• Asking good questions: Probe with questions, that if answered or thought through, will help you understand the text better. Don’t be afraid to ask really hard questions that you cannot answer at the time. Answers may come later. Asking and processing good questions help us to gain a greater understanding of the text.
Let’s look another text and ask some good questions.
Read Matthew 6: 5-14 NKJV
How many questions can you come up with from this old, well-known passage?
Bring in for discussion next week.
For example:
Q. Why is God’s NAME so important? What does it mean that it is “hallowed”?
Q. How is God’s will done in heaven?
Q. Would God lead us into temptation?
Monday, April 20, 2009
HOW TO HAVE A BASIC, DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY part II
In-class study & class discussion
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV
1. What does it say?
Make observations; put it in your own words
2. What does it mean?
Make accurate interpretation
3. How can I apply this to my life?
Q. Is there a command to obey?
Q. Is there an example to follow?
Q. Is there a warning to beware of?
Q. Is there a prayer to pray?
Q. Is there a promise to claim?
Q. Is there a key verse to memorize or meditate on?
Q. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me specifically about something?
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV
1. What does it say?
Make observations; put it in your own words
2. What does it mean?
Make accurate interpretation
3. How can I apply this to my life?
Q. Is there a command to obey?
Q. Is there an example to follow?
Q. Is there a warning to beware of?
Q. Is there a prayer to pray?
Q. Is there a promise to claim?
Q. Is there a key verse to memorize or meditate on?
Q. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me specifically about something?
Monday, April 13, 2009
HOW TO HAVE A BASIC, DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY
Bible study: Igniting a passion for God’s Word through effective Bible study practices and methods
(If you want to really go basic, skip down to number 3)
When READING God’s Word — ask these questions, preferably in this order:
1. What does it say?
• Make observations: be a careful “observer” of what is happening in the text or what is being taught. Trying making a list of things you are noticing.
• Try putting it in your own words — this really helps you to work at understanding what you are reading.
• Summarize it: If you read a chapter, summarize it in a sentence or two.
2. What does it mean? Make accurate interpretation: there is only ONE correct interpretation, but many applications. When interpreting, remember:
• Some Scriptures are symbolic, metaphorical, emblematic, not always straight forward
• Let the Scriptures interpret themselves whenever possible (cross ref)
• Let the verse or passage be interpreted: in context with what was said before and after it —in the chapter; in the context of the book or letter it is in; in the context of the New Testament; in the context of the whole Bible.
3. How can I apply this to my life? Application
When APPLYING God’s Word — look for these 6 opportunities:
[Remember that men under the Old Testament laws were cursed, as it were, because they were UNDER, and in bondage to, the law; but the New Covenant, in the New Testament, brought grace through Jesus. Not all Old Testament laws still apply because of this and because the O.T. sacrificial system was fulfilled in Christ.]
Q. Is there a command to obey?
Q. Is there an example to follow?
Q. Is there a warning to beware of?
Q. Is there a prayer to pray?
Q. Is there a promise to claim?
Q. Is there a key verse to memorize or meditate on?
Finally,
Q. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me specifically about something?
Class exercise: use Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV) to do a short Bible study focused on application using the above questions to guide you.
(If you want to really go basic, skip down to number 3)
When READING God’s Word — ask these questions, preferably in this order:
1. What does it say?
• Make observations: be a careful “observer” of what is happening in the text or what is being taught. Trying making a list of things you are noticing.
• Try putting it in your own words — this really helps you to work at understanding what you are reading.
• Summarize it: If you read a chapter, summarize it in a sentence or two.
2. What does it mean? Make accurate interpretation: there is only ONE correct interpretation, but many applications. When interpreting, remember:
• Some Scriptures are symbolic, metaphorical, emblematic, not always straight forward
• Let the Scriptures interpret themselves whenever possible (cross ref)
• Let the verse or passage be interpreted: in context with what was said before and after it —in the chapter; in the context of the book or letter it is in; in the context of the New Testament; in the context of the whole Bible.
3. How can I apply this to my life? Application
When APPLYING God’s Word — look for these 6 opportunities:
[Remember that men under the Old Testament laws were cursed, as it were, because they were UNDER, and in bondage to, the law; but the New Covenant, in the New Testament, brought grace through Jesus. Not all Old Testament laws still apply because of this and because the O.T. sacrificial system was fulfilled in Christ.]
Q. Is there a command to obey?
Q. Is there an example to follow?
Q. Is there a warning to beware of?
Q. Is there a prayer to pray?
Q. Is there a promise to claim?
Q. Is there a key verse to memorize or meditate on?
Finally,
Q. Is the Holy Spirit speaking to me specifically about something?
Class exercise: use Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV) to do a short Bible study focused on application using the above questions to guide you.
