How to Take Bible Notes
Gaining a thorough understanding of the Bible is the goal of many Christians; taking notes on Bible verses and passages is an effective way to accomplish this. Note taking during Bible study can help those who study the Scriptures to find a direct relation between the account mentioned in the Bible and their own personal challenges or life experiences. Dissecting Bible verses through note taking will also help to make the meaning of the passages clearer.
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Instructions
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Read Bible verses that directly address the benefit of studying and understanding the Bible. This will motivate you to take notes when you hear a verse that isn't familiar, or want to expound your understanding on a passage you've read often. Verses like "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 (KJV) or "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Psalm 119:18 (NIV) may prove to be helpful.
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Carry your notepad and a pen with you to Bible study, or take notes on your cell phone if you're not good with keeping up with paper. This will give you an outline of what to review during study meetings, and will prompt you to take notes when you're by yourself as well. For instance, if your Bible study group is exploring what the Scriptures say about friendship, verses like "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul." (NKJV). Take notes that remind you of friends you share this type of bond with, or write a note to yourself to find other verses in the Bible that talk about close friendship.
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Keep your notebook inside your Bible so you can take notes any time you read a verse you want to remember. For example, if you're considering changing your career, verses like "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." Psalm 32:8 (ESV) may prompt you to pray more for God's guidance as you transfer into a new line of work. If you write the verse down, you may be more likely to remember it in times where you feel stressed or uneasy about your decision.
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Bring your notes to Bible study with you to explain the insight you've received about certain Bible verses, and to get feedback from the other members of the group--which could prompt you to take more notes. If the discussion is about the Bible's take on family values, verses like Joshua 24:15 may come up in discussion. "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (NIV). Share the notes you've taken during your personal study about how you can continue to teach your children and loved ones the ways of God in everyday life. Then listen as the other members of the group expound on the verse and explain how the passage has helped them to be good spiritual example in their families. Keep your pen handy to take notes on the points you want to remember.
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Print out some of the phrases from your notes and display them in your home to remind you of the Bible verses you've studied. For instance, frame your interpretation of Jeremiah 29:11, e.g., "God wants me to do well," or "The Lord controls my future," and place it by the front door so you'll see it every day before you head to work or school. Change the "notes" in the frame often to help foster a personal understanding of the Bible.
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References
- Jan's Bible Notes; Wise Men Still Seek Him; Jan Young; 2003.
- Jesus Walk: How to Improve Your Personal Bible Study; Dr. Ralph F. Wilson; 2011.
- ABCOG: Lesson 1-How to Study Your Bible
- Top Bible Verses: Bible Verses About Friendship
- Open Bible: Bible Verses About Choosing a Career
- Bible Study Tools: Family Bible Verses
Resources
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