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.

How to know You’re Living in the Last Days

1 Timothy 4:1-5

The roles of Pastor and Deacon are necessary for a church to function as God intended. But God wanted Paul to pass on some further teaching to Timothy about the condition of the church, and how he could respond to it.

The Holy Spirits Told about the Last Days

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” 1 Timothy 4:1

“the Spirit speaketh expressly”

God the Holy Spirit has a specific message that Paul had received, that Timothy needed to be aware of and that we feel the implications of today.

Paul had warned the leaders of the Ephesian church about this before. He told them that there would be attacks from outside the church and apostasy from inside the church.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:28–32

Departure from the Faith

Apostasy – Warren Wiersbe defines apostasy as “a willful turning away from the truth of the Christian faith.” (The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 224). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

These are people who have been in church but are choosing to leave the truths of God to go after something else. They are leaving truths taught in the kinds of churches Paul and Timothy are planting.

We see this in churches today as well. Young people who grew up in church are being drawn away in large numbers to go after some other kind of teaching.

Paul doesn’t leave us guessing about the source of this other kind of teaching.

Seducing Spirits

These are spirits that are meant to deceive.

There are many counterfeits of the Holy Spirit in this world. They are presented in false teaching, in great shows of spirituality, and external displays of piety.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t have to be conjured through empty babbling. His work is seen even when the background music hasn’t been perfectly timed to start with the last point of the message.

Beware. Run away from anyone who claims a special message from God that you can’t see clearly in scripture.

Doctrines of Devils

Where it’s not a seducing spirit these false teachings come as doctrines of devils.

The devil is just as willing to attack truth head on as he is willing to imitate it and distort it.

Watch out for those who constantly question the teaching of God’s word. This was the original tactic of the Devil in the garden (Gen 3). Doctrines of devils will rarely come with anything that resembles biblical authority or local reason. They only exist to cast doubt.

Grow in your personal knowledge of God through His word.

The Last Days are Characterized by Certain Types of False Teachers

“Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Timothy 4:2

While false teaching may vary from person to person, time to time, and area to area; there are some things that are consistent about the teachers of false doctrine.

Speaking Lies in Hypocrisy

False teachers are very consistent in teaching people to live in a certain way, and then proving that they are unwilling or unable to live that way themselves.

Conscience Seared

These false teachers have consciences that are seared. They have no feeling to alert them to sin their own life, or to the pain, they bring on other people.

The Last Days are Characterized by Certain Types of False Teaching

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:3–5

False teaching may come in many different forms but there are a few points where we see a lot of consistency over the years. Paul points out two of these here and then responds to one of them.

Unbiblical teaching about marriage and food are linked with just about every form of false doctrine. It was no mistake that Paul mentions them here.

Forbidding to marry

Not allowing marriage has come in many forms. From the Roman Church not allowing priests to marry (we see the evil that has come from that) to the modern doctrine of devils about the biblical need for marriage in our day.

God intended Biblical marriage to be a source of good, happiness, and blessing and the evil workers of the last days will do everything they can to undermine it.

Commanding to not eat certain meats

Just like marriage, food becomes an easy tell for falser teaching.

Anyone who equates what you eat, or don’t eat, with spirituality is not teaching biblically.

Paul’s Response

Paul’s reaction to the issue of food is pretty straightforward.

Everything is good… if it is received it with thanksgiving and sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Your Turn

Hold to the Truth

In these last days, we as believers need to have a firm grasp on the truth. Study God’s word to find it. Be the faithful student of God’s teachers as they present it in a biblical church. Learn it well enough to begin teaching it yourself.

Turn back to God

You may be reading this and have turned away from the faith. God will welcome you back.

Come back to Him, grow in His teaching. This may mean losing a friend or two, God will help you through these struggles.

El Roi – God Sees

Have you ever felt mistreated? Unappreciated? Lost? If you answered; “yes” the name of God that we’re looking at this week appears in a context I think you’ll identify with.

We’ll meet a woman who named a place after the God who saw her. The God who came to her when she was driven away from all that she knew because of a choice that she didn’t have full control over. While carrying a child that she probably couldn’t imagine being able to care for. All because of someone else’s impatience and insecurity.

“And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me (El Roi): for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?”

Genesis 16:13

Meet Hagar

Hagar was Sarai’s maid, she might have been with Abram and Sarai many years. However long she was with them she had to have known of their desire to have a child. But her mistress was past the age of bearing children.

One day Sarai came to Abram with a possible alternative to God given them a child;

“And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.” 
Genesis 16:2

So Hagar was given to Abram as a wife. She doesn’t seem to have much of a choice in this. (Historically this kind of marriage doesn’t seem to be viewed as illegal.) In some time she conceived.

This is when the drama really started. Hagar was with child, this was something Sarai had wanted for years. This seems to have caused some envy to well up in Sarai’s heart. And to make matters worse Hagar began to treat Sarai different. She no longer had the same respect for her mistress as before. Sarai wasn’t going to take it.

