BIBLE STUDY BASICS ROSS SMITH

BIBLE STUDY BASICS                                                                                   ROSS SMITH

ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED

 Do you engage in private Bible Study? If your answer is “no” then the next question is “why not”?  Anyone who claims to be a Christian and fails to study God’s Word is presuming on God. You may consider this statement harsh, so it is only fair to show from Scripture why neglect of study jeopardises our eternal destiny. Please refer to the end of this study for a list of helpful Scripture.

These notes are not intended to TELL you HOW to study but to ENCOURAGE you to study, for without consistent and intense study of God’s word we will fail to gain God’s approval. Study is a very personal thing for a very universal purpose. The Psalmist clarified this point when he majored on some “personal pronouns”. He nominated that “I” am responsible for secreting God’s Word in “MY” heart, for a very special purpose, that “I” might not sin.

Psalm 119:11                                     YOUR word have I laid up in MY heart, that I might not sin against YOU.

Bible study must become more than perusing some other persons study notes, or compiling some scriptural references, reading commentaries and dictionaries. Study is generally undertaken to obtain a qualification, and study of God’s Word is no different. It is important to note the entire direction as stated in 2 Timothy, for not only do we need to gain God’s “approval”, but precision and clarity is demanded in the manner we understand and use God’s Word.

Study is not just to acquire knowledge, nor just to acquire a qualification. Knowledge as such, only forms part of the route to a qualification and even a qualification is not the ultimate goal of study, it is to cultivate the ability to evidence or put into practice the understanding of our study/knowledge, which is actually “EXPERIENCE”.

2 Timothy 2:15                                  STUDY and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God APPROVED (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analysing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and SKILLFULLY teaching] the Word of Truth.

It is important to note that which is recommended in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 that God’s word must firstly be in our own minds and hearts. This can only be achieved by consistent, in-depth and sincerely applied study and exploration, not just reading. Then verse 7 provokes the purpose of our study, that we should “whet and sharpen them, so as to MAKE THEM PENETRATE”.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7                         And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then] YOU SHALL WHET AND SHARPEN THEM so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.

The word “WHET” is not a word we use frequently, except when a tantalising offer is made, we then say, “whet your appetite”. One definition is “to sharpen, as by grinding or friction”, and of course that brings to mind 2 things,

1. That interactions between individuals contributes to better understanding and appreciation, that interaction regarding scriptural principles gives greater insight to both parties. This is the thrust of Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron; so, a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].”
2. A similar idea is brought to bear in Malachi in identifying those whose interest is God centred and consequently, much discussed. Malachi 3:16  Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name.

In both instances, there is an enhancement and appreciation of the truth, the repartee enabling the word to penetrate and fulfil its function due to the acuteness of the edge of the discussion being honed by incisive spirits guided minds.  THE OPPOSITE OF SHARP IS DULL!!!!

 Everything that God made has a structure, and our Bible study should also have a structure, built like a secure mansion and not just a collection of outhouses. So, let me propose a simple format for you to build upon. Having seen a truth that stimulates your spirit or even a subject that has your attention, can benefit from identifying: –

• What is the main point?
• Where is it heading
• Where does it lead to?
• What does it imply?

All the above require meditation, contemplation and concentration. Bible study is necessary for:-

1. Understanding
2. For memory
3. For love

To be hidden in our heart (Psalm 199:11) the Word must be—

(1) In our understanding. Too frequently we cite Scripture as a string of words, often without any practical application, but it must be firmly grasped and intelligently realised. IT MUST PENETRATE.

(2) In our memory. Is that which we have read forgotten as soon as the book is closed, or do we carry it in our mind and spirit, its sacred truths constantly rotating in our thoughts? If it is not in our memory it is not in our heart.

(3) In our affections. The Word of God is to be highly sought after and lovingly cherished. We must engage the help of the Holy Spirit to excite us when we read, encourage us to mark those verses that apply, quicken us to learn, and inwardly digest His truth as we find it like Job stated, “I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food”. (Job 23:12)

Here are some areas to assist in getting started with a study program. Look up each reference and write the scripture out in your journal together with any thoughts that the verse prompts. (To assist, these verses are appended to the end of this study) The Word of God must be: –

• Heard (Romans 10: 17)
• Studied (2 Timothy 2: 15)
• Meditated on (Psalm 1)
• Engrafted in our souls (James 1: 21)
• Written in our hearts (Hebrews 8: 10)
• Put into practice (Matthew 7: 24)
• The Word of God is not meant to be simply quoted from a page but manifest from our hearts and evidenced in our personality.”

 Every qualified tradesman has a kit of tools and each tool has a particular purpose, a hammer is for nails, a screwdriver is the screws, a spanner is for bolts. Misuse of the tools results in damage to the materials, and frequently damage to the tools. We also possess tools or resources relating to our study of God’s word, and proper use will produce a result pleasing to God and satisfying to us. Similarly, with the tradesman, inappropriate use of these tools will tend to corrupt the end result and sometimes cause irreparable damage.

