Observation – Part 2: Structure

When most of us reading this blog pick up a bible to read or study that Bible will be in English. For many, many people that will be the only exposure to God’s word.

Don’t worry there is a lot you can glean from scripture in observing the structure that is presented in English.

Literary Structure

In grammar, you learned about paragraphs, sentences, phrases, and clauses. This knowledge is the core understanding you will need in observing the structure within a Bible book.

Bible Study Methods give this list for Units of Structure:

We should be able to recognize each of these in a Bible passage.

The Phrase — Grammar: A group of two or more associated words, not containing a subject and predicate. One example is the prepositional phrase.
The Clause — Grammar: A group of terms, including a subject and predicate, and sometimes one or more phrases, constituting a partial (or whole) unit of thought and expression.
The Sentence — Grammar: A group of words containing subject and predicate. There are declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences, or a single word, in the case of the simple imperative. A sentence must contain a complete thought.
The Paragraph — Grammer: A group of sentences constituting a unit of thought and expression. The paragraph develops a point or subject. In modern English the paragraph is much more clearly defined than it is in the Bible.
A Segment — In Bible study it is a group of paragraphs constituting a unit of thought, or developing a thought.
A Division — In Bible study, some books have divisions. This is a group of segments constituting a larger unit of thought or subject matter.
The Book — This is a Bible division. The Bible contains 66 books in all, each of them written for a specific purpose at a given time. Some are history, some are prophecy, some are for instruction, some are poetry. Each book of the Bible has its own characteristics.

We will be spending more time with some of these units in the weeks to come. For today, let’s focus on how we can refine our focus and understanding of a passage through the simplified structure of a sentence.

Structure Within a Paragraph

(Grammar Police: What follows will be a very simplified approach to grammar meant to give a wide group of people the tools they need to get into Bible study. I know I’m missing things. Please leave me a comment below on anything that might further clarify these points.)

A paragraph is “A group of sentences constituting a unit of thought and expression. The paragraph develops a point or subject.” These sentences all have two main parts: the Subject Part and the Predicate Part.

Subject Part

A Subject “…is a word or group of words which name the person or thing about whom or which the statement is made. In its simplest form, it consists of a noun or a pronoun.”

The Subject Part includes the words that belong to the subject, such as adjectives.

Predicate Part

A predicate “… is a word or group of words which make a statement about the subject. In its simplest form, it consists of a verb alone.”

The Predicate Part includes all the words that belong to the predicate, such as adverbs. We will also consider the Object of the sentence (direct or indirect object) to be a part of the predicate part.

Illustrations

If you’re like any of the classes I’ve taught in this, you’re thinking; “This is way too hard. I’m going to skip to next week.” Please don’t do that. This concept is simpler in action.

Here are a couple of illustrations to get you started. If you have any questions please send me a message through the contact page on this website.

Philippians 1:3

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,”

The simple subject and predicate of this sentence is “I thank”

The subject part is “I” and the predicate part is “thank my God upon every remembrance of you,”

Philippians 1:15

“Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:”

The simple subject and predicate of this sentence is “some preach”

The subject part is “Some indeed” and the predicate part is “preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:”

Your Turn

Give it a Try

Use a blank piece of paper to note the simple subject and predicate of other sentences in Philippians 1.

Brush up on your grammar skills

Take a few minutes to find answers to some of your questions that have come up as you’ve read this post. There are some great free tools online to help in understanding grammar.

Keep it Simple

Don’t overthink all this. Understanding grammar is a step on the path of understanding scripture, it is not an end in itself.

Note: Quotes and concepts drawn from “Bible Study Methods” by Burton Brush. Used with permission.

Honoring Widows

1 Timothy 5:3-16

Taking care of widows has been the role of churches since very near the beginning of the church (See Acts 6). This is as it should be. Those who claim to know the love of God ought to be the most open about showing this love to others.

Paul calls the churches at Ephesus to this principle and then offers some important instruction as they care from these dear church members.

The Principle

“Honour widows that are widows indeed.” 
1 Timothy 5:3

“Honour” here means to show value. The context here will be talking about showing value through physical or financial aid.

