1. How to understand the Bible

2. Verse analysis Search the scriptures Inductive Bible study Comprehensive book analysis ABC Bible study Topical Bible study Character study

3. The Seven C’s of verse Analysis

4. 1 the verse in your notebook-but first read the verse in different translations COPY

5. 2 read several verses before and after the verse Context

6. 3 in your own words- write out the verse in your own words and underline the key thought(s) or word(s) Content

7. 4 Consider the following questions as you analyze/understand the verse…  Who is speaking?  To whom is the person speaking?  What is being talked about?  Where is it happening?  When did he or she say this?  Why was he or she saying this?

8. 5 Cross references look up other verses that are similar to this verse and/ or contrast this verse and write these references down

9. Can you think of any questions or problems you may have related to this verse? Write them down 6

10. 7 Conclusion make an application

11. HOW DO I FIND AN APPLICATION?

12. First we will use an illustration to help us think through how to apply the Scriptures to our lives. Navigators love illustrations! There is a four step process we will take in studying 1st and 2nd Peter. First we will explain this illustration, and then look at an example.

13. Step 1 What truth from the passage is impacting me? Is it a promise from God? A command? A statement about His character? Etc. Include the verse from the study.

14. Step 2 How do I fall short of the truth stated? Why? First we think about the way in which we fall short. How do I fail to obey this? In what ways do I doubt God’s character? Etc. But we also ask “Why?” This helps us not just change our behavior but lets the gospel impact our hearts.

15. Step 3 What from the gospel do I need to remember and believe? In all of Paul’s letters he begins with the gospel and then moves on to application. Even in 2 Peter we read that when someone is lacking in godly character it’s because he’s “forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.” This step helps us make sure we are motivated by grace. Think about how Jesus never failed, how He stepped in to do what you could not do, and through Him you are forgiven and counted as righteous in God’s sight.

16. Step 4 In what SMART way can I repent of this sin and turn to Christ? Repentance is simply turning away from our sin and clinging to Christ… which gives God glory! So now we don’t turn away from our “bad” behavior to “good” behavior, but we turn from following our own way to now following Christ. In fact, we may need to repent of the “good” things we have been doing because really we were doing them for our own glory and not God’s glory. Now we use the SMART acronym to be specific about how we fight our sin.