Searching For The Truth Through Bible Study
Be FOUND Bible Study Method
The Found method to studying the bible is simply an inductive approach that equips you with a few tools that help you to "rightly handle the Word of Truth.” 2 Tim 2:15
Consider the steps of stepping into Scripture rightly. Stepping into and onto the pages of Scripture is not a thing to take lightly. Peeling back layers of truth is an art form that not many have mastered, but is so worth the effort!
This method breaks down the acronym, FOUND. We first emphasized the relevance of pausing to ponder the Frame of Reference, which sets the foundation and frame for how we even read the book or passage we have chosen to study by looking at who wrote the book, his life up until the time he wrote it, and who he wrote it to.
Once this step is considered, you have set yourself up in a prime position to then see the bigger picture. Much like prioritizing the placing of the corner puzzle pieces first. Once this is complete, the placement of all the other pieces simply makes more sense.
Next, we leaned in to take a closer look at the details. Simply put, we Observe. Here we scrutinize the Scriptures to find the diamonds that God has pre-placed on every page, on purpose, for us to uncover and discover! When I think of the step of observing, I actually think of the scene of a crime.
“The crime scene examination and subsequent search should be done in a careful and methodical manner. After talking to the officers who were the first ones on the scene and learning from them of any changes that might have been made to the scene…start the examination by working your way in…using great care to avoid disturbing or destroying any evidence as you do. Carefully observe the floor or ground surrounding… Look for items of evidence or of evidential value such as stains, marks, etc. Remember to look up too, every crime scene is 3 dimensional. Another technique to assist in locating evidence is to shine a flashlight on the ground at an oblique angle…Look at the items as they are located. Pay close attention to everything as you approach…do not dismiss anything until its evidentiary value can be determined…Make detailed notes.Describe (everything you see)…Make careful and detailed observations. Describe not only what you see, but also what you do not see! Never ASSUME! At this time, you should be making a sketch of the scene. It can be a rough, freehand sketch drawn on a blank piece of paper or in your notebook. You should include in the sketch things like the location of all doors, windows, furniture… and anything else you feel it is necessary to document…To accurately depict the scene it is possible to use photos in conjunction with the finished diagram. Something to keep in mind about the sketch is this, you should have enough information in it so you could give it to another investigator and that person would be able to complete a finished diagram without the need to revisit the scene..the investigator should ensure that overall photos of the scene are taken to show the approach to the area, street signs, street light locations in relation to the actual scene, street addresses and identifying objects at the scene. Pictures should also be taken of every room in the house, even if their relationship to the crime scene is not readily apparent. Photograph the scene from at least 2 opposite corners, but from all four corners is even better. This way, nothing is missed or hidden from view by intervening objects." (https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/searchingandexamining.html)
What does this exam leave out? Nothing. Every possible piece of evidence is carefully looked at and OBSERVED to understand what happened. To find the truth. That’s why we are here in this space - to desire truth, to discover truth, to uncover truth, to digest truth, to ultimately be able to know the Truth.
Under the step of Observing we use the 5W’s and 1 H approach, and we always look for where we see God. The first tool we introduced under this step was “the Who”. Who are the pronouns referring to? God? Man? Both? The second tool was “the What”. What is the function of the Conjunction? We discovered the fundamental function of conjunctions and all that those tiny little connecting tissues have to offer! Highlight each conjunction noting their purpose.
This week we will introduce a new tool, “the When”. When something is compared or contrasted take note! This week we will focus on the tool of understanding the reason for and beauty of comparisons! Comparisons focus on things that are alike or similar. The basic idea of comparison is to take something that everyone is familiar with and then give the reader insight into something else which is unfamiliar or less familiar.
For example in Proverbs 25:26 a righteous person who gives way to the wicked is being compared to a polluted well or muddied spring. “Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.” How is this person like this dirty polluted water? Why would God choose to use this picture here?
The spring and well were once clean sources of life but being polluted has made them ineffective and useless. This was written to righteous people. They were useful and life-giving to themselves and those around them, but not anymore. As soon as they tip-toed onto the wicked path, this choice poisoned their purpose. It tainted their testimony.
One of my favorite comparisons comes from Isaiah 40:31, which starts with a conjunction. The prophet Isaiah is talking here, and he says,
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31
What is clearly being compared here? The renewal of strength is from the Lord first of all as we notice with the pronouns. We also see a very important conjunction that is in bold. We can see this specific conjunction connecting the complete thought here. As a matter of fact, you have probably heard this verse before but did you ever notice that it actually started with a conjunction?
“But they who wait on the Lord…” Remember when we pull a verse out of context it stunts and even violates the meaning. Just look above verse 30 to see what you would have missed had you only come in at verse 30. The context for verse 30 is very clearly telling you who God is! This is the whole of why we even study the Bible!
To know God. It is that simple.
In knowing God, we know Truth. In knowing Truth, we can’t help but be transformed with the supernatural knowledge that God imparts as God’s Word is the only book on the planet with a pulse! It’s alive. It’s active. When you open it, it actively works in you whether or not you ever actively work in it!
When you are in the Word of God, attaining the knowledge of God, your life can’t help but be changed by the power of God! See, zoom out from verse 30 with me again and let’s look at verse 28. Start to sync your life and heart to the rhythm of His, as you hear the soft cadence of who He is in these verses.
“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
One who places their hope in the Lord, thereby renewing their strength is being compared to the soaring of an eagle. Can you feel the hope here? Do you feel the wind in your face as you soar? Hope hard. Renew your strength and realize that your life, the whole of it, has much less to do with you and so much more to do with God. And believe me, that’s a good thing.
Join me next week as we study the next tool in this bible study method and look at some really incredible truths gleaned from some pretty profound contrasts!
*Jane is also teaching this series through video on her YouTube channel HERE - check it out!
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
About the author