SDA Sabbath School Lessons
February 10, 1996

Read for this week's study:

• John 1:14-16
• Romans 3:24
• Galatians 3:18
• Ephesians 2:8-10

Memory text: Romans 3:24

Key thought:

The thematic method of Bible study helps is to investigate the great theme of the Bible. We learn about the theme by approaching it with a set of questions, analyzing the passages, summarizing our conclusions, and then writing out a personal application. The purpose of this method of Bible study is to become acquainted with God's will as seen in major Bible passages.

Discovering God's grace.

To demonstrate the thematic approach to Bible study, this week we will study the theme "grace." The thematic approach is a type of topical study. Focusing on one theme, it explores the Bible's teaching and application of that theme to our lives. We discover what we can about a chosen theme by examining Bible passages that deal with it, allowing specific Bible passages to suggest questions for which we seek answers throughout Scripture. This method requires some tools for study (a concordance, Bible commentaries, and dictionaries), but we will provide all the information you need to understand the theme grace in the Bible.

One advantage of this method is that it is the easiest type of personal Bible study. It is a simple method that can result in a profound understanding of the Bible.

Outline:

• Sunday Feb. 4: Theme: The importance of grace. John 1:14-16 & Ephesians 2:8-10
  • Steps in studying a Bible theme:
    1. Choose a theme to study that interests you.
    2. List all the biblical passages that you intend to study. Using your tools for Bible study,make a list of the verses that are related to the topical theme. You may wish to look up synonyms and other words and concepts that are related to your theme.
    3. Decide on the questions you want to ask. You may wish to use what, why, when, how, and who questions.
    4. Ask your questions of each passage that deals with the theme. Read the text first. Then ask your questions, and write down theanswers you find on your question form.
    5. Draw a conclusion from your study. Ask, "What have I discovered about this theme?" Organize your answer into an outline.
    6. Ask and answer the question "So what?" Write out personal applications.
  • Why is the topic of grace such an important topic for Christians to understand? Not how the following passages in context address this question: John 1:14-17, Romans 3:24, Romans 11: 5,6, 1 Corinthians 1:4-7, Ephesians 2:8-10
• Monday Feb. 5: Asking the right questions. Ephesians 3:7-8 & Galatians 3:18
• Tuesday Feb. 6: Getting the right answers. Romans 11:5-6
• Wednesday Feb. 7: Drawing conclusions. Romans 5:17
• Thursday Feb. 8: Applying the Bible to our lives. 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:4
• Friday Feb. 9: Review and further study.
  • What other themes in Scripture would you like to understand?
  • What is the value of thematic Bible study? How can thematic Bible study be used in evangelism and personal witnessing? What creative uses can you find for this kind of study?
  • How can one be saved by grace through faith and still be concerned about sinless living?

Summary

Thematic Bible study is one helpful means of learning more about grace. Grace, the love of God manifested in His infinite saving work for humanity, has been available throughout history. The cross was the supreme revelation of God's grace. His grace continually comes to us through the compassionate ministry of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.