Profitable and Proper Approach to Study of Scriptures

Profitable and Proper Approach to Study of Scriptures HOW CAN I READ AND UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE? Dennis Zulu, D. Min Dennis.Zulu@McleanBible.org Questions Questions are encouraged! During Class Before or After Class By appointment E-mails or phone calls Dennis.Zulu@McleanBible.org Helpful Tools for Bible Study Introduction a. Good Bible translation (NASB, NKJV, ESV) NASB/NKJV/ESV=word for word NIV=thought for thought (not as good as word for word) Living/Message=paraphrase (subjective; not for study) b. Prayer c. Concordance d. Bible commentary (Bible Knowledge Commentary, John McArthur) Presuppositions General Observation Keys to Profitable study of the Bible All Scripture Warm-up questions: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 What are your earliest memories in relation to the Bible? Describe your personal experience in reading the Bible In what ways do you find reading the Bible difficult? Dennis Zulu 1

Issues Whatnot to look for Reconciling the Old and New Testaments Context Culture, History Application How do we use the Bible? Relevance Symbolism Issues of the 19 th and 20 th centuries Moralism: Looking for rules or Codes of Conduct Inspiration: Looking for daily inspiration. Examples: Looking for heroes character studies e.g. the prayer of Jabez Presuppositions Presuppositions, continued We presuppose that 1. The Bible has many writers, but One Author 2 Timothy 3:16-17All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Peter 1:20-21 But this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2. The Holy Spirit authored and superintended the writing of Scripture 3. The Holy Spirit illumines the mind of the Christian with regard to Scripture The study of Scripture in not merely a mental exercise Pray for open eyes (Psalm 119:18) John 16:13-16 he will guide you into all truth Presuppositions, continued Presuppositions Primary SUBJECT 4. Scripture has One Primary Theme & Subject - our Savior. Luke 24:25-39, 44-45; John 5:39,46 5. Scripture has One Primary Purpose Our salvation. John 20:30-31; 2 Tim. 3:14-15 Matthew 5:17 Luke 24:27 Luke 24:44 John 5:39 Hebrews 1O:7 Dennis Zulu 2

Why Study the Old Testament? Jesus in Every Section It wasn t written to us but for us: Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope. I. Law--------------------Foundation for Christ II. History---------------Preparation for Christ III. Poetry-----------------Aspiration for Christ IV. Prophecy---------Expectationof Christ V. Gospels----------Manifestation of Christ VI. Acts----------------Propagation of Christ VII. Epistles----------Interpretation of Christ VIII. Revelation--Consummation in Christ Jesus in the Law: Jesus in Both Testaments Foundation for Christ: Genesis----------Electionof the Nation Exodus-----Redemption of the Nation Leviticus--Sanctification of the Nation Numbers--------Directionof the Nation Deuter.---------Instructionof the Nation In the Old Anticipation Coming Prophesied Contained Shadow Type In the New Realization Arrived Present Explained Substance Truth The Bible Has Supernatural Impact 1. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to help believers grow spiritually a) God s Word is enlarges our faith b) God s Word reveals God s grace c) God s Word builds us up d) God s Word reveals our spiritual inheritance e) God s Word helps us grow spiritually f) God s Word judges our thoughts and attitudes Various Approaches to Bible Study 1. Topical (faith, wisdom, money... ) 2. Biographical (Abraham, Jacob, Ruth... ) 3. Book (Psalms, Proverbs, Gospel of Mark... ) 4. Word (love, salvation, forgiveness... ) 5. Chapter (Luke 15--the prodigal son, John 17 Jesus prayer, Matthew 24--end times) Dennis Zulu 3

