PAULA WISEMAN

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STT: The Observation Method

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STT Observation Method title graphic featuring a magnifying glass

Study Tip: The Observation Method

When Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, He didn’t immediately reveal Himself. Instead, “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). He taught them to see what was already there.

Before we can interpret Scripture, we must first see what’s actually in the text. Many Bible study mistakes happen because we jump to conclusions before carefully observing what the passage actually says. The Observation Method helps us slow down and notice details we might otherwise miss.

1. Read Without Assumptions

First, approach the text with fresh eyes:

  • Read the passage several times slowly
  • Pretend you’ve never seen it before
  • Notice words, phrases, and details that stand out
  • Resist the urge to immediately interpret or apply

For example, in the familiar story of David and Goliath, have you noticed that David picked up five stones (1 Samuel 17:40), not just one? This detail might lead to interesting questions about David’s confidence or preparation.

2. Mark Key Elements

Use a simple marking system to highlight:

  • Repeated words or phrases (they often signal important themes)
  • Contrasts and comparisons (“but,” “like,” “as”)
  • Commands and promises
  • Time references and sequence markers
  • Lists or series of items

In Psalm 23, marking every reference to “He” (the Lord) and “I/me” (the psalmist) reveals a beautiful pattern of God’s actions and the writer’s response.

3. Ask Factual Questions

Based on your observations, ask questions that can be answered directly from the text:

  • Who is speaking/acting?
  • What specific actions are described?
  • What words are unusual or significant?
  • What connections exist between sentences?

4. Record Your Observations

Before moving to interpretation, write down everything you’ve noticed without adding meaning. This creates a solid foundation for the next steps of study.

For your next study session: Choose a familiar passage like the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) and spend 15 minutes just observing. Count how many blessings are promised. Notice the pattern of “Blessed are… for they shall…” Write down every detail you see without interpreting. You might be surprised at what you’ve previously overlooked!

What familiar passage might you re-examine using this careful observation method?

STT: The Comparison Method

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Title graphic for STT The Comparison Method showing a scoop of mustrad seeds and a Bible in the background

Study Tip: The Comparison Method

When Jesus taught about the Kingdom of Heaven, He often said, “It is like…” before offering a comparison to something familiar. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” (Matthew 13:31) or “like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour…” (Matthew 13:33).

Comparison is a powerful tool for understanding Scripture, and it works on multiple levels:

1. Compare Different Translations

Each translation represents choices made by scholars to capture the original meaning. When you encounter a challenging verse:

  • Read it in 2-3 different translations
  • Note the differences in wording
  • Ask yourself why translators might have chosen different words

For example, Romans 12:2 in the ESV says “be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” while the NIV says “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This subtle difference between “renewal” (a one-time event) and “renewing” (an ongoing process) reveals something about the nature of spiritual transformation.

2. Compare Parallel Passages

Many biblical events appear in multiple books:

  • The Gospels often tell the same story from different perspectives
  • Chronicles retells much of Samuel and Kings
  • Paul addresses similar themes across his letters

When studying the feeding of the 5,000 (the only miracle appearing in all four Gospels), comparing Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6 reveals details each writer thought important. Matthew mentions women and children, John focuses on the boy with loaves and fish, and only Mark notes that the grass was green.

3. Compare Similar Themes

Track how concepts develop throughout Scripture:

  • How does “rest” evolve from the Sabbath to Jesus’ invitation to “find rest for your souls”?
  • How does “covenant” change from Noah to Abraham to Moses to David to Jesus?
  • How do images of “shepherd” build from David to Jesus’ “Good Shepherd”?

For your next study session: Choose a familiar parable like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Compare it with the two parables that precede it (the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin). What similarities do you notice? What unique elements does each contain? How does reading them together enhance your understanding of God’s heart for the lost?

What biblical theme or story might you explore using this comparison method?

STT: Building Your Personal Bible Study Toolkit

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STT: Building Personal Bible Study Toolkit title graphic with hand tools

Study Tip: Building Your Personal Bible Study Toolkit

When Jesus taught His disciples, He didn’t just give them answers—He equipped them with questions and methods to discover truth for themselves. “Search the Scriptures,” He said, “for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39).

