How To

Study
the Bible
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AND
APPLYING SCRIPTURE TO EVERYDAY LIFE
 “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful
one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our
rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live
God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and
shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17, MSG

Hi, friend,

Have you ever opened the Bible and found yourself asking, Where do I even
start? Or maybe you’ve read a passage and thought, This sounds important, but
what does it mean for me? If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone.

The good news is that God’s Word is more than just a book to read — it’s
a gift to believers. It’s a living, active tool meant to guide us, shape us, and
transform our lives according to His purpose.

From the very first page, Scripture reveals God’s heart for relationship with
us, His plans for redemption, and His commitment to restore us. Each verse
we read truly has the power to change us from the inside out.

But to get the most out of Scripture, we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit
and a thoughtful approach to studying. That’s where the S.P.I.R.I.T. Study
Method comes in. It’s a simple, reusable framework designed to help you not
only read the Bible but engage with it, live it out, and share its life-changing
message with others.

Through using the S.P.I.R.I.T. Study Method, you will learn to:

• Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you study.

• Pray for insight and understanding.
• Investigate the context and background of the passage.
• Respond to what you read with action and faith.
• Integrate the teachings into your daily life.
• Testify to others about what you’ve learned.

Our hope is that this framework will guide you into a deeper relationship with
God. As you spend intentional time in Scripture, may you learn to recognize
God’s presence, be encouraged by His truths, and experience the growth and
strength that comes from walking closely with Him.

Proverbs 31 Ministries Team

 How To Study Using
the S.P.I.R.I.T. Method
The S.P.I.R.I.T. Study Method is a simple and effective way to dive deeper into
Scripture. You can use this method wherever you are in your journey with Jesus!
Whether you’ve been a believer for a long time or are new to your faith, this tool will
help you take your Bible study to the next level. Here’s how to make the most of it:

SEEK: Take a moment to gather everything you’ll need — your Bible, journal,
any study tools — and settle into a quiet spot where you can fully engage without
interruptions, helping you stay present and open to what God has to say.

PRAY: Before you jump into the text, also say a quick prayer for insight and
understanding. Ask God to help you grasp the message of the passage and reveal
how it applies to your life.

INVESTIGATE: Spend some time exploring the context of the passage. Who
wrote it, who was it written for, and what was happening at that time? Getting a
sense of the historical background can really enrich your understanding and help
you see the bigger picture of the scriptures you’re reading.

RESPOND: As you read, think about how you can practically respond to what you’re
learning. What actions is God prompting you to take? What changes might you need to
make? Write down specific ways you can put His Truth into practice in your daily life.

INTEGRATE: Whether it’s adjusting your perspective, changing your attitude, or

taking specific steps of faith, look for ways to live out what you’ve learned, and be
open to tweaking your everyday routine to give space for what God wants to do.

TESTIFY: Finally, don’t keep your insights to yourself! Share what you’ve learned
with your friends, family or “small group.” Talking about your discoveries not only
reinforces your understanding but also encourages others in their faith journey.

By following the S.P.I.R.I.T. Study Method, you’ll find yourself growing

closer to God and experiencing the transformative power of His Word in your life.
The S.P.I.R.I.T. Bible Study Template
DATE: SCRIPTURES I’M STUDYING:

MAJOR THEMES:

KEY CHARACTERS:

S - Seek

Begin your study by seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Take a moment to quiet your heart and mind, giving space for God to speak.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What do I hope to learn today?

 What worries, concerns or distractions do I need to lay down before reading?

P - Pray

Take a moment to pray and ask God to give you insight and understanding
of His Word. Consider writing your prayer in the space provided.

EXAMPLE

Lord, help me to understand Your Word today. I look to You to guide me as I seek to
apply the lessons of Scripture to my life. Help me to walk boldly in the Truth.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
 I - INVESTIGATE

Research the content and background of the passage so you

can understand the cultural and historical context. Consider using a study Bible, a
commentary like Enduring Word, the Blue Letter Bible app, and the First 5 app
to help you get started. Take notes of any important historical or
cultural context that helps you understand the passage.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

Who is the author?

Who was the original audience?

 When was this passage written?

What was happening at this time in history, culture and society?

* Here’s an additional tip: Instead of reading a verse in isolation, try reading

a chapter or a few paragraphs of Scripture at a time. This can help you
understand how each verse fits into a larger story.
 R - Respond

Reflect on what God is saying to you through this passage. Are there any
specific actions He is calling you to take based on what you’re learning?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What is God prompting me to do?

What steps can I take to live out my faith in response to this passage?

In responding, is there anything I need to confess to God

and ask Him to forgive me for?
 I - INTEGRATE

Think about how you can incorporate the lessons, truths or takeaways
from this passage into your everyday life.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

List out three to five practical ways you can apply

what you learned from Scripture this week.
 T - Testify

Think about how you can share insights from this study with others,
whether in conversation, writing or teaching.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

List out three to five practical ways you can share

what you learned from Scripture this week.
 REFLECTION

At the end of your study, take a few moments to reflect on your experience: How
did God speak to you today? What are you taking away from this time in the
Word? Use the space below to write out your thoughts.