Some general guidelines for studying the Bible

Attitude

(This is a table talk study and does not need to be transferred into Proclaim; no slides needed)

Previously we have looked at

We are commanded to study the bible

We are blessed by studying the bible

This evening we have some scriptures to consider in preparation to studying the bible.

OK, this first passage is coming from the assumption that the bible has everything we need and we hold the full counsel of God in our hands when we hold it and that we believe it is true and without error.

So, open bibles to:

1Cor13:9-13 “9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

There are some general things we should know to have the proper attitude when we look to study the bible.

It is peerless; there is nothing that can it can be compared to for it is inspired, it is the Word of God that was put together by 40 writers over a 1500 year period with one message.

It is literarily excellent - It is inspired but it did not take away from the literary styles, the character of each of the writers. Some are historical, others poetic, and some prophetic.

It is accurate and it is true, (turn to Psm119:160 “160 The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” - - - if not it would have been refuted and excused when written. Yet it has been preserved for over 2000 years.

It is complete, lacking nothing to equip us

Have someone read 2Pt1:3-4

2 Peter 1:3–4 NASB95

3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

Then let’s turn to 2Tim3:16-17

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NASB95

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

It has the ability to transform us (Rom12:1-2 “1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

It is able to bring the Christian to the maturity of faith Eph4:13 “13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

And, it is indispensable, for the word is needed for it brings faith (Rom10:17); and we are saved by grace through faith (Eph2:8)

So, as we read, as we study the bible it should be done prayerfully, carefully, intently and expectantly.

If you have your pen and paper here is something good, a good acronym of questions to ask when you are studying the scripture.

S - Who is the speaker?

O - What is the occasion?

A - Who is the audience?

P - What is the purpose?

S - What is the subject matter?

Let’s put this to work, briefly tonight, turn to Jude

jude1-4 “1 Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

We are still talking about attitude, now may we look at our attitude with the word, we already looked at the attitude about the outlook of it.

Proper attitude with the word

We have the right reason to study the word, commanded, blessed, we have the right information, it is true, it is complete, it transforms and is indispensible, now let’s look at coming with the right attitude - Turn in your bibles to Psm119 please.

Ps119:2 “2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart.”

What are we? and when we do what? and How?

Ps119:7 “7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.”

His judgments are righteous, and by studying His word you can have an uprightness heart

ps119:11 “11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”

What can the word do according to this?

ps119:26 “26 I have told of my ways, and You have answered me; Teach me Your statutes.”

Word teaches you His statutes, commandments, ways

Ps119:28 “28 My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word.”

What does it do in this verse?

Ps119:41 “41 May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your word;”

How does salvation come when looking at this verse?

Ps119:49 “49 Remember the word to Your servant, In which You have made me hope.”

What does the word do here?

A few more points about attitude when approaching studying the word.

Remember it is THE WORD OF GOD - so it is God speaking

Read to gain UNDERSTANDING of God

Finally remember before we move on that THE SUM OF GODS WORD IS TRUTH - we need it all from Genesis to Revelation, the full counsel of God!

Now, I need to be honest, have heard many excuses on why not to study the bible, or problems studying the bible so may we talk about that for a few minutes?

What reasons do you think people may give for not studying the bible?

People don’t study for they think it is “too hard” to understand

But God says in Hos4:6 “6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

He gave his word so that even the simple could understand turn back to Ps119:130 “130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”

Many come with preconceived ideas, concepts, opinions. -

What kind of ideas, concepts do you think people can come with?

People have bad interpretation (poor hermeneutics)

Can you give an example of a bad interpretation?

It is too time consuming, I just don’t have the time.

Can you think of other excuses?

To close this out tonight may we do a quick summary

Come to study with the proper attitude and outlook

Come with proper outlook of the word itself

Overcome obstacles by the command and power of God

John 14:15 The Message

15 “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.

(Pray)