The discipline of study is central to the whole process of renewing the mind in such a way that we can respond in appropriate ways to the truths of God’s Word. Study of Scripture involves not only reading, but active involvement in observation, interpretation, and application of its contents. This discipline also includes devotional reflection on the beauties and intricacies of nature as well as exposure to gifted writers and teachers in the past and in the present.Kenneth BoaWebsite:Commentary:Follow:Connect on Facebook: Kenneth BoaThe Bible is unique in its production, preservation, proclamations, and product. In its production, it is a harmonious and unified message of redemption that has emerged out of diversity of authors, circumstances, and literary forms. In its preservation, it has miraculously withstood the ravages of time, persecution, and criticism, and continues to be the best selling book in the world. In its proclamations, it stands alone in its revelation of God's plan from eternity to eternity and in its life-giving message.

1. Breaking Down The Versus In The Bible Study Book
2. Breaking Down The Versus In The Bible Study Guide
3. Breaking Down The Versus In The Bible Study Pdf

The books of the Bible are just that: books or letters written independently of one another that were accumulated together over time. The chapters and verses, aside from selected books, were.

In its product, it has changed the course of history, reached more people, and transformed more lives than any other book.In spite of all this, the Bible is often taken for granted, even by those who vehemently support its inspiration and authority. Many believers associate Bible study with drudgery; limiting themselves to mere samples, they never cultivate a true taste for its contents. There are two basic reasons for this problem: lack of a proper motivation and lack of a proper method. This booklet is designed to overcome these obstacles to fruitful Bible study.To own a Bible is a tremendous responsibility—to whom much has been given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The Scriptures must not merely be owned, but known; not merely known, but believed; and not merely believed, but obeyed. To encourage this, we will look at the purpose, prerequisites, principles, process, and practice of Bible study. Purpose of Bible Study The Doorway to a New DomainScripture tells us that there are really two realms: that which is seen and that which is unseen.

The first is the realm of apparent reality, the world we know through our minds and our five senses. If it were not for divine revelation, we would be locked into this level without any way of breaking through to the second realm, the world of ultimate reality. Bound to the level of the finite, the relative, and the temporal, we would be unable to find the meaning and purpose we long for that can only come from the level of the infinite, the absolute, and the eternal. There would be no hope of finding answers to the basic questions of life: Who am I?

Where did I come from? Why am I here?

Where am I going?God gave us His Word to deliver us from this domain of darkness and to transfer us to the domain of light, the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col. The Bible reveals the full scope of the Lord's creative and redemptive plan for His people. Only in its pages can we gain a perspective on our corporate past, present, and future and realize the overwhelming significance of our new identity as the recipients of 'every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ' (Eph.

1:3).By drinking deeply and regularly from the well of God's Word, our entire value system will be gradually transformed from the temporal to the eternal. The study of Scripture sets our minds on the things above (Col. 3:2), the source of all biological and spiritual life. It enables us to 'look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal' (2 Cor. 4:18).This is the heart of wisdom-plugging into the realm of ultimate reality and walking in the light, life, and love of the Lord. By pursuing the precepts and principles of the Bible, we gain the most important skill of all: the ability to live each area of life under the dominion of the King. The Bible does not tell us to live and learn; it exhorts us to learn and live.

The Pathway to a Better LifeThere are several reasons for getting into the Word and letting the Word get into us. Here are six:1. Nourishment and growth. The Bible was not merely written for our information, but for our transformation. 'All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work' (2 Tim. While the Bible is an inspired revelation from the living God, it requires our response before it can have an impact upon our lives. Scripture is indeed 'profitable for teaching,' but its profit does not stop on the level of doctrine; it must move from the head to the heart to accomplish the purpose for which it was given.God loves us and desires nothing less than our highest good: conformity to the character of His Son.

A dynamic relationship with the truth of His Word provides us with the spiritual nourishment we will need to grow into the maturity of Christlikeness.Exercise: Study 2 Peter 1:2-8 to trace the progressive effect that the knowledge of God and His promises has upon the life of a believer.2. New priorities and values. The study of Scripture can deliver us from the bondage of a temporal perspective and provide us with an eternal value system. By frequently renewing our minds with the Word (Rom.

