In creating a Bible Chapter Outline we are looking at just the framework of the Chapter, the basic ‘bones’ of it. Every book and chapter of the Bible has a framework, and onto that framework are woven layers of detail. In these 6 easy steps, you will have a Chapter Outline. And from this study, you will be able to use some of the information to create more detailed studies (See the ideas at the end of this page)

Finger-tips-resting-on-an-open-bible-as-the-reader-contemplates

The ‘How-to’ of Creating a Bible Chapter Outline

PRAY – Ask your Heavenly Father through the ministry of His Holy Spirit to guide you in your study of His Word that you may learn of Him and through Him. That you may see wonderful truths in the Bible chapter before you

READ – For the study of individual chapters it is suggested that you read through it at least three times.
(NOTE: If you are doing a chapter-by-chapter study of a whole book of the Bible, read through the book several times before focusing on any one chapter. Aim to read the whole book at least once in one go if possible)

TIME TO WRITE – Ignore any paragraph breaks and verse divisions if they are shown in your Bible. Instead divide the chapter where you feel they are appropriate. Now that may be in the exact same places as the printed copy but maybe not, that doesn’t matter. It’s about you looking at what is written and marking it into sections of different mini-themes or thoughts (For an explanation of chapter and verse divisions see this entry in the Honey Bible Study Glossary)
Mark in your Bible or on a printed copy of the Chapter you are studying the divisions as you see them. Then label them with a short description.

For example 1 John chapter 1

  • verses 1-4 Joyful declaration
  • verses 5-10 Contrasts

You can sub-divide if necessary, so using the above example of 1 John chapter 1 it would look like this:-

  • verses 1-4 Joyful declaration
  • verses 5-10 Contrasts
    • verses 5-7 Light versus darkness
    • verses 8-10 Sin and Forgiveness

THEME – When you read and re-read the Chapter, ask yourself if there was a recurring theme or repeated word? Make a note of it, this is the Key word or theme. Draw a key symbol or other mark by the first appearance of the word or theme in the margin of your chapter. Or you can draw a ‘key’ at the head of the chapter and write the theme there (For a further explanation of ‘Theme’ see the Honey Bible Study Glossary)

KEY VERSE – Look for a verse that best expresses the main theme or thought in the Chapter. Underline, highlight or draw a box around that verse
(For a further explanation of ‘Key Verse’ see the Bible Study Glossary)

EXAMPLE one Student doing this study saw the chapter theme as “Life” and the Key verse for him was 1 John 1 v 1

PRAY – Thank God for all He has shown you and for all you have learnt in this study. If there is something you have read which you should do or change, then thank Him for showing you that. And seek His grace to implement that change in your life

Take your Bible Study to the next level – try these ideas:-

TRY THESE IDEAS TO HELP YOU BUILD OTHER STUDIES:-

You can find blank worksheets for this Bible Study method in the Honey Resource Library. Request your FREE Password via the button shown below

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