The G.O.A.L. Study Method
Some years ago, during my former senior pastorate, I created a Bible study method for the youth ministry. My purpose was to help them, using a simple acronym, read and learn thematically from the Bible without additional resources. I wanted these young people to normalize biblical investigation so that, as they grew up, they could feel confident reading and studying the Bible for themselves. Later, a mom of some teens told me they used this as a family for devotions. Not long after, I shared this method with a men’s group studying the Bible together. They said it was easy to follow and implement, and began sharing it with others. Lastly, I tried this with 9th- and 10th-grade high school students, both believers and unbelievers, to see how applicable it could be to a different group outside of my church. It proved successful, providing great dialogue, better understanding, and practical takeaways. Therefore, I’m sharing this with the heart and intent that it may be helpful for others, as it has been for these before.
The G.O.A.L. Bible Study Method
The idea behind this method is to always have a GOAL when you go to read Scripture. This makes your time in God’s word more pointed and productive.
First, pray that God will help you see and receive from your time with Him in His word.
Second, read the selected passage or chapter.
Third, work through the GOAL questions by writing down your answers somewhere or discussing them in a group setting to make your reading worthwhile and relevant.
G = God: What do I see about God in this passage/chapter?
Look for God (i.e., any of His names or references to the Father, Son (Jesus), or the Holy Spirit). Simply note what you see: His actions, His characteristics, His decisions, His counsel, how He’s described, etc.
The goal is to see the greatness of God in everything you read.
O = Ourselves: What do I see about God’s people in this passage/chapter?
Whether it’s about the OT or NT people, simply note what you see: What are they doing or should be doing? How are they acting or thinking? What's good, bad, or confusing about it? Can you relate to anything you see from them?
The goal is to see God’s people in God’s story every time you read. This teaches you about God and yourself, if you pay attention.
A = Apply: What in this passage/chapter speaks to my life today? How could I use it or apply it right now?
This can come directly from the text you’ve read—(such as a clear instruction for you as a Christian or a point about God)—OR it will be something implied that you can do or receive that helps you and pleases God. Think about it and note it. Then pray and practice applying it.
The goal is to see the relevancy of God’s word for your life in everything you read because it is living and active!
L = Learned: Summarize what I learned from this passage/chapter—i.e., my takeaways?
This could be simply noting your takeaways in bullet form, making it easier to remember, or writing a short paragraph that helps you contemplate and consolidate what you’ve read and learned.
The goal is to see that you can learn something every time you read God’s word.
G.O.A.L. as a Sermon Study Method
As a method, G.O.A.L. is an adaptable resource. For example, you can also use it when listening to and processing sermons. Simply write your answer to each question with the sermon in mind, and, if desired, also with the principal passage of the sermon.
G = God: What did I hear about God in this sermon (and see in the main passage)?
O = Ourselves: What did I hear about God’s people in this sermon (and see in the main passage)?
A = Apply: What from this sermon (and in the main passage) speaks to my life today? How could I use it or apply it right now?
L = Learned: Summarize what I learned from this sermon (and from the main passage)—i.e., my takeaways?
Using the G.O.A.L. method this way can help believers learn to listen actively and process sermons, and you’ll never have to question what you got from each message you hear. Try it out; see the impact it has.
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NOTE: You can download G.O.A.L. here to use it and share it with others.