Dynamic Bible Study Method - #3

The Character Quality Method of Bible Study

How to Determine Biblical Character Qualities.

Definition:

The Character Quality Method of Bible Study involves finding what the Bible says about a particular characteristic of a person, with a heavy emphasis on personal application. It is, furthermore, a combination in simplified for of three other Bible study methods: the Word Study Method, the Biographical Method, and the Cross-Reference Method. ..."

It seems so neat to me how as I have read several different books lately and heard some sermons - and they all are re-enforce things I am learning. This method of Bible study re-enforces to me that one of "the major goals of Christian living is to develop Christlike character in our lives." (p.54)

This method of Bible study is vital in our lives. Why? Because it helps us identify character qualities that are taught in the Bible.

This method of Bible study will use some tools. Here is a list of some helpful tools:

1. A study Bible

2. An exhaustive concordance

3. A Bible Dictionary or word study book

4. A topical Bible

5. An English Dictionary.

(p.55)

Nine Steps for Doing a Character Quality Study

Step One~ Name the Quality

"Select the quality your wan to study and write it down. Then look it up in an English dictionary and jot down that word's or concept's definition. List any synonyms or related words that help you understand this quality."

Step Two~Name the Opposite Quality

"Write down the opposite quality or the antonym, of the one you are studying and write out its dictionary definition and similar words."

Step Three~ Do a Simple Word Study

"Look up the Bible definition of the quality you are studying. Find the ways it is used in scriptural context, then check a Bible dictionary, encyclopedia, or word study book for the way the quality was used in biblical times and in Scriptures."

Step Four~ Find Some Cross-References

"Using cross-references will give you additional insight from other portions of the Bible. Scripture is still the best interpreter of Scripture. Use your concordance and topical Bible to find all the verses you can on this quality. Look up the word and its synonyms in the concordance and topical Bible, write the cross-reference on the form in the appropriate section, and give a brief description of that verse."

Some Questions to ask:

• What are the benefits this trait can bring you?
• What are some bad consequences this trait can bring you?
• What are benefits this trait can bring to others?
• What are some bad consequences this trait can bring to others?
• Is there any promise from God related to this trait"
• Is there any warning or judgement related to this trait?
• Is there an command related to this trait?
• Did Jesus have anything to say about this quality? What?
• What writer talked about this quality the most?
• What Scripture tells us directly what God things of this trait?
• Do you want more or less of this trait?

Step Five~ Do a Brief Biographical Study

"Now go back to your Bible and try to find at least one(more if possible) who showed this character quality in his life? Briefly describe this quality and write down Scriptures which refer to it."

Questions to ask:

• What shows this quality in his/her life?
• How did this quality affect his/her life?
• Did the quality help or hinder his/her growth to maturity? How?
• What results did it produce in his/her life?

Step Six~Find a Memory Verse

"Write down at least one verse from your cross-reference or biographical portion of the study that really speaks to you, and that you intend to memorize during the following week. This verse should come in handy when God provides an opportunity for you to work on this character quality in a specific way."

Step Seven~ Select a Situation or Relationship to Work On

"We are not getting to the application part of the study. Think of an area in which God wants you to work on this character quality - avoiding it if it's negative or building it into your life if it's positive. This can either be a situation or an interpersonal relationship."

Step Eight~ Plan a Specific Project

"This is the practical part of your application and is the actual working out of Step Seven. Think of a project that you will work on to build a positive quality in your life, or one in which you will be working to get rid of a negative quality in your life."

Step Nine~ Write Out a Personal Illustration

"A few days after you have completed the first eight steps of this study, write out an illustration of how you were able to work on this quality you are applying to your life. This is the "measurable" part of your application. These illustrations will serve a number of purposes. When you get discouraged, read over the back log of your illustrations and see how God has worked in your life. ..."

" God often builds character in our lives by putting us in situations where we are tempted to do the opposite."

"A good place to start this study would be to go through the lists of qualities found in New Testament passages. Some positive ones are:

• Matthew 5:3-12 - the Beatitudes
• Galatians 5:22-23 -the fruit of the Spirit
• Philippians 4:4-9 - admirable qualities
• 2 Peter 1:5-8 - qualities that should increase in our lives

You can also find some character traits that are NOT good to have listed here:

• Galatians 5:19-21 - a list of the works of the flesh
• 2 Timothy 3:1-5 - have nothing to do with these!

Well that was a lot of information. I think this looks like it would be a great way to study the Bible. In order to reflect the character of Jesus Christ - we need to spend some time studying what His Character is like and what better way then to read the Bible and find out what is important to him.

* I know that I have been posting photos of the Study Forms at the end of each chapter but I am about out of ink so I will have to take the photo's and add them later. You can look back at the other studies and get a basic idea of how it is set up.

**As with this whole series of Study Methods - the info is coming from the book - "Dynamic Bible Study Methods" by Rick Warren