IBS-49 Find the Application: Learn from Bad Examples -2

Big Idea: We can learn from bad examples in the Bible.

We Can Learn from Bad Examples

Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself. Eleanor Roosevelt

There are a lot of stories throughout the Bible. One would think a body of religious works would showcase the good examples; the way to live right. But one reason I believe the Bible is an authentic, true book and not fabricated fairy tales is because everyone is not a hero or a goody-two-shoes. Many people make mistakes and some of them are make them over and over again! And yet remarkably, God loves these people and wants their friendship and wants to bless and use them.

A favorite Bible study series that I have taught multiple times is “Bad Girls of the Bible,” and “Really Bad Girls of the Bible,” by Liz Curtis Higgs. Each class is always popular. It is interesting to see people mess up, and what God does about it. The author points out that anyone can find something in common with these bad girls: A controlling spirit, jealousy, brokenness over disease... We relate to these characters because we sometimes have messed up lives too.

So as we look for applications in the Bible, look carefully at the bad examples. Do a character study exploring why they did what they did and how they got that way. 

How Bad Examples Teach Us

1. Learn from the mistakes of others. (Ananias and Saphira) Acts 5:1-10

2. Understand that in spite of our mistakes, when we turn to God He will bless those who follow Him. (Moses the murderer, King David the murderer)

3. No matter how bad you have been, you can still come to God for a fresh start. (Paul the murderer)1 Timothy 1:15-16

4. Bad examples show us the consequences of stubborn rebellion. 2 Peter 2:6

5. Even ungodly characters can teach us life illustrations. (The bad judge) Luke 18:1-7

Every story and lesson in the Bible has a purpose. It is there for our understanding of God and personal growth as a Christian. 

 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

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This post is forty-ninth in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.

Up next: Find the Application: Learn from Good Examples-3
Previous post: Find the Application: Live the Good Examples -1
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Reflect:

1. If you wrote the Bible for people to know God would you have put all those bad examples in there?

2. Do you have a special bad boy or bad girl of the Bible that intrigues you? Why do you find them interesting? What do you learn from them?

IBS-48 Find the Application: Live the good example - 1

The Big Idea: It is important that we study and learn from the examples found in Scripture.

Live the Good Example

When my husband was on assignment at the Army Post at Fort Benning, GA, we constantly saw the infantry motto, “Follow me!” It was everywhere! Every time I saw it, it reminded me that the Bible teaches us to be both followers and leaders for His sake.

Everyone needs good role models and heroes; those who show us the way to be. It is important for young children and youth. It is useful for training workers. It is good for all of us to have someone in our life that shows us a way to live better. Here are a few reasons why.

• They show us how to live, and in sickness and death, how to die well
• They show us how to make mistakes and to learn from them
• They show us how to walk through darkness and difficulty
• They teach us better ways to act, interact and respond to our world0
• They give us inspiration and courage

“Follow me” - Jesus

In the Bible you have probably heard Jesus’ phrase, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 ESV

Sometimes the disciples and others following Jesus were called followers. In the book of Acts many were called this as well. Christianity was referred to as “The Way.” Jesus said He was the Way to God and used this phrase about Himself. It stuck. They followed the Way.

Following or imitating someone worthy of being followed is important. In the animal kingdom, the momma imprints on the babies as to how to behave. It is important for baby Christians to have a fellow  Christian show them how to live too.

Examples from the Word

Christ

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 NLT

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. I Peter 2:21 NLT

The Apostle Paul

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. Philippians 3:17 NLT

For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me. I Corinthians 4:15b-16 NLT

You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

If it ever happens that you do not have very good examples of Christianity around you (and Christians have their blind spots like anyone else) know you can turn to the examples of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. Read the Bible and look for examples how to live as God would want us to live.

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This post is forty-eighth in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.

Up next: Find the Application: What we can Learn from Bad Examples 2
Previous post: Find the Application: Practice with Psalm 23

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Reflect:

1. Who has been a positive role model in your life? In what ways have you learned from them?

2. Think about the life of Jesus in the Gospels. What is something you appreciate or admire about how He lived or how He handled people? Think about how that might be helpful to you in your walk with God.

Application: Principles Exercise for Psalm 23

The Big Idea: How we can apply the Bible by looking for principles in Psalm 23.

Finding the Principles

Foundational truths that guide our faith leading us to be more like Jesus are valuable principles found throughout the Bible. Last week we looked at steps to find those principles. Let’s put it to the test in Psalm 23.

