REDEEMER BIBLE CHURCH How to study THE BIBLE None of the original information is under copyright laws, and may be shared freely without any limitations. Only do not make changes or alter in anyway without permission. -------------------------WRITTEN BY: Jeff Medders. 2009 blog: www.eatbible.org /// church: www.redeemerbible.org --------------------------SPECIAL THANKS GO TO: Howard Hendricks - please donʼt sue me over that chart. Not sure if that was legal or not. The College of Biblical Studies - for helping me so much in my study of Godʼs Word. Pastor Richard Caldwell of Founderʼs Baptist Church - for modeling for me in his sermons how to right study/handle the Bible. Dallas Theological Seminary - for reminding me every class, how much I love the Bible. Pastor Mark Driscoll - for reminding me that it is always all about Jesus. I never knew it was possible to magnify Jesus in every sermon...thank you. Pastor John Piper - for being used by God to change my thinking forever. God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him. May the supremacy of God in all things be a sweet taste to us! Martin Luther - for being one brave dude. William Tyndale - for having a passion to get Godʼs Word to Godʼs people. My parents, Richard and Pat Medders - who have made just about all of my ministry and education possible, they have constantly encouraged me in this work. Without them, this packet wouldnʼt exist. Last and most importantly.... Jesus - for being my great God and Savior (Titus 2:13) and dying my death and rising for me. Thank you for loving me and giving yourself for me (Galatians 2:20). I pray your bride is blessed by these few pages. May You be treasured! --------------------------Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE The word study might be a scary one for some, what I am intending is how to ʻhandleʼ the Bible for Godʼs glory and your good. If you donʼt like ʻstudyʼ, think use or handle. Every Christian, someone who professes belief in, follows and loves Jesus Christ, on some level wants to understand the Bible. There is a desire to read and study the Bible, so lives are changed and love for God grows more and more. Jeremiah 15:16 Psalm 119:131 However, the desire is usually smothered out in no time at all due to various reasons. WHAT DO YOU THINK SOME OF THOSE MAY BE? One of the largest obstacles to enjoying and being blessed by the Bible is your own conclusion about the Scriptures. Have you ever thought about what you believe about the Bible. Do you think it has errors? Can it be trusted? Did only men write it? It is perfect? Is every single word important? Essential to life? The literal words of God? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE BIBLE? 2 Timothy 3:16 2 Peter 1:20-21 John 17:3, 17 Psalm 119:161-167 When one finally resolves to study the Bible, one can expect their to be some fruit. Just about everyone I know that has grown spiritually and has come to enjoy God and their spiritual life, has resolved to spend time, effort and energy in the Bible. To really experience and encounter God, youʼll need to correct any wrong thinking you have about the Bible. WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? There are many obvious answers here!! But if never hurts to state the obvious. 1. God has given us a book, what do you think He wants us to do with it? Read, study, obey and pray. a. Consider that the Almighty God, has revealed Himself to us, when He didnʼt have to. b. Consider the blessing of possessing a Bible. 2. Learn and Love God more. - John 5:39 a. The Bible teaches us what God wants us to do and obedience reveals love. The more we learn the more we love. If you donʼt know what God wants you to do or what the Triune God is like, it is hard to love Him. (John 14:23) b. God sees knowledge of Him and love for Him running side by side. i. Hosea 4:1 Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land c. Keep from saying wrong things about God (Job 42:7). Good Theology is a goal. 3. Change our Lives. a. Psalm 1 - Tree whose leaf doesnʼt wither vs. one whose does. b. Proverbs 2:1-15, 3:1-4, 21-26.. Godʼs wisdom will save you from sin and pain. (perspective change) 4. Keep us from Sin a. After David sinned with Bathsheba, this is Godʼs explanation of why he sinned - 2 Sam 12:9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. b. Psalm 119:111 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. c. Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 5. For courage and comfort a. David exhibited great courage when he killed the giant Goliath, because he knew Godʼs word. (1 Samuel 17:45-47; Deuteronomy 20:1). b. Psalm 119:52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord. c. Psalm 119:92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. d. Joshua 1:5b-9, cf. Matthew 28:19-20. He is always with us! Be strong and courageous when you go to the Nations and engage in ministry. 6. Essential to Life/Growth/Maturity a. Jesus, “...It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Mt. 4:4 cf. Dt. 8:3). If we make time to eat, we can make time for the Bible. b. Titus gives us an accurate picture of what a leader in the church must be like, an example of maturity we should all aspire to. - Titus 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. c. 