"Just 2 Questions" Bible Reading

Big Idea: Read the Bible every day asking yourself what it says about God and mankind.

Reading the Bible does not have to be complicated

It is true that the Bible is a thick book and a lot in it has been debated through the centuries.

Yet it is a book of stories and wisdom for us to know God and find strength. It is meant to be read and pondered over.

Just Two Questions  

Two questions to keep in mind when you read the Bible.

1. What does this passage tell me about God?

2. What does this passage tell me about Man?

About God

Some call the Bible God’s love letter to us.

The Holy Spirit of God moved in the hearts of human beings (2nd Peter 1:21), inspiring them to write for our understanding about how we can know God and live in sync with Him both here and for eternity.

Always, always breathe a prayer to God before you read, asking for His help in understanding.

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Psalm 119:34 NLT

It may not seem like God is in every passage. But look prayerfully for Him as Father, Son or Holy Spirit. Consider making God in yellow to see Him better.

Ask yourself what you see as His attributes and His character.

Ask how He communicates with mankind.

What do you see as His desire; His guidance for you.

About Man

The Bible often reads like a story. It is full of characters who are both heros and failures. Sometimes the same person is both. Some characters are strange. We all know people like that too!

What do you observe about human nature in the passage?

As you look at the people in the Bible, what are their choices and actions? How do they interact with God? Are they a positive or negative example?

Why does this Scripture Matter?

Keep a log of what you read and observe.

Look at your notes. Ask yourself if you see yourself in your reading. Ask why God matters in the story and how these words might matter to you today.

What can you take away from this reading to stick with you today?

I begged for Your favor with all my heart. Show me Your love because of Your Word. Psalm 119:58 NLT

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Previous: “What Grabs You” Bible Reading
Up next: “Three Versions ” Bible Reading

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Reflect:

1. What do you wish God would show you about Himself in the Bible?

2. What is your impression of this method? Can you see yourself trying it out?

“What Grabs You” Bible Reading

Big Idea: To read the Bible till a phrase or sentence grabs your attention, then meditate on it, is a dynamic way to engage with the living Word of God.


Have you ever needed wisdom, opening the Bible randomly hoping God might speak to you? That’s not this Bible reading method.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT

The Bible is alive and dynamic, inspired by the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit speaks into your life through the Word of God today. It is fresh and relevant no matter what circumstance you face.

Lectio Divina

The “What Grabs You” Bible reading method is based on a way to read the Bible practiced since 300 A.D. often used by monks to dwell on the Word and meditate on it. It is called Lectio Divina, which is Latin for Divine Reading. 

Though it has been practiced historically by Catholics it has grabbed the attention of Protestants today. The premise is that the Bible is not stale and dusty but living and invaluable for your present situation.

How it works

1. Choose a book of the Bible (like Philippians) or a passage of Scripture (like the Sermon on the Mount).

2. Pray, asking the Holy Spirit, the one who inspired the Bible to speak into your life through the Word.

3. Start reading your chosen passage. Watch for something that speaks to you. It may be in the first verse you read.

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. Philippians s 1:1 NLT

4. It may startle you that Paul and Timothy identify as slaves of Christ Jesus. 

Stop and make it your meditation for today.

• Why does it strike a chord for you? Do you disagree? Do you find it intriguing?
• Mull it over in your mind. Read it slowly several times. Speak it aloud.
• Reflect on it. Consider what it says and what it might imply about God, for the Christian life, etc.
• Meditate on it prayerfully.
• Why does this matter? How might it impact my life and those around me?
• Consider keeping a journal of your insights as you move through the Bible

When to use this method

1. Use this method as your first effort at Bible study. It is very simple, but you get started in the Word and use it, interacting with God on what you read.

2. Use this method for a break from an intense Bible study method such as Inductive Bible Study of a ponderous book, like Isaiah or Romans. This would not be a good long term method for Bible Study.

3. Use this method when you have suffered a loss, are downhearted or struggling.

4. Try this for a period of time when you are seeking God’s Will. Expect God to show you Himself (His character, love and patience) to guide you rather than expect specific direction like “buy the blue car.”

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Previous: 3 Payoffs for Regular Bible Reading
Up next: “Just 2 Questions” Bible Reading

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Reflect:

1. What is your impression of this method? Can you see yourself trying it out?

2. What benefit do you believe comes from meditation of the Word?

3 Payoffs for Regular Bible Reading

The Big Idea: Reading the Bible regularly is hugely beneficial for my everyday life.



