Basics For Bible Study

Text

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 1900

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Introduction

We are going to look at an important aspect of our Christian growth, the area of Bible Study. This will be a short overview of the principles of Bible Study as well as some reasons why it is so vital.

Why should we study the Bible?

God Commands it

It is liberating as it removes the burden of having to rely to heavly on human teachers

Human Teachers are Important & Invaluable

God’s Word is the ultimate authority

It will force us to spend time with God who is the author of Scripture

What makes the Bible so unique?

There is no other book in the world that even comes close in comparison to this book!

It accuratly predicts the future

It tells us how to live / acts as a compass for our lives

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The Construction of the Bible

Written by 40 different authors over a period of 1500 years

Inspired by God - (Explain what is meant by “in the originals”)

Preserved by God

Translated into our language (The history and importance of the English Bible)

The Composition of the Bible

Explain the various types of books - Pentatuch, History, Poetry, Prophecy, Gospels, Epistles

The Character of the Bible

How the Bible is different from other books in that it is alive!

Hebrews 4:12 KJV 1900

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Cultivation of the Bible

This is where we will talk about some principles that are vital if we are to properly interpret and apply the Scriptures.

What is meant by Bible Intrepretation?

Are there many interpretations of the Bible?

What is menat by application

The Golden Rule - “if the literal sense makes sense, seek no other sense”.

Literal vs. Allegorcal Intrepretaion

The importance of context

Historical Context

Cultural Context

Bible Times and Custom- Give Examples … Paul’s warnings about virgins in Corinthians

The importance of Christ - The Key to all the Bible

The importance of dispensational truth and making a distiction where God makes a distinction

The importance of Bible Survey - 40,000 feet …then 30,000 feet … then 10,000 feet and so on....

The Bible never says what the Bible never said!

Building doctrine on the totality of the Scripture

Interpreting Scripture in light of other Scripture

Use the example of the words Baptism and how if we only had 1 page of Scripture on subject it would be difficult or impossible to come to a conclusive teaching on the subject.

We never use unclear passages to override clear passages - the Bible interprets the Bible!!!

What about difficult/obscure Bible passages?

Are there things in the Bible that we just don’t know much about?

Does God tell us everything

Can our human minds comprehend the full breadth of eternal things?