How to Study The Word PDF

4 HOWTO STUDY THE WORD  How do you study the Bible? Would you look in adictionary to find aphone number? Of course not. To use a book effectively, you must first know its purpose. The same is true of the Bible. God gave us His Word for a purpose to reveal Himself to us. The k...

4 HOWTO STUDY THE WORD  How do you study the Bible? Would you look in adictionary to find aphone number? Of course not. To use a book effectively, you must first know its purpose. The same is true of the Bible. God gave us His Word for a purpose to reveal Himself to us. The key to reading the Bible is to look for God in every passage and every verse you see. The Word of God will also teach you about yourself. In James 1:22-25, the writer presents the Word of God as a mirror that shows us our innermost heart. As we look into this mirror, God changes us to become more like His Son, Christ. LOOK FOR GOD IN THE PASSAGE God's Word was written primarily to reveal Godwho He is and what He does. If we read the Bible and don't see Him, we miss the whole point of Scripture. How did the scribes and Pharisees illustrate this idea in John 5:37-40? When you read the Word, take a sheet of paper and divide it intothree sections, as in the table below. What God Does Who God Is How God Works Under "What God Does," record everything you see God doing inthe passage--even small things, like when Jesus walked, talked, and healed people. Under"Who God Is,' record any attributes and characteristics this passage reveals about God (holiness, mercy, grace, justice, and others). Under "How God Works record what you learn about the way God works (His plans, His concerns about our happiness, His interest in our spiritual welfare, and more). 26 Make a copy of the preceding table on a separate sheet of paper, and fill it in using Mark 2:1-12. UNDERSTAND THE "STORY" OF THE BIBLE The Bible is not a collection of stories that teach good moral truth. Rather, it is one story with one ultimate goal. Sinmply put, the Bible is the story of God's glory. The Bible begins with God (Gen. 1:1) and concludes with His grace (Rev. 22:21). The purpose of God's Word is to tell us the story of God's glory and grace. The Bible is God's self-revelation. Its His autobiography. As such, we should read it to learn His story and His glory. So what is this story of His glory? The Story of God's Glory Godmade mankind to glorify Him (Isa. 43:7; Gen. 1-2). Satan wanted to steal God's glory, so he deceived Adam and Eve, thereby blinding all mankind to God's glory (Gen. 3; 1Cor. 4:4, 6). God, knowing this would happen, set in motion an eternal plan to restore mankind's state so that we could once more see God's glory and enjoy Him. We call this God's Plan of Redemption. The Plan of Redemption God's plan of redemption is a sub-plot of the story of God's glory. God made a nation, Israel, from Abraham's descendants (Genesis). God prepared a land, Canaan, where that nation would live, and He brought those people to that land (Exodus - Joshua). God chose from Abrahams descendants the line of David, through which a Redeemer would come (1 Samuel). 27  God protected and preserved that line through famin war, and mass exile (1 Samuel - Nehemiah). God used the prophets to reveal the coming of a future Messiah--an Anointed One--who would redeem mankind (Old Testament Prophets, Psalms). InGod's timing, that Messiah, Jesus Christ, was born of a virgin, Mary, who was a direct descendant of David. Jesus died on a cross to pay for mankind's sin, and He arose from the dead to save and redeem us so that we could once more see God's glory (Matthew - John). Today, God is saving-that is, redeeming, restoring, regenerating-a people to glorify His name (Acts 15:14) and to praise Him to the whole world (1 Pet. 2:9). The Conclusion to the Story of God's Glory Allpeople will one day glorify God, bow to Christ as Lord, and give Him glory (Phil. 2:11). Thus, God will fulfill the purpose He intended for mankind from the beginning, We must understand this story when we read the Bible. The Bible is not about David, or Moses, or Ruth-it's about a God that uses imperfect men and women to reflect His glory. It's not about ancient heroes we should imitate-it's about God's great plan for Hisglory and our redemption. Every story we read, every chapter and book we study, every command or encouragement we see in the Bible--they all fit inside that story. When we fail to see a passage in the light of God's glory, we will miss the point of Scripture. 