2. "grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord"
2 Peter 3:18
Lesson #1: First Things First (Matt. 6:33)
Lesson #2: Adding To Your Faith (2 Pet. 1:5-11)
Lesson #3: Unspotted From the World (Jas. 1:27)
Lesson #4: Faithfulness (Prov. 20:6)

3. In order to grow properly:
"grow in the grace
and knowledge
of the Lord"
2 Peter 3:18
In order to grow properly:
Plants need: sunshine, fertilizer and water.
Animals need: food, water, exercise, etc.
Christians need: God’s Word! Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 2:2

4. "grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord"
2 Peter 3:18
The same is true in the spiritual realm: Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 2:2
The Bible is the greatest book ever written, but it is also the most misused and under-used book!
Like any subject, understanding the Bible requires diligent study! 2 Tim. 2:15

5. Whereby When Ye Read Bible study is required by God.
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand Eph. 3:4
Bible study is required by God.
Use of the word “study.”
Some reasons for studying the Bible.
Why people fail to study the Bible.
Rules to observe when studying the Scriptures.

6. 1. Bible study is required by God
Whereby When
Ye Read
1. Bible study is required by God
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand Eph. 3:4
God has always required His people to know His will: Neh. 8:8; Jn. 8:32; Hos. 4:6
Christianity is a “taught religion.” It is not a mysterious “better felt than told” experience: Jn. 6:44-45; 1 Cor. 1:21; Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 3:1-5; Rom. 10:17
Rightly dividing the word is critical to its understanding: 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Cor. 2:3-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17

7. On Judgment Day how would you answer?
Whereby When
Ye Read
2. Use of the word “study”
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand Eph. 3:4
The word “study” means more than to read casually or infrequently: “to exert oneself, endeavor, give diligence” (Vine).
On Judgment Day how would you answer?
True or False: I wish I had spent more time studying the Bible.
Bible study is critical because it concerns our eternal destiny! Rev. 20:12, 15; Rom. 2:5-11
Bible study is hard work, but it is more than worth the effort! Eccl. 12:12; 12:13-14

8. 3. Reasons for studying the Bible
Whereby When
Ye Read
3. Reasons for studying the Bible
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand Eph. 3:4
Bible study promotes spiritual growth: 2 Pet. 3:18; 1 Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Pet. 1:8-11
The scriptures are profitable: 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 1:3
Bible study equips us to identify false teaching: Eph. 4:11-14; 1 Jn. 4:1; Acts 17:11
We will be judged by God’s Word: Jn. 12:48; Rom. 2:16

9. 4. Why people fail to study the Bible
Whereby When
Ye Read
4. Why people fail to study the Bible
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand Eph. 3:4
Don’t take the time: Eph. 5:15-16
Don’t like to study: Psa. 19:7-11
Don’t know how to study: Eph. 5:17; Matt. 4:4; Jn. 6:68; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 2 (esp. vv. 9-10); 2 Thess. 2:10-12
Don’t want to study: Rom. 1

10. 5. 10 important rules of Bible study
Whereby When
Ye Read
5. 10 important rules of Bible study
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand Eph. 3:4
Consider who is speaking: Gen. 2:16-17; 3:4; Job 2:9; Matt. 11:19
Understand who is being talked to: Jn. 16:13; Jas. 1:27
Understand the writer’s purpose: 1 Cor. 1:14; 1 Cor. 1:12-13; Acts 18:8; Goal. 3:26-27
Understand the setting of the passage: Jn. 6:44-45; Rom. 10:13-17
Read and study all God has said on a subject: Psa. 119:160; Rom. 5:1; Jas. 2:24

11. 5. 10 important rules of Bible study
Whereby When
Ye Read
5. 10 important rules of Bible study
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand Eph. 3:4
Respect the silence of the Scriptures: 2 Jn. 9; Heb. 7:12-14; 1 Pet. 4:11
Be a very careful reader: Gal. 3:26-27
Must recognize and respect figurative language: Rev. 14:1-4; 7:4-8; 20:4; Acts 2; Col. 1:13
Must study with a desire to obey: Jn. 7:17
Must know the proper divisions of the Bible: Gal. 3:23-25; Heb. 10:9; Gal. 5:4; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11

12. Conclusion Whereby When Ye Read Let us heed 2 Tim. 2:15!
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand Eph. 3:4
Let us heed 2 Tim. 2:15!
As we read the Bible let us never forget it is the Word of God! 1 Thess. 2:13
As we read let us never forget the power of God’s Word! Rom. 1:16-17; Heb. 4:11-12
As we read let us never forget the importance of God’s Word! Jn. 12:48