Jensens survey of the old testament adam 347

3The Survey Method of Study The fruits of Bible study are largely determined by how the Bible is studied, that is, by the method used Of the various methods of Bible study, survey and analysis are primary Survey is more than just reading a book It is important to know what is involved in this method so we can use it to fullest advantage in our study of the New Testament books The next few pages discuss especially the purposes and procedures of survey study Further directions and suggestions for survey are given throughout the remainder of this manual in connection with each New Testament book In the latter half of this chapter we shall see how to use this manual as a guide to our own survey studies I PURPOSES AND PROCEDURES OF SURVEY STUDY A THE FULL SCOPE OF BIBLE STUDY Bible study is of three phases, in the following order:1 Observation — seeing what the text says Interpretation — determining what the text means Application — applying the text to life In survey study we are especially engaged in the observation phase, though the other two phases are also involved Survey, as applied to the study of a book of the Bible, is an overall view of the book, made from various perspectives Other names given to this method are synthesis, overview, panoramic study, skyscraper view, bird’s eye view Picture the whole (survey); then analyze the parts (analysis) This is the correct procedure for in-depth Bible study To scrutinize isolated verses without having seen the complete context is to forfeit the richer experiences of Bible study Survey should always precede analysis, in order to obtain an overall perspective, a general idea of the major emphases of the biblical book, and an orientation to the surrounding texts that subsequently will be analyzed This study manual does not involve analysis; hence, we will always be in the survey process for all twenty-seven books of the New Testament At times we will tarry over details, but only in connection with the survey at hand B PURPOSES AND AIMS OF SURVEY STUDY Survey should be made before analysis because of two main purposes of survey study (1) To see each part in its intended emphasis Making a survey of the highlights of a book before analyzing the details is a guard against the two extremes of overemphasizing or minimizing the point of any one part of Scripture (2) To see each part in its relation to the other parts Knowing one’s bearing in the forest of many facts is a tremendous help in Bible study An individual verse studied in isolation could be both obscure and difficult A major rule of interpretation is to interpret a verse in light of its context This points to a value of survey study — it helps to keep you aware of ... applying the text to life In survey study we are especially engaged in the observation phase, though the other two phases are also involved Survey, as applied to the study of a book of the Bible,... in the survey process for all twenty-seven books of the New Testament At times we will tarry over details, but only in connection with the survey at hand B PURPOSES AND AIMS OF SURVEY STUDY Survey. .. because of two main purposes of survey study (1) To see each part in its intended emphasis Making a survey of the highlights of a book before analyzing the details is a guard against the two