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation i. “The Bible was written not to satisfy your curiosity, but to help you conform to Christʼs image...not to fill your head with a collection of Biblical facts but to transform your life” - Howard Hendricks, Living by the Book, p.19. 7. Help each other grow / Evangelism a. Acts 8:30-35: Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch b. Acts 18:24-28: Priscilla and Aquila instruct the powerful preacher, Apollos. c. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. d. Hebrews 3:12-13 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (cf.10:24-25) PRELIMINARY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We need a lot of help to understand the Bible (may not be a surprise to some of us)! As we saw in Acts 8, it can be difficult to study the Bible when left to yourself. But God has provided a great help to us. The Great Helper, the Holy Spirit. John 14:16 John 14:26 John 16:13-14 The only way to have successful and fruitful time in Godʼs word is to ask for the Holy Spiritʼs leading and guiding in the truth. If your desires, when you approach the Word, are in accordance with the Holy Spiritʼs, you will have a great time. Perfect Prayer - Psalm 119:18, 35-36. DESIRED GOAL OF STUDY Luke 24:27, 32, 44-45 and John 16:14 teach us about Bible Study? A SIMPLE WAY TO R.E.A.P FROM THE BIBLE When you come to any passage of the Bible, or sit down to study to have communion with God, this is a great process to follow. R. E. A. P. E: 1)___________________________ 2)_________________________________ Means___________________________ Means___________________________ READ You will need to read the Bible...a lot!! Pour over it! Get your heart and mind in the Word of God, so your soul can be marinating in the truths of God. Read! Read! Read! SIMPLY: Think while you read. Too many will read the Bible and engage with Godʼs word as though they were watching TV. You cannot passively read Godʼs Word...engage with it. It is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), treat it as such. When Martin Luther had a hard time understanding the book of Romans, he would read and read and read! He said, he would take hold of Paul and beat him till he got what he wanted. Thatʼs how you read the Bible! Few things to consider... 1. Read Prayerfully - Ask God to illuminate the text and to expose sin. Pray Scripture. 2. Read Repeatedly - Marinate in the Text...especially if difficult! Flood your brain with it. 3. Read Patiently - Fruit of the Spirit!!! Let it marinate, wait for the ʻahahʼ moment. 4. Read Imaginatively - Get in the text...picture what is happening. 5. Read Meditatively - Think about what you read throughout the day. Wring it out. 6. Read Purposefully - Looking for themes (examine the text) 7. Read Systematically - Think how it fits in the big picture. Context!!!1 1 From Living by the Book, Howard Hendricks. Lastly, read expectantly. Anticipate wisdom to come to you, seek for that gold of Godʼs word (all of it!) that will bring great joy to your life. Expect something great (Isa. 55:11, Rom. 8:28)! “Reading the Holy Scriptures is like a treasure. With a treasure, you see, anyone able to find a tiny nugget gains for himself great wealth; likewise in the case of sacred Scripture, you can get from a small phrase a great wealth of thought and immense riches.” - St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Genesis 1-17, p. 39 EXAMINE - Observe and Interpret OBSERVATION “What do I see?” This is by far the easiest, but often done poorly step in Bible study. You are to act like an eye-witness and merely report what you see, at this stage you donʼt want to try and figure out what is going on. You are making yourself familiar with the passage, and noting what is present in the text (words, phrases, people, places, commands, questions, etc...). WRITE IN YOUR BIBLE!!!! Get a good pen, get a good journal and take notes!! Make notes! Circle words, underline, make the Bible your own. If your observing of the text is done rightly, your interpretation process will go along much smoother, and will lead you to appropriate/God honoring application of Scripture. “Bible Study without application is like sitting at a fine steakhouse, learning everything about your meal and then walking away. Itʼs clinically insane. Eat the steak, eat Godʼs word! (Jer. 15:16) Do what you came for, to eat/change.” If your observing of the text is done poorly, well.....you know what I am going to say next. If you donʼt know, reread the above paragraph (and you need to improve on your observation skills). My favorite preachers are the ones who have spent hours and hours in observation. How can you tell? It is apparent in their teaching. They are noticing things in passages that were so obvious, but are missed due to impatience of laziness. (John 1 - John the Baptist is a witness to light. Think about it....when has light ever needed a witness?) HOW TO OBSERVE.. Simply note what you see. This could be things like: Jesus is talking. Jesus rose from the dead. The first word in this verse is ʻbutʼ. The apostles were commanded to preach the Gospel. (freebie: then to interpret you would figure out what “preach the gospel” means, and then to apply, you would figure out what you should do from what you learned) Things to look for... 1. Connecting Words a. Cause and Effect - Therefore, so that, then, for. These tie chapters and verse chunks and thoughts together. b. Comparison (Simile's and Metaphors) - like, as, too, also. Ps. 1:3-4 c. Contrast - but or yet. Typically to contrast negative and positive. Used often to display salvation and grace. (Eph. 2:1-10, key verse: 4..”But God”) 2. Emphasis a. By amount of coverage - 1 Corinthians 15, spends roughly 54 verses (v.4-57) discussing the Resurrection of Jesus. It is important!!! And then v.58 starts with a, ʻThereforeʼ, showing how those 54 verses on the Resurrection are to impact believers. b. By repetition - words, themes, commands or phrases. Repetition is huge!!! The writer is trying to get his point across, so we donʼt miss it. Look for anything that is repeated over and over. This will possibly lend itself to the correct meaning of the text and guide you to a practical application. Read Hebrews 11 and note the repetition. c. Tense - Future, past, present. d. Paragraph Breaks - Look for the paragraphs, when thoughts start and stop. 3. References: a. If in the New Testament and an Old Testament reference is made that you are unfamiliar with, be sure to look it up. For example, in the book of Jude, he mentions Korahʼs rebellion. To learn about Korah, you will need to read Numbers 16. (concordance and www.biblegateway.com ) b. Translation - It is a good practice when looking at a certain word or phrase to checkout other translations to see how else what you are observing has been rendered. (Translations: Word for Word - NASB (New American Standard Bible), ESV (English Standard Version), NKJV (New King James Version), NET (New English Translation). Paraphrase - NIV (New International Version), The Message, NLT (New Living Translation). OTHER: HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible). Do not recommend: TNIV (Todayʼs New International Version), KJV (King James Version), New World Translation (Jehovahʼs Witnesses). 4. Characters: a. When reading narratives (i.e. Gospels, Acts, 2 Samuel etc...), note the characters that are involved. It is vital to see who is involved with the story. Some of Jesusʼ sermons and challenges will bring greater weight in the interpretation phase, when you know who his listening to Him (Disciples, Pharisees, or a large crowd). Vital to know as well who is speaking. b. Who is the author and audience? 5. Question and Answer: a. Some texts will lead you down a path of questions and answers. Romans 6 is a great example. Question and Answer passages are helpful, as they are showing you the train of thought that you need to have as you read, examine and apply that text. 6. Key Phrases: a. This tend to be repeated as they are foundational to the text. In Ephesians 2, the phrase ʻIn Christ Jesusʼ, occurs 4 times and 8 times in the whole book. Taking note of phrases that are repeated will help drastically. 7. Impact a. This is by far one of the easiest keys to good observation. What stuck out to you? What in in the text grabbed ahold of your attention, mind and affections? What caused you to do a double take? b. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will illuminate something to you in a text that will have a great impact on you that will lead to a deeper understanding and affection for God. Which will in turn change how we think and live. (nasb) Here are some notes from the Text... 1. Verse 1 starts with a ʻthereforeʼ, connecting and building off of Chapter 11. 2. The words “we” or “us” are used 6 times. (Fast Forward: Promoting community in this journey with Christ). 3. There is a great cloud of witnesses surrounding the writers audience (We cannot apply it yet at this stage). 4. They are to lay aside encumbrances (ESV renders that word: weight) and sin... 5. Notably the sin that easily entangles. 6. Exhorted to run with endurance the race set before them. (Fast Forward: Will want to examine the word, “race”, further). 7. Jesus is the author and perfecter of faith. 8. “Encumbrance” and “sin” are tied together with the word “and”. 9. Jesus has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 10. Told to fix their eyes on Jesus. 11. There was a ʻjoyʼ present as Jesus endured the cross. 12. Jesus despised the shame of the cross. (Fast Forward: Will want to look up what ʻdespisedʼ means in this verse). 13. Told them they havenʼt resisted against their sin so that they are bleeding. 14. They are to consider Him (Jesus). *Chart taken from: Living by the Book, Howard Hendricks, p.29 HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE - SESSION 2 *REVIEW - What does R.E.A.P stand for? What are the 2 Processes of Examination? -----------Remember...observation is simply reporting what you see in the verse(s). You are not trying to figure anything out yet! Here are some sample observations on Acts 1:8 Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” 25 OBSERVATIONS.... 1. “But” is the first word in this verse. 2. The word “but” draws a contrast to the previous statement. 3. The speaker is talking directly to someone - “you.” 4. The audience is more than one person - “witnesses.” 5. The audience is going to receive something. 6. The audience will receive power. 7. A Spirit is going to come upon them. 8. The Spirit is described as Holy. 9. When the Holy Spirit comes on them, they will receive power. 10.The Holy Spirit hasnʼt come upon them yet. 11.The audience will be witness for the speaker. 12.They will witness in Jerusalem. 13. They will witness in Judea and Samaria. 