Equipping Dinner: Apply the Word

Intro:

Tonight we are looking at how to study the Bible

Study just came out that say biblical literacy is at an all time low

Stats on reading the Bible

When asked how often they personally reads the Bible on their own

only 9% said that they read it every day,

the lowest figure in the 10 years

When asked “The Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life.”

37% agreed strongly

31% agreed somewhat

32% disagreed with the statement

Keys to Growth

Consistent Church Attendance

Part of a small group

Daily Bible engagement

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This isn’t just words on paper or another book to read

As a disciple of Jesus Christ we are to use it as a guide

Psalm 119:105 ESV

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

If your Bible is falling apart, you probably aren’t

Psalm 25:4–5 NKJV

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; On you I wait all the day.

The reasons we do what we call devotions

We want to know how to live for Jesus

We want to be instructed in the Bible

We’ve submitted ourselves under the lordship of Jesus Christ

Reading the Word

Find a Consistent time & place

Consistency is the key

Getting up early is the best

Have a plan

The best way to read the Bible is to have a plan

“If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time” Unknown

There are a lot of great plans out there

Thru the Bible in a year

Themed Scripture Readings

Journal Your Reading

H.E.A.R. Journal

Highlight 1-2 verses in chapter

Explain verse (use commentary if necessary but keep brief)

Application

Respond in Prayer

Devotionals

Use in addition to Bible reading

Make sure it is scripture based

Too many are sappy or motivational

Our Daily Bread

Bible App

Daily Walk Devotion

Understanding the Word

Study Bibles

MacArthur is the Gold Standard

Commentaries

EnduringWord.com

Blue Letter Bible BLB.org

Websites

Bible Gateway

Books

Wiersbe Commentaries

Dissecting the Word

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Sections of the Bible

Pentateuch

History

Poetry

Prophecy

Gospels

Epistles

Inductive Bible Study

Psalm 1

Observation

Read the passage several times

Read it in different translations

Stay away from the Passion translation

Notice the breaks in the Passage

Identify key words or doctrines

Interpretation

Ask who, what, when, why, & how

Application

Make it personal

How would you apply that to your life?

Resources