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Now we can get into some deeper questions, helping your child see that what is in the Bible isn’t just good stories or ancient concepts, but personal relevance and daily application of God’s truths for himself.
As stated in the previous article on contextual questions, you don’t have to ask all these questions in one sitting. Depending on the length of the passage you’re studying, you may want to reread it each time you tackle a set of questions, the premise being that each time your child hears the verses, more and more of the passage’s meaning becomes clear.
Here are the questions you may consider asking:
1. Are there any repeated words, themes or ideas? Is there something in particular that sticks out? You would probably find this applicable if you’re reading a chapter or book, say one of the Pauline epistles in the New Testament.
2. Are there any commands to obey? This can either be inferred, as when Jesus taught in parable form, or very straightforward, as in ‘Honor your father and mother.’
3. What are the promises I can trust God to keep? If you see a command, look for the promise to follow. (For another great study to do with your kids, check out this study on commands and promises using the Book of Matthew.)
4. What do I learn about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? What do I learn about fellow believers?
5. Are there any expressions of time? This can be literal, as when the end times can be anticipated, or in general, such as what to say when persecution comes our way (“At that time you will be given what to say.” Mt. 10:19).
6. Are there any lists? Why do we put lists together? How do lists help us remember things?
7. Are there any cause and effect relationships? This is one question that can be asked with just about any area of the Bible. Commands and promises (if you do this you will be rewarded with this). Rebellion and punishment (the Book of Exodus if filled with this). Obedience and greater responsibility. Persecution and sacrifice. There are lots of cause and effect relationships in the Bible.
8. Are there any terms of transition or conclusion? One of our pastors has drilled into us that when we see the word “therefore” in the beginning of a passage to pay attention to what happened in the previous section. The word “therefore” is ‘there for’ a particular reason.
Always remember that the reason for delving deeper into the Bible with your child is not so he knows more about God, but so he can know God more. It’s to build a transforming relationship with the Lord and Savior, not to acquire biblical information.
The next article will finish up with some concluding questions and activities to round out an inductive study that you can do with your child.
As stated in the previous article on contextual questions, you don’t have to ask all these questions in one sitting. Depending on the length of the passage you’re studying, you may want to reread it each time you tackle a set of questions, the premise being that each time your child hears the verses, more and more of the passage’s meaning becomes clear.
Here are the questions you may consider asking:
1. Are there any repeated words, themes or ideas? Is there something in particular that sticks out? You would probably find this applicable if you’re reading a chapter or book, say one of the Pauline epistles in the New Testament.
2. Are there any commands to obey? This can either be inferred, as when Jesus taught in parable form, or very straightforward, as in ‘Honor your father and mother.’
3. What are the promises I can trust God to keep? If you see a command, look for the promise to follow. (For another great study to do with your kids, check out this study on commands and promises using the Book of Matthew.)
4. What do I learn about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? What do I learn about fellow believers?
5. Are there any expressions of time? This can be literal, as when the end times can be anticipated, or in general, such as what to say when persecution comes our way (“At that time you will be given what to say.” Mt. 10:19).
6. Are there any lists? Why do we put lists together? How do lists help us remember things?
7. Are there any cause and effect relationships? This is one question that can be asked with just about any area of the Bible. Commands and promises (if you do this you will be rewarded with this). Rebellion and punishment (the Book of Exodus if filled with this). Obedience and greater responsibility. Persecution and sacrifice. There are lots of cause and effect relationships in the Bible.
8. Are there any terms of transition or conclusion? One of our pastors has drilled into us that when we see the word “therefore” in the beginning of a passage to pay attention to what happened in the previous section. The word “therefore” is ‘there for’ a particular reason.
Always remember that the reason for delving deeper into the Bible with your child is not so he knows more about God, but so he can know God more. It’s to build a transforming relationship with the Lord and Savior, not to acquire biblical information.
The next article will finish up with some concluding questions and activities to round out an inductive study that you can do with your child.
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