Things get out of whack when I get out of a habit. This summer I have been walking the neighborhood almost every day. If I let a couple days slide, it is so hard to get back into the routine.

Bible reading can be like that. I try to read the Bible in the morning before I check email, look up information on my tablet, or do my daily Sudoku. If I get sidetracked I may never get back to it. The next day it’s easy to forget it altogether. That’s a fast slide!

It is easy to get out of a habit. But it is always beneficial to get back to it. The huge payoffs for regular Bible reading for support in your day –to-day challenges are many. Here are three.

To Learn about God

You could take a university class about God or read an online article. But you are better off going straight to the source: His book, the Bible. He wants us to know Him. What you observe and learn about His character in its pages will lift you up as you lean into Him.

Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. Hosea 6:3 NLT

To Understand Human Life

When I look at the news, the world and what happens in our town I shake my head and sigh. There is so much bad stuff going on.

When I read the Bible, rather than beautiful scenes and platitudes, I see real human encounters steeped in a world bent toward evil. There is a very evil presence that tries to shake us up and take over the world. To say nothing of my personal peace.

But as I read the Bible I see God present, reaching out. He desires to be known, respected and wants to care for us. His absolute joy comes from friendship with us, as we lean on Him.

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:21 NLT

To Strengthen Your Inner Core

I broke a foot last year. Walking now, I still have to work on my core muscles. Abdominals are crucial for balance and strength.

Reading the Bible regularly builds emotional and spiritual core strength. It is full of wisdom and common sense for life. It is not wrought with sugary platitudes. Sometimes what it says is hard. But it is good for our core. We need these strengthening Words of Life.

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Ephesians 3:16 NLT

Over the next 3 weeks we will look at 3 simple ways to read the Bible. Check it out! Bible reading is good for you!

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Up next: What-Grabs-You Bible Reading Method
Preview Post : The James Bond of Scripture Spy
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Reflect:

1. How are you at keeping good habits such as brushing teeth, exercising, and so on? Why do you develop them or let them lag?

2. Have you ever had a Bible reading habit? Why or why not? Do you agree with the 3 points about Bible reading? What might you add to this list?

IBS-53 Find the Application: God Illuminated

 

Big Idea: The Holy Spirit sheds light on the Bible to us as we study about God Himself.

God Illuminated

In the Middle Ages (about 500-1500 A.D.) Some could read, but many could not. Churches used memorization such as catechisms and the Lord’s Prayer as teaching tools. Illustrations of Bible stories in the form of paintings, stained glass, and beautiful gold edged drawings in Bible manuscripts shed light on the stories of God. Those golden edged drawings in books were called illuminated texts. In a very real way we need the Bible illuminated. We want light to shine on who God is and what He desires.

Pause and consider: 

God reveals Scripture.

God is revealed in Scripture.

Having studied Bible passages, underlining and listing truths, it is time to step back and ask what it shows you about God. God is not a man we see, limited by time and space. God is spirit and God is light. God is the same yesterday, today and for eternity. He cannot be contained.


Who has seen the wind? Jesus pointed out to Nicodemus in John 3:8 that God is like that. The wind we cannot see, but we can hear it blow through the leaves. We see and feel its effects.


God is revealed from Genesis to Revelation as the Trinity; Father, Son and Spirit. Holy Spirit which means breath, like the wind, moves us. The Holy Spirit moved human beings to communicate the words that became our Bible.

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 ESV

God is revealed to us through the Bible writings. These teachings are in sync from Genesis to Revelation.

Study the Bible asking what is written about God. Some passages may reveal more about the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit. Having studied the passage, underlining and listing what it says about God. Step back and reflect what it tells you about Him. Some chapters talk about God’s character and others show aspects of His relationships. When I see a verse that mentions all three members of the Trinity I make a triangle in the margin of my Bible to show a Trinity verse. 

One aspect of General Revelation is that all mankind has a conscience. The Holy Spirit speaks to our conscience and we must choose to listen. He reveals truth about God to our heart and mind. He illuminates the Holy Scriptures pinpointing God. Sometimes while reading the Bible a verse can hit hard because it is exactly what is needed. It is like a spotlight goes straight to the heart or makes the path forward really clear. That is the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit and His Holy Word.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 ESV

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

Up next: Find the Application: How does God matter to me?
Previous post: Find the Application: The God Reveal
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Reflect:

1. Have you ever lost electricity expectedly and found yourself in the dark? What was hard to do without light? How did you get light again? Have you ever felt like life has left you suddenly in the dark in need of light?

