A Character Study is a method that focuses on a particular person in Scripture. This method helps to gleam characteristics and attributes that we should or should not emulate. Through it, you can gain deeper understanding into the downfall of King Saul, or the reason David is seen as a man after God's own heart. The goal is to learn what lessons we can from the examples of the lives talked about in Scripture.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Easily Applicable
- Enjoyable Method
- Easy to see how relatable Scripture is to us today
- Large Variety of Characters
- Deep Study
Weaknesses
- Easy to Read yourself into the text (Eisegesis)
- Can be confusing depending on the chosen character
- Can be a very long study depending on the character
How To Do A Character Study
1. Identify A Character You Want To Study
Think of a character in Scripture that interests you or that may help you understand a section of Scripture better. This could be someone that you want to emulate, or someone that you want to learn from their mistakes. It could also be someone that you have found that you relate to as you have done some bible study.
2. Read Relevant Texts
Most Bible tools out there have a search engine where you could look up the name of who you'd like to study and it will pull up texts the have the name in it. Read through those sections of Scriptures. You will have to have some discernment here as there are many shared names through the Bible. Make sure that the one you are reading about is the one you actually intend to be studying.
3. Ask Questions
As you are reading through the texts concerning a particular character, look for things that Scripture highlights about them. Ask leading questions such as, "Were they described as being faithful? Did they fall away? What caused them to remain faithful or to fall away." If something stands out to you, dive deeper into that and continue asking questions concerning it.
4. Summarize
Summarize the lifestyle and points of interest that has stood out to you. Recall important details such as what Scripture testified of their lifestyle and how they responded to the Lord.
5. Application
Taking lessons from the individual you studied, apply it to your own life. If you recognize patterns that are looked negatively upon in Scripture in your own life, that behavior needs to change. If you see someone being faithful, emulate that behavior. It is important that we do not just study Scripture, but that we apply it.
6. Pray
Prayer is an essential part of any Bible study method. You should start and finish with this. Without prayer throughout Bible study, it just becomes a glorified book club.
Take this time of prayer to reflect on what it is that you have read and what that means for your life. Ask the Lord for more insight and what He would have you to do in response of the Word. Also take the time to enjoy being in the presence of the Lord. Learn to grow in the discipline of prayer just as you are in the discipline of study.
Take this time of prayer to reflect on what it is that you have read and what that means for your life. Ask the Lord for more insight and what He would have you to do in response of the Word. Also take the time to enjoy being in the presence of the Lord. Learn to grow in the discipline of prayer just as you are in the discipline of study.