Effective Bible study isn’t about having someone else explain everything to you—it’s about developing skills to discover God’s truth for yourself. Here are some foundational techniques to include in your personal study toolkit. Today we’ll do an overview, then in the coming weeks, we’ll do a deeper dive into some different ways and approaches to incorporate into your Bible study.

1. The Question Method

Begin by asking basic questions of any passage:

  • Who wrote this and to whom?
  • What is the main point being made?
  • When and where did this take place?
  • Why was this written?
  • How does this apply to my life?

These simple questions open doors to deeper understanding without requiring advanced training.

2. The Word Study Approach

Choose a significant word in a passage and explore it:

  • Look up its original meaning (using a concordance or Bible dictionary)
  • Find other places it appears in Scripture
  • Notice how the meaning develops across different contexts

For example, tracing the word “love” through 1 Corinthians 13 reveals layers of meaning beyond our English understanding.

3. The Context Connection

Never read verses in isolation. Always:

  • Read the paragraphs before and after your passage
  • Consider the chapter’s overall message
  • Understand the book’s purpose and audience
  • Connect to the broader biblical narrative

Remember that Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things…”) makes more sense when you see Paul was talking about contentment in various circumstances, not superhuman abilities.

4. The Personal Application

After understanding what the text meant to its original audience, ask:

  • What principle is illustrated here?
  • How does this reveal God’s character?
  • What might God be saying to me through this passage?
  • What specific action should I take in response?

For your first study session: Choose a shorter book like Philippians or James. Read it completely through in one sitting. Then go back and apply these four methods to one chapter. Notice how your understanding deepens with each approach.

What passage might you start with to practice these techniques?

STT: Objects as Types

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Study Tip Tuesday Objects as Types title graphic

“For the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities.” – Hebrews 10:1a

In our exploration of biblical typology, we’ve examined how both people and events foreshadowed Christ. Today, we’ll complete our series by looking at how Old Testament institutions and objects served as types of Christ. These divinely designed elements of Israel’s worship and daily life provided tangible pictures of spiritual realities that would be fulfilled in Jesus.

The Purpose of Institutional Types

God established Israel’s religious institutions and sacred objects as teaching tools—physical representations of spiritual truths that would find their fulfillment in Christ. As Hebrews 8:5 explains, the priests served “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things.”

Five Significant Institutions and Objects as Types of Christ

1. The Tabernacle/Temple – God’s Dwelling Place

The sacred sanctuary where God dwelt among His people foreshadowed Christ.

Typological Elements:

  • God’s presence dwelling among His people
  • The single entrance (John 10:9)
  • The bronze altar for sacrifice
  • The veil separating the Holy of Holies

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt [literally ‘tabernacled’] among us” (John 1:14). The tabernacle provided limited access to God’s presence; in Christ, God came to dwell directly among us.

2. The Sacrificial System – Atonement for Sin

The elaborate system of offerings pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrifice.

Typological Elements:

  • Unblemished animals required
  • Blood shed for atonement
  • Different offerings for various needs
  • Repeated sacrifices showing their insufficiency

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Animal sacrifices needed constant repetition; Christ’s sacrifice was once for all.

3. The Priesthood – Mediation Between God and Man

The Levitical priesthood foreshadowed Christ’s perfect mediation.

Typological Elements:

  • Chosen by God to represent the people
  • Offered sacrifices for sins
  • Interceded on behalf of the people
  • Wore special garments signifying holiness

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God” (Hebrews 4:14). The Levitical priests were sinful men who died; Christ is the sinless, eternal High Priest.

4. The Ark of the Covenant – God’s Throne of Mercy

This sacred chest represented God’s presence and mercy.

Typological Elements:

  • Contained the law, manna, and Aaron’s rod
  • Covered by the mercy seat where blood was applied
  • Represented God’s throne among His people
  • Led the people through the wilderness

The Greater Reality in Christ:
Jesus perfectly embodied God’s law, provided heavenly bread, and demonstrated divine authority. Through Him, we find mercy at God’s throne: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

5. The Passover – Salvation Through Sacrifice

This annual feast commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.