2. Has a passage or verse from the Bible ever given you insight, light on your life that was just what was needed?

IBS-16 What is a Word Study?

 

Big Idea: What is a word study and why it is important to conduct one.

Why do a Word Study?

Books have words and words have meaning. Many have a spectrum of meaning often with several usages. The context assits to discover any shades of meaning.

The Bible was written in predominately Hebrew and Greek. Bible versions vary depending on whether the translators choose to be more literal (word for word), or portray the idea (thought for thought).

A word study is valuable to the interpreting phase of Inductive Bible Study. Look at the word usage in your passage, other parts of the Bible, and in the original language. There are helpful tools available so you don’t need to know Hebrew or Greek for a word study.

Steps to a useful word study

To get to the bottom of the word meaning try these steps.

1. Look at the context and theme  

Each word is used in a sentence, belonging to a paragraph, a chapter, and a book of the Bible. What is the book about? What is the author discussing in a particular chapter?

2. Examine the word meaning in your language

Some Biblical words aren’t used every day. Start with its dictionary definition in your language. You cannot assume this definition is its sure meaning. Some English words have multiple meanings and nuance. Context is key.

3. Look at other English versions of the same verse

At Bible Gateway the verse can be viewed how it’s expressed in other English translations. It may be translated the same or it might vary. Those other variations give insight.

4. Discover word frequency and location

a. In your English Bible. You can search word frequency through your Bible app or in a concordance. The back of some Study Bibles have a limited concordance. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance covers every word occurrence in English in KJV including “the.”

b. In the original language. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance indicates the original language word used with an index in back. Future posts present using Strong’s Concordance and online searching.

5. Analysis

• How is the word used in the book you are studying, and books by the same author (like Paul). Word studies are often done because of frequent occurrence.
• Do other passages use that word?
• Some different passages translate it differently so ask yourself why translators may put it the way they did.
• What impact does this word have on your passage and your understanding of the verse?

6. Pray and apply 

Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Try to rewrite the verse in your own words. Ask yourself why this word matters to the Christian life.

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This is the sixteenth in a series called Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.

Up next: Using Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance
Previous post: Resources in your Study Bible

Table of Contents 
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Reflect:

1. Have you told a story finding you kept repeating a word? Was it intentional or natural? Why do you think a word is used a lot by an author in a Bible passage?

2. Has a pastor or Bible teacher ever given you word insight that has unlocked the meaning of a verse for you?

3. What might be a word you’d like to examine? Is it from your recent study of the Word or is it a verse that has troubled you for years?

Scripture Interprets Scripture

 

The Big Idea: When the Bible is confusing, ask yourself how it links with the rest of God's Word which is one big storyline. God with us. 

On a bright summer day we were sitting on lawn chairs in the backyard under a big shady tree. She wanted to talk about many burning questions regarding how to understand the Bible.  "Why do some Bible verses seem to contradict each other," she mused. "How can you know the right way to read it? I love the Bible and I believe it is the Word of God. But sometimes it confuses me!"

We read the Bible for comfort, wisdom and guidance for how to live a Christian life. But a lot of casual readers, and even seasoned ones like my friend, run into passages scratching their head. I don't mean they are confused with every single verse. Admittedly there are indeed passages that are a little hard to understand. That is just being honest. Communication, especially between generations and cultures, always takes a bit of work. All of us know there are days when our spouse says something or our parents try to explain something and we look at them blankly, wondering what they mean.

ONE MAIN STORY TO TELL

An important principle is to have Scripture interpret Scripture. The Bible itself should be your primary source for understanding. God's Word, though written by many human authors from various backgrounds over about 1400 year's time has one main story to tell; that of God reaching out to know and be known by humans. There are a number of sub themes under that story but they are in sync with each other. In spite of so many authors and such a long period of time, it is remarkably cohesive from Genesis to Revelation. This is because the same Spirit of God moved each author in what message to write.

Inductive Bible study aims to get us digging in the Bible. The primary goal is to explore as much as we can primarily in the Scripture passage without going to other sources right away. If you do it properly you should probably read a passage many times in a study period. Each time look for something else. Underline. Diagram. Look for repetitive words and word relationships such as cause and effect, opposites, and so on. Look for location, movement and time periods. You will find yourself looking at a verse in a whole new way when you hunker down with a passage.

