Once we understand the context of the passage we're about to read, we are ready to take these four steps to personal study and understanding.

1. Grammar: what do the words and sentences of the text mean to say? Define unfamiliar words; restate the text in your words to be sure you know its literal meaning.
2. History: is geographical knowledge assumed in this passage? Are social or cultural customs employed? Do differences exist between the original intention of the text and our culture today? (For instance, a Samaritan was a despised half-breed when Jesus told his famous parable, but today is a benevolent hero.)
3. Theology: once we know the words and historical context of our passage, we are ready to identify its theological teachings. What does the text tell us about God, humanity, creation and the world, sin, salvation, missions and ministry, and/or the future? What abiding principles should we gain from this passage?
4. Practice: now we are ready to apply the text to our lives. Write out the intended meaning of the passage, and its theological truths. Make direct applications where they are intended by the author ("prescriptive" truth), such as with the Ten Commandments or the Great Commission. Seek principles when the text does not intend to apply directly to our actions ("descriptive" truth), such as learning from David and Bathsheba that adultery is always destructive. Finally, define at least one action which the text requires of you today. You have not finished your study of God's word until your life is different as a result.