The Bible is the most printed and read book in history. More evidence exists to confirm the Bible than to confirm any other ancient historical document.
The Bible wasn t written to be merely history or a piece of great literature. It is meant to be read with both the mind and heart. God loves you and wants you to love him. God s Word can change your heart and transform your life.
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? MENU
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? To Know God Our greatest purpose in life, and where else can we go? Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ - Philippians 3:8
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? To Enjoy and Love God Value God s character, principles, and promises. Rejoice in his love, care, and forgiveness. Praise be to you, O LORD ORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:12 16
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? To Learn to Live Right The Bible gives us clear direction on how to not get into messes in life I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? To Find Comfort and Hope The Scriptures give us encouragement. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? To Let God Expose our Innermost Thoughts and Desires It helps us see ourselves as we really are and convicts us of sin so that we repent and change. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12 13
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? To Grow Spiritually The Bible is the main way that God grows us to be more like His Son. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation. 1 Peter 2:2 MENU
WHY STUDY THE BIBLE? To Figure out Direction in Life The Word helps us answer the question, What should I do now? Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 MENU
HOW TO BEGIN MENU
HOW TO BEGIN Read to Know the Author You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me (John 5:39). Here are some ideas: Read Genesis to learn about God the Creator. Read the Gospel of John to learn about God the Savior. Read the Book of Romans to learn about God the Redeemer. Read the Book of the Revelation to learn about God the Coming King
HOW TO BEGIN Make the Bible Your Authority Accept and believe that what the Bible says is true. You may not understand everything in the Bible, but obey and apply what you do understand.
HOW TO BEGIN Plan Your Time Decide on a quiet time and place to study God s Word and make it a daily habit, like eating. Some people get up early to spend time with God. Others study during the day or evening. Do what works for YOU
HOW TO BEGIN *Pray* Ask The Holy Spirit to help you understand his Word. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.. John 16:13
HOW TO BEGIN Become Familiar with the Bible The Old Testament was written before Jesus birth and tells about the people of Israel and anticipates the coming of Jesus the Messiah. The New Testament was written about Jesus birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection and the years that followed as Christianity spread. Know the type of book you are reading such as Law, Prophet, History, Poetry, etc. (This can be found in the introduction to a Study Bible.) Memorize the order of the books of the Bible.
HOW TO BEGIN OLD TESTAMENT THE LAW 2 Samuel Proverbs Joel Genesis 1 Kings Ecclesiastes Amos Exodus 2 Kings Song of Solomon Obadiah Leviticus 1 Chronicles MAJOR PROPHETS Jonah Numbers 2 Chronicles Isaiah Micah Deuteronomy Ezra Jeremiah Nahum HISTORY Nehemiah Lamentations Habakkuk Joshua Esther Ezekiel Zephaniah Judges POETRY/WISDOM Daniel Haggai Ruth Job MINOR PROPHETS Zechariah 1 Samuel Psalms Hosea Malachi
HOW TO BEGIN NEW TESTAMENT GOSPELS Ephesians James Matthew Philippians 1 Peter Mark Colossians 2 Peter Luke 1 Thessalonians 1 John John 2 Thessalonians 2 John Acts 1 Timothy 3 John PAUL S EPISTLES 2 Timothy Jude Romans Titus Revelation 1 Corinthians Philemon 2 Corinthians GENERAL EPISTLES Galatians Hebrews
HOW TO BEGIN Become Familiar with the Bible Second Book Name of the Book Learn how to read Bible references. Chapter Example: 2 Timothy 3:16 (2 is the second letter or book; Timothy is the name of the letter or book; 3 is the chapter; and 16 is the verse. Some Bibles have headings to help you find passages more easily. Heading Verse
HOW TO BEGIN Come up with a Plan that Works for YOU Here are some ideas: Read five Psalms and one chapter of Proverbs each day. (You ll read the 150 Psalms and 31 chapters of Proverbs in a month!) Read through the Bible in one year. One-Year Bibles and calendars give daily passages to read. Read a devotional (Daily Bread)
HOW TO BEGIN Get Creative Here are some ideas: Reinforce what you read by listening to audio versions of the Bible while you are driving to work, riding the bus, or relaxing at home.
HOW TO BEGIN Take Notes Write notes about what you read. Here are some ideas: Use a specific notebook or spiritual journal especially for Bible study. You might want to underline key verses or write notes in the margin of your Bible.
