SOS Squared – Study, Obey, Share (Hermeneutics Part 3)

Zuko explains SOS squared

Zuko Explains - How to Deep Dive into the Bible (SOS where Say becomes Study)

Built for DMM/CPM and SOS (Say–Obey–Share).

🛑STOP — READ THIS FIRST

Stop! Why are you doing this? Have you got a black belt in Level 1 - SOS the Basics? Are you crushing Level 2 - SOS the Next Level and its resources? If you are not applying/obeying the first two levels or sharing it in a way that is appropriate to produce disciples, who make disciples, then you should absolutely not be reading this!

This section is for all the Myers–Briggs Type "J"s (MBTI:J) out there. Others may struggle with this style of study. DO NOT ROLL THIS OUT TO ALL OF YOUR DISCIPLES!! (Remember the rules: Just Enough, Just in Time. KISS. Simple and reproducible.) This is for serious deep dives or formal study.

Allowed tools:  Bibles (in several official TRANSLATIONS not interpretations); Dictionary, Original Language Dictionaries/lexicons; Concordance; Interlinears; History and Cultural sources (encyclopedias, topical bible dictionaries, etc...); Septuagint; other secondary documents like Josephus. 

Disallowed tools:  Google (other than Google Scholar), Youtube, Tick-tock, Facebook (& other networks like it), Commentaries, Bible Study books/programs/courses/videos.  

How to use it:  You can go deep on a large block of scripture (this may be the most common use).  You can also chase down word studies or themes.  For example:  You could search up the various covenants in the Bible.  Starting with Adam and Eve and ending with Jesus.  You can see how each one builds on the last and prepares you for the next.  Another example is where you are confused about a word or phrase that was used and you want to know how to apply it in this section of scripture.  It is good to do a word search and read how else it has been used and the context it was used.  It is especially good to find where else that particular author used that word and in fact where they used it for the very first time.  All this adds to the meaning and application of the word in question.  Remember, knowledge for knowledge sake helps no one.  It only matters if it changes lives and glorifies God. 

Type to search; matching sections auto-open. Press / to focus search.

🕊️ 1) Before You Read — Prepare Your Heart
Posture: Pray for light, sit in quiet for a moment, and remember the goal: Say what it says, Obey what you see, Share what you learn.
  • Pray: “Lord, show me who You are and what You want me to do today.”
  • Quiet: Remove distractions; slow your breathing for 30–60 seconds.
  • Purpose: This is for obedience and multiplication, not mere information.
🔍 2) Observation — Say What You See - Study it!
Mark the text: use simple pen marks to see what’s there.
__ Underline verbs/action words — what God/people do.
○ Circle connecting words — but, therefore, because, if/then, so that.
▢ Box names & titles — people, places, names of God.
≡ Highlight repeats — words/phrases that occur often (theme signals).
❤️ God’s character/promises/commands — what it reveals about Him.
⚡ Warnings & sins — where trouble shows.
🔑 Keys to obey — clear commands/principles.
🔗 Cause & effect — look for “if… then…” chains.

Tip: Read aloud once; then again doing the markings. Slower = clearer.

🧠 3) Interpretation — Discover the Meaning
  • Context: What comes before/after this passage?
  • Audience: Who is being addressed? What was their situation?
  • Culture: Customs, geography, politics that inform the text.
  • Author’s aim: What problem or promise is being addressed?
  • Cross-check: Let Scripture interpret Scripture (related passages).

Main idea: In one sentence, write what the author is saying to the original audience.

✅ 4) Application — Obey What You’ve Learned
  • What does this teach about God?
  • What does this expose about me/us?
  • Write one clear “I will …” for this week (specific, doable, time-bound).

Example: “I will reconcile with my brother before Friday,” or “I will set aside 10 minutes each morning for thanksgiving.”

🤝 5) Multiplication — Share What You’ve Found
  • Who will you share this truth with today?
  • Who will you invite to read this passage with you next week?
  • Keep it discovery-based: ask questions, don’t lecture.

Multiplication happens when simple obedience is shared simply.

🗂️ 6) Optional Add-Ons for Groups

Color-code (optional): God’s attributes, Promises, Commands, Warnings, Key truths

Three-column notes:

  • Scripture — copy or paraphrase key verse(s)
  • My Words — what it means in my words
  • Application — my “I will …” for this week

Helpful roles: Facilitator (keeps discovery on track), Scribe (captures “I will” statements), Time-keeper.

💬 7) Bonus Prompts for Self-Discovery
  • What surprised you?
  • What does this reveal about God’s heart?
  • Where do you see Jesus/gospel hinted?
  • What happens if people ignore this?
  • Is there a promise to claim, command to obey, or sin to avoid?

Close in prayer: thank God, ask for power to obey, and name who you’ll share with.

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