- Home
- How to Study the Bible
- How to Do Bible Study
- How I Study the Bible
How I Study the Bible: The PEEL Method
As a pastor, I've had a few people ask me how I study the Bible. What kind of resources are my favorite? How long does it take to create a lesson or sermon? When do I have time to do everything else?
Here's one that people have offered as well. What method do I use?
This is an important question. Bible study should be transformative, not just informative. My method reflects that.
Over the years, I’ve refined a method that helps me peel back the layers of Scripture. It helps me uncover its meaning and apply it to life. I call it the PEEL method.
Pray.
Examine.
Experience.
Live.
The PEEL method isn't mechanical. I have a separate method for the mechanical aspects of Bible study. Maybe I'll approach that later.
PEEL is completely practical. For sake of web space, I'll keep the conversation moving in that direction.
So for now, I want to keep it simple. This isn't an in-depth discussion. I only hit the basics.
After all, KISS!
Keep It Simple Silly! (You thought the final "S" was going to be something else, didn't you?)
The bottom line is this. The PEEL method is relational, spiritual, and deeply personal. We can hit the details in another discussion if need be.
Ready for it?
Here's a Basic Outline of How I Study the Bible
Pray Over the Text
Bible study begins with humility and dependence on God. I start by praying over the text. I beg God to open my eyes and guide my understanding. The Spirit who inspired the Word is the one who teaches it best.
In our study time, prayer should never be a mere formality. It’s foundational. It's the reason why PEEL starts with a "P" and not some other letter. It governs the whole process from beginning to end.
Prayer reminds me that I can’t study Scripture effectively in my own strength. I need divine help to grasp divine truth.
Whatever you do, don't skip this step. Put it up front so that God guides the whole process.
Examine the Text
Once I’ve prayed, I move into careful study. I examine the text with diligence, seeking to understand the context, the author’s intent, and how the passage fits into the broader biblical narrative.
But I don't stop there. I then test my understanding. I let the text challenge my misconceptions and correct them. The Bible works to clean up my mind and heart so that I can see clearly, without bias.
After examining the text on my own, I find resources to help me examine it better. These resources help me understand the original text. Sometimes they give me background. Sometimes they explain application.
Whether it’s in a commentary, a sermon, or a study Bible, the Word always remains my default in how I study the Bible. In other words, I let Scripture interpret Scripture.
One caveat: Some self-righteously declare they don't need outside resources to study the Bible. This is posturing and nothing less. It's not wise. Not in the slightest.
We all need guides. Even pastors need pastors. Commentaries, sermons and study Bibles work as a corrective lens. They bring clarification and wisdom I might not find in my own thinking.
Point? This step is about discernment, not just collecting facts. It’s about honoring the integrity of God’s message and resisting the temptation to twist it to fit my preferences.
In the end, it's our responsibility to find out what the original intent of the writer is. That's both the divine writer and the human writer. Together, their intent is the same. We should want to find out what that intent is so that we can apply it.
Experience the Text
Bible study isn’t complete until it moves from my head to my heart. I take time to experience the text. Reflecting on what God is saying and how it applies to my life is very important to me as a pastor. It makes it so much simpler to preach if I believe it!
But of course, you probably won't be preaching a sermon. You just want to do Bible study. This is still a very important step for you to take!
It takes the Christian life from theory to reality. Otherwise, Bible study is nothing more than a religious exercise.
How I study the Bible motivates me to examine how much I actually believe it. How do I do this?
I meditate on the meaning, consider the implications, and allow the Word to shape my thoughts and decisions. This isn’t just about understanding. It’s about transformation.
I want the truth to sink in. I want it to stir my heart and challenge my habits. Experiencing the text means letting it speak to me personally and spiritually so that I'm ready to apply it in a practical way.
Experiencing the text readies me for living the text.
Live the Text
The last step is obvious. It's extremely important in how I study the Bible. Bible study is only an academic discipline if it isn't lived out.
It isn’t just an inward thing that we keep hidden. If that were true, we would be Dead Sea Christians. A lot flows in, but nothing flows out!
We should never want to be Dead Sea Christians!
Bible study is meant to overflow into our relationships, our service, our witness, our life. To do this, I practice what I’ve learned. I serve others with what I’ve received. I let my life reflect the truth I’ve encountered.
This is where obedience meets action. Living the Word means letting it shape me. How I love, how I lead, and how I serve. It’s the natural outcome of a heart transformed by Scripture.
It's the fruit that reveals the root.
Final Thoughts on PEEL
So what do you think? The PEEL method is how I study the Bible. And I hope it will benefit you as well.
If not, make sure to find a method that fits you and stick to it. I guarantee you won't regret dealing faithfully to the text, as it motivates you to live more faithfully to God.
God bless!