HOW TO BEGIN Find a Group As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Prov. 27:17). God gave his Word to his people. When you share what you are learning with other believers, God will do amazing things in you and them. Their questions will challenge you to pray and study more to find the answers. It will also help you to be accountable to someone. It will keep you from error. MENU
BASIC PRINCIPLES MENU
BASIC PRINCIPLES Remember God s Over-All Plan God inspired 40 people over a period of 1,600 years to write the 66 books of the Bible. The Old Testament reveals God s loving plan of salvation, from Creation to prophecies of the future Messiah (the Savior). Old Testament Intertestamental Period New Testament
BASIC PRINCIPLES Remember God s Over-All Plan The New Testament reveals God s salvation of sinful man by the suffering, death and resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and reveals the everlasting Kingdom of God. Old Testament Intertestamental Period New Testament
BASIC PRINCIPLES Find the Background of the Books (Five W s) Who wrote this book of the Bible? What is this book about? (Main themes) Where was it written? When was it written? Why was it written? (Occasion or purpose of the book)
BASIC PRINCIPLES GENESIS GOSPEL OF JOHN Who Moses Who John (The Beloved Disciple) What The Beginnings What Gospel Where Egypt and Canaan Where Asia Minor When c. 1450 BC 1400 BC When c. AD 85 95 Why To demonstrate that God is sovereign and loves his creation. Why To show Jesus as the Son of God, the Word made flesh, who provides eternal life for all who believe in him.
BASIC PRINCIPLES *Read Verses in Context* Read the surrounding chapters and the verses before and after the verse you are studying. Get the whole picture. Don t study verses out of context.
BASIC PRINCIPLES Read Verses in Context Expand the search if you need to.
BASIC PRINCIPLES Whole Message of God s Word Look at the small cross references in your Bible to help you find other verses on the same subject. Example: John 3:16
BASIC PRINCIPLES Discover the Intended Meaning As you read the Bible, look for the author s intended meaning. What did the author want to say? What did it mean in that culture? What does it mean now? What is the Big Idea? If you have questions, write them down, pray for insight, and discuss your ideas with others. Beware reading into it what you need it to say.
BASIC PRINCIPLES Learn Geography Use maps to learn about the geography Jesus calmed the of where events took place. Sea of Galilee Jesus grew up in Nazareth Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea
BASIC PRINCIPLES Learn History Use a time line to learn about the history of the Bible. Above time line from Bible Time Line by Rose Publishing
BASIC PRINCIPLES Figurative Language Figures of speech are word pictures that help us understand a truth. Here are some examples: Metaphor: He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4
BASIC PRINCIPLES Figurative Language Similes: occurs over 175 times in the Psalms. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27) A simile compares ideas with the words like or as.
BASIC PRINCIPLES Figurative Language Personification: Jesus used personification when he said if the people did not declare the mighty works they had seen God do, the stones would cry out in praise. He answered, I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. (Luke 19:40).
BASIC PRINCIPLES Figurative Language Hyperbole (exaggeration): If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell (Matt. 5:29 30).
BASIC PRINCIPLES Forms of Literature The Bible contains various forms of literature. Examples: History, Narrative, Poetry, Wisdom, Prophecy, Parables, and Letters. Recognizing each form will help you interpret the meaning. Each form needs to be read with its form in mind, allowing it to help you interpret the passages. You don t read one form the same way you read another.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OLD TESTAMENT THE LAW 2 Samuel Proverbs Joel Genesis 1 Kings Ecclesiastes Amos Exodus 2 Kings Song of Solomon Obadiah Leviticus 1 Chronicles MAJOR PROPHETS Jonah Numbers 2 Chronicles Isaiah Micah Deuteronomy Ezra Jeremiah Nahum HISTORY Nehemiah Lamentations Habakkuk Joshua Esther Ezekiel Zephaniah Judges POETRY/WISDOM Daniel Haggai Ruth Job MINOR PROPHETS Zechariah 1 Samuel Psalms Hosea Malachi
BASIC PRINCIPLES NEW TESTAMENT GOSPELS Ephesians James Matthew Philippians 1 Peter Mark Colossians 2 Peter Luke 1 Thessalonians 1 John John 2 Thessalonians 2 John Acts 1 Timothy 3 John PAUL S EPISTLES 2 Timothy Jude Romans Titus Revelation 1 Corinthians Philemon 2 Corinthians GENERAL EPISTLES Galatians Hebrews
BASIC PRINCIPLES Forms of Literature Law defines the relationship between God, His people, and the world. (Leviticus) History tells the story or overview of actual events as they transpired. (Judges, Acts) Wisdom answers the questions of the meaning of life and practical living. (Proverbs) Poetry is the heart expression of a person experiencing God in the world. (Psalms) Prophecy is God s direct communication with us about life today and in the future. (Isaiah)
BASIC PRINCIPLES Forms of Literature Gospel means the Good News. New form of literature describing the life and times of Jesus. (Mark) Parables explain a spiritual truth by means of a story or analogy. (Prodigal Son) Epistles are teaching and responses related to specific or general needs with a group of people. (Romans) Apocalyptic Literature is prophecy specifically about secret things in the future. (Revelation)
BASIC PRINCIPLES Summary of the basic principles: Look for God s overall plan Find the background of the book (who, what, where, when, why) Read verses in context Take the whole message of God s Word Discover the intended meaning Learn the history and geography Note figurative language Notice the form of literature MENU
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY MENU
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY Three Questions of Inductive Bible Study: 1. What does it say? 2. What does it mean? 3. How does it apply to me?
