Topical Encyclopedia
An outline is a structured framework or plan that organizes information in a hierarchical manner, often used to present a clear and concise overview of a subject. In the context of biblical studies, an outline serves as a tool to systematically arrange the contents of Scripture, aiding in the understanding and teaching of biblical narratives, themes, and doctrines.
Biblical Use of OutlinesThe Bible itself contains numerous examples of structured outlines, particularly in the form of genealogies, lists, and systematic teachings. These outlines serve to convey complex information in an accessible manner, allowing readers to grasp the overarching narrative or theological points being made.
1.
Genealogies: The genealogies found in books such as Genesis and 1 Chronicles provide a structured lineage of key biblical figures. For example,
Genesis 5 outlines the descendants of Adam, emphasizing the continuity of God's creation and covenant through successive generations.
2.
Lists and Instructions: The book of Leviticus contains detailed outlines of laws and rituals, providing a systematic approach to the religious and moral life of the Israelites.
Leviticus 23, for instance, outlines the appointed feasts of the Lord, offering a calendar of sacred times for worship and remembrance.
3.
Sermons and Teachings: Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, recorded in
Matthew 5-7, follows a structured outline that addresses various aspects of righteous living. This sermon begins with the Beatitudes, progresses through teachings on the law, and concludes with exhortations to build one's life on a firm foundation.
Theological OutlinesTheological outlines are used to categorize and explain the doctrines found within Scripture. These outlines help believers understand the systematic nature of biblical theology and its application to life and faith.
1.
Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration: This outline provides a framework for understanding the grand narrative of the Bible. It begins with God's creation of the world (Genesis 1-2), the fall of humanity into sin (Genesis 3), the redemptive work of Christ (
John 3:16), and the ultimate restoration of all things (Revelation 21-22).
2.
Covenant Theology: This approach outlines the major covenants found in Scripture, such as the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants. Each covenant reveals aspects of God's relationship with humanity and His unfolding plan of salvation.
Practical Use of Outlines in Bible StudyOutlines are invaluable tools for personal and group Bible study, sermon preparation, and teaching. They help organize thoughts, highlight key themes, and ensure a comprehensive understanding of biblical texts.
1.
Book Outlines: Creating an outline of a biblical book can aid in grasping its structure and main messages. For example, an outline of the book of Romans might include sections on sin and salvation (Romans 1-8), Israel's role in God's plan (Romans 9-11), and practical Christian living (Romans 12-16).
2.
Topical Outlines: These outlines focus on specific themes or topics, such as faith, grace, or the Holy Spirit. By gathering relevant passages and organizing them into a coherent structure, believers can gain deeper insights into biblical teachings on these subjects.
Scriptural ExampleThe Apostle Paul often used outlines in his epistles to convey theological truths and practical instructions. In the book of Ephesians, Paul outlines the spiritual blessings in Christ (
Ephesians 1:3-14), the unity of believers (
Ephesians 2:11-22), and the ethical implications of the gospel (
Ephesians 4:1-6:20).
ConclusionOutlines serve as a vital tool in the study and teaching of the Bible, providing clarity and structure to the rich and complex narratives and doctrines contained within Scripture. By employing outlines, believers can more effectively engage with God's Word, deepening their understanding and application of its truths.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The line which marks the outer limits of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour.
2. (n.) In art: A line drawn by pencil, pen, graver, or the like, by which the boundary of a figure is indicated.
3. (n.) A sketch composed of such lines; the delineation of a figure without shading.
4. (n.) Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, course of thought, etc.; as, the outline of a speech.
5. (v. t.) To draw the outline of.
6. (v. t.) Fig.: To sketch out or indicate as by an outline; as, to outline an argument or a campaign.
Greek
5296. hupotuposis -- anoutline, sketch, fig. an example... 5295, 5296. hupotuposis. 5297 . an
outline, sketch, fig.
... Word Origin from
hupotupoo (to delineate) Definition an
outline, sketch, fig.
...3446. morphosis -- a forming, a form
... a forming, a form. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: morphosis Phonetic
Spelling: (mor'-fo-sis) Short Definition: form,outline Definition: form...
4639. skia -- shadow
... shadow. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: skia Phonetic Spelling:
(skee'-ah) Short Definition: a shadow, thick darkness, anoutline Definition: a...
