In this episode of 119 Bible Bootcamp, we explore two simple and powerful Bible study methods—topical Bible studiesand word studies—and how they naturally work together.
If you’ve ever wondered where to start when studying Scripture, or felt unsure whether to zoom out to a bigger theme or zoom in on a single word, this episode will help you get oriented. You’ll learn what each method is, when to use them, and how following curiosity can turn Bible study into a genuine treasure hunt with God.
This episode is designed for listening audiences and pairs with separate, step-by-step walkthrough videos on YouTube.
Key Takeaways
* Topical Bible studies help you look across Scripture to see what God says about a theme or subject as a whole.
* Word studies help you slow down and explore the meaning of a single word that keeps standing out.
* These two methods often work best together, not separately—one naturally leads to the other.
* You don’t need to follow every step every time; small, Spirit-led steps still count.
* Bible study isn’t about mastering information—it’s about noticing what God is inviting you to see and respond to.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
* What topical Bible studies and word studies are (in simple terms)
* When to use each method in real life
* How a topical study can lead you into a word study
* Why curiosity and repetition matter when studying Scripture
* How to approach Bible study without pressure or overwhelm
Companion Resources
📄 Free Companion ToolkitA simple, printable companion to help you practice topical and word studies at your own pace.👉 Link to Toolkit / Resource Hub
🎥 YouTube Walkthrough VideosPrefer to watch the steps in action? Check out the separate walkthrough videos for:
* Topical Bible Studies
* Word Studies
🌿 Figs Community Facebook GroupPractice Bible study in community, ask questions, and share what you’re noticing.👉 Link to Facebook Group
Episode Series Context
This episode is part of 119 Bible Bootcamp, a grace-filled series designed to help you cultivate a devotional life you love—without pressure, perfectionism, or feeling behind.
Next Episode
Coming up next, we’ll continue exploring study methods as we move into character studies, chapter studies, and book studies, building on the tools and practices you’re learning here.
Closing Encouragement
You don’t need to know everything to study the Bible well. You just need to follow curiosity when it shows up—and trust that God is already at work in the noticing.
Let’s cultivate a devotional life you love. Like, really love. Because it is possible—and it’s often simpler than we think.