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY What Does It Say? Read and re-read the Bible passage using the Basic Principles of Study. Read silently some times and read aloud other times. Don t start by reading what others have concluded about the Bible; start first with the Bible.
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY 1. What Does It Say? Inductive reasoning moves from specific examples to general conclusions. 90% of biological life forms that we know of depend on liquid water to exist. Therefore, if we discover a new biological life form it will probably depend on liquid water to exist Deductive reasoning moves from general examples to specific conclusions. Playing the game Clue
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY 2. What Does It Mean? After reading the facts, summarize them. Don t jump to conclusions too fast. Read the passage several times and pray for wisdom. You will learn more and remember more if you discover what the Scriptures say yourself.
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY 3. How Does It Apply to Me? The goal of Bible study is a transformed life and a deep relationship with God. Sometimes in Scripture, you will see: A command to obey An example to follow A lesson to learn A sin to confess
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY 3. How Does It Apply to Me? Other times, you will want to: Agree with a promise Pray a prayer Forgive someone, or ask forgiveness Act on something in faith
INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY 3. How Does It Apply to Me? Listen to the still, small voice of God. As you listen and respond to God, you will be amazed at the results in your life as your relationship with him deepens. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 MENU
TOOLS FOR BIBLE STUDY MENU
TOOLS Study Bibles Study Bibles contain explanations, introductions, outlines, cross references, and study notes. Some have a concordance, maps, and a topical index. e Som les p m exa
TOOLS Concordances A concordance helps you look up any word in the Bible. It gives an alphabetical listing of key words, names, and topics, plus a list of verses that contain that word. Example: Look up how the word grace is used in Scripture.
TOOLS Bible Dictionaries Look up words you don t understand, such as grace, redemption, or faith. Expository dictionaries give you more detailed meanings and explanations.
TOOLS Bible Atlases and Maps On a map, locate where Bible events took place. Example: Daniel was in Babylon. Babylon ruins are south of Baghdad today.
TOOLS Bible Time Lines On a time line, locate when Bible events took place. Example: During the fierce Assyrian Kingdom, around 781 BC, Jonah went to Nineveh to warn the people to repent.
TOOLS Commentaries and Handbooks First, study the Bible yourself. See what it means and how it applies to you. List questions you have. Later, you can read commentaries and handbooks to see how Bible scholars explain it. So ples m a x me e
TOOLS Special Bibles Topical Bibles organize Scripture in special areas of interest, such as Salvation, Marriage, or Prayer. e Som les p m exa
TOOLS Special Bibles Large-print Bibles are easy to read and helpful for many people.
TOOLS Special Bibles Interlinear Bibles compare original language (Hebrew or Greek) to modern language. Greek English Translated Verse
TOOLS Many Bible study tools are available as software or online. Here are some examples: Bible Gateway www.biblegateway.com Bible.org www.bible.org Crosswalk www.crosswalk.com Logos Bible Software www.logos.com MENU
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY MENU
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Bible study is important to our growth as followers of Jesus. Jesus compares reading the Bible with a seed being planted in good soil. The seed planted in good soil represents those with an honest and good heart, who hear the word, apply it, and with patience, produce a crop or fruit.
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Luke 8:11 15 This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away... (Continued on next slide)
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY...The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY The S.O.I.L. Method S = Selection O = Observation I = Interpretation L = Life Application
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY The S.O.I.L. Method S = Selection: What Do I Study? O = Observation I = Interpretation L = Life Application
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Selection: What Do I Study? Pray Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Selection: What Do I Study? Select the passage Determine where the passage begins and ends.
