Big Idea Discovery Study

Big Idea Discovery Study Example

1) BIG IDEA

This is a key word, phrase or sentence from the passage (or a summary statement expressing the key meaning of the passage).

After finding the supporting ONE THINGS below, turn the Big Idea into The Big Question (application-oriented question that the supporting ONE THINGS below will answer).
Reword them (the Big Idea Question and the ONE THING Answers) concisely; this is your outline.
For a sermon: when this is done well, the rest of the sermon comes together and communicates so much more smoothly.

2) SUPPORTING ONE THINGS
Identify three (approximately) supporting One Things; these could be words or phrases or sentences that support the Big Idea. Ask: “What does the rest of the passage say about the BIG IDEA?

Note: If you have a hard time finding at least three supporting One things, consider a different Big Idea.
After turning the Big Idea into The Big Question, reword these One Things (in your own words) as application-based answers to The Big Question.

3) DISCOVERY STUDY FROM ONE THINGS
Create a discovery study from these One Things:

What does it say?
State the One Thing

What does it mean?
Ask of the One Thing: What does it mean?

This is where you get some very good discussion in a group setting.
When doing a sermon/message, asking good questions (rhetorical) helps engage the audience.
This is also where you would have additional cross-references, illustrations (story, video, pictures), etc.

What does it matter?
Discuss the significance of the One Things to your life these days.

In other words: How is God calling you to apply this truth to your life?
In a sermon: Asking and answering good application questions can be a great tool for communicating. In a sermon, you will likely suggest answers and/or give your own personal answers.