AP

PERSONAL DAILY BIBLE STUDY is a simple way of studying the Bible without the initial help of commentaries or other reference books, but in humble dependence on the Holy Spirit to open God’s Word to us and ‘teach (us) all things’ (John 16.13). 

It was devised and shared in this form (see example and template below) by the Rev Dr Graham Miller, late Principal of Melbourne Bible Institute then Minister of St Giles Presbyterian Church in Hurstville (Sydney, Australia) now ‘present with the Lord’. Dr Miller encouraged me to take it up, saying: ‘Bob, if you do this every day you will soon have a multitude of sermons rising up and crying “Preach me! Preach me!”’ How right he was. Having used this method for years, I’ve never had to search far before finding a suitable outline for a sermon, Scripture lesson, Bible study or opening devotions at a church meeting. It is also very useful for those of us who preach serially through books of the Bible.

Those of us who use this method have found great enrichment in our knowledge of God’s Word and its application to our lives. It is also helpful in memorising Bible verses (‘hiding God’s Word in our hearts’.) Preachers and teachers find that it is invaluable in the initial stages of sermon or lesson preparation. Leaders of Bible study groups have found that using this method with a group in which each member has a blank template creates greater involvement and participation, working through the sheet item by item. This leads to better understanding and firmer commitment. It lays the foundation for working through references to related texts and consulting aids such as dependable commentaries as well as personal contemplation of the passage.

The method is simple: select a passage such as a portion in the ESV or NIV translations; read the passage carefully; pray a simple prayer for God’s assistance and enlightenment (e.g. Psalm 119.33,34); reread the passage; write in the answers; thank God for what He has shown you today and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in applying this to your life.

After working through successive passages for a few days you will begin to sense the strength and helpfulness of PDBS and gain skill in recording your answers and seeing the flow of ideas which make up your five (or more) important facts, while the main lesson will often surprise you with its originality, simplicity and depth. After using it for a few years you’ll have a cupboard full of the right kind of skeletons: outlines for sermons, lessons, devotions as well as appropriate Words in season.

In this small booklet there is an example of one Scripture portion selected at random to show how PDBS is done. This is followed by two blank templates which can be printed or photocopied double-sided as needed (and filed in a two-ring binder).

Do try it! You will be richly rewarded.

                                                                                                   – Bob Thomas

PERSONAL DAILY BIBLE STUDY

PASSAGE: 1 Peter 4.7-19.

TITLE: Christians Living Together In Love.

KEY VERSE TO REMEMBER: 1 Peter 4.8: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

KEY PERSON: The Christian living before the watching world – and under the watchful eye of God.

FIVE IMPORTANT FACTS:

(with verse reference)

1. The supreme importance of living in Christian love in view of approaching judgment. (7,8)

2. Hospitality gladly given is a good way to express love. (9)

3. Using our gifts to serve others is also good. (10)

4. What we do and what we say should be done in the strength God gives, for God’s glory and praise. (11)

5. Be prepared to suffer for God without shame and with commitment to Him who is faithful. (12-19)

THE MAIN LESSON FOR ME TODAY:

What the world needs now is love – God’s love – ministered by His faithful servants sharing God’s love. And that means me!

PERSONAL DAILY BIBLE STUDY

PASSAGE:

TITLE:

KEY VERSE TO REMEMBER: (write it out)

KEY PERSON: (if God, what attribute?)

FIVE IMPORTANT FACTS: (with verse reference)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

THE MAIN LESSON FOR ME TODAY:

PERSONAL DAILY BIBLE STUDY

PASSAGE:

TITLE:

KEY VERSE TO REMEMBER: (write it out)

KEY PERSON: (if God, what attribute?)

FIVE IMPORTANT FACTS: (with verse reference)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

THE MAIN LESSON FOR ME TODAY: