Let’s be honest: the Bible can is a thick book with a lot going on, and those thin pages can make it hard to know where to start. Figuring out how to read and understand everything can be a bit overwhelming.
But don’t worry! The R.A.F.T method is here to help! Today, we’re going to talk about one of my favorite ways to study the Bible one book at a time—by focusing on one book at a time. This approach makes it easier to connect with the text and get more out of your reading.
Let’s talk about the RAFT method
R- Read
A- Ask
F- Focus
T- Thrive
*bonus tip before we begin! Pray!
We need God’s grace his leadership and guidance. Invite him into every part of this process.
Simply invite God to open your heart and mind to the truths He wants to reveal. And don’t hesitate to pray throughout your study—tell the Lord your questions, express your thoughts, and let your conversation flow naturally. By including prayer, you’re not just studying a book; you’re engaging in a conversation with the Creator
Ok grab a good notebook and pen and let’s dive in!
R – Read
First things first, let’s choose a book of the Bible to read. Starting with a whole picture in mind can be super helpful and protect us from reading out of context!
I recommend kicking things off with the Book of John. It’s fantastic because it paints a vivid picture of who Jesus is and how He changes our lives, one story and miracle at a time. Another great example is Philippians, it’s a great length and known for it’s encouraging uplifting tone!
Do you have your book picked out? Ok great!
Now it’s time for the read-through. One of my favorite things to do is even listen to an audiobook reading as I follow along. The U-version Bible app has a lot of different translations and voices that you can listen to. (my favorite translation is the New Living Translation)
Now let’s Look for any words or phrases that pop out at you or seem a bit mysterious. Write those down, you will need them later.
This step is all about getting a “lay of the land” so to speak, and an overview of what’s happening in the book.
“Questions are the engines of intellect, the key to curiosity, and the doorway to discovery.”
– Anonymous
The aim of any study is to increase your knowledge and understanding. To accomplish this, we will ask a lot of questions, I mean A LOT. So, to keep it simple we will break up the questions in 3 catorgies.
A: Analsis
Consider this as an overarching view: you want to understand, why this book was written. Grab a good survey that explains the themes, and historical context. A strong study Bible and helpful resources like podcasts or books can make answering these questions extremely efficient.
The YouTube channel, “BibleProject” can be a great resource
Here are some questions you want to include:
- Who wrote this book, and who was the intended audience?
- What cultural challenges did this audience face?
- Does the book address any specific challenges faced by its audience, and how does that relate to its theme?
- How does the way the author writes or the techniques they use help show the main themes of the book?
F: Focus
Focus on the details
Now it’s time to zero in! This is definitely my favorite part of Bible study.
We explore the book chapter by chapter, verse by verse, focusing on words, symbolism, prophecies, metaphors, and parables that emerge from its pages.
What do the themes and interactions teach us about the love, grace, and character of God? By paying close attention to these details, we deepen our understanding and appreciation for the scripture. Through this focused quest, we begin to unravel the beautiful message of the Bible
Here are a few helpful questions to consider:
- What specific terms need to be defined for clarity?
- What metaphors are used, and what do they represent?
- Are there any repeated words or phrases? What significance might they hold?
- What are the key words in this passage?
T- Thrive
Let God’s word Thrive in your heart
Paraphrasing what you learned, teaching it back to yourself. This might sound silly but, by breaking it down, the information becomes more digestible. And easier to remember.
Focus on memorizing different scriptures so they’re readily available for recall whenever you need them.
Consider how to apply these lessons in your daily life. Since reading God’s word should transform how we present ourselves, think about practical ways to incorporate what you’ve learned. Let these insights shape who you are and influence your actions.
Yup! More fun questions:
- Can I summarize each section or paragraph in a simple sentence?
- How would I explain this passage to a friend who hasn’t read it?
- What examples or stories does the author share, and how can I put those into my own words?
- How can I take the main idea from this passage and use it in my daily life?
- What are some practical steps I can take to live out the lessons learned from this text?
Conclusion
As we wrap up, remember that studying the Bible doesn’t have to be daunting. The RAFT method gives you a simple way to approach scripture.
Making it easier to dive deep and really grasp what you’re reading. Whether you’re wrestling with tough passages or just want to understand God’s message better, taking it one book at a time can make all the difference.
So, grab your Bible, pick a book, and start exploring! With each step, you’ll find new insights and ways to apply those lessons in your life. Happy studying, and enjoy the journey!
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