Tips for Bible Study
Bible study is not merely an exercise in gaining information; it is the primary way we come to know God, be shaped by His truth, and grow into the likeness of Christ. When we open the Scriptures, we are not just reading a book; we are encountering the living Word that exposes our sin, reveals our Savior, and directs our lives. Yet without a clear and intentional approach, it’s easy to read passively and miss the depth of what God is saying. This simple color-coding method helps bring clarity and focus by training you to see key elements in every passage - who God is, how the text points to Christ, where sin is exposed, what God commands, what promises He gives, and how it personally applies to your life. It keeps your study both devotional and theological, ensuring that your time in the Word leads not just to knowledge, but to worship, obedience, and transformation.
A breakdown of the picture on your right is available below for a more comprehensive explanation, as well as a link to download this method in a PDF form.
The Breakdown
🟡 Yellow — God (Who He Is)
Use this for anything revealing God’s character, attributes, or actions.
His holiness, sovereignty, love, justice
Names and descriptions of God
What God does in history or in salvation
Why it matters: Keeps your reading God-centered, not man-centered.
🔴 Red — Christ / Gospel
Highlight anything directly pointing to Christ or the gospel.
Jesus’ words and works
Prophecies fulfilled in Christ
Salvation, atonement, grace
Preaching gold: This helps you naturally see Christ in every text.
🔵 Blue — Sin / Warning / Problem
Mark human brokenness and warnings.
Commands not to do something
Examples of failure
Judgment passages
Balance: You’ll clearly see what we’re saved from.
🟢 Green — Commands / Obedience
What God calls you to do.
Imperatives
Wisdom for living
Instructions for holiness
Devotional use: This is where application lives.
🟣 Purple — Promises / Hope
God’s assurances and covenant faithfulness.
Promises to His people
Encouragement and comfort
Future hope (eternal life, restoration)
Encouragement: Great for counseling and personal strengthening.
🟠 Orange — Personal Impact / Prayer
This is where it becomes yours.
Verses that convict or deeply move you
Things to pray through
Notes in the margin
Key insight: This keeps it from becoming just academic.
How to Actually Use It (Simple Rhythm)
Don’t try to mark everything—be selective.
As you read, ask yourself:
What does this show me about God? → Yellow
How does this point to Christ? → Red
What’s wrong here (sin/warning)? → Blue
What am I called to do? → Green
What promise can I hold onto? → Purple
What hits me personally? → Orange