But there is a distinction. The widows that are to be given this aid are those that are “widows indeed.” These are the women who are over the age of 60, are without family to care for them (see verses 4, 8, and 16), and who demonstrate consistent Christian character.

Testimony of a Widow

“5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.  
6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.  
7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,  
10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. ” 
1 Timothy 5:5–7,9-10

Widows can show trust in God in ways that few others can. Scripture and history are full of stories of these saints being an example in prayer and faith. Their good works, experience, and selflessness serve as a living illustration of living in Christlikeness.

Younger Widows

“11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;  
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.  
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.  
14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.  
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.” 
1 Timothy 5:11–15

Paul cautioned against taking younger widows into the role of those being cared for by the church. These are more likely to remarry. Paul even encouraged the younger widows to remarry. Those who don’t remarry haven’t had the life experience to show the character mentioned above. There may even be some who turn from the faith because of the loss of their husband.

The Role of Children

“But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” 
1 Timothy 5:4

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 
1 Timothy 5:8

“If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.” 
1 Timothy 5:16

Churches are not to take this responsibility from the family of these widows. If a widow has sons, grandsons, or nephews, these should care for her and leave the church free to care for others.

Your Turn

Encourage your church to care for widows.

This may not be full support, even assistance with a few needs can make a big difference. Be sure to help those who’s testimony you can see, and who have been faithful. A few ideas could be grocery assistance, gas money, or helping to catch up with a bill that is close to being late.

Look for ways to help the widows in your church.

Offer to help with yard work or house maintenance. You may never know how encouraging these simple actions could be.

Care for the widows in your family.

Look after their physical and financial needs. Caring for them is pleasing to God.

Observation – Part 1: Terms

The last couple of Bible Study Methods posts have set the stage for us to get down to doing some actual Bible Study. Remember, we study God’s Word to gain understanding as we seek God. We read and study to know God.

How can we Understand the Bible?

As with any form of study we’ll need to look at each of the components of the material we study.

The four main components of any Biblical passage are:

Terms — This covers words and their meanings.
Structure — This includes sentences, paragraphs, segments, and books. This consists of the relations and interrelations between terms, or more specifically, the grammatical construction of the text.
Literary form — That would be prose, poetry, allegory, etc.
Atmosphere — This means the underlying tone, mood, or spirit of a passage. This requires that we become familiar with various kinds of background information.

We’ll look look at each of these as we go along. Today let’s start with Terms.

Observation of Terms

“A term is a given word as it is used in a given context.”

Routine Terms

These are terms whose meanings are obvious. There is usually no need to do a word study in these cases. It may be good to look up some of these words on occasion, but for the most part, the translation has done the work for us.

Non-Routine Terms

These are terms that need a little more attention. They are the terms that you’re not as familiar with, or that you notice are significant to the meaning of the passage. There are tools for each of these cases.

The temptation I’ve seen with many bible students to run to one of the extremes. Some will look up every word and try to force out deep spiritual truth, even trying to change the message of a passage based on a routine word. Others will simply assume they understand the meaning of all the words and neglect word study altogether.

Try to fall in the middle of these. I try to do a few more word studies than I feel like I need to do. I will often restudy a word that I have studied in the past just to make sure I have a proper understanding. But I avoid correcting the translation. We are blessed to have a very good one!

How to do a Word Study

Tools

The two main tools that I recommend to begin with are an English Dictionary and Strong’s Concordance.

An American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster

This is an excellent resource. Though Published in 1828, it carries a broad definition set and is a great tool for teachers and writers even today. I regularly use this dictionary, along with a couple of others, in Bible lesson and sermon preparation.

This dictionary is available for free in Esword as well as many other computer and smartphone apps. There is an online version that can be used at http://webstersdictionary1828.com (though with some minor adaptations for the web)

Strong’s Concordance and Dictionary

“A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible”

This is the Bible study tool that I default to. It is great for a deeper meaning of the word with the acknowledgment that the word has been translated from another language.

Every Bible study software system or app that I am aware of offers Strong’s Dictionary, and many of them offer it for free.

Techniques

Usually, these studies can be done with the click of a button. The challenge comes in carefully reading of the definitions.

There may be many Synonyms for a word you look up in the English dictionary so be careful to look for the definition that fits the context.