14. They will witness in ALL of Judea and Samaria. 15. They will witness on the earth. 16. They will witness to the remotest part of the earth. 17. The Holy Spirit will come upon them at a certain time. 18. The speaker doesnʼt want the witnesses to stay in one place. 19. It is for sure that they will get power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. 20. There will be a specific time when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. 21. “When” denotes a cause and effect relationship - power when the Holy Spirit comes. 22. The speaker addresses the audience as “you” 3 times. 23. The speaker uses the conjunction “and”, 4 times. 24. The speaker calling the audience witnesses denotes an intended action witnessing. 25. The speaker says, “both” and then provides 3 descriptors: Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and the remotest part of the earth. Interpretation - Interrogate the Text and Decide This is the stage, where you move from being and eyewitness to the lawyer & jury and/ or judge. “What does it mean?” The skill of interpretation is vital!!! There are many bad sermons, books and Bible studies because of arriving at a wrong interpretation. Arriving at the right interpretation is not easy, and does not always come in an instant. There are times when you study a passage, that the correct interpretation comes in an instant. While there are other texts that requires hours of study and wrestling with the text. The steps and guides that are going to be outlined here will be of some help to you. We say ʻsomeʼ, for a reason. The greatest help is the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. The greatest tool that we have to lead us to the correct meaning and message of the Bible is the author of it....God. God the Holy Spirit, if you are a believer, dwells inside of you and leads you to the truth. I do not expect you to have all the answers and be able to read a Greek New Testament (that would be awesome...however!!). But I do pray that you will be lead by the Spirit and work along side Him to arrive at the correct meaning. There is nothing wrong with going to commentaries, but do not run to them first. Let the text sit on your heart and mind and pray that the Spirit would lead you to the correct meaning. Then when you feel you have your interpretation check a good commentary, to see if you were right, close, wrong or maybe a heretic. ; ) Every text of Scripture has a meaning and a message that is meant to for our lives. 2 Tim. 3:16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness” This means that John 3:16 and Leviticus both carry a message that is profitable for us! To teach, rebuke, correct and train us for lives pleasing to Christ (2 Cor. 5:9) There is only one true interpretation of Scripture. Now, there may be many applications but there is only one meaning (at times there may be multiple true meanings prophecies/types/shadows). That meaning is what the author originally intended. The task of all Biblical interpretation is to discover that the author (and God) meant to get across to his original audience. When that is discovered, you have arrived at a correct interpretation. This may require that you have some good resources to figure out who the author is writing to, so you can determine how the original audience would have interpreted what the writer was saying. Goal is to find the the timeless truth (interpretation) and then figure out what that means for us today (application). EXAMPLE: DOES ANYONE FEEL GUILTY RIGHT NOW? Whatʼs the command? Romans 16:16 1 Cor. 16:20 1 Peter 5:14 2 Cor. 13:12 1 Thess. 5:26 This is where cultural context and timeless truth come in handy. Keys to Interpretation: 1. Content a. Look at the Words. Some of the best preachers and teachers, are so, because they are good students of the Word. Pay close attention to the words. (Observation is key to Interpretation). Some meaning is obvious Philippians 2:14 2. Interrogate the Text - Ask questions! Why is this here? Why this word? Why didnʼt the writer say this? Who, what, where, when, why and how 3. Context - Literary, Historical, Cultural, Theological & Geographical a. Before and After - What did he say before this verse and after? i. Scripture interprets Scripture!!! Context is king! Move from immediate to overall (surrounding verses, chapter, book, authorʼs other writings, within the testament, and whole Bible). b. What is going on in History at this time to the author and the audience? c. What is the culture like at this time period and that of the audience? d. How much did this audience know about God and His Plans? What portions of Scripture did they have? Where in the Bible Timeline? e. Where is this taking place? Geographic features? (ex: Mark 4 - Sea of Galilee) f. THIS CAN PROVIDE.... i. Clarity - What did he really mean? Example: Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Does this really mean..I could dunk a basketball because Christ strengthens me? In context, it means we can be content in any circumstance in life. Other examples: 1. Matthew 7:1 - “donʼt judge lest you be judged - while the following verses tell us how to ʻjudgeʼ (cross reference w/ John 7:24 “judge with right judgment.” 