The more you get to know your Bible you will discover when reading that a verse or passage will trigger another passage saying something similar. Or you will want to dig more into the back story. For instance Jesus talks about Old Testament characters like Noah and Jonah. Who were they? Look up where the reference is that mentions them.

TEN GUIDELINES

1. Start with Prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit that moved the authors of the Bible to write the Scriptures to guide you.

2. Check a cross reference. Many Bibles have notes in the center with correlating verses.

3. Check a concordance or electronically a word search for key words repeated. You may want to do a special study on a key word. Explore a person or place mentioned using these tools. See all the other places it is mentioned in the Bible.

 4. Read the verse or passage in a number of Bible translations. There are times, but not all that often, a word is used in the original language only once in the Bible with a meaning or background unclear. Understand God has not left the people of God missing a very important concept for thousands of years because of that word. Check on verses with similar themes and phrases. Interpret from the body of the whole. Interpret the obscure based on the known.

5. If you did not start your study looking at the context, do so now. Ask yourself who the author is, who he wrote to, how many chapters there are, the theme of the book, and what kind of genre the book is.

6. Look at the context and theme of the chapter before and after the passage you are concerned about.

7. Do not base a whole doctrine on one isolated verse or passage in the Bible without correspondence with the rest of it. Remember you want to know what God is saying to the people of God. This is about what God means and not about a new doctrine or mind-blowing idea you can come up with.

8.  Be cautious with allegories. Much of the Bible needs to be read at face value in sync with other Scripture. The whole Bible is not an allegory. It is a very practical book with stories of real people learning to trust God and inherit eternal life.

9. Do not interpret the Bible by your life experience. In a roomful of people, each one may have a different idea how to live out a passage, or a different way of expressing what it means, but you should never have multiple interpretations of a Bible passage. The Bible is not relative to experience. Rather our life experiences should be lived in light of the guidance of the Bible.

10. In light of Biblical themes that span the Old Testament and New Testament, always examine the Old Testament as foundational and the New Testament as the fulfilled understanding.

Keep hungry for the Bible. Let God's Word build into your life a heart to please Him.

Up Next: Biden's Bible

Previous Post: Instruction Manual Fiasco

Check out a more recent, concise post of mine on this topic. IBS 19 Scripture Interprets Scripture

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Reflect:

1. Do I tend to feel lost when reading the Bible or frustrated with the meaning? Talk to God about your concerns. Expect Him to guide you. 

The Eyes of My Heart

The Big Idea: Use meditation with visualization to reflect on God during Advent.

Do you See What I See?

Do you enjoy watching children reenact the Christmas story, a living Nativity display or a Nativity set up in your home? Seeing the Christ child in humble surroundings is a meaningful part of the holiday. It reminds us of the reason for the season. The Christ who came to earth as a baby for our redemption.

Saint Francis of Assisi was the founder of the Nativity scene. In 1223 A.D. Saint Francis asked the Pope for permission to do something special to spark more devotional interest in the birth of the Christ Child. He gathered a manger of hay with an ox and a donkey and used it to illustrate the humble means to which Jesus came into the world. Ever since then it has been represented in paintings and as Nativity scenes both life size and miniature. The Bible never mentions animals being present at Christ's birth, nor do we see the shepherds and the magi present at the same time in Bethlehem. Even so, the Nativity tableau is meaningful and useful to us in remembering the literal incarnation of our Lord. Here is a video from Sight and Sound Voices of Christmas showing St. Francis so many years ago starting a new Christmas tradition. 

Visualization in meditation of Scripture has its value. I am a visual learner so this is particularly helpful to me. I am not referring to New Age type visualization and meditation. That kind of focus can detract from or eclipse Scripture and God as core truth. I am referring to what we can see directly in Bible passages.

Remember Jesus was a story teller with parables and illustrations. A large chunk of the Bible (at least 40%) are narrations of stories in both the Old and New Testament. When we picture stories so vividly presented, we learn more about God, the Biblical characters and even ourselves. The Bible tells about sounds (i.e. the crow of the rooster), smells (i.e. the incense) and tastes (i.e. honey). Always pray asking the Holy Spirit to guard and guide you in your time in the Word.  Learn to read the Bible using your mind's eye and think about what you can see, hear, smell and taste. Pastor John Piper discusses visualization of Christ as a way to overcome lust. He talks about both the usefulness and the pitfalls of Biblical visualization.

