THE BRIDGE ACADEMY

THE BRIDGE ACADEMY - How to Study the Bible

I. WHY IS BIBLE STUDY IMPORTANT?

A. It is commanded for our Good and Joy

1. It continually guards our morality (Psalm 1:1-2)

Psalm 1:1 ESV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

Psalm 1:2 ESV

but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

2. It continually creates within us Christ shaped affections (John 17:17)

John 17:17 ESV

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

3. It continually strengthens our allegiance to Christ

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

4. It continually corrects and instructs us in whole -life godliness

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

B. It is God’s Love to Us In Word About

1. His faithfulness

2. Our sin and hope

Know ourselves only truly as we know Him

3. His purposes

C. God wants to speak to your unique self for your unique purpose

D. It Is How We Grow

1 Peter 2:1–2 ESV

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

II. HOW TO DO WE STUDY THE BIBLE?

A. We Cleanse and Nurture Our Soul With S.O.A.P Daily

1. Scripture: (Read One book at a time)

a. Why should you read this way and not with a Bible Plan?

i. Read the books of the Bible like you would read a novel

The Bible is a book comprised of of books

Books are not written to be read in scattered ways but from beginning to the end. And each book is to be understood itself.

b. Strategy for reading one book at a time?

i. Read an introduction to the book you are studying

ii. Use the outline for the book found in your Bible or in other resources

iii. Read the specific book using a reading plan

EXAMPLE - Discipleship Journal reading Plan for April

Mark 1st Corinthians Psalms Joshua

1:1-8 1:1-17 72 1-2

2. Observation: (Learn One section at a time)

a. What Is observation?

Learning how to make sense of the Bible by

b. What are the basics to look for when observing a text?

Key words

Commands/promises

Contrasts/comparisons

Repetition (words or ideas)

c. Pen and paper: the non-negotiables of transformational observation

PRACTICE ROMANS 2:6-8

PRACTICE! ROMANS 8:5-8

3. Application: (Execute One action at a time)

a. We effectively apply scripture by asking and answering key Questions

i. What is this passage teaching me about God, Jesus and or Holy Spirit?

ii. What is this passage teaching me about Sin?

iii. What do I need to confess and/or repent of?

iv. What is this passage teaching me about me? (desires, motives, etc)?

v. How is this passage calling me to work (live out) the Word today?

vi. How is my learning connected with yesterday’s readings?

4. Prayer

While prayer is last on this list it is actually the air in which you breathe as you read and study the Bible

A. Beginning (Lord, open my eyes) - Psalm 119:18-

Psalm 119:18 ESV

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

B. End (Holy Spirit help me to obey- James 1:22-

James 1:22 ESV

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.