2. Matthew 18:20 - two or three are gathered in my name. Used typically to say that where 2 or 3 believers are, Jesus is there too. When in context it means, that in the process of church discipline Jesus is affirming/approving what is being done. As if Jesus is not there when I am alone? And with the doctrine of Godʼs Omnipresence...He is everywhere! ii. Conviction - In Ephesians 6:18-20, the Apostle Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him that “words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel “ (v.19). Now, this sounds good, noble, and a great prayer for all to imitate. 1. But! Take into account the Historical Context...Paul is in jail!! “for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak “ (v.20). 2. Paul could have asked them to pray for: freedom, comfort, better meals, better treatment, etc..etc..Instead, he asked for boldness to keep preaching the Gospel!!!!! Incredible! Reveals a mindset we need to pray for. 4. Comparison - Greater Context a. An essential method to Bible Study is comparing Scripture with Scripture. i. Correlation - Let Scripture interpret Scripture - Requires Systematic thinking and vast knowledge of Scripture. 1. This makes some of the sweetest Bible Study and it allows one to get the breadth of the counsel and work of God. 2. EXAMPLE WITH AND WITHOUT CORRELATION a. Who rose Jesus from the dead? i. 1 Corinthians 6:14 - The Father rose Jesus ii. John 2:19 - Jesus rose Himself iii. Romans 8:11 - The Holy Spirit rose Jesus iv.See the wonder and work of the Trinity. b. Who gives eternal life? i. Romans 6:23 - God the Father gives us Life ii. John 10:28 - Jesus gives us life iii. Galatians 6:8 - The Holy Spirit gives us life c. Example of bad Bible Study (Isolation can be dangerous!) - Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 3. Bad Bible study would end here....”see, you can hate your parents.” Bad sermons, theology and the cults all stem from bad Bible study (examples: prosperity gospel, Jehovahʼs Witnesses, Mormonism, Jesus Only Movement) a. John Calvinʼs day - People interpreting ʻcommunion of the saintsʼ, to mean wife swapping. b. Evangelistic Gymnastics - Rev. 3:20 “I stand at the door and knock.” Let Jesus in! Well, He is speaking to Christians already, He is speaking of repentance and their readiness for His Second Coming: Luke 12:35-40 4. What Scriptures would you compare with those examples? 5. Consultation a. Using Secondary resources after personal prayer for illumination and guidance from the Spirit. b. Donʼt feel guilty about this!!! God has given men to the Church that are incredible thinkers...so we can learn from them. Thousands of Christians have looked at the Bible and battled with the tensions that some people think are new. They have been there...and have given us help. c. WHAT TO USE... i. Concordance - An exhaustive one...Strongʼs is great or biblegateway.com. Like an index of the Bible. Essential! ii. Bible Dictionary - Donʼt only use Websterʼs. 1. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. 2. Richardʼs Complete Bible Dictionary a. You came across “asherah” in Judges 6:30 and see people worshipping this god and you have no idea who it is. Good Bible dictionary, will explain it and possibly provide pictures. 3. Eastonʼs Bible Dictionary iii. Bible Handbooks - Similar to Encyclopedias 1. Nelsonʼs Bible Handbook and Eerdmanʼs Handbook to the Bible. 2. Manners and Customs - if you want to know about clothes, schooling, tools and thing pertaining to culture. iv. Topical Bibles/Textbooks are amazing for topical studies. v. Atlases 1. Moody Atlas of Bible Lands 2. Zondervan Pictorial Bible Atlas 3. www.bibleplaces.com vi. Bible Commentaries - By Book, Testament, Chunk, Whole Bible. 1. Great for when you hit a rough patch and/or simply what to know more. Not all commentaries are created equal! a. Exegetical/Technical, Devotional, Pastoral, Survey, Theological. 2. Bible Knowledge Commentary (OT and NT) 3. New Bible Commentary 4. IVP Background Bible Commentary 5. Highly recommend - John MacArthur Commentaries a. Has them available book by book and by Survey. 6. Thomas Constableʼs (fantastic!!!) www.soniclight.com vii. What about Study Bibles????? 1. There are many out there! Again...not all study Bibles are created equal. 2. Pair it with a good translation. 3. URGENT - GET ONE! a. The MacArthur Study Bible - NASB (can also purchase a volume of just the notes) b. The ESV Study Bible!!!! (Highly Recommend!) viii.What about Bible Software????? 1. Logos - is the premier software. Different packages available, but can get expensive. www.logos.com 2. E-Sword - FREE!!!! Almost does it all! www.e-sword.net. Has commentaries, different translations, dictionaries and can show Greek and Hebrew. ix. What about Greek and Hebrew? 1. Not essential to learn to discern Godʼs will for you life, to worship Him or to enjoying Him as our supreme joy. But can be very helpful to settling tensions in a text and by providing depth that is not conveyed in English. 2. Many of our problems and tensions are due to our English translations. Going from Greek or Hebrew to English isnʼt the easiest thing to do! Example: Greek has 4 words for ʻloveʼ...English has 1!!! RESOURCE WEBSITES... 1. www.bible.org - want to learn something, use a tool, read a good article/ commentary? This is your place. 2. www.preceptaustin.org - great one stop place for commentaries collected from all over the web (very trustworthy), dictionaries, maps and word studies. 3. www.biblegateway.com - search the Bible for free in any translation. By: keywords, phrases, passages and a topical index. 