Archive for the ‘The Bible’ Category

The Simple Six

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

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Over the years many people have told me that they don't study the Bible because they don't have time, it's hard to understand, and probably the most cited reason is, they don't know how. This post is dedicated to helping you to use some simple principles in learning to study the Bible for yourself. I have had some great mentors in this area. People like Dr. Howard Hendricks, Dr. Charles Sell, the late E.K. Bailey and the late Michael Teague were extremely influential in me developing personal Bible study habits. Here are six questions that will help you unlock deep truths found in the Bible. 

Who? 

Who is the author of the book your are studying?
To whom was is the book addressed? 
If it is a story, who are the main characters in the story?
Who is speaking and who are the listeners (audience)

What? 

What is happening in the passage? 
What idea or thought does the author want us to understand?
Are there words that are repeated in the passage? 

When? 

When was the book written? 
When did the story happen? 

Where?

Where was the book written? (Knowing the setting is important)
Where was the author when he wrote the book?

Why? 

Why did the author write this book?
Why did he use particular words or phrases? 

How? 

How did the author intend for the verses, chapters and book to be applied?    
Here are some important application questions: 

Is there a command to obey?
Is there an example to follow?
Is there a sin that I should avoid?
Is there a promise from God that I can claim?
Is there a warning that I should heed?
Is there a truth I should believe? 
Is there something that requires me to pray, praise, or repent? 
Is there a teaching I should keep? 

Some important tools for studying the Bible for yourself:

ESV Study Bible (One of the best study Bibles on the market today)
The New Bible Dictionary (1 volume)
Eerdman's Bible Dictionary (1 Volume)
Eerdman's Commentary (1 Volume) 
Concordance 

What others principles and tools do you use to study the Bible for yourself? 

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Rediscovering the Bible

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

The bible

I have been communicating truths from the Bible for over two decades now. There have been seasons when I have fallen into the rut of substituting texts that I am teaching/preaching for my personal time alone with God. Now, there were many times when God has used those teaching texts to correct and encourage me before I served the people. However, those times were never to become the norm. During these dry times is when God allowed me to rediscover his word. Maybe you are like a chef who thinks that he can be adequately nourished by cooking, serving and just tasting food. Just like chefs need to eat and rediscover food, Jesus followers, especially those in ministry of some sort, need to rediscover the food of God's word. Based on 2 Kings 22:8-23:ff, here are some ways you can rediscover the Bible:

Read it (vv. 8, 10) Dah! This is simple, yet so profound. I need to see and hear the words on the pages or on a Cd. This really makes a big difference in your rediscovery. So, read the Bible thoughtfully, repeatedly, prayerfully, meditatively, and purposefully. Read it to learn its contents and learn its contents to fear the Lord. I spend time listening to the Bible on my Ipod. The Bible Experience, produced by Zondervan, is a great tool.  

Respond to it (v. 11). Receive humbly what God has to say to you, and recognize it as the trustworthy standard of living. When you hear its truth, ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond immediately to what you hear. 

Refine your understanding of it (v. 13). This involves submitting to others who can explain it. This may include listening to and learning from your own pastor(s) or other teachers who are solid bible teachers. I spend time listening to podcasts of men and women who are great communicators of God's word. These individuals have added so much value to my spiritual life and growth. However, submitting to others who can explain it should not be an excuse for not studying for yourself (Acts 17:11). 

Renew your commitment to it. We pursue God through reading, understanding and obeying the truths of the Bible. The Bible, along with nature and his Son, Jesus, is one of the ways in which God has chosen to reveal himself and his values. The more you discover about the Bible, the more you discover about God, and the more you discover about God, the more you know what he expects of you and the better you will be able to obey him. Take time, periodically, to renew your commitment to it. 

We read the Bible not to gain a bunch of knowledge to show people how smart we are. We read it so that God can use it to transform us in to the image of his Son, Jesus. 

What are some other ways and people God has used to help you rediscover the Bible? 

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