28 Discovering the Story of God's Glory As a second exercise, take a sheet of paper and divide it into 4 equal sections labeled as follows. God's Actions-what God does in this passage His Glory-what you learned about the character and attributes of God in this passage His Grace-what you learned about God's grace, Christ's work, the cross, and the gospel in this passage Other Thoughts--other things you may have learned or realizedwhile reading this passage Read Genesis 1:1-8 and fill in the above sections as you read and meditate. LOOKING INTO THE MIRROR OF THE WORD Read James 1:19-27 and answer the following questions. What should you be quick to do according to verse 19? But you shouldn't stop there. According to verse 22, what's our responsibility after hearing the Word? What will happen if you do both of these things (vs. 25)? According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, what are the results of seeing God's glory in the Bible? 29 As we read God's Word, the Holy Spirit convicts us of ways we fall short of God's glory. He then uses the Word to correct us and make us more likeChrist. In short, as we seek God in His Word, He changes us to be more like Him. DEPENDENCE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT Read 1Corinthians 2:12-14 and answer the following questions. Who cannot understand God's Word? Who can understand God's Word? What is the only way a person can understand the Word? Complete This Section Without Looking Back at the Lesson 1. What is the Bible about? 2. What was God's purpose for creating mankind? 3. What is God doing today as part of the Plan of Redemption? 4. What are the results of seeing God's glory in the Bible? 5. What is the only way a person can understand God's Word? 30  6. Why can't unsaved people understand the Word? Verses to Memorize 1Corinthians 2:14 Psalm 119:97 31  5 PRAYER We have learned that the Bible is God's Word. When we study it, the Lord speaks to us. But fellowship with our Heavenly Father goes both ways--we must also talk to Him each day. If you never spoke to your parents or friends, what sort of relationslhip would you have? A strained one at best. We must listen to God, but He also asks us to spend much time talking to Him. To help you get started, here are some basic things you should know about prayer. PRAYER AND SIN Asyoull remember from previous lessSons, sin hurts our fellowship with God. Read Psalm 66:18, and state in your oWn words what this verse means. How do we, as Christians, get rid of sin? Do we have to be saved all over again? No-we've already learned that we have become children of God forever, and nothing and no one can change that. So what do we do if we sin? Read 1John 1:9. What should we do about sin? Then what two things will God do? Note Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 1:4-11. How did Nehemiah begin the prayer (vs. 5)? After this praise, what did he do (vs. 6, 7)? 34  What did he ask God to do in verses 8-10? And what did he plead in verse 11? We could outline Nehemiah's prayer as follows: 1. Adoration and worship 2. Confession of his sin 3. Claiming God's promises 4. Asking for help Most often we are only interested in doing one of the above. Which is it? But God willnot answer prayer if we do not confess our sin. WHY WE CANPRAY Study 1 Timothy 2:5 and 1 John 2:1. In these two passages the words mediator and advocate mean basically the same thing: Christ is literally your Lawyer, pleading your case before God, the Judge. Christ justifies us by covering us with the sacrifice of His blood. So when God looks at our sin, He sees only the righteousness of Christ. Christ not only paid the debt of our sin, but He also gave usthe riches of eternal life, free for the taking. Because of His work, we can stand before God and speak to Him as one of His children. Read Hebrews 10:19-22. With what attitude can we approach God in prayer? According to verse 19, what makes this attitude possible? 