Typological Elements:

  • Unblemished lamb selected
  • Blood applied for protection
  • Flesh eaten in a covenant meal
  • Celebrated as a memorial

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Passover lamb saved from physical death in Egypt; Christ saves from eternal death.

When studying Old Testament institutions and objects:

  1. Consider their purpose – What spiritual reality did this institution or object represent?
  2. Look for New Testament fulfillment – How does the New Testament connect this to Christ?
  3. Note the limitations – How does Christ perfect and complete what was only partially represented?
  4. Apply the spiritual principle – What does this teach us about our relationship with God through Christ?

These divinely designed institutions weren’t merely religious rituals but prophetic pictures pointing to Christ. Understanding them enriches our appreciation of what we have in Jesus.

Which of these institutional types helps you understand an aspect of Christ’s work more clearly? How does seeing Christ as the fulfillment of these sacred institutions deepen your worship?

STT: Events as Types

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Study tip Tuesday Events as Types title graphic

“Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11

Last week, we explored how people in the Old Testament foreshadowed Christ. This week, we’ll examine how specific events and historical moments also served as “types” pointing to Christ’s redemptive work. These divinely orchestrated events created patterns that would find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

What Makes an Event Typological?

When we identify an event as a type of Christ, we’re recognizing God’s intentional pattern-making throughout redemptive history. These events weren’t merely historical occurrences but divine object lessons preparing God’s people to understand Christ’s work when He came.

Five Significant Events as Types of Christ

1. The Exodus – Redemption from Bondage

The deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery foreshadowed Christ’s greater redemption.

Typological Elements:

  • Bondage in Egypt parallels slavery to sin
  • The Passover lamb’s blood provided protection
  • Passing through the Red Sea resembles baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)
  • Journey to the Promised Land mirrors the Christian journey

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Exodus provided physical deliverance for one nation; Christ provides spiritual deliverance for people from all nations.

2. The Bronze Serpent – Healing Through Faith

When poisonous serpents bit the Israelites in the wilderness, God provided a surprising remedy.

Typological Elements:

  • Moses lifted a bronze serpent on a pole
  • Those who looked at it in faith were healed
  • The cure required only a believing look

The Greater Reality in Christ:
Jesus explicitly connected this event to Himself: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). The serpent brought physical healing; Christ brings eternal salvation.

3. Crossing the Jordan – Entering God’s Rest

Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land foreshadowed entering God’s spiritual rest.

Typological Elements:

  • Crossing through parted waters
  • Transition from wilderness wandering to inheritance
  • Twelve stones as memorial of God’s faithfulness
  • Joshua (Hebrew form of “Jesus”) leading the people

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:8-9). The Promised Land offered temporary physical rest; Christ offers eternal spiritual rest.

4. Manna in the Wilderness – Bread from Heaven

God’s provision of bread in the desert pointed to Christ as the true bread from heaven.

Typological Elements:

  • Supernatural origin (“bread from heaven”)
  • Daily provision for physical needs
  • Sustained the entire community
  • Required daily gathering (except Sabbath)

The Greater Reality in Christ:
Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life… I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever” (John 6:48, 51). Manna sustained physical life temporarily; Christ gives eternal life.

5. The Day of Atonement – Complete Forgiveness

The annual ritual for cleansing from sin foreshadowed Christ’s perfect atonement.

Typological Elements:

  • Sacrifice for the sins of the people
  • Blood brought into the Most Holy Place
  • The scapegoat carrying away sins
  • One day that addressed all sin

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“But when Christ appeared as a high priest… he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12). The Day of Atonement provided temporary covering; Christ provides permanent forgiveness.

When studying Old Testament events:

  1. Look for New Testament connections – Does any NT passage link this event to Christ?
  2. Identify the redemptive elements – How does this event reveal aspects of salvation?
  3. Note the limitations – How was this event insufficient, requiring a greater fulfillment?
  4. Recognize the pattern – What spiritual principle does this event illustrate?