4. www.biblebb.com - all around good website for sermons, resources, studies, etc...Able to search by book of the Bible. 5. www.desiringgod.org - John Piperʼs ministry, great resources for articles, studies and sermons from his preaching ministry. 6. www.marshillchurch.org - Mark Driscollʼs sermons are incredibly helpful. He has preached through numerous books in their entirety. 7. www.biblestudytools.net - conglomeration of all things pertaining to Bible study. (helpful for looking up Greek) 8. www.soniclight.com - Incredible website! Free commentaries on every book of the Bible. Examples of Interpretation (what does it mean?) from Hebrews 12: 1. The cloud of witnesses is referring to believers in Chapter 11. 2. He uses a lot of plural nouns...wants us to realize community in the Christian life. 3. “Race” means - fight, opposition, struggle. He is telling the Hebrews, this wonʼt be easy. Which is why they need to run with ʻenduranceʼ which means a ʻpatient enduringʼ 4. Heb. 12:4 “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin” He is telling them that they havenʼt struggled against sin so much, that it is causing them to bleed. Might be making a parallel to Jesus on the Cross, since He bleed for us and didnʼt give up. * 5. Encumbrance (weight) and sin are two different things that the writer is wanting the audience to ʻlay aside.ʼ This means that there are some things in our lives that are not sinful by themselves (T.V.) but can become ʻweightʼ, that will hinder our running the race well. * MOST IMPORTANTLY: Donʼt Forget About Jesus Hermeneutics is a fancy word for Bible Study. It is of utmost importance that we have a Christ-Centered Hermeneutic (Gospel/Cross). Meaning: Whatever we are studying....it is meant to point us to Jesus. (Luke 24:27, John 5:39) Bryan Chapell, in his book, Christ-Centered Preaching, says that every text of Scripture can be placed in one, or more, of these four categories. 1. Reflective of the Work of Christ 2. Resultant of the Work of Christ 3. Predictive of the Work of Christ and/or 4. Preparatory for the Work of Christ2 However, we do not want to allegorize and say that the 5 stones that David picked up to kill Goliath spell Jesus. Chapell says concerning tying this perspective together... Do not pretend that every text specifically mentions Jesus if one has the right decoder ring. Rather, they should demonstrate how every text reflects aspects or needs of His grace that are made plain in the fullness of time...this demonstrates the unity of Scripture, Godʼs unchanging but progressive plan of redemption, and the ways that all Scripture coordinates to reveal the grace of the Savior and the futility of any other hope.3 There are themes to note and look for that push us to the need of a Savior. Grace, mercy, death, victory, redemption etc...point us to the hero of the BIble: Jesus. A study of Exodus wasnʼt meant to terminate there, the revelation Norman Geisler offers this breakdown of the Old Testament... • Genesis - Deuteronomy = The Foundation for Christ • Joshua - Esther = The Preparation for Christ • Job - Song of Solomon = The Aspiration for Christ • Isaiah - Malachi = The Expectation of Christ4 New Testament Breakdown • Gospels - About Jesus (Jesusʼ incarnation) • Acts - Jesus continued work on the earth (the Church) • Epistles - How to live for Jesus • Revelation - Jesusʼ return and eternity with Him (Jesusʼ Final Exaltation) 2 Bryan Chapell, Christ-Centered Preaching, p. 282, 2005 3 Ibid, p. 284 4 A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman Geisler Example.... Friendship of David and Jonathan (Jesus is better) Friend to be and look for Scripture Jesus Is knit to you...loves you as himself 1 Samuel 18:1-3, 20:32-34 Acts 9:4 (close affiliation) Selfless love...gives you all that is his 1 Samuel 18:4 Ephesians 1-2, Galatians 2:20, Romans 8:32 Whose got your back 1 Samuel 19:1-2a, 23:17 Romans 12:19, Revelation 6:10, Hebrews 10:30, John 10:28-29, Gives great counsel and wonʼt leave you to do it all. 1 Samuel 19:2b-3 Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, Isaiah 9:6 Made a commitment to love you 1 Samuel 18:3, 23:18 Romans 8:33-39, Ephesians1:13-14, 5:2, 25-33, Matthew 7:7-11 Prays for you and strengthens you in God 1 Samuel 23:15-16 John 17, 2 Corinthians 12:9, OTHER SAMPLINGS Temple - The temple is nothing compared to Jesus - Matthew 12:6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. Solomon - Jesus is better than Solomon - Matthew 12:42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Wisdom - Jesus is the essence of wisdom, the wisest man, and the one who lived the ʻproverbial lifeʼ, perfectly living the proverbs. - 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30 Christ is our Wisdom. Jonah - Matthew 12:40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. Sacrifices - Jesus fulfills and is the better sacrifice see in Leviticus (Hebrews 9:11-28) The High Priest - Jesus is the better High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) Bronze Serpent - John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up. Moses - Jesus is better than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6) Water from the Rock - Was Jesus who provided for them (1 Corinthians 10: 4) Exodus - Jesus is the one who led them out (Jude 5) Noah - Name means rest (Gen. 5:29), Jesus