Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods

by Rick Warren

Demonstrates twelve different methods for reading the Bible that will not only help you understand its words more fully but will also nudge you toward applying those words to your life more faithfully. "The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the Son of God." —Rick Warren. You were created to become like Christ. This is one of the five God-ordained purposes for your life that Warren describes in his bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life . And this is why studying the Bible is so important. The Bible's truths have the power to shape you, transform you, align you with the character and ways of Jesus Christ as you encounter him in the gospels and throughout all of Scripture. Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods is an easy-to-understand guide through twelve effective reading methods that allow Scripture to do just that. Simple step-by-step instructions guide you through the how-tos of the following The organization of this book allows you to explore each method or jump around to find the ones best suited to your reading and learning style as well as your spiritual growth. Thousands of individuals, small groups, churches, and seminary classes have used this practical manual to unlock the wonderful truths of Scripture. You can too. Written by America's pastor, Rick Warren, Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods will help you develop a customized approach to studying, understanding, and applying the Bible.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Reference, Christianity, Spirituality, Faith

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Richard Duane Warren is an American Baptist evangelical Christian pastor and author.He is the founder of Saddleback Church, an evangelical Baptist megachurch in Lake Forest, California. Since 2022, he is director of the Finishing the Task mission coalition.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Rick Warren lays out in teachable approaches twelve ways to study, understand and apply Bible study. Each method is more comprehensive then the one before it. There are larger amounts of time invested with each approach to studying the Bible. The suggested reference books are a large financial investment. It might be cost-effective to see if your local church has some of the reference material. Otherwise, some of the books can be found on the internet for free, such as Bible dictionary, Bible, Topical Bible and Concordance at www.biblehub.com. This book will enrich the student's worship time and bring fresh understanding into the Word of God.

[Marnie (Enchanted Bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It seems we are often guilty of being more interested in defending God’s Word than in studying it.”



This is a very helpful tool that offers a variety of ways to study the Bible. It will definitely be something you use on a regular basis.

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather than giving one method for studying the Bible, this book presents twelve. Warren's methods are easy to understand and as a result I'm gaining more practical insight into the Scriptures than ever before. I use the Devotional Method every day and each day I walk away from my Bible study with something I can do to make a change in my life for God. I also used the Chapter Summary Method with 1 Corinthians 13 and as a result of the insights and the actions I've taken, I've become a more loving person.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first found my faith I was really struggling with understanding the Bible and how to study the Bible. So I looked and searched for the right book or instructions and how to study the Bible so that I can understand what I am reading. This book helped me to find the best way for me to study the Bible and understand it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is strugling on how to study the Bible or how to understand it.

[Erica]

Jen and I were talking about studying the Bible and I mentioned to her this book by Rick Warren. She says, "That's the book we're using for our class!" You see how God works? Who would have known that this book is being used as a text book for a high school bible study class. It's awesome. Read it.

[James Bauslaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that teaches you HOW to read the Bible using 12 different Study Methods. I find this book to be very practical and useful in walking someone through very methodical and intention methods of studying the Bible. Great stuff in this book!

[Tracey Dyck · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this book is more of a reference or how-to guide, the reading is a bit dry. I think I’ll get more enjoyment out of it when I actually start to use the different Bible study methods it laid out.

It has step-by-step instructions for how to study by book, chapter, verse, topic, Biblical figure, etc., which will give me a solid place to start diving into the Word more systematically.

There’s a lot of emphasis on personal application, which is great, and one of the appendices serves as a reminder not to let devotional time become a dry, religious ritual.

So I’m giving this 3 stars for reading experience and anticipating something closer to 5 stars when I put these Bible study methods to use!

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical about this book. My feeling has always been that Bible study, done well, would require us to effectively be bible scholars, which is difficult prospect for almost all of us who have not attended seminary. Most other books I've read have avoided this reality, resulting in what I felt were unsatisfactory recommendations and methods.

Pastor Rick does no such thing. He jumps all in and expects us to be bible scholars. Is this daunting? It actually is. I wanted to seriously study the bible before reading this book, but after reading his book, I'm hesitant, because of all that's involved. It's not just the scholarship; there's financial commitment as well, as he recommends at least 7 books for a "basic" library and at least 7 more books for a more advanced library. This would amount to hundreds of dollars worth of books. So I appreciate his suggestion that churches purchase some of the reference books for availability to their congregation.

