How to study the Bible
God Protects His Word • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 2 viewsThough Bibles and Bible study resources are more available today than at any other time in human history, there seems to be a lack of skill in Bible study in our society. So, where are people going wrong and what are some basic principles for Bible study that can help keep us on the right path?
Notes
Transcript
William McPherson was the superintendent for a stone quarry when a blast severely injured him. He lost his eyesight and both hands in the explosion. He was determined to read the Bible, and learned to read raised letters with the tip of his tongue. It is said that he read through the Bible four times in this manner.
Source: Annual Report of the American Bible Society, Volume 97
Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics
The principles of correct Bible study and interpretation.
Why Study This?
Why Study This?
Competing Theological Concepts
Competing Theological Concepts
So many denominations.
We need to know
doctrines of Bible
How to know truth
Apologetics
defense of truth
not o argue/debate
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Satan attempting
make it impossible
to find truth
so many counterfeits.
Believing what you
were taught as child
is not good enough.
Must pursue truth
and know how to find it
in the Word.
Attacks from non-Christians
Attacks from non-Christians
Muslims
Atheists
Our kids in college
Teaching is schools:
Evolution
Homosexual Practice
Transgenderism
Abortion
etc.
Their goal
get our kids to
abandon Christianity.
Weird Teachings in Christianity
Weird Teachings in Christianity
Even worse
some teaching
live like that
and be Christian!!!
Gay and transgenders pastors???
They claim
bible teaches
their theology???
Brother’s teacher...
prove that
Bible teaches
pro gay???
Principles of Hermeneutics
Principles of Hermeneutics
People have come
to lots of weird idea.
Lots of denominations
all claim their teaches
come from Bible:
snake handling churches
gay churches
Amish
Independent Fundamental Baptists
Jehovah Witness
They all claim
Bible as authority.
How???
Same book
teach such contradictory ideas?
Let lay down principles
How to study
to avoid
extreme interpretations.
1. Purpose
1. Purpose
Come to scripture
with pure heart.
Must have,
desire to
learn
be edified
sincerity
apply
Assumptions
We all have
pre-conceived ideas
Mind is made up...
Come with open mind.
Argumentation
Proof text...
Josh’s friend
in the park
wanted to argue
prove a point.
Arguing the Bible
never successful.
You make enemies
not friends.
What is the purpose
of Bible Study?
Why do you read it?
For devotions
must have plan.
If you aim for nothing you hit it every time.
Purpose is:
to know God
to love God more
to serve Him.
to know His will
to be better person
to make a difference for others
Don’t have plan...
Don’t have pure heart.
You will get nothing.
God gives us
what we desire
even when it is not
good for us.
If you have
something to prove
You can find a verse!!!
If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.
Promise,
God will lead you
show you truth.
If you want to
understand
apply
obey.
If you just want
create controversy
be right
prove something
Holy Spirit will not lead you!!
A circuit riding preacher entered one church building with his young son, and dropped a coin into the offering box in the back. Not many came that Sunday, and those who did didn't seem too excited about what was said. After the service, the preacher and son walked to the back, and he emptied the box. Out fell one coin. The young boy said, "Dad, if you'd have put more in, you'd have gotten more out!"
Source Unknown.
2. What type of literature are you reading?
2. What type of literature are you reading?
Genres:
History
Narrative
Chronicles
Poetry/Songs
Psalms
Song of Solomon
Prophetic Visions
Know the genre
understand writing style.
Example Passages
Narrative
Psalm
predictive prophecy
prose
chronicle
Song of Solomon 1:15 (ESV)
Behold, you are beautiful, my love;
behold, you are beautiful;
your eyes are doves.
Purpose of passage?
Talk about beauty of marriage.
Exodus 20:15–16 (ESV)
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
What is genre.
Purpose:
teach moral law.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
What is genre?
very different reading.
Jesus teaching parable
teach idea about Christianity.
Psalm 19:1 (ESV)
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Genre?
Purpose?
praise God.
Understand what you are reading.
How can I get
energy to study
so deeply?
