ASK: Deeper Bible Study

Ryan Joy

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August 16, 2026

— Watch the Full Sermon —

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Ps. 119:18).

HOW DO I DIG DEEP INTO SCRIPTURE?

Going deeper doesn’t mean making the Bible more complicated.

START DIGGING

Look. Notice. Ask questions.

  • Pray: “Open my eyes.”
  • Give yourself a chance to see.
  • Turn confusion into curiosity.
  • Ask good questions.
  • Search like you’re looking for treasure.

Questions aren’t interruptions to Bible study. They are often how Bible study begins.

FOLLOW THE TRAIL

Dig down. Zoom out.

  • Read the surrounding passage.
  • Look at the whole book.
  • Trace words, people, images, and themes.
  • Follow connections across Scripture.
  • Use good tools to help you follow the trail.
  • Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know yet.”

Depth isn’t measured only by how far you get into the text, but by how far the text gets into you.

CHOOSE A TREASURE HUNT

1. THE TRAIL OF PETER
Follow Peter through the Gospels and Acts.

Look for: his questions, failures, growth, restoration, and transformation.

Question: What does Peter’s journey teach me about following Jesus?

2. THE MOUNTAIN MAP
Follow important mountains through Scripture.

Start with Moriah, Sinai, Carmel, Zion, the Mount of Transfiguration, and the Mount of Olives.

Question: What happens on mountains, and what does God reveal there?

3. FOLLOW THE SCARLET THREAD

Trace sacrifice through Scripture.

Start with Gen. 22 → Exod. 12 → Lev. 16 → Isa. 53 → John 1 → Heb. 9–10 → Rev. 5.

Look for: sacrifice, blood, substitution, rescue, forgiveness, and the Lamb.

Question: How does the story of sacrifice lead us to Jesus?

“I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.” — Ps. 119:162

Pick a trail. Find someone to go with you. Go looking.

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