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