This article entitled STAGE FOUR – SELECTION OF THE TEXT AND WORKSHEETS addresses two basic tasks. First, the Bible student needs to answer some questions about the selection of the text. Second, this is a good time for the Bible student to develop one or worksheets. The worksheets may vary from Bible study exercise to Bible study exercise depending upon the specific issues.
It may be helpful for the Bible student to consider some questions about the selection of the text. These questions are set forth below.
Is there a text I have in mind? If so what is it?
Why do I want to study, and not merely read, this text?
Do I want to answer a question through the study?
Do I want to resolve or better understand a doctrinal (or theological) dispute or difference through the study?
Do I have other questions? If so, what are they?
Do any of my issues or questions comprise a “hill to die on?”
Do any of my issues or questions impact salvation?
After considering these questions, the Bible student can confirm the selected text and the goals for studying this text.
It is important for the Bible student to develop one or more practical worksheets from which they can better understand the structure, relationships, and other nuances of the text. Exemplary worksheets are on the PDF expanded version of this article. The link to the PDF version is: https://stevebelsheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/STAGE-FOUR-PDF-Version-Selection-of-Text-and-WOrksheets-Rev-1.pdf
If you are not a Christian, it is critical that you click on and read about God’s Plan of Salvation and respond accordingly. Link: https://stevebelsheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/BLOG-IF-YOU-ARE-NOT-A-CHRISTIAN-REV-1-426.pdf