12:2), our thinking and behavior come more into conformity with God's view of significance, purpose, identity, and success. The pursuit of God's value system leads to fulfillment and joy in contrast to the frustration and unhappiness that result from the pursuit of the world's value system. See Psalm 5:11; 16:5-8; 105:3-4; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 1:21; Colossians 1:10-12.3. Overcoming temptation.

The study of Scripture provides us with both corrective and preventive medicine. It warns us in advance of the kinds of temptations we can expect (e.g., Prov. 4:10-27; 5:1-23; 1 John 2:15-16), tells us about the process of temptation (see Jas. 1:12-17), and shows us how to deal with temptation (1 Cor.

Guidance for decision making. The Scriptures reveal God's moral will for practically every area of life. A working knowledge of the commands, prohibitions, and principles of the Bible will give us wisdom and guidance in the decisions that shape the course of our earthly existence (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 1:2-5), and a divine perspective that will enable us to respond in the right way to our circumstances and rise above them (Jas.

Knowledge of God. The Bible is a progressive revelation of the person, plan, character, mind, love, and will of our Creator. We cannot hope to know Him and His ways apart from time spent in His revealed Word.Exercise: All but three verses in Psalm 119 contain a reference to the Word of God (variously referred to as God's laws, decrees, precepts, promises, testimonies, statutes, judgments, ordinances, commands, and words). Read this psalm and record your observations of the beneficial effects of the Scriptures in cultivating a relationship with God.6.

Knowledge of ourselves. 'For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart' (Heb. The Bible cuts below the facade of appearances and lays bare our secret motivations and plans (cf. As we read it, the Word becomes a mirror that exhibits our true character, exposes areas of self-delusion, and exhorts us to change (see Jas. Prerequisites of Bible Study The Prerequisite of a PlanEven if a person realizes the tremendous significance of a working knowledge of the Word in his life, the prospect of Bible study may still seem unexciting and unrewarding because of the inadequate procedures he has used in the past.

He may be properly motivated, but he could also be a victim of improper methods.When people grope in the darkness of haphazard approaches to Scripture, it is little wonder that Bible study seems so unsatisfying and has such a minimal place in their lives. The hit-and-miss approach of Bible roulette provides little spiritual nourishment. Without an ability to understand and apply the truths of Scripture in a practical and meaningful way, believers miss out on the benefits of exploring and discovering biblical truths for themselves. This is why so many Christians have only a secondhand knowledge of the Bible and rely almost exclusively on the input of teachers and preachers.The sections on the process and practice of Bible study later in this booklet will provide you with a plan that will make your time in the Word more rewarding. The Prerequisite of DisciplineWhile we need a plan or method of getting into Scripture for ourselves, no approach to the study of the Bible will be effective without a measure of discipline and consistency. If we are convinced of the value of time spent in the Word (the problem of motivation) and realize that fruitful approaches are available (the problem of method), the only remaining obstacle is the inertia that keeps us from beginning and tempts us to stop. There is no shortcut to extracting the deeper spiritual truths from the mine of Scripture.

Even though they are available to all, we must be willing to expend the effort to find them. The dividends are well worth the effort: consistent time in the Word will shape the way we see the world and the way we live our lives. But this consistency cannot be won without commitment. The Prerequisite of DependenceWe need a plan for Bible study, and we need the discipline to follow through with that plan so that it will become a habitual part of our lives. But these will do us little good if they are not pursued with a conscious sense of dependence upon the teaching and illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15). We must combine discipline (human responsibility) with dependence (divine sovereignty) as we approach the Scriptures.

We cannot properly comprehend or respond to biblical truths in our own power; this requires the grace of God.Exercise: What does 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 say about the role of the Holy Spirit in our understanding of God's revelation? The Prerequisite of ResponsivenessWe must not only open God's Word—we must also be open to His Word.

