read God’s Word in context—understanding the culture, people, and purpose behind each passage—so we don’t twist its meaning. It’s a chance to slow down, reflect, and let God speak through His Word.
Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, Bible study keeps us rooted, humble, and ready to grow. It fuels our faith, shapes our character, and equips us to live with purpose and clarity.
BAD BIBLE STUDY HABITS
We all struggle to read the Bible rightly. It’s why being in community is so important. Someone may see our blind spots that we cannot.
One of the most common pitfalls in Bible study is letting our feelings lead our interpretation. Phrases like “I feel like this verse is saying…” or “This makes me feel like…” might sound personal, but they shift the focus away from what God actually said to what we want it to mean.
While the Bible can absolutely bring comfort and encouragement, it wasn’t written just to confirm our feelings—it was written to reveal truth, point us to Jesus, and transform our lives. Sometimes that truth will challenge us, correct us, or convict us—and that’s a good thing.
Instead of asking “What does this mean to me?”, we aim to ask:
What is the context?
What did this mean to the original audience?
How do we interpret in the light of the gospel?
What truth is being revealed about God, humanity, or salvation?
What is the main point of this text?
How can I apply this truth rightly in my own life today?
A solid Bible study helps us grow in wisdom, not just emotion. We want to understand, not assume—respond, not reinterpret. God’s Word has power, but only when we let it speak for itself.
HOW TO DISCERN WE ARE RECEIVING THE PASSAGE CORRECTLY?
When we finish a passage, it's important to check our understanding against what the text is really saying. First, look at the context—read the verses before and after to see how the passage fits into the larger message. Ask yourself what the original audience would have understood, and if the ideas line up with the overall teachings of the Bible.
Next, compare different translations and consult trusted commentaries or study guides to see if your interpretation aligns with well-established insights. Consider questions like:
What does the passage reveal about God, Jesus, or our purpose?
Are there any repeated words or themes that give additional clues?
What would an unhealthy, overly emotional reading look like compared to a faithful, contextual one?
Lastly, take a moment to pray or reflect—seeking guidance and wisdom as you measure your insights against the truth of Scripture. This balanced approach helps ensure that what you’re taking in is rooted in the passage itself, not just in your personal feelings.