Being Good Students of the Word Some suggestions of HOW and WHY

My shortest sermon of how to study the Bible With an Open Mind Daily (My breakthrough – Dan has some plans printed.) For faith for salvation

Paul to preacher Timothy 2 Ti 2:15-19 Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling (rightly dividing) the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”

An Important Fact 2 Ti 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching (doctrine), for reproof, for correction, for training (instruction) in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 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 (perfect), thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God Wants Us to Study the Bible Without the Word of God, we cannot be saved. We are SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH- ref Eph 2:8. God’s Word also tells us, FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD-Rom 10:17. It is by hearing God’s Word that faith comes. Our faith must be centered on Jesus Christ. We must have faith that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God; that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is come in the flesh; and that He died on the cross for our sins. It is only through Jesus that we can gain entrance to heaven. Satan will do everything possible to keep a person from their Bible; because through the Word of God comes faith that enables us to stand against Satan. Acts 4 2 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” James 1:21 says RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE ENGRAFTED WORD, WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS. Heb. 5:12-14, NIV says). In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil [Practice what we read or lose our understanding] IF WE DON'T GET THE WORD WE CAN'T GET THE FAITH TO BE SAVED

Some things that help us to “Rightly Divide” God’s Word Look into the background of a Bible book –Who wrote it –Why was it written –What were the historical events of the time –Who were the main characters –When was it written –TO WHOM was the book written

Studying God’s Word Use good study practices –Determine the context –To whom is the passage written –What was the purpose of the passage Direct command Inference Parable

Bible Translations Get familiar with one good one for memory work. There are several including Amplified American Standard New AS KJV NKJV NIV Revised Standard Version Modern Speech NT Young's Literal Translation Authorized Catholic (includes extra books like Tobit, Baruch, 1&2 Machabees in their OT) LiteralFree/Paraphrase Dynamic equivalence KJV NASB NIV NAB JB NEB LB RSV

Studying God’s Word Use Good Tools –Concordance including Young's Analytical 6 th graders are learning about this very important tool upstairs in their class. –Bible Dictionaries –Commentaries – CAREFUL of spins (Whole Bible/books) –Bible Encyclopedias including ISBE –Topical Bible –Cross reference tools –Computerized Bibles/Concordances –Atlases

Studying God’s Word Learn the structure of the Bible –Divisions of the Bible –Learn the Names of the Books –One-sentence summary of each –Authorship

Why is it important to Rightly Divide the Word An illustration of confusion due to not having the big picture. “The Rest of the Story” I'll read some quotes. Some doctrines (Lord's Supper or Communion weekly) Church structure “In Christ” meaning Elements of assembly worship

Written Sources Location of key verses Can you say what is in these? Genesis, Heb 11, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians, Galatians and Romans, Acts of apostles The Apocrypha The Book of Enoch Catholic Bible differences

Structure of Bible OT 39 Books of Moses and Law History of Israel Wisdom Prophets NT 27 History of Life of Christ – Gospels History of Acts of Apostles in Church Expansion Paul's letters Other letters The Apocalypse