Sound Methodology for Bible Study The three components of sound Bible study methodology: Observation what does the text say? Interpretation what does the text mean? Application how do I apply this to my life? Sound Methodology for Bible Study STEP ONE: Observation what does the text say? Ask six questions: Who, what, when, where, why, how? Look for six things: Emphasized, repeated, related, alike/unlike, true to life, big picture Exegesis: Draws out, extracts meaning Eisegesis: Puts meaning in beforehand Sound Methodology for Bible Study STEP TWO: Interpretation what does the text mean? Five keys: 1. Content 2. Context 3. Comparison 4. Culture 5. Consultation Sound Methodology for Bible Study STEP THREE: Application how do I apply it? Ask nine questions: 1. Example to follow? 2. Sin to avoid? 3. Promise to claim? 4. Prayer to repeat? 5. Command to obey? 6. Condition to meet? 7. Verse to memorize? 8. Error to mark? 9. Challenge to face? Getting Some Exercise Today Applying What You ve Learned Today Applying what we ve learned to Galatians 1. Who is Paul writing to? 2. Make a List of Observations 3. Read Paul s greetings, How does this Greeting differ from the rest of the Letters? 4. What does God want me to do with regard to Scripture? Did the Book of Galatians reveal anything new to you about the Gospel? Did the Book of Galatians offer you anything to meet the current needs in your life right now? How can you do better in your study of God s word? What changes are you willing to make in your personal schedule to spend quality time in the Scriptures? Dennis Zulu 4

Why Study the Old Testament? Why Study the Old Testament? 1Cor. 10:11-- Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the end of the ages has come. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Jesus in the Law: Genesis---Election of the Nation I. History of the Nations (1-11) A. Creation of Humans (1-2) B. Corruption of Humans (3-5) C. Destruction of Humans (6-9) D. Dispersion of Humans (10-11) Dennis Zulu 5

Genesis---Election of the Nation I. History of the Nations (1-11) II. History of the Chosen Nation (12-50) A. Abraham (12-25a) B. Isaac (25b-27) C. Jacob (28-36) D. Joseph (37-50) The Blood Line of the Messiah Jesus in the Law: Gen. 3:15--the Seed of the Woman Gen. 4:25--the line of Seth Gen. 9:27--the Son of Shem Gen. 12:3--the Offspring of Abraham Gen. 21:12--the Seed of Isaac Gen. 25:23--A Descendant of Jacob Gen. 49:10--the Tribe of Judah 2 Sam. 7:12f--the Son of David (See Matthew 1; Luke 3) Foundation for Christ: Genesis---Election of the Nation Exodus----Redemption of the Nation Dennis Zulu 6

Exodus--Redemption of the Nation Exodus--Redemption of the Nation I. Deliverance of the Chosen Nation (1-18) A. The Depression of the People (1) B. The Deliverer of the People (2-6) C. The Deliverance of the People (7-18) 1. The Plagues of Egypt (7-11) 2. The Passover in Egypt (12-13) 3. The Passage from Egypt (14-18) II. Duty of the Chosen Nation (19-40) A. The Covenant Sealed (19) B. The Commandments Revealed (20) C. The Civil Laws Stated (21-23) D. The Covenant Confirmed (24) E. The Tabernacle of Worship (25-40) I. Deliverance of the Chosen Nation (1-18) II. The Duty of the Chosen Nation (19-24) A. The Covenant Sealed (19) B. The Commandments Revealed (20) C. The Civil Laws Stated (21-23) D. The Covenant Confirmed (24) E. The Tabernacle of Worship (25-40) 1. Directions from God (25-31) 2. Disobedience to God (32-34) 3. Dedication to God (35-40) Christ is Portrayed as: Lessons from Exodus 1. The Angel of the Lord (Ex. 3:14) 2. Our Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7) 3. The Bread from Heaven (Ex. 16) 4. The Rock (Ex. 17 cf. 1 Cor. 10:4) 5. The Pillar of Cloud (Ex. 12:21) 6. Our Deliverer (Ex. 12) 7. Our High Priest (Heb. 7:25) 8. The Tabernacle (Jn. 1:14) 1. Disobedience brings bondage 2. God demands obedience from His people 3. God is faithful to His promises 4. God is sovereign over all other gods 5. God is holy and must be approached in His prescribed way. 6. God must be approached by a sacrifice 7. God must be approached by a priest 8. Our hearts are prone to idolatry (Chap. 32) Dennis Zulu 7

