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Feed Yourself Lesson Nine

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Book Survey

"For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." Acts 20:27

This week we are going to look at how to do a Book Survey. The purpose of a Book Survey is to familiarize ourselves with an entire Book of the Bible. It is the first step to doing an in depth study of the book or even of a passage of the book. As you will recall from Lesson 5, context is extremely important. Without knowing the context it is impossible to know if you are correctly understanding and applying a particular verse or passage. A Book Survey helps to establish the context. [Over time you might want to do a survey of every book of the Bible so you have a general idea of what is in each book.]

A Book Survey is like flying over a part of a country. As you fly you can see the basic layout of the land, mountains, trees, towns, rivers, pastures, etc. A lot of the detail is missed, but you have a good general idea of what is there. In the Book Survey we want to get a general idea of what is in the book. Who wrote it and why? What is the writing style? What is the book about? What subjects does it cover? Etc.

So how do we do a Book Survey?

1. Begin with Prayer. Every time we read or study the Word of God we should ask the Holy Spirit to be our Teacher. We can learn nothing of eternal value if He is not revealing it to us.

Without the teaching of the Holy Spirit everything is head knowledge only. The Holy Spirit can take it from the head to the heart to make it a part of who we are for all eternity.

2. Select the book to survey. Read through the entire book all at once - if possible. With longer books this can be more difficult, but try to read through it in as few sittings as possible. Read quickly, out loud if possible. Your goal here is just to get a general idea of the book, not to remember everything.

3. When you are done write down your first impressions. What struck you the most? Is there a general atmosphere about the book? Don't go into detail, just sketch quick thoughts.

4. Read the book again, this time more slowly. Have your notebook or Bible Book Survey Chart - Primary Information [download PDF] handy and fill in Book name, Author, and First Impressions. Leave blank any information that doesn't come quickly to mind.

5. As you are reading the book the second time also have your notebook or Bible Book Survey Outline Form [download PDF] close by. Some Bibles have chapter headings, if possible use a Bible that does not have them. On the top line of your form write: Chapter 1:. As you are reading through the first chapter, think of a good title for that chapter. Repeat with each chapter in the book. [If your Bible has chapter titles, try to think of a different one.] Write your title beside Chapter 1. For example, the first chapter of Genesis might be: Chapter 1: Creation or Chapter 1: Creation Summary or Chapter 1: Beginning of the Universe, etc. Choose whatever stands out to you and summarizes the chapter.

The advantage of using a Bible without chapter headings is that it allows you to look at the chapter with fresh eyes, not a preconceived idea of what you are going to find. Also, if you see someone else’s chapter title it may be harder to think of an original one or you may think you are “wrong” if you choose a title that differs significantly from the “professional” one.

How do you choose a chapter title?

A. It should give a general idea of what is in the chapter.

When you look at the title it should trigger your memory as to what was there or give them [or another reader] a good idea of what to expect in that chapter.

B. It should be meaningful to you.

C. If possible it should be short, 1 - 3 words.

D. Use picture or actions words if appropriate.

Jacob Flees Laban, Storm Rages - Jesus Commands

E. You can used words directly from the text.

The Lord Is My Shepherd or He Leads Me

F. Do not re-use a title, especially in the same book.

The English language has about a million words in it. Be creative.

Remember chapter divisions are not Divinely inspired. If, as you are reading, you see a change of topic or direction in the middle of a chapter or the chapter break seems to be in the middle of a subject, then you can place your titles according to how you see the topics. For example, suppose you are reading chapter 1 and chapter 2 of a book and you think you have a better division, you could write it like this: Chapter 1:1-24: Man's Sin, Chapter 1:25-2:6: God's Mercy.

6. Re-read the book for a third time, slowly and thoughtfully. Look at your chapter headings. Write on the Bible Book Survey Chart - Primary Information [or notebook] what you believe the theme of the book is - what is the main point the author is trying to make? Write it down. Condense the theme into 1 - 3 words and write it as the Book Title. [Remember, you are not trying to make up a theme or title, you are only looking - remember Agassiz - to find what is already there.]

This is the first part of our Book Survey, next week we will continue on. Just as the Devotional Method is foundational to all Bible Study, the Book Survey is foundational to doing a deep Bible study. Don't take short cuts!

WEEK NINE PROJECT

1. Choose one of the following books to do a Book Survey on: Ephesians, James, or 1 John. Download the Bible Survey Primary Information and the Bible Survey Outline forms.

Day One: Do your first reading [steps 1 - 3].

Day Two: Since I have only asked you to find 1/2 a day to do your study, divide your chosen book into three sections. Do steps 4-5 with the first section.

Day Three: Do steps 4-5 with the second section.

Day Four: Do steps 4-5 with the third section.

Days Five - Seven: Read through the book a third time and write out the theme and title.

2. Continue with your daily reading program and your memorization.

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Reference Works Used In This Course:

Bible Study Methods by Mrs. Shirley Davis

The International Inductive Study Bible by Harvest House Publishers

Effective Bible Study by Howard F. Vos, Zondervan

How To Understand Your Bible by T. Norton Sterrett, IVP

How To Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur, Harvest House

Independent Bible Study by Irving L. Jensen, Moody

How To Study The Bible For Yourself by Tim LaHaye, Harvest House

Return to Feed Yourself Lessons.

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