When looking a word up in Strong’s Dictionary you’ll see the Hebrew or Greek word spelled out a couple of different ways, followed by any root words that it may have, the definition is between these and the “:— “ symbols. After these symbols is a list of how that word is translated in the King James Version.

Notice the image below of G80 from Strong’s Dictionary.

The Red marked portion is the Greek word and its root word. The Blue is the definition. The Green is how it is used in the KJV.

Results

Now that you know how to beginning understanding these terms: Use the results correctly. I hope and pray that you will grow in your understanding of Scripture and through it your walk with God will flourish.

However, there are some dangers that need to be avoided. The main thing you can do to avoid these is to keep the context in mind when processing your findings. You won’t be unearthing new information, just gaining a greater understanding of what’s there.

Your Turn

I hope you’ve been reading Philippians.

Reread Philippians chapter one and note 10 non routine words to study. Using the tools given above, study those words to gain a greater understanding.

Share some of your findings in the comments below.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or run into any problems.

Note: Quotes and concepts drawn from “Bible Study Methods” by Burton Brush. Used with permission.

A Proper Approach to Correction

1 Timothy 5:1-2

As we’ve seen in the issues raised earlier in this epistle, Timothy would need to give correction as it was needed. Timothy was in a position of authority in the churches, but he would still need to give this correction in a good way.

Giving correction in the right way is a learned skill. In this passage Paul gives Timothy a key to start him down the road to some proper correction strategies.

1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;  
2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 
1 Timothy 5:1–2

You may be reading this and thinking, “well, I’m not a Pastor. I guess I’m off the hook.” Jesus had something else to say about this.

Jesus on Correction

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Matthew 18:15–17

Jesus is specifically talking about when someone has done something against you. This is one of the most basic kinds of corrections.

When this fault comes you have the responsibility to go and talk to that person. And ONLY that person. The goal here is to “gain thy brother.”

While Timothy’s reasons for needing to correct someone may have been broader. There is something here for all believers: A Proper Approach to Correction.

We need to be thoughtful and careful in our approach to different people when correcting them. This means HUMILITY. The goal isn’t to make sure they know you’re right, the goal is to gain your brother or sister and to strengthen them in their walk with God.

Here are the different groups Paul gave counsel about how to approach.

Older men

The “elder” in this verse isn’t referring to pastors as it is in other places, but to mature older men. It’s very intimidating to correct people who are older than you. Paul’s approach was to not rebuke but to intreat them.

The difference between “rebuke” and “intreat” here is important. A rebuke is a sharper chastisement while intreating seeks to understand the perspective of the other. Once you know their perspective you have the opportunity to point out the flaws in it. You might also find that these older men have something to teach you.

Younger men

The younger men should be treated like brothers.

I’m very blunt with my brothers. We expect honesty from each other and call out error when we see it. We discuss things and sharpen each other’s perspectives.

I am also blest to have some friends that I can talk with like brothers. Sometimes this means correction goes in both ways. Usually, this means we serve together, grow together, pray together.

Older women

Treat the older women as mothers.

This would be with much the same respect you treat the older men. These women have life experience that you don’t, perceptive you don’t.

Younger women

The younger woman should be treated as sisters with all purity. This would be a lot like a brother.

I love the relationship I have with my sisters! They are all bold, smart, and godly woman. I also serve with many godly women who seek God and strive for truth.

How you approach people of the other sex for correction has to be done with great care. Don’t leave any room for an accusation. Don’t allow any inappropriate familiarity.

Your Turn

Handle problems biblically.

Go to your brother or sister in Christ with any problems you have. Go directly to him or her. The more people you bring into these problems the worse they become.

Approach people biblically.

Approach your brothers and sisters in Christ with Humility, Compassion, and Boldness. You’ll find that when you approach people the right way they’ll more often respond the right way.

How to Make a Difference

1 Timothy 4:11-16

The teaching at the beginning of this chapter can be alarming: false doctrine would attack the church (vs 1-5), because of this Timothy and those with him who were faithful would need to be exercised in godliness and look for eternal reward (vs 6-10).

Sometimes after heavy teaching like this, it’s nice to be reminded of what you can do to make a difference. Paul gives this instruction to Timothy now and I think it’s something that will be a comfort and challenge to all who are seeking to be faithful to God in our day.

