“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
What’s inside
- How to use (p2): on your own in about 30 minutes, or in a small group in about 60 minutes, plus leader tips
- 8 lessons, 2 pages each (p4-19): the passage printed in full (KJV), background, words to know, key verse, then 6 questions with space to write, “live it this week” and a prayer
- Leader’s answer key (p20-23): answers with verse numbers and discussion notes
- Study any passage with the SOAP method (p24) and a closing page with more free tools (p25)
The 8 Bible study lessons
Lesson 1: Planted by the Rivers (Psalm 1:1-3 · 2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Why we study the Bible.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Sample question: “Psalm 1 moves from walking to standing to sitting. What might that teach about how other voices slowly shape us?”
Lesson 2: Strong and of a Good Courage (Joshua 1:5-9)
Courage that rests on God’s presence.
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Sample question: “Why do you think God connects courage with keeping His Word (verses 7-8), not only with feelings?”
Lesson 3: Peace, Be Still (Mark 4:35-41)
Faith when the storm comes.
“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
Sample question: “The disciples were in the storm because they obeyed Jesus. What does that tell us about storms in a faithful life?”
Lesson 4: Abide in the Vine (John 15:1-5, 7-11)
Staying connected to Jesus.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Sample question: “Jesus says, “without me ye can do nothing” (verse 5). Where are you most tempted to live as if you can manage on your own?”
Lesson 5: Saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:4-10)
The gift we could never earn.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Sample question: “Why does it matter so much that salvation is “Not of works”? What would change if we had to earn it?”
Lesson 6: The Peace of God (Philippians 4:4-9)
Trading worry for prayer.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Sample question: “When the KJV was published in 1611, “careful” meant full of care. What worries could you turn into specific requests?”
Lesson 7: Charity Never Faileth (1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13)
What real love looks like.
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
Sample question: “Read verses 4-7 aloud, putting your own name in place of “charity.” Which line is hardest to say honestly?”
Lesson 8: Clothed with Kindness (Colossians 3:12-17)
Forgiving one another as Christ forgave us.
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Sample question: “Paul says to put these qualities on, like clothes we choose each morning. What helps you put on kindness when you do not feel kind?”
Bible study lessons for adults: on your own or in a small group
On your own, pray, read the passage twice, answer the questions and choose one step for the week (about 30 minutes). In a group, use the timing on page 2: welcome and prayer (5 min), read aloud (10), look at the text (10), think it through (25), live it and pray (10). Leaders keep the answer key; nobody has to read or pray aloud.
Short 30-minute Bible study lessons
Each lesson fits a lunch break or a weeknight: one passage, six questions, one step and a prayer. Do one a week for eight weeks, or two or three short sittings per lesson.
Bible study questions and answers: the leader’s answer key
Questions 1-3 in each lesson are answered straight from the passage, with verse numbers in the key. Questions 4-6 are discussion questions; the leader notes give background and gentle guidance rather than one “right” answer. Print pages 4-19 for group members and keep pages 20-23 for the leader.
Keep studying with the SOAP method
The last page is a SOAP study sheet for any passage (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) with eight passages to study next. New to SOAP? Read the free Bible study guide or print the free SOAP Bible study sheet.
Keep studying, one passage a day.
Use the same Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer pattern every morning with the SOAP Bible Study Journal ($12.99), or build a daily prayer habit with the 30-Day Prayer Journal ($9.99).
Learn the key verses by heart with the Scripture Memory Cards ($7.99), or get all three in the Starter Bundle ($24.99).
Related reading: Bible study guide (SOAP method) · Bible verses about studying · word of God · courage · storms · grace · peace · love · forgiveness · Bible reading plans
Also free: SOAP Bible study sheet · Bible reading tracker · Scripture writing plan · Armor of God 7-day study · Fruit of the Spirit printable · Bible verse bookmarks · Books of the Bible printable · Bible worksheets for kids
Frequently asked questions
Are these Bible study lessons really free?
Yes. All 25 pages are free to download and print for personal, small-group, church and classroom use. Please share the page link rather than the file, and don’t resell it.
Do the lessons include answers?
Yes. Each lesson has a page of questions, and the leader’s answer key at the back (pages 20-23) gives the answers to the text questions with verse numbers, plus notes for the discussion questions.
How long does each lesson take?
About 30 minutes on your own, or about 60 minutes in a small group using the timing on page 2.
Are they good for new believers or beginners?
Yes. Each lesson prints the passage in full, explains a few older KJV words and starts with simple questions answered from the text before the discussion questions.
Can I use them for a women’s or men’s Bible study?
Yes. The lessons are written for any adult group: women’s and men’s groups, Sunday-school classes, couples and home groups.
Which Bible version is used?
Every printed verse is from the King James Version (KJV), checked word for word.
Do you have Bible lessons for kids?
Yes: see the free Bible worksheets for kids. These lessons are written for adults and older teens.
What should I study after these 8 lessons?
Page 24 shows how to study any passage with the SOAP method and lists eight passages to try next. For a guided page a day, see the SOAP Bible Study Journal.
Free for personal, small-group, church and classroom use. Please share the page link rather than the file, and don’t resell. Scripture from the King James Version (public domain in the US).
