The Discovery Studies work best in small groups where conversation is natural. The goal is meaningful discussion about the truths of the Scripture. They are not in-depth examinations of all the details of the Bible. Rather, they are group conversation, centered on Scripture, leading to self-discovery. Discovery Studies do not contain content. They are concept driven. The content of each study is developed by the participants. There are two types of Discovery Studies, Discovery Study 1 and Discovery Study 2.
Step 1. Read a passage. A passage has an italicized heading. Some passages are short, some are long. Usually there is more than one passage per chapter. Read the passage a few times. One way is for one person in the group to read the passage aloud while everyone else listens. Repeat this a few times until the group is ready to move to Step 2.
Step 2. Retell the passage. Try to summarize the passage, as a group, without looking at the text. This is a fun but crucial step in learning. 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 mankind? Some passages have a lot to say about both God and man, some favor one over the other. Let the passage 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 application should be singular. It should center on one response.
- The focus should be personal. Your answer should use the words me and I not we and us.
- The application should be specific. "What is God asking me to know, feel, or do?" What truth should be learned, emotion should be felt or action should be carried out?
- Who can I tell? Who are others God is directing me to 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. Application of this question is the key to multiplication.
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