A favorite Michael W. Smith song for worship reminds us to look with spiritual eyes toward God.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You

You may have found as I have, that songs we sing in church over and over with repetitious verses can cause the mind to wander. A little trick I do to keep my mind on the Lord while singing is to visualize what the song says and how it impacts me.

THE CHRIST CHILD IN THE BIBLE

The shepherds went to see the child in the manger.

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15 NLT

The wise men followed the star, and thus saw the Christ.

The star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! Matthew 2: 9b-10 NLT

The Bible points us continually to look to Jesus. In fact we are to fix our eyes on Him as our compass for life. That is what this verse means when we dig into the meaning in the original language - to focus our view fixed on Him.

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12: 1b-2a. NLT

Take time this Christmas to focus on Jesus' birth and dwell on it a little. Reflect on His humble birth in a manger and the players who moved in and out. Imagine yourself as a fly on the wall as you read the Christmas story. Imagine what may have been the sounds you heard and the scents. Does this give you insights into the Christmas story? What does it tell you about God become man?

God became flesh to identify with us and be sympathetic to our pain, our suffering and our temptations. He became like us to empathize and extend to us mercy and grace when we need it most. What a gift!

[Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.  Hebrews 4:15-16

Jesus became flesh to take our sin upon Himself, to make us right with God. To rescue us completely from our sin and make us right with God. What a gift!

And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT

Merry Christmas!

Up Next: Connoisseur of the Word

Previous Post: Pondering...Mary and Joseph Style

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Reflect: 

Have you ever visualized a Bible story? If so, how did it impact you? 

What comes to mind when you reflect on being in Bethlehem at Jesus' birth? 

What might the benefit be to take time at Christmas to reflect on the Christmas story and the Christ child?

Make the Most of Advent

The Big Idea: Seven different approaches to studying Christmas passages during Advent. 

Enrich Advent with these  7 Study Tips.

Advent was not a household word used when I grew up. My impression was that liturgical church services are based on God's Word, but it becomes so rote it does not mean anything to people. My freshman year in college I attended a conservative Baptist church that (gasp) used an Advent wreath! I embarked on a wonderful lifelong journey 4 weeks before Christmas every year to study God's Word and prepare my heart regarding the real meaning of Christmas.

The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word Adventus, which means coming or arrival. It is used in many churches as a time of introspective spiritual preparation for Christmas. The traditions vary in churches around the world, but usually 4 candles are used to light each week (5 if you count an additional center candle for Christmas). The first week, one candle is lit. The second, two are lit, and so on. The colors vary but the traditional color is purple for Christ's royalty, with the candle of the third week pink, a color of joy as Christmas is over halfway here!

Don't get hung up on whether you have an Advent wreath with the right colors of candles, or no wreath at all. Some people prepare for Advent opening one chocolate a day on a candy Advent calendar! This is not about the physical, it is about the spiritual, about preparing your heart toward Christmas.

Your Scripture Spy loves to study the Bible and encourage others to get into God's Word and prayer. I'd like to give you several hot tips how to use the season of Advent for this.  For focused study I would recommend a different focus or theme each year to keep it fresh.

1. Devotional guide ready to use. You can use it for just the four Sundays or some for every day of the week.  Christianity Today has an excellent one online this year.  It is in eight different languages. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/november-web-only/advent-living-hope-series-devotions.html

2. Advent wreath on your family table. Light a candle and share a devotional with the family every Sunday dinner (or any one day of the week when everyone gathers around the table). This Raising Arrows blogs has a number of sources for children's devotionals on Advent. Some free, some to buy. https://raisingarrows.net/free-advent-devotionals-for-children/

3. Theme based study. Focus on a theme for either the 4 Sundays of Advent or for a focus the entire month. You would look into these on your own.

·         Research Prophesies in the Old Testament on Christ's arrival to the world.

·         Research what the Bible says about Christ's second coming.

