OIA Method

O.I.A. Bible Study Method

9/29/2024

Review

What does O.I.A. stand for?

Observation

Read the Passage Carefully: Read it multiple times!
Ask the Basic Questions:
- Who is involved?
- What is happening?
- When does it take place?
- Where is it happening?
Look for Key Words and Phrases: Are there words that are repeated or emphasized?
Notice the Structure: Is it a story, a poem, a letter?
Pay Attention to Context: What comes before and after the passage?

Singing Scripture

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16

(psalm = Scripture that is sung)

Pray-Reading Scripture

You can take the written word and pray it back to God. This is pleasing to Him and edifying to us.

Effective pray-reading:

is not out of our own thought or interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).
is a word-for-word speaking of the written word.

Open your mouth in audible prayer. It makes a difference!

Many spiritual men have practiced pray-reading...

Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

weaved the Psalms into his prayers.

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

turned the Scriptures into personal prayers.

George Müller (1805-1898)

combined daily Bible reading with prayer.

Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

prayed the promises of God.

Let's try an example!

Interpretation

Consider the Historical and Cultural Background: What was life like when this was written?
Understand the Genre: Is it history, prophecy, poetry, or a letter?
Look Up Difficult Words or Concepts: Use a Bible dictionary or study notes.
Ask Deeper Questions:
- What is the main point?
- What does this tell us about God?
- What does this tell us about people?
Cross-Reference: Are there other Bible passages that can help explain this one?
Identify Theological Themes: Note teachings about God, humanity, sin, salvation, etc.
Summarize the Main Message: Express the central idea in your own words.

Application

Reflect Personally: How does this message affect your thoughts, actions, or beliefs?
Be Specific: Instead of general statements, think of concrete ways to apply the lesson.
Set a Plan: Decide on an action you can take based on what you've learned.
Pray About It: Ask the Holy Spirit to live out His Word through you.

Your turn

Observe

Observe the printed verses (or choose some other passage). Resist the temptation to interpret at this stage. Let the Holy Spirit shine light on the Word. Stick to the text. Read it multiple times. Pray it back to the Lord.Do not rush this step.