Matthew 15:8-9                                These people draw near Me with their mouths and honour Me with their lips, (like unqualified tradesmen  ..  comments mine) but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me. USELESSLY do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men

Solomon has penned an analogy indicating that without the acuteness of the Word, life is much harder. If we do not take the time to hide the Word in our heart we will not be sharp enough for the task. Ecclesiastes said if the axe is blunt it requires “more strength” or more effort, but if we “wise up, sharpen up”, then we will succeed.

Ecclesiastes 10:10                            If the axe is dull and the man does not whet the edge, he must put forth MORE STRENGTH; but wisdom helps him to succeed.

For effective Bible study, there are very basic tools starting with the indispensable Word of God, pen and paper, a dictionary, a journal, also useful are coloured pencils. And then there are ancillary items such as a reliable commentary, Greek and or Hebrew lexicons, reliable historical and geographical maps and descriptions. In the age in which we live we now have access via the Internet to immeasurable resources, however, this medium must be used intelligently for even the United States President has warned that it frequently carries “fake news”.

Commentaries are useful to stimulate thought but must not be used for plagiarism without attribution. By reading, and then meditating and contemplating, the Holy Spirit can guide us into ALL TRUTH, (John 16:13) not just an isolated idea.

And so, I would caution against overreliance on commentaries or books or tapes, as these tools often are conflicting in their content and confusing in their substance, frequently the machinations of a man’s mind and not the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, often written for financial gain, not spiritual profit. But every scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Having established that study requires a STRUCTURE we also need to understand the PURPOSE and the apostle was most forthright in spelling out this detail in: –

2 Timothy 3:16-17                           EVERY SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED (given by His inspiration) and profitable FOR instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), SO THAT the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Having eliminated the potential for ambiguity we must establish the demand for certainty, and we have already seen that precision is paramount and worth repeating again.

2 Timothy 2:15                                  STUDY and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, CORRECTLY ANALYZING AND ACCURATELY DIVIDING [RIGHTLY HANDLING AND SKILLFULLY TEACHING] THE WORD OF TRUTH.

The spiritual person here is referred to as “a workman” or tradesman and reinforces the fact that the proper tools, used effectively and efficiently, attract God’s approval.

Unless you commit your contemplations to paper you haven’t studied, you have just read. It also assists in developing the clarity of the subject, to imprint it on our memory, to be able to convey the thought to other people, to be available for frequent revision and enlargement.

THOUGHTS CAN BE FLEETING; NOTES CAN BE REFLECTING.

There is one particular requirement, and that is that your study should be assembled with great care. We have previously referred to 2 Timothy 2:15 however it bears repeating. This verse counsels us to be precise in both our preparation and presentation. There are four specific steps: –

C             Carefully analyzing

A             Accurately dividing                   The acronym “CARS” aids in memorizing.

R             Rightly handling

S              Skillfully teaching

if we all adopt this format then there will be far less spurious doctrine and misleading interpretation of God’s Word, far greater unity in God’s body, the church, and a much greater appreciation and application of the truth that will set people free, able to enjoy the provision God has made for us.

(For additional reading see “Vitality of Study”, available on the blog, “williamrosssmith.wordpress.com)

HELPFUL SCRIPTURE TO PROMOTE BIBLE STUDY.

2 Timothy 2:15  STUDY and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analysing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

Mark 4:24  And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. THE MEASURE [OF THOUGHT AND STUDY] YOU GIVE [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you–and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.

Psalm 119:11  Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

James 1:21  So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.

Psalm 138:2  I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name! 

Deuteronomy 6:6-9  And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then] You shall whet and sharpen them so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets (forehead bands) between your eyes.  And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Acts 20:32  And now [brethren], I commit you to God [I deposit you in His charge, entrusting you to His protection and care]. And I COMMEND YOU TO THE WORD OF HIS GRACE [to the commands and counsels and promises of His unmerited favour]. It is able to build you up and to give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God’s set-apart ones (those consecrated, purified, and transformed of soul).

John 17:17  Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. 

Psalm 119:133  Establish my steps and direct them by [means of] Your word; let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalm 119:105  YOUR WORD is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

John 5:38  And you have not His word (His thought) living in your hearts, because you do not believe and adhere to and trust in and rely on Him Whom He has sent. [That is why you do not keep His message living in you, because you do not believe in the Messenger Whom He has sent.]

The Word of God must be: –

1. HEARD (Romans 10: 17) So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).
2. STUDIED (2 Timothy 2: 15) Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analysing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
3.  MEDITATED ON (Psalm 1) BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither, and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].  For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God’s will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).
4. ENGRAFTED IN OUR SOULS (James 1: 21) But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].
5. WRITTEN IN OUR HEARTS (Hebrews 8: 10)  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds, even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
6. PUT INTO PRACTICE (Matthew 7: 24)  So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.
7.  The Word of God is not meant to be simply quoted from a page but manifest from our hearts and evidenced in our personality.”