Jesus in the Law: Foundation for Christ: Genesis---Election of the Nation Exodus----Redemption of the Nation Leviticus--Sanctification of the Nation Numbers--Direction of the Nation Deuter.----Instruction of the Nation Leviticus--Sanctification of the Nation Theme: You shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy (Lev. 19:2). Justification--Declaring us righteous (Getting Israel out of Egypt--one day) Sanctification--Making us righteous (Getting Egypt out of Israel--forty years) Leviticus Outline: I. The Way to the Holy One (1-10)-- I am holy II. The Way of Holiness (11-27)-- Be ye holy Leviticus--Sanctification of the Nation I. The Way to the Holy One (1-10) A. By Sacrifice (1-7) 1. The revelation of the offering (1-5) What 2. The ritual of the offering (6-7)---------How a. Offerings of Dedication to God (Voluntary) 1. Burnt offering (1) 2. Grain offering (2) 3. Peace offering (3) b. Offerings of Expiation for Man (Compulsory) 4. Sin offering (4) 5. Guilt offering (5) Reason--sinful Rule--substitutional Ritual--ceremonial I. The Way to the Holy One (1-10) II. The Way of Holiness (11-27) A. By Sacrifice (1-7) B. By the Priesthood (8-10) 1. The Consecration of the order (8) 2. The Inauguration of the office (9) a. Initiation--by manifestation of God s glory b. Approbation--by consummation of sacrifice The Priesthood was established by: Water--purification Oil--sanctification Blood--consecration 3. The Transgression of the ordinance (10) A. Holiness Demands Sanitation (11-16)-- purification of the body 1. Clean food (11) 2. Clean bodies (12-13) 3. Clean clothes (14) 4. Clean contacts (15) 5. Clean nation (16)--Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) B. Holiness Demands Sanctification (17-27)-- purification of the soul Dennis Zulu 8

B. Holiness Demands Sanctification (17-27) 1. The Requirements (17-24) a. Holiness in diet (17) b. Holiness in social contacts (18-20) c. Holiness in the priesthood (21-22) d. Holiness in worship (23) (see Feasts below) e. Holiness in conversation (24) 2. The Provisions (25-27) a. Social provision--jubilee (25) b. National provision--the Covenant (26) c. Personal provision--vows (27) Israel s 7 Feasts Fulfilled by Christ 1. Passover Death of Christ April 2. Unleavened Bread Holy Walk April 3. First Fruits Resurrection April 4. Pentecost Descent of Spirit June 5. Trumpets (Reunion) Return of Israel Sept/Oct 6. Atonement National Cleaning Sept/Oct 7. Tabernacles (Rejoicing) Messianic Kingdom Sept/Oct [Purim [Lights (Hanukkah) February] December] Septenary Structure of Feasts Christ Portrayed in Leviticus: Seventh Day--People Rest Seventh Week--Harvest Rests Seventh Month--Nation Rests Seventh Year--Land Rests Seventh Seven of Years--Everything Rests Note: 7 is the number of earthly perfection or completion 1. By the High Priest 2. By the Sacrifices 3. By the Feasts 4. As the Holy One Lessons from Leviticus Jesus in the Law: 1. We should be holy as God is holy. 2. Blood sacrifice is necessary for salvation. 3. High priest is necessary to mediate salvation. 4. God desires holiness in body and soul. Foundation for Christ: Genesis---Election of the Nation Exodus----Redemption of the Nation Leviticus--Sanctification of the Nation Numbers--Direction of the Nation Dennis Zulu 9

Numbers--Direction of the Nation Key words: Murmuring, Numbering, Wandering Comparison with Leviticus: Leviticus Numbers Worship Walk Purity Pilgrimage Ceremonial Historical Fellowship with God Faithfulness to God Sanctification before God Direction by God Numbers: Direction of the Nation Christ in the Book of Numbers I. Israel s Direction from the Lord (1-10) A. The Position of the People (1-4) B. The Precepts from God (5-6) C. The Provision for Cleansing (7-9a) D. The Pilgrimage to the Promised Land (9b-10) II. Israel s Disbelief in the Lord (11-14) A. Discontent with the Provision of God (11-12) B. Disbelief in the Promise of God (13-14) III. Israel s Discipline from the Lord (15-36) A. The Passing of the Old Generation (15-26) B. The Preparation of the New Generation (27-36) 1. The Rock (1Cor. 10:4) 2. The Brass Serpent (Jn. 3:14) 3. The Manna (Jn. 6:32) 4. The Star of Jacob (Num. 24:17) 5. The Pillar of Cloud (Num. 9:15-23) 6. The Director of His people (all) Spiritual Lessons from Numbers Jesus in the Law: 1. God is the Leader of His people. 2. God is the Preserver of His people. 3. God is the Provider for His people. 4. There are no shortcuts to the Promised Land of God s blessing. 5. The only way to the Promised Land is through the wilderness. 6. Obedience is necessary for blessing. Foundation for Christ: Genesis-----------Electionof the Nation Exodus------Redemption of the Nation Leviticus--Sanctification of the Nation Numbers--------Directionof the Nation Deuter.---------Instructionof the Nation Dennis Zulu 10

