Observing, Interpreting, Applying

A simple, repeatable method: Observe (what does the text actually say?), Interpret (what did it mean in its original context?), Apply (what does this mean for my life today?). Skipping straight to application without observation and interpretation is the most common cause of misused Scripture.

Slow down at each step, and let the plain sense of the text control your conclusions rather than importing an idea you already had.