35 HOW TO PRAY ReadEphesians 5:20; John 14:6, 13, 14:15:16; 16:23,26-27. Based onthese verses, ans1wer the following questions. To Whon to Pray How does Jesus begin His prayer in Matthew 6:9? Should you pray to the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit? According to these verses, would it be best to pray, "Dear Jesus"? Yes No InWhose Name to Pray What one phrase occurs over and over again in these verses? Whose name are these verses speaking of? Therefore, in whose name should we pray? InWhose Power to Pray When Christ went back into heaven, Hepromised tosend Someone to help us. Read John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7 These verses all use the same Greek word, Parakletos, which literally means "the One who comes beside to help It's the same word used in 1John 2:1 to describe Christ helping us before God, but here the term refers toa different "Helper or "Comforter:" Who is this Comforter (John 15:26)? What does He do for us when we pray (Rom. 8:26)? DEFINITION OF PRAYER Prayer is worship-addressed to the Father, in the name of the Son,in the power of the Holy Spirit. 36 THE PRAYERS GOD WILL ANSWER God hears cven the sinplest, heart felt prayers, but lHis Word includes instructions for those who want to see His hand at work. Read the following passages and write down the requirements for true prayer: Matthew 21:22 John 16:23 James 5:16-17 1Peter 3:12 1John 5:14-15 WHY GOD ANSWERS PRAYER Accordingto the verses below, why does God answer prayer? John 14:13 John 16:24 REASONS FOR OURPRAYER Matthew 6:9-13 lists six things we should pray for. What are they? 37 WHERE AND WHEN TOPRAY Answer the following questions: When didthe prophet Daniel pray (Dan. 6:10)? What about Isaiah (Isa. 26:9)? In Mark 1:35, when and where did Christ pray? In Matthew 6:5-6, where did Christ say we should pray? Based on the verses above, how can you set aside a time and place to fellowship with God? Complete This Section Without Looking Back at the Lesson 1. What one thing hinders prayer? 2. What should you always do before you ask God for anything? 3. Why is it possible to pray to God? 4. Towhom should you pray, in whose name, and in whose power should you pray? 5. Why does God answer prayer? 38  6. What is prayer? Verses to Memorize 1Timothy 2:8 Psalm 66:18 1Peter 3:12 39  6 SHARINGOUR FAITH You may have heard about the importance of witnessing or sharing your faith. After all,God used someone in some way to reach out to you. But what exactly is a witness, and wBhy is it important to be one? In a court case, a witness tells others about what he has seen or experienced. And in the Christian life, a witness does the sam thing. He tells others about the gloriousGod who redeemed him, and he showsthem how they can know this same God. WHY SHOULD WE WITNESS? We Want the Whole World to See His Glory As we experience God's grace and love, we will naturally want others to know about Him. How did David express this desire (Ps. 71:24a)? Read the following verses, and state what drove Paul to be a missionary to the whole world. Romans 1:5 2 Corinthians 5:14 God gave Paul a desire to show everyone how wonderful, awesome, beautiful, and gracious God is. Sharing our faith is merely bragging about the God we love--because He first loved us. GodWants Us to Witness What did Christ say He would make of His followers (Matt. 4:19)? What title did Christ give us (Acts 1:8)? 42  Why did God gather us together as this "holy nation" (1 Pet. 2:9)? GodChose to Use Us to Reflect Himself According to James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23, what is the tool through which people are born into God's family? According to Romans 10:14, what must happen before a person believes on Christ? erse challenge you? How does this verse OurFaith Grows as We Share It One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it. God can use our work and preparation to increase our faith and deepen our love for Christ. What if people laugh at me? WHY SOME DONT SHARE THEIR FAITH Why might many Christians not proclaim God to others (Pro. 29:25)? Why was Paul not ashamed to preach the good news of Christ (Rom. 1:16)? God gave Paul an excitement about His character and work through Christ. This attitude grows from a love for God and other people, and there's no better way to show that love than to share our Savior with others. 