gives rest (Mt. 11:28) The Kings - Jesus is the King we need (1 Tim. 6:15, Rev. 19:16) The Covenants (Promises) - He fulfills all the promises of God. - 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. Studying of the Old Testament constantly shows us our sin and depravity, which leads us directly to the feet of Jesus, who was and is our sinless saving substitute. A FEW QUOTES ... “The importance of this theme - the Old Testament pointing to Christ - is great.” - J.I. Packer. “Scripture is not rightly understood or taught unless the person and work of Jesus are the central truth being revealed....No matter how many verses are used, the Bible has not been rightly understood or proclaimed unless Jesus is the central focus and hero.” - Mark Driscoll, Vintage Jesus. WORST SERMON EVER - Where is Jesus? In the same vein, your Bible Study has to be through Him, to Him, for Him (Romans 11:36) and it looks to Him (Hebrews 12:2) - or it isnʼt a Christian Bible Study. Sampling: How are we to forgive one another? - Ephesians 4:32 ...as God in Christ forgave you” How do husbands love their wives? - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Why do we trust Godʼs provision? - Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? How do we humble ourselves? - Philippians 2:1-11. Jesusʼ humble incarnation is a model of us (fast forward to not complain Philippians 2:14) FAST FORWARD... Christ Beholding Application. - If the cross and resurrection of Christ doesnʼt change or make your study of the Bible distinct, if it could be totally absent..it isnʼt Christian. - Romans 12:2 (transformed) - 2 Cor. 3:18 (transformed) How? By ʻbeholding the glory of the Lord.ʼ - Savoring Jesusʼ person and work (Hebrews 12:1-4). Right thinking about God is the best application! As your love for Him grows, your love and taste for sin dies simultaneously. “The cross is both a past event of substitution and a present experience of execution” - John Piper, The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Our Bible Study should be... 1. God soaked 2. Jesus treasuring 3. Spirit enabled Danger of excluding this... - Therapeutic moralistic deism - Feel good morals with ʻgodʼ sprinkled in. If Jesus is absent we are doing something wrong. - Idolatry - Love our righteousness - Luke 11:42 - Possible to do all religious activity and not love God. - Conquer anger (instruction from Proverbs). How? Your strength? Jesus life and death, who now lives in you (Galatians 2:20). - Must be done with joy and gladness, not distracted by our ʻblessingsʼ Dt. 28:47 cf. 6:10-12. - Remembering the work of the Triune God guards from this - Ps. 34:8, Dt. 4:9 - Study the Bible not because we have to....LOVE TO. Application This is the goal every Bible study: How Do I Live It? If this is not our goal we will become stale believers with... - no brightness or saltiness (Matthew 5:13-16) - that honor God with our lips (and brains!) but our hearts are far from Him (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 22:34-40). “Truth not lived is truth not learned” - Ken Hanna, DTS Professor. READ JAMES 1:19-27 ʻwhat do you see here?ʼ The Bible reads you!! The Bible shows us, US. Donʼt look at it, see your problems and go about life. Remember: Knowledge is still important! Usually one has tendency to go to one extreme or the other. Desirous of knowledge or relationship? Which do you lean more to? You need both! Is the goal of our Bible study knowledge or relationship? Yes! : ) How can I love someone if I donʼt know anything about them or what they care about? We should want to know everything we can about Godʼs Word and God Himself....but knowledge is not the end. Worship is. - We study to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). - We study so we can learn how to please Him (2 Cor. 5:9). - Scripture knowledge is not the end....Jesus is (John 5:39). - We observe and interpret, so we can - apply it to our wicked hearts (Matthew 15:19), - so our lives are transformed to bring Him Glory (Romans 11:33-12:2, Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:11-12). You want to be an Ezra - Ezra 7:10 - WHAT DID HE DO? [wring this out!] Essence of Application: It is... - Bringing the truth of Scripture and transform life. - translating timeless principles into timely practices. - “making the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” Titus 2:9 - It is fulfilling Godʼs intended purpose for His Word and work. This will be painful! Easy Christianity doesnʼt exist! Our flesh hates this. The Bible being applied to us is described as a sword cutting through us (Hebrews 4:12). Life change for the Glory of God will be like iron slamming against each other (Proverbs 27:17), we are in a fight (Hebrews 12:1-4). We are described as an athlete, a soldier and a hard working farmer (2 Tim. 2:3-6). The Christian life is not just a cruising along, but working, killing our flesh by the Spirit (Romans 8:13) for the Glory of God. Our goal in application is not to merely have external behavior modification. To move from struggling with pornography, or anger, or jealously to victory is wonderful, but that is not the only goal. The goal is to have internal heart transformation. All of our sinful actions, thoughts are desires flow out of our hearts (Matthew 15:19), so to fix a behavior without addressing the root of the behavior serves no purpose. One