When we come to the Word of God, the question is not whether we have opinions about the Bible, but whether we are handling it the way God intends. Paul’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15 gives us the heartbeat of this series: our responsibility is to study in a way that pleases the Lord. The ultimate judge of our Bible study is not our peers, our teachers, or even our own confidence. It is God Himself who evaluates whether we are approved workmen in His Word.
The Bible says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). That phrase rightly dividing reminds us that Scripture must be handled carefully and accurately. Because it is God’s Word and not man’s, we must approach it with humility, diligence, and intentional method. One helpful approach is topical Bible study. When used properly, it can give us a fuller understanding of what God says about important subjects throughout Scripture.
1. Why Use a Topical Study Method
Topical study is sometimes questioned by those who insist that the Bible should only be studied verse by verse. Certainly, verse-by-verse study is valuable and biblical. Yet it is not the only method God uses in His Word. When we examine Scripture honestly, we see that Jesus often taught on themes and concepts by drawing from multiple passages. If the Lord Himself used thematic teaching, then we can confidently say there is a proper place for topical study.
We also see this pattern in the preaching of Peter in Acts and in the writings of Paul. They frequently brought together multiple Scriptures to explain a unified truth. This reminds us that the goal is not to defend one method against another, but to handle the Word faithfully. A topical study becomes especially useful when studying subjects such as grace, love, angels, or the Trinity. These truths unfold across the whole Bible, and gathering those passages together helps us see the complete picture God intends.
Topical study, when done carefully, allows Scripture to interpret Scripture. It helps us move beyond isolated verses and understand the full counsel of God on a matter. But like any tool, it must be used wisely.
2. The Dangers of Poor Topical Study
With great usefulness comes real danger if the method is handled carelessly. One major danger is what I call isolation, or one verse theology. This happens when someone builds an entire doctrine on a single verse while ignoring the rest of Scripture. The Bible is a unified revelation. When we isolate one verse from the whole, we can easily drift into serious error.
Another danger is selection bias. This occurs when someone gathers only the verses that support what they already want to believe. Instead of letting Scripture shape their thinking, they attempt to shape Scripture around their preferences. This leads to emotional doctrine and reactionary theology rather than careful biblical truth. A person can justify almost anything if they are determined to find only the verses that seem to support their position.
A third danger is the redefinition of words and the elevation of feelings over the text. Many doctrinal errors begin when someone says, in effect, “That does not seem fair to me.” But our limited perspective is not the standard. God is. When emotions override Scripture, people begin to reshape biblical terms to fit their preferences. This is why careful, disciplined study is so essential.
3. Use the Proper Tools
If we are going to study topically, we must use the right tools. A good concordance is extremely valuable. Tools such as Strong’s Concordance or exhaustive concordances help us locate every occurrence of a word in Scripture. This keeps us from building conclusions on only a handful of passages.
Today we also have excellent digital tools that can assist our study. Resources like Blue Letter Bible, Bible Hub, and Logos provide powerful search capabilities, cross-references, and language helps. Whether you prefer paper or digital study, the key is not the format but the faithfulness. Good tools, used properly, help us see the full scope of what God has said.
The goal of these tools is not convenience alone; it is accuracy. They help us ensure that we are not overlooking passages that might correct or complete our understanding of a topic.
4. Use Proper Study Techniques
Beyond tools, we must also apply careful study discipline. First, be structured. A topical study should be intentional and organized. We are not randomly collecting verses. We are tracing a biblical theme through the whole of Scripture.
Second, be specific. For each verse, we must ask key questions. Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What is the context? Is it historical, doctrinal, or prophetic? Context always matters. Even when the devil quotes Scripture, the identity of the speaker changes the meaning of the passage in that moment.
Third, be sweeping. We should gather every relevant passage we can find. Scripture interprets Scripture. A partial study often leads to partial truth, and partial truth can easily become full error. God frequently gives light on a subject in multiple places, and we must allow those passages to work together.
Finally, be strategic. Organize the verses to reveal the unified truth God is teaching. Look for patterns, progression, and consistency. A true topical study is not a random collection of verses. It is the discovery of a coherent biblical message.
Bringing It Home
We live in a time when many people reshape Scripture to match their feelings. Yet the call of 2 Timothy 2:15 still stands. God is looking for believers who will study carefully, interpret faithfully, and submit humbly to His Word. The Bible is not clay for us to mold. It is truth for us to obey.
If we neglect careful study, we will drift with every new theological trend. But when we anchor ourselves in rightly divided Scripture, we gain clarity, stability, and confidence. God has given us His Word not to confuse us, but to guide us. Our responsibility is to handle it with reverence and precision.
Reflection Question
If God evaluated your Bible study today, would He see a workman who is carefully and faithfully handling His Word, or is there a step of diligence and discipline He is calling you to take?