4. Word study. Again focus either on 4 Sundays or through the week.

·         Research light throughout  the Bible ("I am the Light of the World"  John 8:12)

·         Research the love of God throughout the Bible

·         Study angels in the Christmas Passages and in the Bible exalting Jesus

·         Study giving, generosity, kindness

·         Study names of Jesus in the Christmas story: Emmanuel, Messiah, Jesus, Savior

5. In depth study of the Christmas passages.

·         Inductive study on the Christmas passages Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2 (four chapters)

·         Character studies on people in the Christmas story (Mary, Joseph, Zachariah, Elizabeth) as well as lesser characters like Herod, Wise Men, Innkeeper, Simon, Anna, etc)

·         Background study of the Christmas passages with the help of a Bible handbook or Bible encyclopedia (or use Bible Hub online) Look at locations, times, geography, customs pertaining to the Christmas story like childbirth, shepherd life, etc.

·         Search and study what the rest of the New Testament authors say about Jesus coming in to the World, and also the Gospel of John chapter 1.

6. Write it or speak it. Write out the four Christmas chapters (Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2) by hand. Read it aloud. Read it over the course of advent in numerous translations. Write down fresh insights.

7. Memorize Christmas verses. Use this exercise for meditation on those verses. Here are some passages or verses that might be beneficial.

·         Isaiah 9:6-7

·         Isaiah 7:14

·         Matthew 1:18-23

·         Luke 1:39-45

·         Luke 1:46-55

·         Luke 2:10-14

·         John 1:9-14

·         Galatians 4:4

·         Philippians 2:5-11

·         Colossians 1:15-20

·         Hebrews 1:1-4

 

When I lived in West Africa, my electricity shut off every evening at 10 pm. One particularly busy Sunday I had no time to study the Bible. That night I lit the Advent candles and sat there with my Bible open. I meditated and prayed for the peace and joy that I needed for that day. I started to relish snatching quiet moments like this with the Lord every year during the Christmas season. The Advent season is not something in the Bible we are commanded to celebrate or honor. However I find it to be a very useful tool for deepening my understanding of the Word, my walk with Christ and a way to keep Christ in Christmas.

Up Next: Spying on Christmas

Previous Post: The power to bless

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For reflection: 

1. Do you have an Advent practice? Is it meaningful spiritually to you or not? 

2. Is there an idea in this blog that is appealing to you to try? How do you think it might steer your inner spirit and thoughts towards the real meaning of Christmas?

OT4 Tips for Studying the Old Testament

 

The Big Idea: How to study the Old Testament even though it is very different in style from the New Testament. 

The Old Testament is essential to the Bible.  It has a lot of background information on the nature of God and how He interacts with human beings. The period is before Jesus came, but there is something in every book of the Old Testament that points to Jesus' coming to earth to fulfill redemption. We call this Salvation History. In other words, the Old Testament gives us the back story of God's big idea to redeem us and bring us into a right relationship with Him. The preparation for this started long, long ago near the beginning of time and is annotated in the Old Testament.

Here are some tips for an individual Bible study approach to the Old Testament.

 

GENERAL TIPS

• Start with prayer
• Read longer passages to get the big picture. Perhaps read the entire book first in one or two sittings.
• Use a couple of tools, such as a Study Bible, Bible Handbook, and Timeline chart. But always start by reading the Biblical text first.

A great way to study the Bible is the tried and true three pronged method of:

• Observation
• Interpretation
• Application

 

OBSERVATION

For tips on studying any passage in the Bible, check out my previous blog on making observations about what's in your Bible passage here.  Here are a few key reminders and specific tips for the Old Testament.

• Start with observations. Who What Where When Why and How.
• What does it say/show about God?  About mankind/human nature?
• What genre is the book/passage I'm reading?
• Who are the characters? What is their relationship and attitude towards God? How do they treat people?
• Visualize yourself in the story or in the character's place.
• Are there any repetitive words in the passage or key words/phrases?

            Example:         Genesis 1 - "And God saw that it was good."

                                    Exodus 29 - repetition of the word "Holy"

 

INTERPRETATION

 For tips on interpreting a passage in the Bible, I refer you to a previous blog on Interpretation. here.

• Now is the time to consult a Study Bible or Bible Handbook for the introduction, author, time frame, outline/theme, map, etc.
• What do you LEARN about God, about mankind through this passage.
• Check a Study Bible or eBible with cross references (other passages/verses related to this passage /verse)
• Look especially closely at New Testament cross references
• Does this passage point me to Jesus? Does it prophesy His birth, life, death/resurrection?
• How does this fit in the timeline of the Bible?
• How might this fit in God's revelation of His plan for Salvation?
• Do I have any questions about this passage? Does anything make me uncomfortable?
• Are there other passages in the Bible with the same key word or repeated phrase to add understanding?
• Why might God have included this in the Bible?
• What might be an example to follow, sin to put aside, promise God makes from this passage?