Don’t Forget the Bad Stuff… But Teach the Good

“These things command and teach.” 
1 Timothy 4:11

The word “command” in verse 11 means to pass on a message. Timothy was to pass on what Paul had told him to the churches at Ephesus. He was to teach them about these things.

The message includes the “bad news” about heresy making its way into the church. It also included the “good news” about how to stay spiritually fit. Timothy would need to pass on and teach all of this.

We can get tunnel vision in how we teach others. There was a time when my Sunday school class heard a variation of the same lesson every week. (Some probably think that they do now.) Another Sunday school worker very tactfully brought this to my attention. It wasn’t anything very dramatic, but my students needed to be instructed from all of what the Bible teaches.

This tunnel vision can happen when we get very narrowly focused on one issue to the exclusion of others.

While we need to be careful to caution others of the pitfalls of the false teaching around us in the world, we CAN’T do it to the exclusion of teaching what is right from scripture.

Be an Example, be Consistent

“12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
1 Timothy 4:12–13

In carrying out Paul’s requests Timothy couldn’t get focused on his own “shortcomings.” He was young, but he could be an example in what he said (word), in how he lived (conversation), in love (charity), in walking in the Spirit (spirit), in faith, and in purity.

He could be consistent in reading God’s word, encouraging the church, and teaching them in God’s way. (More on each of these in a previous post)

Being a consistent example is the most important part of teaching others. How you and I respond to our natural obstacles, live our day-to-day lives, and consistently grow in God’s word will speak volumes to those we are teaching.

Walk with God

“14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.  
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.  
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 
1 Timothy 4:14–16

Timothy would need the gift God had given him as a pastor. This would only be used to its full potential as he walked closely with God.

He would need to meditate on the things Paul had written him, think them over, contemplate how an application could be made in his own life and in the lives of those he served.

As Timothy walked with God he would be in a position to help others walk with God and see many saved.

Believer, you are gifted for the work God has called you to do. Don’t neglect that gift. Walk with God to make the most of it. Meditate of God’s word to be able to know how an application can be made, then pay close attention as you teach. Many lives can be touched for God.

Your Turn

Whatever heavy news, good news, or other you are facing the steps Paul gave to Timothy are true for you and how you can go on in ministering for God.

Teach God’s word.

Be an Example, be consistent.

Walk with God.

Let me know in the comments below… How do you handle getting bad news?

What examples has God given you in consistency in serving Him?

Bible Study Overview

Sherlock Holmes was a fascinating character to me as a child and young teen. I would try to solve the mysteries before the book revealed the answers, and I had very discouraging results at first. But Sherlock, man, he could solve a crime. He would see the facts of what had happened (however improbable) and work his way back to the perpetrator.

Did you know that Sherlock Holmes is a champion of the method we use for Bible Study?

The Inductive Method

Inductive Bible study takes that Word of God, as it is, and studies it from there.

We study the Words (terms), Sentences, and Paragraphs to get a feel for what the passage is saying, then draw conclusions.

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” 
Deuteronomy 4:2

Three facts about the Inductive Method

It is scientific in Approach
Its Process Consists of Analysis
Its Purpose is to Discover

The Deductive Method

The deductive method is a perfectly legitimate method for Bible Study, but it is only appropriate for certain kinds of studies. It’s common for someone’s personal Bible study plan to switch back and forth between inductive and deductive bible study.

Deductive study has limitations.

“8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.” 
Isaiah 55:8–9

By nature deductive study starts with a conclusion and seeks to support that conclusion. This can be a dangerous way to handle God’s word. If we approach scripture strictly through deductive study we risk imposing our assumptions into scripture.

Deductive study is sometimes used for topical, and doctrinal studies. It can be helpful if used carefully. However, deductive study can lead to a tunnel vision where we only see the verse that showed up in our search results without its context. This can lead to a feeling that our conclusions have been validated before we even start the study.

Many have used dissected portions of scripture to support beliefs that are simply not taught in God’s word.

In summary:

The Deductive Method (You speak to the Bible.)

The Inductive Method (The Bible speaks to you.)

How does Inductive Bible Study Work?

