A great way to study the Word together is using the “C.O.M.A.” method (taken from David Helm’s One to One Bible Reading).
CONTEXT
– What kind of genre is this passage? (Letter, narrative, poem, proverb, apocalyptic, etc.)
– Who is it written to? What circumstances or passages surround the text that might help us understand the purpose of the text?
OBSERVATION
– What words or phrases stick out to you? Is anything repeated or emphasized?
– What do you think are the main points of the passage?
– Is there anything surprising in this text?
MEANING
– What does this passage teach us about God?
– How does this passage relate to Jesus?
– What does this passage teach us about ourselves?
– Do any other Scripture texts come to mind when reading this passage?
APPLICATION
– How does the passage challenge or confirm my thinking?
– How does this passage challenge the way I live?
– What sin might this passage reveal in my heart?