James tells us that we must prove ourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves (Jas. This requires responsiveness to the truth we receive as we receive it. If we are disobedient to the light we have been given, we will not receive further illumination (cf. Mark 4:23-25). The old couplet is true:Light obeyed increaseth light,Light rejected bringeth night.Salvation begins with a response to the person and work of Christ as revealed in Scripture.

The sacred writings 'are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus' (2 Tim. Non-Christians cannot 'accept the things of the Spirit of God' (1 Cor. 2:14) because they do not have the Spirit. Unless a person has a relationship with God, he cannot understand His Word. Similarly, one must grow in this relationship to increase his capacity to understand Scripture.

Our fellowship with the Lord is dependent upon obedience (see John 15:14-15), and disobedient Christians cannot accept the solid food of the Word (see 1 Cor. Campbell Morgan observed, 'if we persist in the things against which we are warned, the Bible becomes a sealed book, and we can neither know it, nor teach it.' The Prerequisite of Honesty'Holy Scripture is the unchangeable word of God to which man must bend himself, and not something which he can bend to his own personal ideas' (Jean Danielou). The truth of the Bible is radical, and we will often be tempted to twist it to fit our preconceived opinions and tone down its message so that we will be more comfortable. We must be honest before the Word, and this means openness to new insights and willingness to give up cherished notions. 'Unless we carefully examine the hidden assumptions that constitute our perspective, and seek to discover God's unique perspective on issues critical to understanding Scripture, we are bound to misunderstand.

And, misunderstanding, we will find the Bible a disappointing book' (Lawrence O. The Prerequisite of Exposure'For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God' (Acts 20:27). We must expose ourselves and others to the full counsel of God, and this requires a comprehensive view of the entire spectrum of the Bible.

There are five basic categories of Scripture: Old Testament historical books, poetical books, and prophetical books; New Testament historical books (Gospels and Acts), and epistles. If we limit ourselves to any one of these categories (e.g., the Gospels or the epistles) and avoid the others, we will suffer from an imbalanced diet and our perspective will be distorted. Principles of Bible Study Rules1.

Treat the Bible as a complete book; it is a unity in diversity. Try to relate each book you study to the central theme of Scripture: God's loving plan to redeem and restore imperfect people through the perfect work of His Son.2. The Bible is a unified book, but as we study its pages, we should also remember that it is a progressive revelation. Over the fifteen or more centuries during which it was written, its portrait of God and His redemptive program was gradually enriched and clarified. It has been said that, 'The New is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed.' Do not regard the Bible as a textbook; it is not merely an object to be observed but an oracle to be obeyed.

Approach it with a proper attitude of reverence, care, and receptivity. It is alive with the Spirit of God, and it has the power to change the lives of those who respond to it. It is trustworthy and inexhaustible. There are always fresh truths within its pages, and the more deeply we mine, the more insight we will gain. It can transform our thinking and gradually move us from a human to a divine perspective.Exercise: Inspiration has been defined as 'God's superintendence of the human authors so that, using their own individual personalities, they composed and recorded without error His revelation to man in the words of the original autographs' (Charles C. Read the following passages and briefly describe how each aids your understanding of inspiration: Jeremiah 30:2; Matthew 5:17-18; 15:4; John 10:35; 17:17; Acts 28:25; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 3:15-16; Revelation 22:19.4.

Let the Bible speak for itself. Scripture is its own best interpreter and commentator. This means:a. Interpret unclear passages in the light of those which are clear. When wrestling with a difficult passage, use cross references to consult other verses which deal with the same subject in a simpler way. Then bring the unclear into conformity with the clear.b. To be truly biblical, a specific doctrine must incorporate everything the Word has to say about it.

We build up our understanding of theology by comparing Scripture with Scripture.5. Interpret every passage in light of its immediate context (preceding and following verses, paragraph, chapter) and broad context (book, testament, Bible). A verse lifted out of its context can become a pretext. It is not as easy to twist the meaning of a verse when it is observed in its setting.6. Take the text at face value and interpret it in its plain or literal sense. Do not interpret it in a spiritual, symbolic, or allegorical way unless the context tells you that parables, symbols, or figures of speech are being used. A passage normally has only interpretation, though it may have a number of applications.7.