The French have a proverb, which states, “A good meal ought to begin with hunger.” It is hard to enjoy a meal when you are not yet hungry. But, when you are hungry, anything tastes good.
If we approach the Word with a hunger to be satisfied, we will be satisfied every time. Effective worship begins with a hunger for God.
Source: The Facts on File, Martin Manser
3. Context
3. Context
Historical Context
Time Period
Who is writing
Who is audience
Current Issues being addressed
Example
Luke writing for Theophilus
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
Who wrote?
To who?
Why?
Example
Romans
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Who wrote it?
What time period?
Written to whom?
What is purpose of letter?
When David Livingstone began his trek across Africa in 1852, he carried 73 books which together weighed 180 pounds. After he had gone 300 miles he had to throw away some of the books because it was not feasible to carry so much through the jungle. He continued throwing books away as he went further into the jungle. Eventually his library had shrunk to one book—the Bible—this he did not throw away.
The Bible is truly the most important book in the world, yet many read it as if it were the least important.
Source: Daily Grace for the Daily Grind, Larry Briney
4. Plain and Obvious Reading First
4. Plain and Obvious Reading First
There are:
Metaphors,
Allegories,
Typology,
Parables,
Prophecy
Examples
Red Nose
Psalm 18:7–8 (ESV)
Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry.
--
Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.
Talking Tree
And the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.’ But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?’
Rich man and Lazarus
The Lamb that was slain
Revelation 5:5–6 (ESV)
And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
--
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
Woman in Rev 12
And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
These are not meant
to be taken literally...
How to know
literal or not?
When it makes sense:
Historically
Literarily
Contextually
Grammatically
Theologically / Thematically
Historically:
Time Period
Who is writing
Who is audience
Current Issues being addressed
Genre of Literature
History
Is it a parable
Poetry/Songs
Prophecy vision?
Prose
Contextually
Verse
Chapter
Book
Time
Example of Romans
law void
just said it wasn’t!!!
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
What is Paul teaching?
Law done away?
Law not done away?
Be righteous, don’t sin, slave to obedience…?
Obedience to what?
Law of love?
Including what???
Paul does not
contradict himself
in the same book
same chapter
same author
He is building argument
making a point...
What argument?
What point?
In this case
don’t be legalist
can’t be saved by works.
we all need faith
for salvation.
Therefore Gentiles
on level playing field
with Jews.
Theologically:
Does it contradict
other passages?
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.”
Christian Religion
angry God
must be appeased?
Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people.
Moses concerned
what people will think
about character of God.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
They must agree...
Who is God?
Angry vindictive?
Must be appeased?
5. Definitions, Syntax, Grammar
5. Definitions, Syntax, Grammar
Bible study is reading.
Reading is study of language.
Must understand
how language works.
Grammar
definitions of words
spelling
punctuation
parts of speech
noun
verb
adjective
object
direct object
syntax
Example
who is the direct object in passage.
While studying in the Holy Lands, a seminary professor of mine met a man who claimed to have memorized the Old Testament--in Hebrew! Needless to say, the astonished professor asked for a demonstration. A few days late they sat together in the man's home. "Where shall we begin?" asked the man. "Psalm 1," replied my professor, who was an avid student of the psalms. Beginning with Psalm 1:1, the man began to recite from memory, while my professor followed along in his Hebrew Bible. For two hours the man continued word for word without a mistake as the professor sat in stunned silence. When the demonstration was over, my professor discovered something even more astonishing about the man--he was an atheist! Here was someone who knew the Scriptures better than most Christians ever will, and yet he didn't even believe in God.
Jack Kuhatschek, Taking The Guesswork Out of Applying The Bible, IVP, 1991, p. 16.
Bible study is...
well…, study!
Study takes time and effort!!!
If Atheist can do it,
you can too!!!
6. Themes and Contradictions
6. Themes and Contradictions
Theological Themes
There are themes
in the Bible that
stand out clearly.
These theological signposts
help direct the mind
when face with
interpretive questions
Example
God wants to save us...
The Great Controversy...
