The COMMA Method
How to Encounter God Through His Word
Studying the Bible can feel daunting. You might open its pages and wonder where to start, how to make sense of what you’re reading, or how to let these ancient words shape your everyday life. The COMMA Method was designed to help with exactly that. It’s a simple yet deeply thoughtful approach to reading Scripture that guides you step by step, from understanding how a passage fits into the larger story of the Bible to applying its truths to your heart and life.
The purpose of the COMMA Method is not just to gain head knowledge about Scripture but to encounter God through His Word. Each step of the method serves a distinct role in helping you move from curiosity to clarity, from insight to transformation. The method begins with Context, where you take a step back and look at what comes before and after the passage you’re studying. This step is about seeing how the passage fits into the larger narrative, section, or book. It’s about understanding the flow of thought and recognizing the bigger story God is telling. For example, if you’re studying a verse from one of Paul’s letters, reading the surrounding chapter might reveal a broader argument or encouragement he’s offering to the early church. Context helps prevent misinterpretations and grounds your study in the Bible’s overall message.
Next comes Observation, where you slow down and really look at the passage. This is where curiosity takes center stage. You ask questions, notice repeated words or ideas, and pay attention to tone, mood, and imagery. Are there key transition words like “therefore” or “but” that point to logical connections? Are there names, places, or ideas that stand out? The goal here isn’t to rush to conclusions but to notice as much as possible. It’s like walking through a beautiful garden—noticing every flower, every detail, every path.
After observation comes Meaning, where you move from asking, “What do I see?” to “What does this mean?” This step is about discovering the author’s original intent. What was the author trying to communicate to the original audience? What does the passage reveal about God, humanity, or Jesus? It’s important to remember that the meaning of a passage isn’t up for grabs—it’s not whatever you want it to mean. Instead, the meaning is anchored in what God, through the human author, intended to communicate. This step guards us against pulling verses out of context or forcing our own interpretations onto the text.
Once you’ve uncovered the meaning, you’re ready to identify the Main Idea. This is about clarity and focus—boiling down the passage into one central truth. If you had to summarize what God is saying in this passage in one sentence, what would it be? Often, repeated themes, key phrases, or bookend statements in the text help make the main idea clear. Identifying the main idea helps solidify your understanding and gives you something to hold onto as you move to the final step.
The last step is Application, where you respond to what you’ve learned. The Bible isn’t meant to sit on a shelf—it’s meant to transform your life. Application is where you ask, “How does God want me to respond to this passage?” Sometimes the response might be an action you need to take, a sin you need to confess, or a promise you need to trust. At other times, it might be a shift in your attitude, perspective, or priorities. True application always flows from faith, not from guilt or a desire to manipulate God. It’s about living out God’s Word in gratitude for His grace.
Practically speaking, the COMMA Method works beautifully in a COMMA Journal. At the top of the page, write the date and the passage you’re studying. Begin with prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word. Read the passage at least twice, and if possible, consult different translations for clarity. Then, move step by step through Context, Observation, Meaning, Main Idea, and Application, writing down your reflections and insights as you go. At the end, spend a few moments in silence, allowing God’s Word to sink into your heart.
The purpose of the COMMA Method isn’t just to help you study the Bible—it’s to help you encounter the living God through His Word. It’s about growing in knowledge, yes, but even more, it’s about growing in love and obedience. When you open your Bible with humility, curiosity, and the COMMA Method as your guide, you’ll discover that Scripture isn’t just a collection of ancient writings—it’s a living, breathing conversation with God Himself.
The purpose of the COMMA Method is not just to gain head knowledge about Scripture but to encounter God through His Word. Each step of the method serves a distinct role in helping you move from curiosity to clarity, from insight to transformation. The method begins with Context, where you take a step back and look at what comes before and after the passage you’re studying. This step is about seeing how the passage fits into the larger narrative, section, or book. It’s about understanding the flow of thought and recognizing the bigger story God is telling. For example, if you’re studying a verse from one of Paul’s letters, reading the surrounding chapter might reveal a broader argument or encouragement he’s offering to the early church. Context helps prevent misinterpretations and grounds your study in the Bible’s overall message.
Next comes Observation, where you slow down and really look at the passage. This is where curiosity takes center stage. You ask questions, notice repeated words or ideas, and pay attention to tone, mood, and imagery. Are there key transition words like “therefore” or “but” that point to logical connections? Are there names, places, or ideas that stand out? The goal here isn’t to rush to conclusions but to notice as much as possible. It’s like walking through a beautiful garden—noticing every flower, every detail, every path.
After observation comes Meaning, where you move from asking, “What do I see?” to “What does this mean?” This step is about discovering the author’s original intent. What was the author trying to communicate to the original audience? What does the passage reveal about God, humanity, or Jesus? It’s important to remember that the meaning of a passage isn’t up for grabs—it’s not whatever you want it to mean. Instead, the meaning is anchored in what God, through the human author, intended to communicate. This step guards us against pulling verses out of context or forcing our own interpretations onto the text.
Once you’ve uncovered the meaning, you’re ready to identify the Main Idea. This is about clarity and focus—boiling down the passage into one central truth. If you had to summarize what God is saying in this passage in one sentence, what would it be? Often, repeated themes, key phrases, or bookend statements in the text help make the main idea clear. Identifying the main idea helps solidify your understanding and gives you something to hold onto as you move to the final step.
The last step is Application, where you respond to what you’ve learned. The Bible isn’t meant to sit on a shelf—it’s meant to transform your life. Application is where you ask, “How does God want me to respond to this passage?” Sometimes the response might be an action you need to take, a sin you need to confess, or a promise you need to trust. At other times, it might be a shift in your attitude, perspective, or priorities. True application always flows from faith, not from guilt or a desire to manipulate God. It’s about living out God’s Word in gratitude for His grace.
Practically speaking, the COMMA Method works beautifully in a COMMA Journal. At the top of the page, write the date and the passage you’re studying. Begin with prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word. Read the passage at least twice, and if possible, consult different translations for clarity. Then, move step by step through Context, Observation, Meaning, Main Idea, and Application, writing down your reflections and insights as you go. At the end, spend a few moments in silence, allowing God’s Word to sink into your heart.
The purpose of the COMMA Method isn’t just to help you study the Bible—it’s to help you encounter the living God through His Word. It’s about growing in knowledge, yes, but even more, it’s about growing in love and obedience. When you open your Bible with humility, curiosity, and the COMMA Method as your guide, you’ll discover that Scripture isn’t just a collection of ancient writings—it’s a living, breathing conversation with God Himself.
For Further Study
Click here to listen to messages from our 2022 sermon series, "The Sword of the Spirit." We dove deep into how to study and interpret God's Word.
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