Lesson 3 Methods of Bible Study

Bible Baptist Institute

Geographical Method

Study the geographical setting of a Biblical account and it will bring the account to life before you and those listening to you. This study method can and should be applied to any portion of Scripture. The pattern taken for this lesson focuses on how the Lord can use one man to turn many to Him for salvation.

The study will begin in the Book of Mark 5:1 and will finish in Mark 8:9.

Compare the account given by Matthew 15:21 through 15:38.

You should follow the circuit followed by Jesus and the disciples as they arrived in Gadara in the Decapolis, departed West across the sea travelling northwest to Tyre and Sidon, and then returning to the area of the Decapolis. Compare the attitude of the people, revealing the power of God through the testimony of one man. The Word of God was being declared from the East to the West, at the same time, for the glory of God!

Write about the geography which brings to life the account to the readers. God has given these details for the purpose of including us in the travel and ministry of the Lord.

Take for an example of your study that the sea is mentioned in the first verse of Mark chapter 5.

Consider the Sea of Galilee and the many lessons we might learn from it. I have listed just a few for example. It is used as a

– Means of glorifying God Mark 4:35-41 “What manner of man is this…”

– Means of transport Mark 4:35,36

– Means of fellowship Matthew 8:23; Mark 4:35, 5:1

– Means of judgment Mark 5:11-13

– Means of employment Matthew 4:18,21

Note down other things of interest that you have learned from this sea.

In your study, use a map that shows the route taken by the Lord and the route taken by the new disciple and discover what you can learn by studying the geography of the area.

Do not rush through this study, but take time to enjoy all that the Lord and the disciples encountered along their way and the many lessons the Lord taught using His creation to illustrate truth.

Again, this study may be used by an individual, by couples, or as a family study.