1. How to Study the Bible

2. How to Learn the Bible “You shall know the truth” (John 8:32) “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me” (Matthew 11:29)

3. 3 DISCERN THE MEANING  Know Biblical dispensations of time – Heb. 1:1-2 Patriarchal (Creation to Mt. Sinai) Patriarchal (Creation to Mt. Sinai) Mosaic (Mt. Sinai to Cross) – Rom. 2:12- 15; 7:4, 6 Mosaic (Mt. Sinai to Cross) – Rom. 2:12- 15; 7:4, 6 Christian (to end of time) – Matt. 28:18- 20; Col. 3:17 Christian (to end of time) – Matt. 28:18- 20; Col. 3:17 Change of law – Acts 15:5; 2 Cor. 3:14 (Heb. 7:12) Change of law – Acts 15:5; 2 Cor. 3:14 (Heb. 7:12) 2 Tim. 2:14-16

4. 4 DISCERN THE MEANING  Literal or figurative? Literal unless context forces figurative Literal unless context forces figurative “All words are to be understood in their literal sense, unless the evident meaning of the context forbids. –Figures are the exception, literal language the rule; hence we are not to regard anything as figurative until we feel compelled to do so by the evident import of the passage.” (D.R. Dungan, Hermeneutics, 184)

5. 5 DISCERN THE MEANING  Literal or figurative? Literal unless context forces figurative Literal unless context forces figurative Great fish, Jonah 1:17; Matt. 12:40 Great fish, Jonah 1:17; Matt. 12:40 Serpent, Gen. 3:1; 2 Cor. 11:3 Serpent, Gen. 3:1; 2 Cor. 11:3 Day, Gen. 1:5; Exo. 20:11 Day, Gen. 1:5; Exo. 20:11 Book of Revelation, Rev. 1:1-3 Book of Revelation, Rev. 1:1-3

6. 6 DISCERN THE MEANING  Plain passages help explain more difficult cf. Baptism for the dead, 1 Cor. 15:29 cf. Baptism for the dead, 1 Cor. 15:29 For living who believe – Mark 16:15-16 For living who believe – Mark 16:15-16  Harmony of God’s word – Matt. 4:5-7 “Faith,” Jno. 3:16; Jas. 2:24 “Faith,” Jno. 3:16; Jas. 2:24 Sum of God’s word is truth, Psa. 119:160 Sum of God’s word is truth, Psa. 119:160

7. 7 DEFER TO BIBLE AUTHORITY  Do not study the Bible with an agenda “Proof-texting” “Proof-texting” cf. “Faith only” (Jas. 2:24); “Sabbath” (Col. 2:14-17) cf. “Faith only” (Jas. 2:24); “Sabbath” (Col. 2:14-17)  Respect binding nature A lawyer, Lk. 10:25-29 A lawyer, Lk. 10:25-29 Commands of the Lord, 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Commands of the Lord, 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16-17

8. 8 DEFER TO BIBLE AUTHORITY  Respect the silence of the Scriptures – Heb. 7:11-14; 8:5  Respect the boundary of the Scriptures – 1 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Jno. 9; Rev. 22:18-19

9. 9 DO THE WILL OF GOD  To be saved – Lk. 6:46; Matt. 7:21  To be blessed & approved by God – Jno. 13:17; Rev. 22:14; 2 Tim. 2:15  To give answers for your hope – 1 Pet. 3:15  To teach others the gospel – 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 4:16 Jas. 1:22-25

10. 10 Dedicate-Decide-Define- Discover-Discern-Defer-Do How to Study…Learn the Bible Matthew 13:13-17  What a shame to study in vain  What a blessing to understand & obey