Study a verse by looking for the great ideas revealed in it.
Let us look again at John 3:16 as our example. We might title this verse, “The greatest verse in the
Bible.” The following ideas are found in it:
“God”—the greatest Person
“so loved”—the greatest devotion
“the world”—the greatest number
“He gave”—the greatest act
“His only begotten Son”—the greatest gift
“that whoever believes”—the greatest condition
“should not perish”—the greatest mercy
“have everlasting life”—the greatest result
Sometimes a combination of these various ideas applied to a verse will bring the richest results.
For example, take Romans 5:1:
“Therefore”—This verse depends on 4:25. Our justification is based on and is guaranteed by Jesus’
resurrection.
“justified”—made righteous.
“by faith”—method of our justification (see also 3:24; 4:9).
“have”—not future, but present tense—we have this now.
“peace with God”—We were enemies, but now there is peace between us and God because of what
Christ has done. “through our Lord Jesus Christ”—the way to peace with God is only through Jesus
Christ.