These historical events weren’t just stories to remember but divinely designed patterns pointing to Christ’s perfect work. They created a spiritual vocabulary that would help God’s people understand the significance of what Jesus would accomplish.

Which of these Old Testament events helps you understand an aspect of Christ’s redemptive work more clearly? How does seeing these connections enhance your appreciation of God’s consistent plan throughout Scripture?

STT: People as Types

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Study tip Tuesday People as Types title graphic

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” – Romans 15:4a

This week, let’s focus on how specific people in the Old Testament serve as “types” of Christ, revealing different aspects of His character and work through their lives and experiences.

What Makes Someone a Type of Christ?

When we identify a person as a type of Christ, we’re not suggesting they were sinless or divine. Rather, certain aspects of their lives and roles prefigured Jesus in meaningful ways. These parallels were divinely orchestrated to prepare God’s people to recognize the Messiah when He came.

Five Significant People as Types of Christ

1. Adam – The Representative Head

Paul explicitly identifies Adam as a type of Christ in Romans 5:14, calling him “a type of the one who was to come.”

Parallels with Christ:

  • Both are heads of humanity (Adam of the first creation, Christ of the new)
  • Both’s actions affected all their descendants
  • Both underwent a period of testing

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Where Adam brought death through disobedience, Christ brings life through obedience.

2. Joseph – The Rejected Savior

Though not explicitly identified as a type in the New Testament, Joseph’s life contains remarkable parallels to Christ.

Parallels with Christ:

  • Beloved by his father (Genesis 37:3)
  • Rejected and betrayed by his brothers
  • Sold for silver (Genesis 37:28)
  • Unjustly condemned yet innocent
  • Exalted to rule after suffering
  • Provided salvation during crisis
  • Forgave those who wronged him

The Greater Reality in Christ:
Joseph saved his family from physical famine; Christ saves us from spiritual death.

3. Moses – The Deliverer and Mediator

Moses himself prophesied about Christ: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me” (Deuteronomy 18:15).

Parallels with Christ:

  • Rescued from death as an infant
  • Called by God to deliver His people from bondage
  • Performed signs and wonders
  • Mediated between God and the people
  • Interceded for the people when they sinned
  • Established God’s covenant

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Moses delivered from physical slavery; Christ delivers from sin’s bondage.

4. David – The Shepherd King

David is frequently connected to the Messiah, who is often called “Son of David” in the New Testament.

Parallels with Christ:

  • Born in Bethlehem
  • Worked as a shepherd before becoming king
  • Defeated God’s enemies (Goliath/Satan)
  • Established a kingdom promised to endure
  • Composed songs of worship

The Greater Reality in Christ:
“He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33). David’s earthly kingdom eventually fell; Christ’s kingdom is eternal.

5. Jonah – The “Resurrected” Prophet

Jesus Himself identified Jonah as a type: “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40).

Parallels with Christ:

  • “Buried” for three days
  • “Resurrected” to new life
  • Brought a message of repentance
  • His experience led to the salvation of Gentiles

The Greater Reality in Christ:
Jonah’s “resurrection” saved one city temporarily; Christ’s resurrection offers salvation to all people eternally.

Study Application

When studying an Old Testament figure:

  1. Look for explicit New Testament connections – Does Jesus or any NT writer connect this person to Christ?
  2. Note significant parallels – Are there meaningful similarities in their experiences, roles, or character?
  3. Recognize how Christ is greater – How does Jesus fulfill and exceed what this person represented?
  4. Avoid forced connections – Not every detail needs to be typological; focus on significant patterns.

These Old Testament lives weren’t just historical figures but divinely orchestrated “living prophecies” pointing to Christ. By studying them, we gain a richer understanding of Jesus and God’s consistent redemptive plan.

For reflection: Which Old Testament figure helps you understand an aspect of Christ’s character or work more clearly? How does seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of these “types” deepen your appreciation of God’s redemptive plan?