Session 9

THE TOPICAL METHOD

Often a question will occur to the student of the Bible that cannot be answered by a single passage of Scripture. When the question involves a narrow subject (What does the Bible teach about WORK?) then the topical method will be the most effective as an approach to learning the Scriptural answer.


I. Definition: The topical method of Bible study involves the search and cataloging of the teaching of a single subject through the whole Bible. It may also be narrowed down to the teaching of a single subject through a single book.


II. Procedure:

  1. Select the subject.
  2. Do a word study on the meaning of all terms involved including synonyms and antonyms.
  3. Using a concordance list all Scriptural references concerning the subject.
  4. Study each passage in its context.
    • Survey the argument of the book to see the importance of the topic in the teaching of the book. This will help insure that your interpretation of the meaning of the topic will be in agreement with the total teaching of the Scriptures.
    • Analyze the passages for direct statements about the topic and list these statements for each passage.
  5. Synthesize all the statements about the topic in all the separate passages into one list of statements. Be sure to list the verse location for each principle.
  6. Reorganize your list of statements in logical order according to:
    • Places
    • Dates
    • Principles
    • Cause and effect
    • Responsibilities
    • Other logical arrangements
  7. Review the teachings involved and list:
    • The major passages on the subject.
    • The principles of the Scriptures derived from the study of the topic.
    • Lessons to be learned from the study of the topic.
    • Responsibilities received as a result of knowing the teachings of the Scripture about the topic.
    • Direct applications of the above considerations to daily life.

Assignment: Perform a topical study on the concept of Resurrection.  Draw meanings from both the Old Testament and New Testament. Summarize it’s meaning into a sentence that can be shared with unbelievers.