 

APPLICATION

Review my blog on application here as you seek to apply this passage to your life. Remember, the reason we study the Bible is for a life transformed to be more who God wants you to be. So as you look at your notes, think about what God is telling people in their context and what the timeless truth God has for you. While God transforms lives in every cultural setting, beware of making a cultural ultimatum to your culture from Scripture. Also be careful to not take one isolated verse and apply it incorrectly to a pet subject of yours. Rather use these tips to get at what God has for you.

• How might this reminder or this fresh understanding of who God is, impact you?
• Should something in this text cause me to examine my life, my attitudes, my actions? Does it warrant a specific plan of action for my life? How can I implement it?
• What gives me hope in Jesus? Reflect on the difference Jesus, His forgiveness of sin and His victory over death, makes in our life because He came.
• Is there a plain, direct command or promise? Not all Old Testament passages will have as obvious application, but there are golden nuggets that are very clear and valuable for our Christian life.

 

LEARN TO USE THE MANUAL

We have looked at some of the basics of Observation, Interpretation and Application and how they pertain  to Bible Study in the Old Testament.

I love photography. I have a complex digital camera. It is already out of date but there are still so many features I have not figured out how to use unless I consult my manual. When I practice a feature new to me it helps when I memorize and practice the feature I want to use. This enhances my photos and makes it easier to use.

I have an older camera I use manually. It help me learn the basics and why they work. Learning those basic principles helps me understand my digital camera better and makes me a better photographer. I am constantly reading and learning about camera techniques.

In a similar fashion, the Old Testament has background for us about God, sin, the need for forgiveness, Christ coming into the world and the beauty of His complete work of salvation which is much better than animal sacrifice. Learning these background principles helps us understand what Christ has done for us in the New Testament. It makes us a better Christian. Learn to use the background manual! The Old Testament.

Up Next: Old Testament: God's Partnership Plan

Previous Post: Old Testament: Poetry, Legalese and History Lessons

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For Reflection: What confuses you about the Old Testament? 

Do you think following this approach to the passage might be helpful? 

Are you willing to try it? 

Bible Application

Application: Why does it matter?

A 2016 LifeWay Research Study found that more than half of Americans have read little or none of the Bible. Of those who said they read it in the past week, just over half say they give a lot of thought to how it might apply to their life. Why do people read the Bible?  If you're honest with yourself, what is your reason?

The Bible is different from textbooks and history books. It is the very Word of God. Its intent is to help us for everyday life to know God and for Him to shape us to reflect Him. To be able to read it is not enough. We need to learn to make it practical. We need it for application.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, application is: 

The action of putting something into operation, often with practical use or relevance. 

We want to apply God's Word to our life and put it to use. We want it to help us live right with both God and man.

Application is two-pronged. 

• Internal: for our thoughts, emotions, heart before God.
• External: for our outward actions, relationships with others
• 
  

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

All Bible studies should have application. God's Word is meant to be applied to our life. It is a foundational part of Inductive Bible Study.

• Observation : What does it say
• Interpretation : What does it mean
• Application : Why does it matter

APPLICATION EXAMPLE

I was twenty three and in over my head! I lived in Manhattan. I got an eviction notice to raze my building, a court order on a car I no longer owned, was a new Emergency Room nurse in a busy New York City ER, and I was the lead organizer for a continuing education nursing workshop while my planning committee disintegrated before my eyes.

One night I read Psalm 42.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.  By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:7-8 (NIV).

I was in deep and overwhelmed. I put the verses on a post-it note to dwell on. It seemed my sole comfort. I felt God had put me in this situation. I was honest with Him. It was He who let me get swept over like Jonah in the big fish. What comfort was there in that? Should I be angry with Him? I imagined that those waves were God but though turbulent, they were also His presence. "I've got you," He whispered.

This verse showed He loved me day and night. At nights everything seems worse than reality. Yet at night He was with me giving me comforting songs to sing. He was the God of my life. That is application. Holy practicality in everyday life. He brought me through those days learning about God, and clinging to Him.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS

The word APPLY will help usremember how to apply the Bible.