Be sure to consider the cultural and historical setting. This, along with customs and geography, provides the proper backdrop to assist you in understanding the portion of Scripture you are studying. Ask yourself the question, 'What did this passage mean to the people of that time and culture?' In Bible study as well as prayer, it is crucial to choose the right time and place so that we can be consistent. This discipline of consistency is essential to a growing theoretical and practical knowledge of the Word of God. Listen to this statement by D. Moody:A man stood up in one of our meetings and said he hoped for enough out of the series of meetings to last him all his life.

I told him he might as well try to eat enough breakfast at one time to last him his lifetime. This is a mistake that people are making; they are running to religious meetings and they think that the meetings are going to do the work.

But, if this doesn't bring you into closer contact with the Word of God, the whole impression will be gone in three months.2. Don't be haphazard in selecting a passage for study. Try to be systematic in your choice of topics, chapters, and books so that your input will come from all parts of Scripture and touch upon every aspect of your life.

Design your study sessions so that you will not sacrifice quality for quantity by overburdening yourself with unmanageable portions. Work with sections you can thoroughly digest.3. Avoid getting bogged down in one translation. Use a primary version for in-depth study, memorization, and meditation, but work with others from time to time. Some versions are better for broad reading, while others are more suited to detailed study.4. Gather information from the text by bombarding it with as many questions as you can and doing the necessary research to answer them. This will force you to delve into the Word instead of skimming over it.5.

Using the information you have collected, determine what the author means and try to glean insights. State your conclusions in the form of principles. ResponseEven if we observe all the rules, engage in conscientious and thorough research, and develop dazzling principles, we can still miss the whole point of Bible study. God did not inspire Scripture so that we could accumulate a great wealth of information, but 'that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work' (2 Tim. Jensen noted, 'The important thing is not how many times you've gone through the Bible, but whether the Bible has gone through you.'

Breaking Down The Versus In The Bible Study Book

We must respond to what we learn through our study by allowing God to transform our attitudes, feelings, and actions. Only then will our study of the Word be glorifying to God. Process of Bible StudyNow that we have looked at the purpose, prerequisites, and principles of Bible study, it is time to begin the process. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with four basic steps that will enrich your time in the Word regardless of what specific method you use: ask, answer, accumulate, and apply. With them, Bible study will be productive and meaningful; without them, it will be dry and empty.

Use these four steps until they become second nature to you. When you begin to saturate your study with them, your time in the Word will never be the same. AskAsk key questions that when answered will provide insight into the meaning of the text. Perhaps the most important skill in Bible study lies in asking the right questions. Here are the questions you should use:ASKIS THEREWHO? - The personsA key word?

— Important to meaningWHAT? - The problem, plotA comparison? — Often introduced by 'like'WHEN? - The timeA contrast? — Often introduced by “but”WHERE? - The placeA repetition?

— Indicates emphasisWHY? - The purpose, reasonAn atmosphere? — Joy, anger, fear, etc.HOW? - The solution, resourcesA clear literary form? — Poetry, prophecy, narrative, etc.A progression? — Events, ideasA climax?

— Lesser to greaterA significant point of grammar? —Tense, sentence structure, number (singular or plural)AnswerGood questions demand accurate answers.

There are two primary sources for these answers: the text and the tools of the trade. Text and ContextWe have already noted that Scripture best explains Scripture.

You will find that many of your questions will be answered in the immediate and broad context of the passage you are studying. Always look here first, and you will experience the joy of creative discovery. ToolsBegin to collect and use the tools of the trade.

These will give you great help in finding the answers you need for any method of Bible study.

This study comes from week 77 of the Reading Plan, Psalms 90-100.Please read Psalm 91 completely before beginning.Download the Study Notes:. Group Handout:Leader:. Disciple:. Other studies from this week's reading:The Study Bookmark for Psalms 90-106 (Book IV): 1 per page 4 per page IntroductionThere are so many words that we grow up with that carry with them the definition attached to them by the world.