5261. hupogrammos -- a writing to be copied, an example
... Word Origin from hupographo (to trace inoutline, sketch out); from hupo and grapho
Definition a writing to be copied, an example NASB Word Usage example (1)....
5294. hupotithemi -- to place under, lay down, mid. to suggest
... from 5259 , "under" and 5087 , "place, set") -- properly, place under, like sketching
over an underlying pattern to make anoutline ("paradigm"); (figuratively...
Strong's Hebrew
8389. toar --outline, form... 8388b, 8389. toar. 8390 .
outline, form. Transliteration: toar Phonetic
Spelling: (to'-ar) Short Definition: form. Word Origin from
...8388b. taar -- to draw inoutline, trace out
... 8388a, 8388b. taar. 8389 . to draw inoutline, trace out. Transliteration:
taar Short Definition: outlines. Word Origin denominative...
Library
Anoutline of the History of Christian Thought Since Kant
Anoutline of the History of Christian Thought Since Kant. <. Anoutline
of the History of Christian Thought Since Kant Edward Moore....
Outline of Manich??an History.
... Introductory Essay on the Manich??an Heresy, Chapter X. "Outline of Manich??an
History. In the East Mani's followers were involved...
BriefOutline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
... Chapter 18 BriefOutline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature. The
arrangements of the synagogue, as hitherto described, combined...
Anoutline of the History of Christian Thought Since Kant
Anoutline of the History of Christian Thought Since Kant. <.... Title Page.
ANOUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT SINCE KANT BY....
The Kingdom Foreshadowed
... This serves as index.OUTLINE FOR STUDY OF HISTORICAL BOOKS. 1. Pictorial Device....
5. Beginning and Ending Dates. 6.Outline of Contents. 7. Key Verse....
The Kingdom Divided
... Amos Page. Isaiah Page.OUTLINE FOR STUDY OF PROPHETICAL BOOKS. 1. Class.... (b) Names
of Kings. 6.Outline of Contents. 7. Prophecies of Earthly Kings or Kingdoms....
The Kingdom Conquering the World
... Acts Page Paul's Epistles Page.Outline for Study of Epistles Page. I Thessalonians
Page.... Is this church measuring up to the plan of God? V.Outline of Contents:...
Other Speculations of Hermogenes, About Matter and Some of Its...
... it is local, it is within locality; if within locality, it is bounded [6539] by
the place within which it is; if it is bounded, it has anoutline, [6540] which...
Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great Covenants.
... 1. The Adamic Covenant, Gen.3:14-19.Outline the elements of the covenant, showing
the persons affected and the results or conditions involved....
The Kingdom Forming
... In copying thisoutline work the pupil may or may not omit the names of
the fourteen topics, according to the teacher's judgment....
Thesaurus
Outline (4 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan,
system, course of thought, etc.; as, the
outline of a speech.
...Ignorant (32 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:20 a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because
in the Law you possess anoutline of real knowledge and anoutline of the...
Real (26 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:20 a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because
in the Law you possess anoutline of real knowledge and anoutline of the...
Empire (8 Occurrences)
... em'-pir: I.OUTLINE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE 1. Roman Empire a Result of Social Conflict
2. Coming of Monarchy (1) Exhaustion of Parties (2) Inability of Either...
Design (84 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) To draw preliminaryoutline or main features of;
to sketch for a pattern or model; to delineate; to trace out; to draw....
Dull (16 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:20 a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because
in the Law you possess anoutline of real knowledge and anoutline of the...
Draught (8 Occurrences)
... potion or potation. 13. (n.) A sketch,outline, or representation, whether
written, designed, or drawn; a delineation. 14. (n.) An...
Schoolmaster (3 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:20 a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because
in the Law you possess anoutline of real knowledge and anoutline of the...
Sketch (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) Anoutline or general delineation of anything; a first rough or incomplete
draught or plan of any design; especially, in the fine arts, such a...
Possess (193 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:20 a schoolmaster for the dull and ignorant, a teacher of the young, because
in the Law you possess anoutline of real knowledge and anoutline of the...
Resources
What is a good process for preparing a sermon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Christian themes in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Lutheran Church, and what do Lutherans believe? | GotQuestions.orgOutline: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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