The Big Idea: Practical advice toward finding God’s promises in a Bible passage using a series of steps as a filter.
The Promise Filter
Not every verse or chapter in the Bible reveals a promise of God, even though God’s Word is all about God and His relationship with people. We must always keep alert for His character and nature to be revealed to us. As we have that radar on, we find how He treats people, and His promises emerge.
It is a valuable skill to be a promise finder. There are many books, articles and charts online and at Christian book sites about the promises in the Bible. But you can find them for yourself as well. As we study the Bible inductively, we should hone the craft to find promises with the Holy Spirit’s help.
Applying the Promise Filter
1. Pray first. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you through the Word.
2. Practice by reading books of the Bible with a higher concentration of promises. Books like the Psalms, Isaiah, and the many Epistles of the New Testament.
3. Read the Bible looking for God’s character.
4. Read the Bible observing how He interacts with people.
a. Check for promises to those who love Him and are committed to Him.
b. Observe those who don’t follow God. We see both God’s patience desiring they turn to Him and His judgment after He has given them many chances and they won’t change or He needs to establish boundaries. (See Romans 5:8-10)
5. Record God’s relationship with people, especially those who love Him. Note what He says through the Biblical writers.
6. Observe to whom God makes promises. The Psalms often present promises to the people of God. The Apostle Paul writes to the people of God. We can appropriate these.
7. Check for conditions or qualifications. Many are promises to those who live a life of Faith. Examine yourself too.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 NLT
8. If you love a phrase or a single verse, read the paragraph or chapter around it, recognizing the context. It is dangerous to base your understanding of God on one phrase.
Put on your Promise Filter to find God’s promises for YOU!
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This post is forty-fourth in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.
Up next: Find the Application: Promises Claimed-4 Practice with Psalm 23
Previous post: Find the Application: Promise Claimed-2 Trust God's Character
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Reflect:
1. Do you have a favorite promise of God? Why is it special to you?
2. If you have a favorite book or chapter in the Bible, take a look at it and think about promises that might come out of that. Try it out prayerfully.
3. Next week we will look together at gleaning promises from the well known Psalm 23. Look at it this week and see if your observations line up with mine!