43  But does it matter how I live? OUR LIFE MAKES A DIFFERENCE What we do isa reflection of who we are, and if we want to share with others how Christ has changed us, we should not do anything that would unnecessarily turn others away from God. The gospel isn't preached by words alone, but also by action. God uses what we say and what we do to reflect Him, and if we say things that arent backed up by our lives, people will notice. Read Philippians 1:27. What did Paul challenge the Philippian Christians to do? Read 1 Peter 2:11-15. From what is a Christian to abstain? People may accuse us of doingevil-falsely or truthfully but what will silence themn (vv. 12-15)? But Idont know what to say! HOW TO WITNESS When witnessing to a person who has not accepted Christ, share the following four truths. In this section, wherever you see a verse reference followed by blanks,write out the verse and underline any key phrases you believe might be helpful. God IsHoly, and We Are All Sinners This first basic fact is essential to understanding our need. We must see God'sstandard of holiness and how far short we've fallen from it. The following verses state our sinfulness. Romans 3:10, 23 44  Isaiah 53:6 You can also use Galatians 3:22, Jeremiah 17:9, and Ecclesiastes 7:20. God Will Punish Us for Our Sin After the first point, an unbeliever may think, "So what? Yes, I'm a sinner, but everyone else is a sinner as well. What's so bad about that?" We must recognize the awful consequences of being asinner. Death Romans 6:23 Ezekiel 18:4b Hell and the Lake of Fire Luke 16:23 Revelation 20:15 45 Christ Suffered Our Punishment for Us Now for the good news. After you have shown the person that he isa sinner-and therefore under the condemnation of death and hell-you show him God's love and God's provision for his sin. Christ Was Born to Save Us from Our Sin Matthew 1:21 He Came to Take Avway Our Sin John 1:29 He Bore Our Sins 1Peter 2:24 He Died for Us Romans 5:6, 8 Here you should emphasize substitution to an unbeliever. Christ took our place on the cross. We were condemned to die and suffer in hell, but because of His love for us, He came to Earth and suffered our hellin our place. God poured out His wrath on Christ as payment for our sin. 46 There Is Nothing Left to Do but Trust IfChrist paid our debt on the cross, then we have nothing left to pay. If you owe a debt and someone pays it for you, there is nothingelse to do but accept it. Christ paid the debt for sin, and He now asks us to do the following: Confess Him as the Lord of Our Lives Romans 10:9 Trust What He Did on the Cross to Provide Payment for Our Sin John 3:16 Help! The person wants to be saved. What do I do now? URGE HIM TOTRUST CHRIST AS HIS LORD AND SAVIOR We must be very careful at this point. Salvation does not happen because you trick or manipulate someone into saying the right things. True repentance and regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit. When Paul's jailor asked how to be saved in Acts 16:30 31, what did Paul say? In John 3:1-18, what did Jesus tell Nicodemus was necessary tobe born again (vs. l6)? Notice what was not done ineither case. Neither Paul nor Christ said that a special prayer or spiritual task was needed. 47  Read Acts 8:36-37. What did the man do for salvation? A person isn't saved by praying or following a formula. Rather, we must simply believe-or trust-that lam a sinner. I cannot save myself. Christ paid for my sin. By trusting Him alone, I will become part of God's family forever. Be sure the unbeliever understands that the only way of salvation is by trusting Christ-and then get out of the way! Salvation is a transformation that occurs when a person accepts the gift of God. Do not try to reduce it to a simple prayer or formula. HELP THE YOUNG BELIEVER GROW Anew Christian is like a newborn baby (1 Pet. 2:2). He needs food and nourishment. He needs to grow. It's important that you follow up with a new believer by discipling him. One way to do this is togive him materials-like this book--that will help him begin tostudy the Bible. You should also encourage him to attend a caring, doctrinally-sound church. Pray with him, study with him,weep with him, and encourage him as he takes these first steps of faith. Complete This Section Without Looking Back at the Lesson 1. Name three reasons every Christian should witness. 48  2. List the four major points to emphasize when witnessing and give a Scripture reference for each point. 3. Dowe make ourselves Christians by praying a prayer? What is the only thing that the Bible teaches is our responsibility? 4. Once a person has trusted in Christ, what are some ways youcould help him grow? Verses to Memorize Romans 3:23 Romans 6:23 Romans 5:8 Romans 10:9 49