Finding the Biblical Principles in Psalm 23

1. Identify the theme of the passage (the book, the chapter) The book theme: worship

The chapter theme: God cares for us

2. What is it about? What is the subject? What is happening?

The chapter is about God and how He acts toward us as individuals and how He cares for His children down to their very needs.

The action taking place is an example of how a shepherd takes care of sheep. It has inspired many painters to create an image of the Good Shepherd.

3. What do you think the author/speaker is trying to show or tell his audience? What is the intent? Why is this included in the Bible?

This is an illustration common to the Old Testament times where shepherds were plentiful and took responsibility for their sheep. He shows us God’s intimate type of care over us. This is in the Bible to illustrate this very personal God interested in our daily life. Many deities and heads of religion have platonic nice sounding ideas but the concept of a personal God who is like a parent, friend or caretaker vested in their charge is a critical difference for the God of the Bible.

4. Is it told or shown in the narrative (story telling)? Is there a cause and effect? Are there contrasts in what should and should not be done? 

This passage is a narrative. It is not specific to a person but we can imagine the author David, who was a shepherd boy for his father’s flocks, knew from personal experience how to care for his sheep.

There is a sense of cause and effect because as the shepherd cares for the sheep they know Him. His care is not only adequate, it is abundant.

5. Is there a natural list of qualities and/or actions? Let’s look at the benefits of Psalm 23. See note.


6. How might it be relevant to the culture of its time? How might it be applicable today?

As shepherds were common in the Old Testament it was recognized as a humble and responsible way of caring for their charge. God is like that.

A modern illustration may be like how people are tender and loving caring for their dog or cat. We see doggie strollers and ice cream cones for dogs. It is people’s delight to be tender and caring toward them.

My husband added that perhaps we can take note from the recent baby formulae shortage. We heard stories how mothers would drive up to a couple hours away in the hopes of finding formulae for their babies.


7. Generalize what is being said. What is the main point? Write the principle in one sentence. State it clearly. 

We should find and grasp the main point in order to go deep! God gives exceptional care to me because He loves me.

8. What is the take-away from the identified principle(s) of your passage? How can you use this knowledge for your life? 

It is such a powerful picture of God’s presence, His comfort and His loving care.

• God gives me what I need (not necessarily what I want). It overflows.
• He renews me and refreshes me.
• He guides me
• I do not need to be afraid because He is with me. He protects and comforts.
• His love is for every day of my life now and eternally in the future.

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This post is forty-seventh in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.

Up next: Find the Application: Live the Good Example
Previous post: Find the Application: Principles Followed

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Reflect:

1. Read over the take-aways of number 8. Is there at time when you sense His care over you in this way?

2. Sing to yourself the song,”Jesus Loves Me”or listen to it here, reflecting on the truth of it for your life.

Application: Principles that Guide

The Big Idea: How we can apply the Bible by looking for principles in a passage.

Principles That Guide

Biblical principles are foundational truths that guide our faith and our beliefs, directing how we act. Essentially, they lead us to be more like Jesus.

Why we need Biblical Principles

• They ground us in what is true and right
• They guide how we think
• They guide how we act
• They guide our decision making
• They guide how we treat others

How to find the Biblical Principle in a passage

1. Identify the theme of the passage (the book, the chapter, the paragraph, or all three)

2. What is it about? What is the subject? What is happening?

3. What do you think the author/speaker is trying to show or tell his audience? What is the intent? Why is this included in the Bible?

4. Is it told or shown in the narrative (story telling)? Is there a cause and effect? Are there contrasts in what should and should not be done?

5. Is there a natural list of qualities (like the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23) and/or actions? Of what to do and what not to do? Of how we should behave?

6. How might the passage relate to the culture of its time? How might it be applicable today?

7. Generalize what is being said. What is the main point? Write the principle in one sentence. State it clearly. We should find and grasp the main point in order to go deep!

8. What is the take-away from the identified principle(s) of your passage? How can you use this knowledge for your life?

• How does this help you train your brain to think what is good and right and true?
• What is the right thing for you to do? Is there a way to adjust how you act?
• Does this passage shed light on how you treat people and interact with them?
• Is there a decision that could use insight from this principle?
• How might this passage help you to act in a more Christ-like manner?

The book of Galatians presents guidelines for godly living. In Galatians 6:16 the word used can mean a measuring rod, or guideline for what is right. This same word, “canon,” was used of the books the Apostles and early church leaders chose to be included in the Bible. They followed a principle or guide, and this Word of God guides us.