Deuteronomy Genesis God s Sovereignty Plan of God Exodus God s Charity Power of God Leviticus God s Sanctity Person of God Numbers God s Severity Providence of God Deuter. God s Solemnity Principles of God Deuteronomy: Instruction of the Nation I. The Retrospective (1-4)--Historical II. The Introspective (5-26)--Legislative III. The Prospective (27-34)--Prophetic I. Looking Backward (1-4) II. Looking Inward (5-26) III. Looking Forward (27-34) Introduction to Deuteronomy 1. Deuteronomy was one of Jesus s favorite books A. He cited it 80+ times, more than any book except Psalms B. He quoted it three times to rebuke the Devil (Mt. 4:4,7,10) C. He memorized verses of Scripture (Psa. 119:11) 2. It was Israel s marching orders for Victory in the Promised Land (Josh. 1:8) Deuteronomy: Instruction of the Nation I. The Review of Israel s Wonderings (1-4) II. The Rehearsal of God s Laws (5-26) A. Restatement of Sinaitic Laws (5-11) B. Restatement of the Special Laws (12-26) III. The Revelation of Israel s Future (27-34) A. Israel s Near Future (27-28a) B. Israel s Distant Future (28b-30) C. Farewell of Moses (31-34) Christ in Deuteronomy 1. A Prophet like Moses (18:17) 2. The Law Giver (5) 3. Our Instructor (all) 4. The One Cursed on a Tree (21:23) 5. Our Rock (32:4) 6. Christ is the Fulfillment of the Law (Mt. 5:17; Jn. 1:17; Rom. 8:2-3) Dennis Zulu 11

Lessons from Life Lessons about God 1. God s Keeps His Promises (1:8) 2. God s People Need to Review His Leading (1-4) 3. We Need to Renew our Covenant with God (29) 4. We Need God s Instructions for Life (5) 5. Obedience to God is Necessary for Blessing (28:12) 6. We cannot live by bread alone (8:3) 7. Don t let prosperity tempt you to forget God (8:12) 8. Victory over our enemies comes from God (1:30; 20:4) 1. God s Severity (2:1f; 8:5) 6. God is our Father (32:6) 2. God s Omniscience (30:1f.) 7. God is our Provider (32:12-14) 3. God s Faithfulness (1:7-8) 8. God is Sovereign over Life (32:39) 4. God is Just (16:20) 9. God is Eternal (33:27) 5. God is One (6:4) 10. God is Perfect (32:4) Jesus in Every Section of the Bible Jesus in History: I. Law--------------------Foundationfor Christ II. History---------------Preparationfor Christ III. Poetry-----------------Aspirationfor Christ IV. Prophecy---------Expectationof Christ V. Gospels----------Manifestationof Christ VI. Acts----------------Propagationof Christ VII. Epistles----------Interpretationof Christ VIII. Revelation--Consummation in Christ Joshua------Possession of the Nation Judges-----Oppression of the Nation Ruth------------Devotion in the Nation 1Samuel--Stabilization of the Nation 2Samuel-----Expansion of the Nation 1Kings-------Declension of the Nation Jesus in History (continued) 2 Kings----------Deportationof the Nation 1 Chronicles--Deprivation of the Temple 2 Chronicles--Destruction of the Temple Samuel & Kings = prophetic view 1&2 Chronicles = priestly view Ezra--------------Restorationof the Temple Nehemiah----Reconstruction of the Nation Esther-----------Protectionof the Nation Dennis Zulu 12

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