Example Passages:
Contradictions
2 Samuel 21:19 (ESV)
And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
1 Chronicles 20:5 (ESV)
And there was again war with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.
Scribal error
fix easily
Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
Current Issues In Christian Bible Study
Current Issues In Christian Bible Study
Higher Criticism
Higher Criticism
Don’t accept words as true
until you can
analyze it for evidence.
Most Popular:
JEDP Theory
Pentateuch not
written by Moses.
4 Groups of people.
Why?
Different names of God
Jehovah - Gen 2
Elohim - Gen 1
Priests -
Leviticus… an d other
Deuteronomist
So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day.
Who wrote that?
Probably Joshua.
Worked with him.
Chapter talks about him
Next book is about him.
Written by him.
“I would recommend you either believe God up to the hilt, or else not to believe at all. Believe this Book of God, every letter of it, or else reject it. There is no logical standing place between the two. Be satisfied with nothing less than a faith that swims in the deeps of divine revelation; a faith that paddles about the edge of the water is poor faith at best. It is little better than a dry-land faith, and is not good for much.”—C. H. Spurgeon
Submitted by the homiletics class of West Coast Baptist College
Bible Study Resources
Bible Study Resources
Translations
Translations
Take time
to compare.
They are not
all equal.
Some have
interpretive agenda.
Paraphrases
Message.
Isaiah 28:10 (ESV)
For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
line upon line, line upon line,
here a little, there a little.”
Isaiah 28:10 (NKJV)
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept,
Line upon line, line upon line,
Here a little, there a little.”
Isaiah 28:10 (KJV 1900)
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;
Line upon line, line upon line;
Here a little, and there a little:
Isaiah 28:10 (NLT)
He tells us everything over and over—
one line at a time,
one line at a time,
a little here,
and a little there!”
For rule is on rule, rule on rule, line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there,
............................................
Isaiah 28:10 (MSG)
For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept,
line upon line, line upon line,
here a little, there a little.”
Weird Translations
Queen James Bible.
etc.
Concordances, Commentaries, Bible Dictionaries, etc.
Concordances, Commentaries, Bible Dictionaries, etc.
Same goes for
extrabiblical sources.
Opinions of people
be cautious.
Modern Prophets
Modern Prophets
Test the Prophet
Test the Prophet
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
Types of Prophets
Types of Prophets
Writing
Not Writing
Canonical
Non-canonical
Authority of Prophet
Authority of Prophet
Who trumps who?
Bible
Modern Prophet.
Clearly if we
test prophet by Bible
Bible is trump card.
That being said,
if modern prophet
does not contradict
they can add new info.
Final authority always
to the Bible.
Prophet often brings
clarity to
biblical interpretation
Example
Rules of Jews and Gentiles
Vision of Peter on Roof.
Acts 10:28 (ESV)
And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.
Same happens with
modern prophets
Adventist History and the Role of the Prophet
Adventist History and the Role of the Prophet
Ellen White attended
Bible study...
Her mind was “locked”...
(she didn’t understand)
They were debating
interpretations
EGW goes into vision
shows them Bible verses
that answer their
interpretive questions.
Who/what is authority?
Bible...
But prophet
helped direct clarity
on the topic!
Conclusion
Conclusion
Proverbs 4:13 (ESV)
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.
In the year A.D. 303, the Roman Emperor Diocletian issued a decree which he hoped would extinguish the spreading flames of Christianity. One of his primary objectives was the seizure and destruction of the Bible. Later that year, officials enforced the decree in North Africa. One of the targets was Felix, Bishop of Tibjuca, a village near Carthage. The mayor of the town ordered Felix to hand over his Scriptures.
Though some judges were willing to accept scraps of parchment, Felix refused to surrender the Word of God at the insistence of mere men. Roman authorities finally shipped Felix to Italy where he paid for his stubbornness with his life. He laid down his life rather than surrender his Bible.
Source: The Awesome Power of Shared Beliefs, E. Glen Wagner
Appeal
Appeal
Study the Bible...
Study
Study