behavior may be stopped, but the ʻroot causeʼ will manifest another sinful behavior. Application needs to get to the heart of the matter, not just behavior. THE BAD FARMER STORY (get to the root not just the fruit) ------Not all applications that arise will be directed at putting to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:13). Others will be convictions brought on by the Spirit, to read a certain book of the Bible, to bless a co-worker, to study Church History and so on. Process of Application: Once you have arrived at your interpretation you are now able to apply the text properly. Helps to know what your weights and sins that easily entangle you, so we can run this race well that has been set before us (Hebrews 12:1). When we know those weak areas, we are more apt to be on the look out, and the Scriptures will jump out at us to war with those sins. Nine Questions to Ask: 1. Is there an example for me to follow? a. Abe in Genesis 18 - Passionate prayer for sinful people. 2. Is there a sin to avoid? a. When reading instead of saying, “You gotta be kidding!!!” Commit to avoiding that sin. For an example...pick just about any book! 3. Is there a sin to forsake? a. If condescending to people - Ephesians 4:29 says only let speech come out of your mouth that builds people up. 4. Is there a promise to claim? a. Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Tell God, “I see in you Word that you promised if I hunger for righteousness that you will satisfy me..Please do this Lord!” 5. Is there a prayer to repeat? 6. 7. 8. 9. a. Not word for word, but in the manner in which the pray (posture and message). i. Elijah prayed with his head between his knees - 1 Kings 18:42 ii. He also prayed fervently - James 5:17 iii. Davidʼs prayer of confession - Psalm 51 iv. Hannahʼs prayer of thanksgiving - 1 Samuel 2:1-10 v. Davidʼs prayer for help - Psalm 55 Is there a command to obey? a. The Bible is full of commands!! (About 613 in the OT alone!) b. Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” - That ones fun!!! ; ) A new thought about God? a. 1 John 2:12 “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for His nameʼs sake.” i. Not only did God forgiven our sins for our good but also for His Glory. b. When reading all the ways and rules that God wants the temple built - God is not a God of disorder and chaos. He likes things done His way. Are there principles to live by? a. Working hard (Ecclesiastes 9:10) b. Whole book of Proverbs! (ex: Prov. 22:13) What is there about Jesus that teaches me about His person and work and stirs me to love Him more and hate sin? (Luke 24:27, John 5:39, 2 Cor. 3:18) THE PAPER TEST (show me my sins God) You donʼt have to do this with a piece of paper, you may not want to for all that matter!!! Here, simply sit down and ask God, “What do I need to change? What sin in my life do I need to confront? Show me my ways.” ///// “search my heart O God.” - Psalm 139:23 After Arrival: Meditate on what God has revealed to be your application. Take time to think about what you learned and what changes need to be made. Prayerful meditation involves asking God to reveal and give you what needs to be done. - Saint Augustine prayed, “Command me Lord and give me what You command me!” Put Some Meat on those Bones: Flesh it out Once we arrive at our initial application it is now time to bring it all together. Ask: “What must be done to apply this truth to my life?” - How do I make this happen? We want to be as specific as possible in our applications. Needs to be clear and concrete, not muddy and flimsy. If we make a generality, we will generally do nothing. A fellow believer should be able to help you keep an application, it is tangible. Example Application: “I need to read by Bible more” - Boooo!! No good - translates to Beginning this Monday, July 26th, I will read the same chapter of the Gospel of Mark every day for a week. I will work my way through the book, keeping a journal of my thoughts, insights, prayers, convictions and questions. Characteristics of good application. 1. Specific - avoid being general (stop making my husband angry...How??) 2. Achievable - It is realistic (I am going to quit my job and trust God...while my 4 kids starve OR I am going to evangelize every JEW!!) 3. Measurable - Clear indication when they are achieved are not. Either by yourself or by another Christian who can check in with you and encourage you. Examples of Application from Hebrews 12:1-4 ʻwhat would you apply?ʼ Practice... John 13:1-18 R.E.A.P (Observe //// Interpret /// Apply) >>>>> Remember: Look for the timeless truth and then apply it to real life. May the Lord bless you as you seek to study His word, apply it to your life and maybe even teach it to others! WRITE OUT A SHORT PRAYER TO YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER ASKING FOR GRACE AS YOU STUDY HIS WORD (ex: keep me from pride, help me to live it, open my eyes, etc.) -----------------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDED BOOKS - Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks - Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul - How to Read the Bible as Literature by Leland Ryken For preachers or aspiring preachers - Preaching and Preachers by Martyn Lloyd-Jones - Christ Centered Preaching by Bryan Chappell - The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper
© Copyright 2024