Introduction
In my 35 years of ministering the word of God by way of teaching, preaching, or witnessing; I have noticed that many Christians and even non-Christians struggle to make sense of what they read in the Bible. I to must admit that it was difficult for me to understand many things in the scriptures. Please don’t get me wrong, no one could ever exhaust the depths of the eternal truths of God’s word. And yet we are commanded to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth II Tim. 2; 15” KJV.
This dilemma first lead me on a quest for more meaningful study and understanding for myself. Eventually it evolved into a burden that is continually increasing the more I notice in Sunday School lessons, sermons, and conversations with people who genuinely want to know God’s word but just can’t seem to put it together. Many Christians are so frustrated that they barely even attempt to read let alone study the word of God.
Scripture teaches: that God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hos.4:6; we’re to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: I Pet. 1:15 KJV.
It is for this purpose that I want to share some simple and effective tips that will help alleviate some of the confusion and hindrances to effective study of the greatest book ever known to humanity; The Bible. I will also share additional resources that has been helpful to me will aid you in your pursuit of the Truth that is waiting to be revealed. My endeavor is to give credit to whom is do because no one succeeds on their own. So let me begin right here by thanking my Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ for all of the wonderful people he has put in my life along my journey. It starts first with my parents and the Methodist AME church I was reared in that gave me the foundation of the Christian faith.
Just when I knew (at age 16 teens think they know everything) I had enough of church, I followed a Girl to a Pentecostal Church were I was born again and became a new creator in Christ Jesus. I learned a great deal from Rev. Levi Anderson (deceased) until the church dissolved. A short time later the Lord placed me with and under the watchful care of Bishop C.W.Cotton until he died. I have learned from many many others along the way that I can not name them all. Some of the people that I’ve learned from I have never personally met. Nevertheless a few that stick out that I have sat under are: Dr. John Bagley of Dover, De. Pastor Michael P. Willams of Huston, TTx.Bishop T.D. Jakes of Dallas, Tx; Dr. Austin Waters of Millington, Md. and Dr. Orlando Shorts of Dover, De.; as well as others.
I have also received a wealth of knowledge from books, commentaries, tapes, cd’s, and dvd’s.
I will be shortly sharing imput on a monthly basis on this subject that I believe in my heart of hearts that will be a blessing to you so stay tuned for part 1.
You Can Learn to Study Gods Word Pt2
No more excuses
There are a number of reasons people give for not studying the bible. Some of the excuses are: The bible is outdated, I don’t have time, I leave that to the Pastor, I don’t know how, etc. None of these are good reasons.
God’s word is too important not to study it seriously, regularly, and devotionally while loving it in the process. I’d like to share some effective strategies that you can use to help you uncover spiritual truths for yourself. I must also inform you that if you are going to know God’s word, will, and way; then bible study is a must and not an option. The bible is God’s primary tool to hone and mold you. Studying is a must for your effectiveness (2 Tim. 3:16, 17); maturity (Heb. 5:11-14); and your growth (1 Pet.2:2).
What is expected of you?
I believe that nothing in life is free. Everything has a cost. Salvation is free to everyone who will receive the gift of forgiveness and new life through Jesus Christ, but it cost him his life to provide such an experience.
You must be open to God (Prov. 8:34,35).
Be willing to change. The bible was written for that purpose (Rom.8:29)
Make the effort. The greater your investment, the greater your reward.
Start. Set some goals. Be patient. Be diligent.
Choosing a Bible
Any Bible will not do. You need a study Bible that includes: cross-references so you can compare scripture with other scripture, a concordance, maps, and perhaps some additional helps for explaining unique things relating to Biblical times.
The best Bible Translation
There is no single absolute best translation. However, the best translation for you is the one you will read. We are blessed to live in a period of history that without knowing Hebrew or Greek, without being familiar with words used during the writing of the widely used King James Version (16th century); a number of good English translations are available.
You may want to ask your minister for recommendations. But in the end of the day it is you that must use it. Not long ago I went thru the process of evaluating a number of translations. The following are simply my opinion of a few study Bibles that you may find beneficial. The ESV study Bible, Quest NIV study Bible, Ryrie NASB study, Macarthur NKJV study Bible, and the
Holman study Bible.
For Maximum effectiveness, study with more than one translation. I’ve found that this really helps most when dealing with passages that are difficult for you. In part three we will recommend some other tools that will enhance your study as well as beginning the study of God’s word the Bible.
The Process of Effective Bible Study Pt3
The Process of Effective Bible Study
Too often we tell new converts to get in the scriptures and expect them to take it from there. But, just as learning to fly takes time and skill to develop, the study of the Bible is no different. Without it many of God’s people quit in frustration.
There Is a Method
The approach to study requires certain steps in order to arrive at the desired result. This is not simply any order or any steps. Personal bible study has a specific objective and that is to change your life. How do you get there? Let me suggest three steps that can revolutionize your study.
1. Observation
This is where you ask a number of questions of the text such as: What do I see? What are the facts? Imagine yourself being a detective searching for clues and gathering information.
2. Interpretation
Here you are asking, what does this mean? Many times bible study begins with interpretation. But before you can understand you must first learn to see.
3. Application
At this point the question shifts to, how does this work? not, does it work? The word of God is relevant and if you read and heed it, it will change your life.
Before you can make an impact on anyone else life; first God’s word must make an impact on you. The word of God upon receptive hearts will always produce changed lives. When you allow the scriptures to transform your life, you can in turn transform the world.
Start with Observation
What do I see? Here are a few things to be on the lookout for.
Terms
These are key words the author is using. A term helps unlock each book that gives you meaning.
Structure
The bible is not randomly put together. There is grammatical structure (subject of sentence, object, and main verb) which the more you know about grammer the more you benefit from your study. There is also literary structure where you look for questions and answers, a climax and resolution, and cause and affect.
Literary form
This is called genre. The books of the bible are not written the same way. Some are historical, prophetical, poetic, epistles, and etc. The Holy Spirit uses these various forms to convey his message.
Atmosphere
Here you are detecting the setting and tune from the text. Imagine if you will what it’s like to be in the writers shoes. Do you hear an angry crowd? Can you sense the joy of an answered prayer? If you are studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, listen to Paul while on his knees in prayer (Eph. 3:14-21). You really want to use your imagination during the observation stage.
We’ll pause here and look at how to utilize the interpretation and application stages of the study process in part 4.
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