What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. Galatians 6:15b-16 NLT

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This post is forty-sixth in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.

Up next: Find the Application: Principle Followed – Practice with Psalm 23
Previous post: Find the Application: Promise Claimed-4 – Practice with Psalm 23

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Reflect:

1. How would you explain the word “principle” in our secular academic world, and in the context of the Bible?

2. What would you say are some general principles of the Bible? What are some principles that guide your walk with God? Can you think of Bible passages that support it?

Promise Exercise for Psalm 23

The Big Idea: How to examine the familiar Psalm 23 from the perspective of the promises of God.

Promises In Psalm 23

How can we determine God’s promises keeping true to the Bible? Here is how I have examined Psalm 23.

My 10-step approach to finding the promises in Psalm 23

1. Every time I opened the passage I prayed for God to guide me.

2. I had a notebook and pen/pencil handy.

3. I read the whole chapter a couple of times in a couple of translations.

4. I checked who wrote it. Could I legitimately claim the author wrote it not just for himself but also for the people of God.

5. I listed the attributes and actions of God evident in the verses.

6. I researched if the attributes and actions are in sync with the rest of the Bible citing some references to other passages.

7. I noted the benefits.

8. I looked at conditions and/or circumstances for the recipient.

9. Since this Psalm did not exhibit direct Words of God I wondered what would constitute a promise? The author speaks about God. How does that function as a promise?

10. Lastly I checked other authors online on Promises in Psalm 23.  I worked the passage first. Then I checked for other Christians to verify I was in sync with them. We share the Holy Spirit. This prevents error.

Diane’s Notes

1. Pray.

2. Pencil and paper. 

3. Psalm 23 completely read in NLT, ESV, NIV. 

4. David wrote Psalm 23. He probably initially wrote it for himself, but it was included in the Psalms, a book of worship for believers. I believe he was thinking of building up and teaching others about God when God inspired David to write this. Yes, it can be for me.

5. Going through Psalm 23 I listed attributes and actions. This is a photo of my slip of paper I brought with me to a park using the Bible on my iphone. See how simple it can be?

6. Are these attributes in sync with the rest of the Bible? I list only verses 1-2 for space sake.

• Shepherd – even Jesus identified Himself as our Shepherd. Isaiah 40:11, John 10. Other places
• He leads us – Proverbs 15:24, Isaiah 40:11, 2 Corinthians 2:14
• He provides rest – Joshua multiple times, 1 Chronicles 23:25, Matthew 11:28, Hebrews 4:9
• He restores – Deuteronomy 30:20, Psalm 51:12, 1 Peter 5;10

7. Benefits to the recipient

Needs fulfilled (v1), rest (v2), quiet (v2), refreshing (v3), lead/direction (v3), no fear (v4), not alone (v4), comfort (v4), provision (v5) abundance (v5), goodness and love (v6), my whole life and forever (v6)

8. Conditions to all this abundance and goodness. Yes. I know God is MY shepherd (v1). I allow God to do all these things for me. One can be invited to eat at a table and refuse to come. God benefits those who want His help and seek Him.

9. How do we understand Bible promises where God is not talking?

Promise – n. a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. Oxford Dictionary

We examine His character and the way He consistently acts. While promises are not negotiable, they may be contingent on our engagement with Him. In Psalm 23, we see declaration after declaration of God’s intent and His ability to help those who seek Him.

10. Online looking for promises of Psalm 23, there are numerous posts that mention Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Some lists are very detailed about who God is to us. The site DesiringGod.org ties it with Psalm 22 quoted by Jesus at the cross. 

Some of the promises I determined:

• God provides for my needs; Not my wants, but my needs.
• God leads me, just like a guide through difficult terrain.
• God provides rest and restoration in His time.
• God is with me. I do not need to be fearful, even when I go through difficult circumstances He is with me through them.
• God is my protector especially as I use His Word (rod and staff)
• God has my entire life and my eternity in view. It is ultimately for good, not evil. Everything is in His time.

Put on your Promise Filter to find God’s promises for YOU!

Enjoy this worship Psalm based on Psalm 23, I am Not Alone

  
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This post is forty-fifth in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.

Up next: Find the Application: Principle Followed
Previous post: Find the Application: Promise Claimed-3 The Promise Filter


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Reflect:

1. Which of my last list resonates with your need for today?

2. Are you seeking Him? Is He your shepherd always? Do you want Him to restore you? If not, what stands in your way?

3. Consider anything you should tell God right now.