HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
(2 Pet. 3:18; Acts 17:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:15)

Introduction: Studying the Bible is one of the most profitable activities one can be engaged in IF he/she is determined to understand and then apply the teachings! There are some basic factors one must take into consideration to understand.

First one needs to study with the idea/understanding that ALL SCRIPTURE is inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). However, as one studied he/she must understand that what is recorded is NOT ALL God’s will, but some others!

The following factors needs to be seen as some basic rules for Bible Study!

1. Who is speaking (Job. 2:5, 9; Gen. 3:5; 14:1). In these passages we see that the serpent is speaking to Eve, accusing God’s good intention to her. Satan is accusing Job to God, claiming that if He take away the hedge (good life) from him that he would curse God. How wrong was he in other cases. Also, we find Job’s wife giving some foolish advice. The fool is speaking in Psalm 14. So, we need to SEE who is really speaking. God had recorded their words, so we can see the tactics of evil!

2. To Whom (Gen. 22:2). Abraham was commanded to offer his son, but we are not given that command to do the same. But God has recorded that for our learning --to see how FAITH acts.

3. When -- what dispensation (Age) Is something given! (Eph. 3:1-5; Acts 15:1; Gen. 17:11-13; 1 Cor. 9:21). We are not under the Law of Moses. We do have LAW, but it is Christ law, the New Testament scriptures constitute the rules and regulations we are governed by! Let us understand and keep that in mind, please, as we study the Bible!

4. Context --Before and After -(Matt. 24:17). This passages is speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in AD 70. Many have tried to apply it for modern day events, and have drawn wrong conclusions.

5. What is really said?
1). Literal or figurative language (Jn. 15:5; Lk. 3:4-5; Phil. 3:2)
2). Common Sense (Jn, 3:3,5) -- an old man?
3). Law of harmony (Matt. 4:7; Acts 16:31; Jas. 2:24-26; Matt. 27:5; Lk. 10:37; 13: 27)
4). Historical Order (1 Cor..; 2 Cor.; 1st; 2rd, 3rd John;

6. Titles --what is indicated by?
1). Genesis --Beginning
2). Exodus --Departure
3). Joshua — Main leader, person in book
4). Judges --type of Judgment, or different person ruling at different Times.
5). Matthew, Mark, Luke, John --writer
6). Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, Etc.. People to whom written

7. Purpose — "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly divided the word of God." (2 Tim. 2:15; Jn. 5.39) Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

Conclusion: Friends. We urge all to make this a daily activity. Having the same aim as those noblemen of Berea --to see if what is being accepted and practiced is SO, TRUE, from God!

1. There are reading schedule -- reading so much each day, etc. One can choose the way or manner in which one is to be so engaged, but it needs to be a daily activity!

2. There can be a topical study — Church, Baptism, etc. This is where one searched out all that is said on one particular subject. A Concordance is helpful in doing this

3. There can be systematic — as in times periods, etc. This, too, can be a profitable type of study!

4. Book study -- take a book, as Isaiah, Jeremiah, one of the Gospels --Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.

5. Biographical -- Persons, Kingdoms, etc. This can be an interesting and profitable study.

Beloved, whatever approach you use, do it! You owe it to yourself!

By - William C. Sexton

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