Discovery Studies work best in small groups where a conversation is natural. The goal is a meaningful discussion about the truths of the Scripture. They are not in-depth examinations of all the details of the Bible. Instead, they are group conversations centered on Scripture, leading to self-discovery. Discovery Studies do not contain content; they are concept-driven. The participants develop the content of each study.
Discovery Study 1
Step 1. Read a passage. A passage has an italicized heading. Some passages are short; some are long. There may be more than one passage per chapter. Read the passage a few times. Consider reading it aloud the first time and silently the second time.
Step 2. Retell the passage. This step is optional. Include it if the passage is a narrative; if it tells a story or describes an event. Much of the Old Testament and portions of the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation may be examples of this. Consider skipping this step if the passage is doctrinal; if it explains terms or defines truths. Portions of the New Testament Epistles may be examples of this.
If you include this step, summarize the passage as a group, without looking at the text. Keep adding to the first summary until the group is comfortable with the final version.
If you include this step, summarize the passage as a group, without looking at the text. Keep adding to the first summary until the group is comfortable with the final version.
Step 3. Review the passage. Answer the four questions below. Provide time for people to develop their answers. You may look at your Bible.
- What does the passage say about God? Include God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in your observations.
- What does the passage say about humanity? Some passages have a lot to say about man; some not so much. Let it speak for itself. Don't force it to say what it doesn't say.
- What is God saying to me?
- Base your response on answers to #1 and #2.
- The focus should be personal. Your answer should use the words I and me, not we and us.
- The application should be specific. "What is God asking me to know, do, or feel?" What truth is there to learn, action to carry out, or emotion to experience?
- Who can I tell?
- Is there someone I can either teach the content of this material to or train to do this type of study? If no one comes to mind, pray for God to bring someone across your path. The application of this question is the key to multiplication.
Additional Resources
- View Discovery Study 1 sample
- Watch Discovery Study Overview (Short version 7:58)
- Watch Discovery Study Overview (Long version 12:51)