Words like “love”, “peace”, “joy”, “faith”, etc. All have worldly meanings that are often contradicted by their biblical definition. This Psalm provides the basis for understanding the biblical meaning of the protection of the Lord. Is it the same as what you envisioned when you first read the title of this Psalm? 1He who dwells in the shelter of the Most HighWill abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,My God, in whom I trust!”3For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapperAnd from the deadly pestilence.4He will cover you with His pinions,And under His wings you may seek refuge;His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

5You will not be afraid of the terror by night,Or of the arrow that flies by day;6Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.7A thousand may fall at your sideAnd ten thousand at your right hand,But it shall not approach you.8You will only look on with your eyesAnd see the recompense of the wicked.9For you have made the Lord, my refuge,Even the Most High, your dwelling place.10No evil will befall you,Nor will any plague come near your tent. Read verses 5-10Q: This is describing what it’s like to be inside God’s refuge, safely in His protection. What do all of these activities have in common?A: They are all the results of sin, the judgments and consequences that come upon those that choose a worldly lifestyle. You might say they’re the ultimate results of someone taking refuge in the world rather than God.Q: Is dwelling in God’s refuge a guarantee of protection against anything and everything bad?A: No, there may be physical hardships, test and trials—all of which are designed to toughen us spiritually—but more importantly there is the protection that results from living a life that embraces God’s righteousness while rejecting sin. The consequences of sin will not befall those who cling to the protection of His ways.Application: Do you ever make note that the most important “peace” in life is being free of sin and sinful behavior? Do we assess “protection” as to whether we’re getting what we want or living like we should?

11For He will give His angels charge concerning you,To guard you in all your ways.12They will bear you up in their hands,That you do not strike your foot against a stone.13You will tread upon the lion and cobra,The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. Read verses 11-13Q: How would you summarize these verses as to what they teach about God’s protection?A: God provides additional resources for protection that we can’t even see.Q: How do these heavenly resources fit in with the previous passage?A: They’re both really discussing spiritual warfare, both in the visible realm and the invisible. The war between God and Satan is for our soul, not our life as it subsists on this earth, but rather whether we attain to the second life. 14“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.15He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble;I will rescue him and honor him.16With a long life I will satisfy himAnd let him see My salvation.” Read verses 14-16Q: What changed in this last passage? How is the tone and perspective different?A: The previous verses spoke in the 3rd person; here it is God personally speaking in the 1st person “ I”.Q: What are the 3 things referring to us which provide a definition for what it means to seek His shelter and protection?.

“. He has loved Me.” (v.14). “. He has known My name.” (v.14). “ He will call upon Me.” (v.15)Application: Take a moment and share how these things identify actions we take to seek His shelter.Q: What is His personal response to those who seek His protection?. “.I will deliver Him.” (v.14). “.

I will set him securely on high.” (v.14). “. I will answer him.” (v.15). “.

I will be with him in trouble.” (v.15). “.

I will rescue him and honor him.” (v.15). “ With a long life I will satisfy him.” (v.16). “. I will.let him see My salvation.” (v.16)Q: How do these actions fit in with the discussion of v.5-10 above?A: They’re much more focused on winning the spiritual battle than the physical.Application: What does it mean to you that the Psalmist began this as a testimony or teaching, but that it ended with God’s personal commentary?

Does this give you more courage to let go the things of this world for the things that lead to His protection? Overall Application.

Breaking Down The Versus In The Bible Study Guide

How does this teaching relate to Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.― Matthew 5:29-30. Are you unprotected in some way at the moment? Is it because you have made a choice to participate in a recurring sin, or not made the effort to run to Him?.

Do you realize the blessing of living a life uncontrolled by sin, even if physical circumstances are less than ideal? Is your desire for eternal protection or temporary rest?

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Breaking Down The Versus In The Bible Study Pdf

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