06/09/2013
Recap for Sunday, 9 June 2013: "Learning to Read the World's Greatest Library"
We’ve learned from John’s class why it is important to study the Bible and how we can benefit from such study. Because the Bible is so important and because it provides unparalleled eternal benefits, the following should be your response to it:
• Believe it (see John 6:68-69)
• Honor it (see Job 23:12)
• Love it (see Psalms 119:97)
• Obey it (see 1 John 2:5)
• Guard it (see 1 Timothy 6:20)
• Fight for it (see Jude 3)
• Preach it (see 2 Timothy 4:2)
• Study it (see Ezra 7:10
Who can study the Bible?
Not everyone can be an effective Bible student. As a follow-up to John’s two-part class on self-introspection, we should check ourselves on the qualifications for studying the Word with blessing:
• Are you saved by faith in Christ? (see 1 Corinthians 2:14-16)
• Are you hungering for God’s Word? (See 1 Peter 2:2)
• Are you searching His Word with diligence? (See Acts 17:11)
• Are you seeking holiness? (see 1 Peter 1:14-16)
• Are you Spirit-filled? (see Ephesians 5:18)
What’s in the Bible?
OLD TESTAMENT. Begins with the creation of the universe and closes about 400 years before the first coming of Jesus Christ. The 39 books provide a common theme - a need for salvation and the promise of a coming savior, outlined as follows:
- Creation of the Universe
- Fall of Man
- Judgment flood over the earth
- Fathers of the chosen people (stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob)
- History of the Nation of Israel (exile in Egypt, Exodus and the wilderness, conquest of the promised land, era of Judges, the United Kingdoms of Saul, David, and Solomon, the Divided Kingdoms of Judah and Israel, exile in Babylon, the return and rebuilding of the land)
NEW TESTAMENT. Records the rest of the story of God’s redemption of humanity beginning with the birth of the Messiah (Jesus) and ending with the culmination of history to come – the final eternal state. The 27 books of the NT major on the person of Christ and His teachings and the establishment and conduct of the church, outlined as follows:
- The Gospels (record of Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension)
- Acts (the impact of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the establishment of the church)
- The 21 epistles are letters written to churches and specific individuals to explain the significance of the person and work of Jesus Christ, with its implications for life and witness.
- Revelation – pictures the current church age and culminates with Christ’s return to establish His earthly kingdom, bringing judgment on the ungodly and glory and blessing for believers.
The Basics of Bible Study
READING (See Isaiah 28:9-10). Develop a plan; read all of it; then read it again with a new, different plan! There are many ways to read:
• Cover to cover
• NT vs. OT
• 1-, 2-, and 3- year plans
• Order of revelation
• Chapter division
INTERPRETING (See Acts 8:30). What does the Bible mean by what is written? It is not enough to read the text and jump directly to its application to our lives; we must first determine what it means. Let the Holy Spirit be your teacher and use the Bible as its own cross-reference using comparative passages, concordances, indices, etc. Of course, ask wise Christians for understanding in areas that are confusing. Be sure to avoid these common errors:
- Don’t draw conclusions at the price of proper interpretation – don’t make the Bible mean what you want it to mean, but rather let it say what God intended.
- Don’t forget to understand the text in its proper context as it relates to language, culture, geography, and history.
EVALUATING. Remembering that the Bible does not contradict itself (if you think it does, you have misunderstood some text), consult others to ensure you have the proper interpretation. Group studies, written commentaries, theologians’ notes and introductions, and discussions with other Christians will help enrich your thinking. Be one who accepts the truth of God’s Word even though it may cause you to change what you have always believed or cause you to alter your life pattern.
APPLYING (See John 13:17). How does God’s truth pe*****te and change one’s life? Studying scripture without letting it pe*****te to the depths of your soul would be like preparing a banquet feast without eating it. How does the Word apply to you in terms of your attitudes and actions? The ultimate goal should be to let it speak to you and enable you to grow spiritually. If there is a COMMAND to be obeyed, we should obey it. If there is a PROMISE to be embraced, we should claim it. If there is a WARNING to be followed, we should heed it. Neglecting to do so will mean never enjoying your Bible studies and the Bible will never change your life.
CORRELATING. The last step connects the doctrine you have learned in a particular book or passage with divine truths and/or principles taught elsewhere in the Bible to form a big picture. Always keep in mind the Bible is a collection of 66 books that teach numerous truths and principles over and over again but in a variety of ways and circumstances. By correlating and cross-referencing, you will begin to build a sound doctrinal foundation by which to live.