Some of the more prominent characteristics of inductive study are seen as follows:

1. It lets the Bible text or passage speak for itself.

We start with the simple question: “What does it say?” This keeps us from trying to force our ideas into the Bible. We can freely learn from the mind of God.

2. It observes first, then it interprets and applies.

When observation is first false results are significantly less likely.

3. It analyzes what the Bible says (content), and how it says it (form or structure).

Context is key. We will look at each word and the structure in which it is used. (Don’t worry, this is simpler than you might think.)

4. It is aware of explicit and implied Truths.

Inductive study will start with the plain text of the Bible, but no-one has studied every deep truth of scripture. Those deep truths are our goal.

5. In it, original, firsthand study holds a prominent place.

You need a firsthand understanding of Scripture. When this is taught as a Bible institute course, all commentaries are restricted at this point. It’s not that those who wrote them don’t have something to teach us. We want to learn from the Bible first.

Your Turn

You can start today!

Begin by reading the book of Philippians. Sit down with just the Bible. Remove other distractions and read Philippians straight through. Then tomorrow read it again.

We’re going to be spending a lot more time in this beloved book, get familiar with it.

Spiritual Fitness

1 Timothy 4:6-10

This is not me, this guy looks way cooler than I do when I run. Photo by Des Tan on Unsplash

I’m not an athlete, not really, but I run for fitness. I like the 3-4 mile range best, you have enough distance to get somewhere, but it still isn’t a huge time commitment for the day. The farthest I’ve run at one time is about 9 miles.

Running isn’t difficult, but there are some skills that help you along the way.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy in this section of his letter mirrors those skills in a lot of ways.

Know the Course

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ…” 
1 Timothy 4:6a

Runners usually develop an awareness for distance, an eye for potential problems and a willingness to guide others through the ground they have covered.

Timothy would need an eye for course ahead of him. Keeping the brethren mindful of the dangers of the false teachings of the last days, but also of the sanctification of “the word of God and prayer.” (v.5)

Here’s where this gets hard. If the details of various false teachers and teachings were all that was preached, how would that prepare the believer for the life of faith?

When I am talking someone through one of my favorite running routes, I’m going to tell him where to run. I’m going to give him the path to follow, not tell him the name of every other street.

Paul’s instruction here is that Timothy should teach them and lead them in “the word of God and prayer” and in the process the false teaching would be made clear as the truth of God’s word and the richness of fellowship with God was more fully known.

Get the Right Nutrition

“…nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 
Timothy 4:6b

As I’m consistent in running I can tell how things like weather, sleep and nutrition affect how I do when I’m running. For instance, I know that the combination of warm temps and high humidity make me uncomfortable. Just like I know that eating a big meal of pizza and Doritos right before a run won’t help me set record times.

The right nutrition for walking with God are “the words of faith and of good doctrine”. This is any teaching grounded in God’s word and explained to give ready application.

Our diet needs to be God’s word. We should be consuming it ourselves daily, we should be sharing it with family and friends whenever and however we can, and we should be seeking to be fed from it in church.

Avoid known Obstacles

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables…” 
1 Timothy 4:7a

I have a terrible problem with dogs when I run. They chase me, I can do everything right and still they’ll chase me. One time I was bit by a big white German Shepherd on a run near my house. I was just running along when it came out of nowhere and then as I was trying to calm the beast down it quickly stepped in and bit me in the thigh. I haven’t run passed that house since without checking, and I’m MUCH more aware of my surroundings as I run.

Timothy would need to be aware of the potential obstacles in his path as well. The coming heresy of the end times isn’t the only issue Timothy would face, he needed to refuse the “profane and old wives fables” the false teachings that were already being seen in churches of his day.

The “profane and old wives fables” were probably the jewish extra-biblical teachings, and possibly the old religious ways of the people at Ephesus.

There are a lot of things like this that we can carry into religion today. Far from being an indictment of elderly woman, this would involve any purely traditional practice that is given the weight of scripture. Traditions such as this have the potential to be more than just “extra”, they can be dangerous, weighing down the believer with baggage that God never intended for him or her to carry.

Get the Right Exercise

“…and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.  
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 
1 Timothy 4:7b-8

Running for exercise isn’t the only form of exercise I should get if I want to be truly fit and to have the joint and core strength I need to keep running. I also need stretches and core strength training.

