How to Study the Bible

Words: the Building Blocks of Bible Study

What’s in a word? “drive” “hand” “trunk” Words may have different meanings in different contexts “drive” “hand” “trunk”

Words to look for- first words Words that introduce- “gospel” in Romans 1:1 “now concerning” in 1 Corinthians 7:1, 28; 8:1

Romans 1:1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

ROMANS: The Gospel: God’s Good News for the World Key verse- 1:16, the gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, Key words: Righteousness, Gospel, Faith, Justified, Sin, Grace, Law, Jew, Gentile The Gospel Personal greetings Paul’s commission Need of Man Provision of God Appropriation by faith Application to Life 1:1-17 1:18-3:20 3:21-31 4:1-5:21 6:1-8:39 9:1-11:36 12:1-15:13 15:14-33 16:1-27 Paul, from Corinth, A.D. 57-58 God’s righteousness is imparted through union with Christ by the Holy Spirit Israel in God’s plan: Past: rejection Present: remnant Future: restoration Consecration to God Serve others in love Submit to the state Edify your brother God’s righteousness is imputed by faith Gentile and Jew are all under sin Justification by faith Mission to Spain Paul’s testimony and theme Paul’s greetings and doxology Sin Salvation Sanctification Sovereignty Service Explained The Gospel Applied Doctrinal Practical

1 Corinthians 7:1, 28; 8:1 Now concerning … … the things about which you wrote … virgins … things sacrificed to idols,

Words to look for- repeated words Words that are repeated- “believe” (56x) and “life” (47x) in John’s gospel “better” and “faith” in Hebrews

Believe and Life in John 20:30-31 “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Words to look for- rare words Rare, non-routine words- “inspired” in 2 Timothy 3:16 “propitiation” in 1 John 2:2 “transfigured” in Mark 9:2

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training 1 John 2:2 He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

Words to look for- main verbs, nouns- “life” & “light” in John 1:4 ff. “know,” “consider,” & “yield” in Romans 6 “in Christ” & “with Christ” in Ephesians & Colossians

John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. Life = 47 times Light = 23 times

Look for connecting words- time- “after,” “before,” “now,” “then,” until” reason-“because,” “for,” “since” result- “therefore,” “then,” “so” purpose- “in order that,” “so that” Small words = big difference

Small words = big difference More connecting words- condition- “if” emphasis- “indeed,” “only” comparison- “also,” “just as,” “likewise” contrast- “but,” although,” “much more,” otherwise” Small words = big difference

Let’s practice on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 1. Circle the key words- (important & strategic words action verbs, main nouns) 2. Underline things that are repeated or listed as explaining, qualifying them

1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. (NASB)

How do we do that? Who is the one another? 11 Therefore encourage one another and build-up one another, just as you also are doing What should we do? How do we do that? Who is the one another?

12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.

1. Request us to do what? 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

That we do what? 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who -diligently labor among you, -have charge over you in the Lord -give you instruction, Who?

That we do what? 13 and that you esteem them -very highly -in love -because of their work. Live in peace with one another. How? Why?

How much should we value them? Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, (Ephesians 3:20)

2. Urge us to do what? Who? How? 14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. Who? How?

What we are to avoid doing 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. What we are to do instead

Everyone needs encouragement! Every believer is called to be an encourager!

Finding and Following the Storyline Next week: Finding and Following the Storyline

How to Study the Bible