Thread: "What is the "proper" way to study the Bible?"
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"What is the "proper" way to study the Bible?"
Posted : 25 Oct, 2011 02:31 PM
Question: "What is the proper way to study the Bible?"
Answer: Determining the meaning of Scripture is one of the most important tasks a believer has in this life. God does not tell us that we must simply read the Bible. We must study it and handle it correctly.
2 Tim 2:15 ~ � Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.�
Studying the Scriptures is hard work. A cursory or brief scanning of Scripture can sometimes yield very wrong conclusions. Therefore, it is crucial to understand several principles for determining the correct meaning of Scripture.
First, the Bible student must pray and ask the Holy Spirit to impart understanding, for that is one of His functions.
John 16:13 ~ � Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.�
Just as the Holy Spirit guided the apostles in the writing of the New Testament, He also guides us in the [understanding] of Scripture. Remember, the Bible is God's book, and we need to ask Him what it means. If you are a Christian, the author of Scripture�the Holy Spirit�dwells inside you, and He wants you to understand what He wrote.
Second, we are not to pull a scripture out of the verses that surround it and try to determine the meaning of the verse outside of the context. We should always read the surrounding verses and chapters to discern the context. While all of Scripture comes from God�
2 Tim 3:16 ~ �All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17~ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.��And�
2 Pet 1:21 ~ �For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were moved] by the Holy Ghost.�
God used men to write it down. These men had a theme in mind, a purpose for writing, and a specific issue they were addressing. We should read the background of the book of the Bible we are studying to find out who wrote the book, to whom it was written, when it was written, and why it was written. Also, we should take care to let the (text speak for itself.) Sometimes people will assign their own meanings to words in order to get the interpretation they desire.
Third, we must not attempt to be totally independent in our studying of the Bible. It is arrogant to think that we cannot gain understanding through the lifelong work of others who have studied Scripture. Some people, in error, approach the Bible with the idea that they will depend on the Holy Spirit alone and they will discover all the hidden truths of Scripture. Christ, in the giving of the Holy Spirit, has given Spiritual Gifts to the body of Christ. One of these �spiritual gifts� is that of teaching.
Eph 44:11~ �And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12~ For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:�
I Cor 12:28 ~ �And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.�
These Teachers are given by the Lord to help us to Correctly Understand and Obey Scripture. It is always Wise to study the Bible with other believers, Assisting each other in Understanding and Applying the Truth of God�s Word.
So, in summary, what is the proper way to study the Bible?
1st ~ Through Prayer and Humility, we must rely on the � Holy Spirit � to Give us Understanding.
2nd ~ We should always study Scripture in its �Context,� recognizing that the Bible Scripture explains itself.
3rd ~ We should respect the efforts of other Christians, past and present, whom have also sought to Properly study the Bible. Remember, God is the author of the Bible, and He wants us to �understand� it.
There is no proper way, except to "study to show yourself approved of God, rightly dividing the word of truth", and "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night".
It is written that all true believers are taught of the Father, from their mother's wombs:
"And it is written in the prophets, 'and they shall all be taught of God, therefore everyone which hath heard and learned of the Father cometh unto me".
The Word, and not the philosophy of men, is how the children are taught the truth of the Father.. and it will never return to Him void.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concering the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
2 Timothy 2:15-18
The Bible shares one extraordinary message: God loves you.
From the first chapter of Genesis, where God creates human beings, through the last chapter of Revelation, where God welcomes anyone to "take the water life freely" (22:17), the Bible proves God is intimately involved in, familiar with, and concerned about the lives of people. His amazing love is shown in the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. That sacrifice for sin allows anyone to be right with God through simple faith in Jesus' work.
These truths are found in the pages of scripture. But sometimes they can be obscured by the vast amount of information the Bible contains.
If anyone lacks wisdom let him ask of God. If you have God's Holy Sprit , He will lead you.
Correct interpretation is important for the next step of obedience through faith. Trust in the Holy Spirit and listen to His still small voice and you will never go wrong.
Hey�:bouncy:...that�s some discussion�everyone has brought up valuable points and perspective�Its not so much about �Proper��its about Studying�Learning and Applying it in our Daily lives�Being receptive to the Spirit of God in the Teachings of Then and Now...Helping each other in the Body of Christ Jesus...
PJ ~ I love you�
Wiseman~ �There is no proper way, except to "study to show yourself approved of God, rightly dividing the word of truth",
*** Agree�Ya noticed the �Proper��there is Always an Answer in Scripture as you�ve noted�
Angel ~ �Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concering the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Timothy 2:15-18
*** AMEN ! Sister�The Word is always True�
POIC/George ~ There are at least Ten or more means of Biblical interpretation.
*** Yup !!!�What is the Chapter/Book about & whome was it written to ???�In context�Is it History, Poetry, Prophecy, Literal, Symbolic�Awesome George !!!�
ImKeN84 ~ Welcome to the Forums�:waving: � �Correct interpretation is important for the next step of obedience through faith. Trust in the Holy Spirit and listen to His still small voice and you will never go wrong.
*** Wise words�totally Agree !!!!�
bahira ~ �Meditating and pondering, implementing what you read.�
