by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

I like watching lawyers argue their cases in TV shows. It’s inspiring—the words they choose, the evidence they present, and their outside-the-box thinking. I was once afraid that if someone were to question my beliefs and argue with me, I wouldn’t know what to say. Or I would be so flustered, I couldn’t get the words out.

Years later, I have a better grip on how to defend my convictions and also how to deliver the main point in my writing. When we write about Scripture, we don’t have to merely say what our own thinking is about a passage or its application. We have objective evidence for the truth, tools we can use in delivering our message so that it makes an impact on the reader’s heart and mind.  

What are the elements we can use to make our point in Scripture-based writing? See which tools you’re already using and which you could add to your writer’s toolbox.

1. 5 W’s and H

They’re classic—who, what, when, where, why, and how. When we ask these questions about a Bible passage, we discover the framework of a story or a principle. For all passages, we can ask—who was this written to, and why was it needed? For stories—what happened, and who was involved? What can we learn from this situation, and how we can live out this principle today?

For other passages, we can see which of the 5 W’s and H are answered and use both the question and the answer in our writing. Some of those may show where we should turn when we have doubts, fears, or unmet needs, or how God is there for us when we go through a trial. We can always ask how to live out what God is emphasizing in a passage of Scripture.  

Asking the 5 W’s and H in our study time helps us to write, and sharing those questions and answers in our writing helps our readers to see the ins and outs of our passage. These questions also build momentum for our main point. 

2. Stories and illustrations

I love it when our compilation writers share a personal story to illustrate their main point. It helps me to “see” the main principle in action. We can share stories from our own lives and from others who have inspired us (with their permission). We can find illustrations in daily life, in nature, and in Scripture that help to reinforce the message in our writing. 

3. Definitions and commentary notes

Enriching and engaging. Definitions and commentary notes often add beauty to our application of Scripture. They become the springboard from which we can create application that works its way into our readers’ everyday lives. Sharing the definitions and notes that build to our main point reinforces our message, and it adds reader interest when they are shared in a conversational way in our writing.

My favorite source for definitions and commentary notes is Online Bible, a computer software that first changed my study time with God over twenty years ago. I don’t study or write without it!

4. Cross-references

Scripture speaks into our lives with power and grace. When we use Scripture to amplify Scripture, we’re tapping into God’s power to minister to people’s hearts. Sharing cross-references can drive home our main point and reinforce our insights and conclusions. 

5. Lists: how to’s, why’s, or memorable principles

Share a list of how to accomplish your main point or why it’s so important. End a chapter with a list of key principles so readers can review them and remember your message. Sharing a list can give you another way to create interest for your reader and takeaway to bless their lives. 

6. Inspirational quotes

A little searching can yield helpful results. Pick out the key word in your main point, and search online or in quotation books for a quote that will reinforce your message. Sharing quotes adds another voice to your writing that advocates your main idea.

For my Bible study on 2 Timothy, I placed a quote on each title page. Since the first chapter was about being all in for God and His purposes, I used a quote by Dean Karnazes, the “Ultramarathon Man”—“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.”

Which of the tools above do you already use? Which would you like to start using?

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She loves connecting with writers and working alongside them in compilations, such as Feed Your Soul with the Word of God, Collection 1 which is a 2020 Selah Awards finalist. She recently started The Lighthouse Connection, a monthly writers’ newsletter including writing tips, inspiration to write, and news of submission opportunities.

In addition to online magazines, Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, and three blogs on writing. She loves to spend time with family and friends, take acrylic painting classes online, and do yard work in the morning sun. Connect with her at her blog, Winning the Victory, and on Facebook and Twitter.