Then there are the breakdowns of 12 different approaches one could take in studying the Bible. The forms at the end of each chapter are also helpful. But twelve methods? They are well explained and examples are provided for each method.

Pastor Rick steps up the personal bible study by several notches above anything I've heard any other pastor ask of their congregation. It's refreshing to hear, actually. He makes no apology for his position, arguing that as Christians studying the bible should be one of the priorities in our lives, to better know and come close to God. And where our priorities are, there our time and money should go.

It's daunting. But this book does much to ease the way for us regular people, providing a step by step process to get going. For being such a potential life changer, 5 stars.

[Kathy Brewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Bible Study Guide

I love Rick Warrens books! This one is no different! He does an excellent job of describing the twelve methods of bible study! I never knew there was so many methods. I look forward to begin practicing these methods in my on personal bible study.

[Micaelly Cabral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful tips on how to study the Bible deeply with different focuses. One or two methods that I have never thought of really captured my attention. I also really liked how practical the book is by not only presenting the methods but giving specifics on how to navigate through each with even a comprehensive workbook at the end of each chapter. I also particularly liked how the author emphasized after each method that the purpose was not only to understand the Bible and different aspects of it, but the point is to specifically apply the Bible to areas of your life. So each study always ended with the application. Very interesting. Encouraged me to navigate the Bible in new and exciting ways.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is look quite simple, but in fact when you implement it, it's quite hard. For the one who still don't know or don't have methods, maybe this is quite helpful (or maybe they would pose many difficulties if they are alone), but for those who already have methods, this one could be complementary.

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. There are completed examples and blank examples to photocopy or copy out. I think every Christian needs one of these. The 12 methods aren’t quick studies - you could potentially try a method over several days.

To do the studies probably requires both a Bible, a decent concordance and a commentary.

💯 recommend though > a brilliant resource.

[Patrick Oben · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a helpful resource in our ministry and during my Bible Study courses, I highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their theological background. It is a valuable tool that can benefit all individuals.

[Edgar Gramajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

métodos y ejemplos prácticos

Me gusto que cada método trae su formato para aplicarlo. Creo que al final depende de cada uno querer dedicar tiempo a aprender sobre la palabra de Dios.

Punto adicional, me gusto el apéndice relacionado a cómo Crear un devocional.

[Megan Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always wanted to study the Bible in a more meaningful and in depth way and this gives you the tools to do so! I borrowed this from a friend but will be purchasing it to have as a on hand reference and guide.

[Matt Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate reference and training guide. Bought an extra copy for my study guide and reference book shelf. This is not a “read once” type of book. You’ll need a pencil and highlighter for this very in depth study of God’s Word.

[Kay Wilcots · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very easy to read and has helped me to focus on how to get started studying the bible.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good source, especially If you can use on line reference materials.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many good checklists and ideas. Man-centered. Sift well!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book on Bible study methods.

[David Dâng]

2021年5月阅于广州以撒书店。

[Faloni ©]

Wussupie; I'm up looking beautiful! 🙂✍️

[Gerson Vázquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una guía clara para aquellos que deseen iniciar en el estudio de la Biblia.

[Scarlett Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed information on how to study the bible.

[Holger · Rating 3 out of 5]

partially skimmed pages, too many repetition for me. this is more a guiding book to look at from time to time then to read on one whole. appendix 1 about quiet time is good!

[Lizziey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before you read the bible, please read this book.. will make alot of things make sense

[Erik Hallworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book that communicates in a clear, practical fashion how to read and study the Bible. I prefer this text to some of the classic hermeneutics works like Fee's how to read the bible.....

[Susanna Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick read! I am very excited to start using what I've learned!

[Eros-alegra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had two things said to me in regards to understanding the bible (or at least beginning a conversation with it):

1) The Bible is descriptive, not prescriptive
2) A book without context becomes a pretext

In the past, my attempts to study the Bible have resulted in me walking away, shaking my head, muttering "Stoning? Really?!" but ten years of picking up every other book from respected authors about the bible, I finally felt ready to approach it again. Warren's book has been a great guide in doing so.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having finished reading the book, partly to see whether my church might want to use it to guide a Bible study, I have to say that the guide is thorough. I respect it and, as a retired English teacher, found Rick Warren's work at helping people to develop higher level reasoning respectible.

On the other hand, I think the book is for selective use. Some chapters will work with you and me; some remind me of assignments that the first-year divinity students at Duke had. Rick Warren recommends all of them.

Use your common sense.