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Selection: What Do I Study? Select a Version There are many different Bible translations to choose from. Choose a version that is most helpful for the type of Bible study you will be doing.
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Selection: What Do I Study? Select a Version The four main methods of Bible translation are: Word-for-word Thought-for-thought Balance Paraphrase
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Selection: What Do I Study? Select a Version Word-for-word Scholars attempt to translate each word based upon the word usage at the time of the writing. Examples: King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV). Thought-for-thought (also known as dynamic equivalence ) Scholars translate the meaning of each thought. Examples: Good News Translation (GNT), New Living Translation (NLT), New Century Version (NCV).
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Selection: What Do I Study? Select a Version Balance A middle balance between a word-for-word and thoughtfor-thought approach. Examples: New International Version (NIV), God s Word Translation (GW). Paraphrase A restatement of a translation in modern terms and vocabulary. Example: The Message (MSG).
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY The S.O.I.L. Method S = Selection: What Do I Study? O = Observation: What Does It Say? I = Interpretation L = Life Application
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Observation: What Does It Say? Observe the Text Do word studies. Observe words or expressions. Notice synonyms (words that have similar meanings) and antonyms (words that have opposite meanings). Pay attention to reoccurring words. Who are the people in the passage? What are the important ideas in the passage?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Observation: What Does It Say? Observe the Text Where are the places in the story? Pay attention to time spans. What is the literary genre (form), such as Narrative (story), Epic, Priestly Writings, Law, Liturgy, Poetry, Lament, Teaching, Prophecy, Gospel, Parable, Epistle (letter), Apocalyptic literature?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Observation: What Does It Say? Observe the Context What is the immediate context? What comes before and after the text? Who is talking? Who is listening?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Observation: What Does It Say? Observe the Historical Setting When was this passage written? Where was this passage originally written? Who is the author? What is his occupation? What is his personality? Where is he from?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Observation: What Does It Say? Observe the Historical Setting Who is the original audience? To what nation do they belong? What is their history? Where do they live? Where are they from? What is the original purpose for this writing? Refer to maps, time lines, and other historical documents for more about the historical, sociological, and geographical settings.
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY The S.O.I.L. Method S = Selection: What Do I Study? O = Observation: What Do I See? I = Interpretation: What Does It Mean? L = Life Application
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Interpretation: What Does It Mean? Make Use of Tools Study Bibles, commentaries, concordances, Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, interlinear Bibles, Bible handbooks, atlases, time lines, and topical Bibles.
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Interpretation: What Does It Mean? The Language Question What is the meaning of each word? What is the meaning in the original language (Hebrew or Greek)? How are significant words used elsewhere in Scripture? How does the genre affect the text?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Interpretation: What Does It Mean? The Language Question What is the form? (Example: the structure of the Abraham story in Gen. 11 25) What is the sentence structure? Why are particular words used? Compare this passage in other versions of the Bible. (Use Bible websites that allow you to look up a passage in multiple translations side by side.)
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Interpretation: What Does It Mean? The Historical Question How does the historical situation affect this text? How does the sociological situation affect this text? How does the geographical situation affect this text?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Interpretation: What Does It Mean? The Theological Question What truths are taught about the nature of God? What does this passage tell us about human nature? Does this passage have anything to say about sin?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Interpretation: What Does It Mean? The Theological Question Does this passage teach truths about redemption and salvation? What does this passage have to say about the church and/or the Christian life?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY The S.O.I.L. Method S = Selection: What Do I Study? O = Observation: What Do I See? I = Interpretation: What Does It Mean? L = Life Application: How Does It Apply?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Life Application: How Does It Apply? The Contemporary Question How do we apply what the author has said to the assumptions, values, and goals of our lives and societies? What are the principles found in this passage that apply to the contemporary situation?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Life Application: How Does It Apply? The Contemporary Question How is God s grace illustrated by this passage? Is there anything this passage has to say about certain social issues, such as racism, justice, poverty, or money?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Life Application: How Does It Apply? The Personal Question How do we relate this passage to our personal needs? How does this passage impact our families and close friends? What does this passage say about our moral decisions? How does the text affect our personal goals? What do they say about the world we live in? How do these verses or principles apply to the church as a whole? Locally and globally?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Life Application: How Does It Apply? The Final Question What am I going to do about what I have learned? What personal goals am I going to set in my life to implement the truths found in this passage? How does this passage impact my relationship with God?
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY Life Application: How Does It Apply? Pray about What You Learned Pray for God s strength to help you grow through your study. Pray about ONE area He wants you to work on. Give thanks for any areas you feel His encouragement with. MENU