“And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee.” 
Genesis 16:5

Abram gave full authority of Hagar over to Sarai. Sarai didn’t waste any time. The Bible says that she “dealt harshly with her” and when Sarai was in the middle of this lecture or punishment Hagar fled.

God Saw Hagar Where She Was

But God saw her condition, and cared.

“And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.” 
Genesis 16:7

God then asked her where she had come from and where she was going. When she told Him, He instructed her to return to her mistress and submit to her authority.

He went on to make a promise of her descendants being a great innumerable multitude. She was told to name her son Ishmael.

She called the place where God met with her “thou God sees me”. El Roi. The God who sees.

Hagar went back to Abrams camp and submitted to Sarai as God had told her to. And her son became the patriarch of a nation that would continue for generations to come.

“Can Anyone See Me?”

There’s a scene in the play “Dear Evan Hansen”^⁠1 where the main character, Evan, walks through his high school and looks around and feels like no one sees him.

He sings a song called “Waving Through a Window” expressing his apprehension at taking any risk. Even the risk of introducing himself to some of his classmates is too much for him. But he feels totally alone.

We live in a world that may be more connected than ever before, and yet SO many people feel totally alone. We feel like no one knows us, no one sees us.

How important it is to be seen!

Life sometimes feels like you’re being buried deep in the stuff, problems, complication, conflicts and injustices that surround you.

The recognition that you are owned for a job well done. The grade that was unfairly lower than what you earned.

Maybe it’s more physical, like sickness, or debt. Maybe emotional like the heartbreak of losing someone you love, or the hope of relationship that ends in a hard breakup, or the bitter parting of ways of a close friend.

“Why can’t anyone see me?” You silently scream to the busy, crowded world around you. You long for someone to take notice. You may not even want them to do anything about it, you may just need them to see and care.

There is no injustice, pain, loss, or barrier that misses God’s careful gaze. He is conscious of all.

God Sees You Where You Are

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12

This verse, among many others in scripture tells of God being careful to see and hear His people. But what assurance do you have of God seeing and hearing you?

This verse refers to “the righteous.” While we have no righteousness in ourselves, through faith in Jesus Christ we can make the greatest exchange in history.

“For he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus, God the Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 
2 Corinthians 5:21

How can believers doubt God’s care when He is willing to go to such lengths to save us?

Studying and Application:

Do you have the righteousness of Jesus?
- Maybe you have questions about what it means to be saved. Please feel free to contact me, I would love to talk to you, or put you in touch with someone who will show you from the Bible what it means to be saved.
Practice walking with God.
- I really mean it. Go outside, go for a walk. Leave your headphones at home. Intentionally walk with God, talk to Him, seek His purpose, enjoy His presence.
Review your prayer list. Take a minute to add any new requests now.

Bonus Application

You’ve seen the names of God, from God’s word. You have the foundation, the head knowledge. Now comes the good part.

Pray!

Pray to God like He cares, because you know He does. Pray to God like He can do something about the requests you bring, because you know He can.

Pray!

¹I am not recommending this play to you as wholesome entertainment. I haven’t seen this whole play, and I am not fully endorsing the views it holds. I have however benefitted from the perspective it shares on teen depression.

The Qualifications of a Pastor’s Wife

This is a guest post written by Beth Spilger, my Mother and 45 year veteran of being a Pastor's wife.

I never questioned my calling as a Pastor’s Wife. I never questioned the fact that I was to help my husband fulfill the qualifications God placed on him … or at least those I could. Some are undeniably his responsibility.

So many of these qualifications are implicitly our’s together even though the qualifications are given to my husband. I, too, should keep these qualifications because they will reflect on his reputation even though I am not the pastor but his wife. Well, except the one about being the “husband of one wife”. That’s a difficult one for me as a woman. I can be the wife of one husband and that I have done and will until death. I do hope God gives us both a long life together. There is no one in this world I would rather serve the Lord with than my husband.

How can my husband fulfill hospitality, raising our children for the glory of God and in subjection to their father, keeping our house in order, not greedy for money, not covetous, and having a good report of all men if I’m not in his corner helping him? I often think of the fact that Eve was taken from the side of Adam. A wife is a help-meet. She has a responsibility to help her husband be the man of God he needs to be whether he is a pastor or not. Even more when he is.

I feel my job is to encourage him in his spiritual walk, as every wife should do, to be in the Word, to pray, to serve, to be faithful in all he does, etc. Not driving him but walking along-side encouraging him. I have to remember that encouraging is not encouraging wrong but the right behavior. I’m his cheerleader!

God gave us seven children to raise for His glory. I look at each one of them as adults and observe that they honor and respect their father (he’s earned both!), they serve our Lord with joy and excitement, they live godly in Christ Jesus, they are in His Word, they are striving to raise families for His glory, etc. They are not perfect. We have never told our children they were to do anything because they were preacher’s kids. Others have told them that but not us. They were to do them because they are in our family. We do these based on the Word of God. We considered our family a team and we worked together (still do) to accomplish God’s purpose for our family and ministry. At times that meant that some of us stayed home to do the grunt work so others could serve elsewhere. At times it meant we all went to the church to clean as a team. Whatever it was we all worked to serve at the church in various areas to see the ministry move forward. There is so much to being a team and we were privileged to be one!