A PLAN for success
Bible study: Igniting a passion for God’s Word through effective Bible study practices and methods
Here are some ideas to get you off on the right footing with your quiet times:
a. Make time for God.
Prioritize Him into our lives. We make time to eat, rest, play, work, etc. But for some reason we neglect the One whom life is all about — Jesus. Eternal God stepped into time, became a man, suffered and died for us on a cruel cross. He gave His whole life for us — surely we can make time for Him. Set apart a regular time to have a quality meeting with God. How much time? Ask the Lord to lead and help you in this.
You know, we basically make time for the things we really want to do. And Dr. David Jeremiah probably said it best with, “We have about as much of God as we really want.”
Take a look at your day — write a list of what you do and for about how long (including sleep). Ex. Sleep: 8 hours; breakfast 10 min.; work & travel: 9 hours; lunch time: 1 hour; time with family, including dinner: 3 hours; TV & reading 1.5 hours; Quiet time: 1 hour.
Would you be willing to give up a meal time for the Lord? A half hour of sleep? Some TV? Use your lunch hour to spend time with God? Most believers have some kind of desire to spend time with God, but fall short with prioritizing it. They have crowded out God. They put people before God — food before God — sleep before God — TV before God — and work before God. And so they have put other “gods” before the One true God! In the first commandment we understand God’s heart to have Him in priority: “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt — you shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exod. 20:1)
There are probably at least two mindsets about spending time with God:
“How much time do I have to spend with God?” (You know, so I won’t feel guilty about it)
“How much time can I spend with God?” (What can I not do so that I can spend more time with the God who loves me and in whom I have my whole purpose for living?)
What mindset do I have?
For those of us who see the importance but lack the motivation — we can begin by praying a little each day asking God to increase our motivation and help us to work out a plan to make a Quality Time work. Give the Lord time (days, weeks, months) to work into you the thing you are asking for. I often go to the Lord in my weakness and pray something like:
“Father, You are good. I am weak and unable in my flesh to do this thing I know you would have me do. Please help me in my weakness, Lord. Please work in me to have the wisdom, strength and motivation I need. I give You permission to change my desires, schedule, plans in order to accomplish this thing. Amen.”
b. Prepare our hearts.
Through repentance and prayer (1 John 1:9), let’s get our life and hearts clean so that nothing hinders us. If you have something against someone else — forgive them (Matt. 6:15). If we have grieved the Holy Spirit by acting or speaking “in the flesh” — confess it and seek the Lord’s cleansing. Have a clean heart before the Lord — if we don’t, then we cannot expect our QT to amount to anything.
c. Use a reading plan
Unless you have a specific study focus in mind, yearly reading plans are great to give us some direction each time we get before the Lord. They also help us to have a structured way to read all the way through the Bible. If a “through the Bible in a year” plan is too ambitious — do it in 2 years, or 3 years, or 5. And even if you have another focused, more in depth study, these yearly plans are great to do in addition.
d. Mix it up
A great recipe for a boring Bible study/ quality time with God: do it the same way day after day, month after month, year after year. Find ways to approach your QT with God that will make it fruitful and exciting for YOU.
• Use a good devotional book • Shift the weight of time between these: Bible reading, prayer, memorizing, in depth studies • Worship! • Sing to God •
e. Write it down
When the Lord teaches or reveals something to us in our QT, write it down so that we can revisit it often. Being a “forgetful hearer” (James 1) should not be our goal!
f. Apply what we learn
Learning is not our goal: heart transformation is! What good is it if we do not only learn? Better to learn a little and apply it than learn a lot and it only be “head-knowledge.”
Here are some ideas to get you off on the right footing with your quiet times:
a. Make time for God.
Prioritize Him into our lives. We make time to eat, rest, play, work, etc. But for some reason we neglect the One whom life is all about — Jesus. Eternal God stepped into time, became a man, suffered and died for us on a cruel cross. He gave His whole life for us — surely we can make time for Him. Set apart a regular time to have a quality meeting with God. How much time? Ask the Lord to lead and help you in this.
You know, we basically make time for the things we really want to do. And Dr. David Jeremiah probably said it best with, “We have about as much of God as we really want.”
Take a look at your day — write a list of what you do and for about how long (including sleep). Ex. Sleep: 8 hours; breakfast 10 min.; work & travel: 9 hours; lunch time: 1 hour; time with family, including dinner: 3 hours; TV & reading 1.5 hours; Quiet time: 1 hour.
Would you be willing to give up a meal time for the Lord? A half hour of sleep? Some TV? Use your lunch hour to spend time with God? Most believers have some kind of desire to spend time with God, but fall short with prioritizing it. They have crowded out God. They put people before God — food before God — sleep before God — TV before God — and work before God. And so they have put other “gods” before the One true God! In the first commandment we understand God’s heart to have Him in priority: “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt — you shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exod. 20:1)
There are probably at least two mindsets about spending time with God:
“How much time do I have to spend with God?” (You know, so I won’t feel guilty about it)
“How much time can I spend with God?” (What can I not do so that I can spend more time with the God who loves me and in whom I have my whole purpose for living?)
