Bible outlining is an excellent tool for unlocking the key lessons of a passage. Here are the key steps:
1. Chop you passage into “idea” chunks.
2. Show how the chunks relate to each other.
3. Identify a unifying theme and relate each main point to the theme.
For an example, please see the example below:
Psalm 1
1. Syntactical Outline:
A. Blessed is the man <= idea chunk 1) who <= let’s learn about the Blessed Man.
does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
what he avoids: the influence of ungodly people
2) but his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night. <= what he does: enjoys and studies the law of God
3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither Whatever he does prospers. <= the way he benefits: he thrives and prospers
B. Not so the wicked! <= the contrast to the Blessed Man: the wicked Man? 1) They are like chaff that the wind blows away. <= his usefulness: NOT! 2) Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. <= his standing before God: he will be judged C. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous <= the reason for blessing: God watches over the righteous
but the way of the wicked will perish. <= the reason wickedness fails 2. Possible Outline (for personal use or teaching):
A. The 1) He avoids ungodly influences 2) He enjoys and studies the Word of God 3) He thrives and prospers
Blessed Man:
B. The 1) He is ultimately useless 2) He will be judged by God
Wicked Man: (The Depressed Man? rhymes with blessed)
C. The 1) God watches over the righteous (blessed man) 2) The way of the wicked ultimately fails
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