Instead of carrying the extra weight of these fables and traditions the man of God is to be exercised in godliness.

When I exercise I know that I am working out the body God has given me so that I can use it for His glory. But my exercise in godliness has a profit both now and into eternity.

Look for the Reward

“9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.  
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” 
1 Timothy 4:9–10

As we exercise and get our diet of healthy doctrine, we are looking for the reward of our Savior.

Runners put their bodies through all kinds of physical training to reach certain goals or prepare for certain events. Those events come, the winners are rewarded and you enjoy the achievement, but it’s short-lived.

The faithful servant of God is looking for the return of his Savior and will live in the joy and reward of a race well run, eternally.

Your Turn

Run well

Do you know the course that is before you? Take some time over the next months and years to get to know some faithful servants of God who have been serving Him for years. Learn the course from some that have gone before.

Think about your spiritual diet. Will your diet naturally lead to godliness?

How are you exercising yourself to godliness? Are you practicing the reps of self-denial and stretching the muscles of faith?

Don’t lose sight of the eternal reward. We can sometimes talk ourselves into earthly exercise for the effects it has on a day, our spiritual strength and endurance training is vain without the goal of entering eternity and hearing “well done” from our Savior.

Do You Want to Study the Bible?

Have you had a time when the curtains of mystery were pulled back for just a second and you caught a glimpse of the glory of God’s word?

These moments of wonder and awe are why I love Bible study. They are the reason I have committed my life to the study and application of God’s word.

My Bible study journey has taken some interesting turns. I have notes and documents full of the findings from thousands of reading and study times. Themes in scripture start to crystalize as your experience grows and passages that were difficult become easier to understand. But I’ve also had potholes when I’ve studied and misunderstood, even preached things that weren’t there. These potential potholes are why it’s helpful to have a solid Bible Study method.

For the next several weeks we’re going to take a look at a Bible Study Method. A set of skills, tools, and processes that generations of Bible preachers and teachers have used in their search for scriptural truth.

What is the Bible?

The Bible is a collection of 66 books. These were written by various human authors under the inspiration of God. That means that the Bible was given to us by God.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God” 
2 Timothy 3:16a

The Bible is composed of many types of writing including history, poetry, prophecy, and letters. While all of these had a particular purpose at the time of their writing, the Bible teaches that they are also beneficial to us.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (emphasis mine)

Why Study the Bible?

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 
2 Timothy 2:15

The Bible is meant to be applied, and careful Bible study is how we can apply it in a right way.

What’s the Structure for Bible Study?

There’s a great children’s song that provides a great outline for Bible Study.

As I read God's Word each day, 
I will ask myself three questions: 
What does it say? 
What does it mean? 
What is God saying to me? 

I will ask God's Holy Spirit- who lives in my heart, 
to show me the answers clearly, 
so I'll know God's message to me.
 — Helen Wunnenberg

These questions are the simplest way to summarize good Bible reading and studying.

What does it say? – Observation

The Bible is the authority. We must begin with the very words of scripture and not stray from what they are actually saying.

We must read THE BIBLE and study THE BIBLE. Too often, in the age of the internet and with the accessibility of helps, we are tempted to go to some Bible study guide, devotional book, or commentary. And some of these may be good, but they are no replacement for the words of God.

A lot of our method will cover knowing what it says.

What does it mean? – Interpretation

To learn what it means we need to read it multiple times, look up words, and memorize it to fully comprehend it.

Pray about your study. Beginning, Middle and End seek God as you look into His word.

What is God saying to me? – Application

The Bible is meant to be applied. We could just let it sit on the shelf and treat it as an academic book. But its real power is seen as we hide it in our hearts, and as God’s Holy Spirit applies it to our lives.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 
John 16:13

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. 
Psalm 119:11

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. 
Psalm 119:105

Your Turn

Subscribe to this Blog to get started on a Bible Study method. We’ll be going over tools and practices to get your Bible study going. Whether you’re new to Bible study or see the need for a refresher, I know the next few weeks will be great!

Get Started

Start your Bible study today. Get into God’s word and start making a habit of intentional Bible study.

Comment

Comment below some of the tools, methods and habits you’ve used in Bible Study. These may be a blessing and encouragement to others.