What mindset do I have?
For those of us who see the importance but lack the motivation — we can begin by praying a little each day asking God to increase our motivation and help us to work out a plan to make a Quality Time work. Give the Lord time (days, weeks, months) to work into you the thing you are asking for. I often go to the Lord in my weakness and pray something like:
“Father, You are good. I am weak and unable in my flesh to do this thing I know you would have me do. Please help me in my weakness, Lord. Please work in me to have the wisdom, strength and motivation I need. I give You permission to change my desires, schedule, plans in order to accomplish this thing. Amen.”
b. Prepare our hearts.
Through repentance and prayer (1 John 1:9), let’s get our life and hearts clean so that nothing hinders us. If you have something against someone else — forgive them (Matt. 6:15). If we have grieved the Holy Spirit by acting or speaking “in the flesh” — confess it and seek the Lord’s cleansing. Have a clean heart before the Lord — if we don’t, then we cannot expect our QT to amount to anything.
c. Use a reading plan
Unless you have a specific study focus in mind, yearly reading plans are great to give us some direction each time we get before the Lord. They also help us to have a structured way to read all the way through the Bible. If a “through the Bible in a year” plan is too ambitious — do it in 2 years, or 3 years, or 5. And even if you have another focused, more in depth study, these yearly plans are great to do in addition.
d. Mix it up
A great recipe for a boring Bible study/ quality time with God: do it the same way day after day, month after month, year after year. Find ways to approach your QT with God that will make it fruitful and exciting for YOU.
• Use a good devotional book • Shift the weight of time between these: Bible reading, prayer, memorizing, in depth studies • Worship! • Sing to God •
e. Write it down
When the Lord teaches or reveals something to us in our QT, write it down so that we can revisit it often. Being a “forgetful hearer” (James 1) should not be our goal!
f. Apply what we learn
Learning is not our goal: heart transformation is! What good is it if we do not only learn? Better to learn a little and apply it than learn a lot and it only be “head-knowledge.”
Why study the Bible?
Bible study: Igniting a passion for God’s Word through effective Bible study practices and methods
Why study the Bible?
Why have a Quiet time/Quality time with the Lord? 6 REASONS
1. Because we hear the voice of God through His word and prayer.
2. Because the Bible is living and active — it is Jesus the Christ (Jn1) — and when we spend time with the Word, we spend time with Him.
3. Because it changes us — we are confronted by sin, challenged to change, we gradually grow more and more into the likeness of Christ; we are shown the best ways to live life and relate to God; we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
4. Because it benefits us: we learn the way of life and are warned against the way of death; we become better people as we live out God’s word and get to know Him; we are able to side-step the landmines of life; we are guided into blessings and joy; we learn about the God and Savior who created us and loves us.
5. Because we learn about God’s redemptive plan for mankind
6. Because we are better able to live out our calling and destiny — what God created us to do and be about in this life.
I also found a website with more reasons. Check it out here…
Why study the Bible?
Why have a Quiet time/Quality time with the Lord? 6 REASONS
1. Because we hear the voice of God through His word and prayer.
2. Because the Bible is living and active — it is Jesus the Christ (Jn1) — and when we spend time with the Word, we spend time with Him.
3. Because it changes us — we are confronted by sin, challenged to change, we gradually grow more and more into the likeness of Christ; we are shown the best ways to live life and relate to God; we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
4. Because it benefits us: we learn the way of life and are warned against the way of death; we become better people as we live out God’s word and get to know Him; we are able to side-step the landmines of life; we are guided into blessings and joy; we learn about the God and Savior who created us and loves us.
5. Because we learn about God’s redemptive plan for mankind
6. Because we are better able to live out our calling and destiny — what God created us to do and be about in this life.
I also found a website with more reasons. Check it out here…
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Bible Study questionnaire — 17 questions
[This was originally a handout in class that was to be turned in]
The purpose of this questionnaire is for me to get a sense of what level to teach at for this class, on this particular topic. It will also help me to understand the kind of things you are interested in learning about and what are the best things to focus on.
• Do not feel overly self-conscious if you do not know the answer to one or all of the questions pertaining to Scripture knowledge — these questions are to give me some perspective — that’s all.
• Take as long as you need to fill it out within the class time.
• Please do not use the Bible or others as a source of help — this is to determine what you currently think and know — not what you wish you knew.