• Alive
• Practical
• Profitable
• Lord based
• You

Alive 

God's Word is from the eternal living God. It is dynamic and active, not in the respect that it changes, but rather that it is relevant in multiple situations, crossing time and culture. It was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and so it is expressed well. The Holy Spirit continues to help us apply it today. This is different from other ancient works that are static and merely an interesting time capsule.  

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4: 12 NLT

 

Practical.

More blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice. Luke 11:28 NLT

The Bible gives guidelines for how we should live. It helps us deal with our emotions, interact with others, make sound decisions, and represent all that is right in what we do.  It is designed to not just teach us, but coach us in the way we should live.

An old hymn, "Trust and Obey," tells us that trust and obedience to God and His Word are the foundations of our happiness. It is not a giddy giggling happiness, but rather a rest, joy and a peace in God for all we say and do. 

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:9 NLT

Profitable. So how specifically can it help us in life? Check out this list! 


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).

 

Teaching

To teach us what is true. It teaches us attitudes, actions towards others in family, in business, in conflict, in principles of work and ethics, and so much more.

Convicting

To make us realize what is wrong. It touches the heart and helps us examine our motives. It pricks us when we have been behaving badly.

 

Correcting 

To correct us when we are wrong. It shows us the better way to act. It shows us how to remedy a bad relationship. It guides us how to respond when we are angry or have made poor ethical choices. And it also helps us to respond well when others have wronged us.

 

Training

It teaches us to do what is right. It is the coaching we need for learning to live out our actions, and respond right when our emotions run amuck. Remember when life got overwhelming for me when I worked in Manhattan? God's Word on a post-it note, and in my wallet, and in my journal was a continual reminder to find my peace and rest in God. It was like training wheels on a bike. It trained me to adjust my anxiety and turn my anxious thoughts to Him for strength.

Lord based

We apply the Scriptures to our lives to act more like we belong to God. The aim of application is to reflect Him in as we interact with others. However, it is also to cultivate the relationship we have with Him. He is our Lord, the reigning God of the Universe. But He is also our heavenly Father, our Friend, our Counselor. He has given His Word to us to help us know Him better. He communicates we us through His Word. He comforts us. He gives us peace. Sometimes I have laughed seeing God's sense of humor as I read.

He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. I Cor. 1:8-9 NLT

What God says is what we read in His Word. This brings us into the partnership, the relationship, with Him. It is not static, it is dynamic and ongoing.

You

The real question of applications is, what does it matter to you? How does what we read in the Bible matter for you, for your day to day experiences and your relationships with family, friends and co-workers? Are you one who sees all kinds of application for a friend, your spouse or you kids? Avoid that and force yourself to bring the attention of the passage back to YOU. God may eventually give you the forum to share the insights to someone else, but the purpose is for us to individually grow. At the core those timeless truths help you have an amazing, fulfilling life.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NLT

THE FLOW

The whole process of Inductive Bible Study hinges together and flows from one to the next as a continuum. Observation flows into Interpretation. Interpretation is critical to Application and applications may be jumping out at you as you are in process. Application is a sort of examination of your heart. It moves from the head knowledge to heart integration. The real question becomes, do you intend to obey what you discover in God's Word?

Take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit again for guidance. Meditate a bit more if you still need to let it soak in.

HOW TO…

Application standard operation. This applies to application of anything even in science experiments. Think S.M.A.R.T.  It is always good to ask yourself, is it… 

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time sensitive (make a plan to address it)

Every passage is different so the questions you ask yourself will be varied. For some the application is

very obvious. For others, like genealogy lists, it may take some more guidance and reflection to work through it.  Difficult passages for application will be a future topic at this blog. 

Here is a good rubric for application. You may have seen this before in one form or another. These are great questions to ask. It follows the anacronym, S.P.E.C.K. Is there a…

• Sin to admit/confess
• Promise to claim
• Example to follow
• Command(s) to obey
• Knowledge about God

Be sure to write down how you think the Holy Spirit is leading you to apply this. It may be useful to memorize a verse, or put a verse on a sticky note to post on your mirror or fridge. Perhaps you want to share it with someone you ask to be your accountability partner. Make sure it is not just a thought in your head that you never intend to follow up on.

Christian Author, Jerry Bridges, puts it this way. "As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us."

Cultivate Holy practicality in your everyday life. 

Up Next: How I got this way

Previous Post: Bible Interpretation

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For reflection: Try to apply a question in today's blog or an approach to your Bible reading. You can start with a short verse or passage. Run S.P.E.C.K. through the verse and see how it leads you.