My husband and I have learned a lot together these 45 years and counting. We have stuck with each other through thick and thin. Sometimes more thin than thick in which we have had the privilege of seeing God meet each and every need as well as some of our wants. God has been faithful to every promise — all the time. God wants us to exercise faith. If I’m always wanting more or better and not content with what we have to the point that I will do whatever I can to get it, I will never learn faith. Faith is trusting the Lord to meet all my needs. I have so many stories of how God met needs and gave us gifts as a family as we cared for the things he had already provided.

Pastoring is not easy. My biggest job as my husband’s wife is to pray for him. Pray that he will fulfill the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy. I pray for his walk with the Lord, his relationship with our children and the people at church, for wisdom, encouragement from other places besides me, his health spiritually, physically, and emotionally, decisions he has to make, his leadership in our home and church, etc.

I think the hardest thing I have had to deal with is the expectations coming from those who do not understand the ministry, my husband’s position as a pastor, and that pastor’s kids are not different than their own. I encourage you to get to know your Pastor’s family and look at ways you can encourage your pastor, his wife, and their children. Study the Word to understand the great responsibility that God puts on the shoulders of your pastor. Above all, PRAY for their family and their protection.

I am blessed to be called my husband’s wife! I do not view it lightly. I am grateful that God put us in the church He did, gave us the children He did, and the experiences He has. It is a privilege to serve along-side my man-of-God.

Written by Beth Spilger for the readers of "Word Fitly Spoken."

El Shaddai – Almighty God (God Almighty)

“Can God make a rock so big that He can’t move it?”

This question seems to be lurking in the minds of half my Sunday school students every time we talk about the power of God. Though the question is kinda silly, there is something to it. Is anything too hard for God? What are the limits of What God can do? What happens if our faith in Him overtakes His ability?

The next name of God in our study addresses the heart of these questions.

“…I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” 
Genesis 17:1b (emphasis mine)

The Hebrew words behind the English “Almighty God” are “El Shaddai”. El Shaddai is another of the combination names with “El” (meaning mighty[ Check meaning]). Shaddai means simply “Almighty” as we see it translated here.

This is the name God uses of Himself when He blesses Abram and changes his name to Abraham (Gen 17:1-16), and when He blesses Jacob and changes his name to Israel (Gen 35:10-12). God is emphasizing His absolute ability to do as He has promised.

In the book of Genesis El Shaddai is used exclusively in contexts of blessing (See passages given above and Gen 28:1-3, 43:11-14, 49:25 and broader contexts), Either of God blessing Abraham and Israel (once when Jacob was telling about it Gen 48:3-4) or when Isaac and Jacob were blessing their children.

God’s blessing is based on His absolute power! What an amazing thought!

Let’s look briefly at how God, in His power, was going to bless Abraham:

God’s Charge

“I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

Perfect doesn’t mean “sinless” as we often think of it, but rather carries the idea of sincerity, wholeheartedness, and blamelessness. God was looking for Abraham, His friend, to maintain his way before Him in sincerity.

God’s Commitments

Following this we see several very important phrases preceded by the words “I will”. These are commitments that God makes to Abraham and to His descendants.

“I will” #1 – “And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.” (Verse 2)

The Almighty God promises to enter into a special relationship with Abraham and later He extends this to Abraham’s descendants:

“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” Genesis 17:7

“I will” #2 – “And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.” (Verse 6)

The Almighty God promised to multiply Abraham. This wasn’t a new promise between Abraham and God, but the context of God revealing Himself as “Almighty” is significant.

“I will” #3 – “And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” (Verse 8)

The Almighty God promises Abraham the land that he is living in right now. And not just to Abraham to live in and have the benefit of, but for the Abraham’s descendants to live in. This is the place God has chosen where He will be their God.

This is a big promise.

“Beyond All that We Can Ask or Think”

When God makes a big promise it is a part of His character to keep that promise, but it is not a part of our character to understand it. God’s ways are far beyond what we understand. For example, God’s work in the life of a believer is something miraculous. We experience it, but we don’t understand it. Our lack of understanding doesn’t diminish it’s reality.

Paul, in Ephesians 3, references God’s ability compared to our understanding. He does this in the context of God’s work in the lives of believers and a prayer that he prays for this beloved church. Notice the confidence with which he ends this prayer:

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20–21

The glory truly belongs only to the God Who “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think”. The boldest prayer and the most active imagination aren’t able to fathom the greatness of God’s power.

What a wonderful thought to take into our prayer life: God is Almighty!

Studying and Application:

What are some things you’ve seen God do that were beyond what you could “ask or think”?
- Write them down and spend some time in prayer today giving God glory for these wonderful works.
What are some things that you can imagine (“think”) but that you haven’t ever taken the step to ask God about?
- Pray about these things, seeking God’s will and looking for His leading on how to pray for them and how to act in faith about them.
Review your prayer list. Take a minute to add any new requests now.