Last week I shared about my experience with Geoffrey, a taxi driver here in Kenya. His question about studying the bible has got me to thinking this week. How can a person better understand the scriptures?
There is no silver bullet. Yet, there are some tools which can help. I was taught one such tool several years ago and want to share it in hopes that it will help others.
Going through seminary I was taught about the church, doctrine, missions, worship, and many other things. Many of them helpful and good. Some of them were very practical while other things were academic, which is good and has its place.
However, how much of it could be transferred to the work overseas that Brandi and I were going to engage in? Realistically, most of it could, but it needed to be presented in different ways. The material needed to be culturally applicable and not just western.
While preparing to move to Uganda several years ago we had an opportunity to learn a bible study method called SPECKA. It has become a vital part of ministry when teaching others and in self-study.
The acronym SPECKA reminds us of six questions to ask when studying a passage of scripture.
- Is there a Sin to confess? Or be aware of?
- Is there a Promise made in the passage? To whom?
- Is there an Example to follow or avoid?
- Is there a Command to obey?
- What Knowledge can be learned?
- How can I Apply this scripture to my life?
This straightforward method of bible study gives structure to bible study and can aid in how to apply scripture. The beauty of the method is that is can be taught in a relatively short amount of time to anyone, with or without formal bible training. It is beneficial to both individuals as well as to group study. We have used this with groups in the US as well as overseas and it works, with some cultural adaptations necessary at times.
Dangers are still there. People can still abuse the scriptures using this method. Therefore, it is necessary to be engaged in a local church that faithfully teaches scripture and holds teachers, pastors and all members accountable.
Seminary has its place, but it is not the place for everyone. Bible study is for everyone and SPECKA is a tool which I have found to be useful over the years.
What tools have you found useful for bible study?