1. Who is known as “The father of faith”?
2. When did Abraham receive the 10 Commandments?
3. Who in the Bible is associated with fire, brimstone, and burning coals?
4. What was the “forbidden fruit” that Adam and Eve ate?
5. Name 7 of the 12 disciples
6. List as many of the 10 Commandments as you can remember:
7. Is there a central character in the Bible? If so, who?
8. In one sentence, write what you think is the main theme of the Bible:
9. Write down all the references to Scripture verses that you have memorized (and still remember): Ex. Psalm 23; Romans 8:28, etc.
10. Think back over the last 3 months and give a rough average on the amount of time (quantity) you spend PER WEEK in: (Ex. 35 minutes)
a. Bible study/devotional time: _____________ b. Prayer _____________
C. Fasting: __________ d. Serving the Lord: ________________
11. How would you rate the QUALITY of these on a scale of 0-10:
(0= nonexistent; 1= poor; 5= average; 10= GREAT!)
a. your Bible study/ devotional time: ___________
b. Prayer________________
c. Fasting: ___________ d. Serving the Lord: ________________
12. How would you describe your devotional time with God? (check one or more)
a. bored to tears ______ b. exciting ______ c. clueless______
d. so-so _______ e. frustrated ______ f. Other? _____________
Why do you think that is?
13. If you were to gauge your own spiritual maturity, where would you fall on a scale of one to 10? (1= very little; 10= right up there with Paul and Peter)
What do you think is the primary reason for this?
14. If you died today, do you know where you would spend eternity?
Yes/no: _________________
If so, where would that be?
How can your be sure of that?
15. What does a person need to do to be saved?
16. If you are a Christian, how long have you been one?
17. What do you most want to learn about Bible study?
The purpose of this questionnaire is for me to get a sense of what level to teach at for this class, on this particular topic. It will also help me to understand the kind of things you are interested in learning about and what are the best things to focus on.
• Do not feel overly self-conscious if you do not know the answer to one or all of the questions pertaining to Scripture knowledge — these questions are to give me some perspective — that’s all.
• Take as long as you need to fill it out within the class time.
• Please do not use the Bible or others as a source of help — this is to determine what you currently think and know — not what you wish you knew.
1. Who is known as “The father of faith”?
2. When did Abraham receive the 10 Commandments?
3. Who in the Bible is associated with fire, brimstone, and burning coals?
4. What was the “forbidden fruit” that Adam and Eve ate?
5. Name 7 of the 12 disciples
6. List as many of the 10 Commandments as you can remember:
7. Is there a central character in the Bible? If so, who?
8. In one sentence, write what you think is the main theme of the Bible:
9. Write down all the references to Scripture verses that you have memorized (and still remember): Ex. Psalm 23; Romans 8:28, etc.
10. Think back over the last 3 months and give a rough average on the amount of time (quantity) you spend PER WEEK in: (Ex. 35 minutes)
a. Bible study/devotional time: _____________ b. Prayer _____________
C. Fasting: __________ d. Serving the Lord: ________________
11. How would you rate the QUALITY of these on a scale of 0-10:
(0= nonexistent; 1= poor; 5= average; 10= GREAT!)
a. your Bible study/ devotional time: ___________
b. Prayer________________
c. Fasting: ___________ d. Serving the Lord: ________________
12. How would you describe your devotional time with God? (check one or more)
a. bored to tears ______ b. exciting ______ c. clueless______
d. so-so _______ e. frustrated ______ f. Other? _____________
Why do you think that is?
13. If you were to gauge your own spiritual maturity, where would you fall on a scale of one to 10? (1= very little; 10= right up there with Paul and Peter)
What do you think is the primary reason for this?
14. If you died today, do you know where you would spend eternity?
Yes/no: _________________
If so, where would that be?
How can your be sure of that?
15. What does a person need to do to be saved?
16. If you are a Christian, how long have you been one?
17. What do you most want to learn about Bible study?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
8-10 How God speaks — final 3 categories
8. The Body of Christ — the church (1 Cor. 12:27; Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:11-13)
God communicates through believers:
• with Wise counsel:
Prov. 1:5 (See also Prov. 12:15 Prov. 24:6)
Expect God to use other believers in your life to give you wise counsel.
• about Spiritual things that pertain to life and eternity:
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
Apostles “sent ones”: those sent to proclaim the message of the gospel to all the nations/peoplegroups of the earth.
[For study when going through spiritual gifts segments: There are/were only 12 original Apostles (capital A). This is consistent throughout Scripture. But there have been many disciples who have been sent out, as the original apostles were. So in a sense, there have been other “small “a”” apostles, or “sent ones” who communicate God’s message of salvation to the “panta ethne” = all the people groups of the world.]
Prophets (from Blue Letter Bible.com)
“one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation)”
of men filled with the Spirit of God, who by God's authority and command in words of weight pleads the cause of God and urges salvation of men
in the religious assemblies of the Christians, they were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate, their hearers”
Evangelists (from Blue Letter Bible.com)
1) “a bringer of good tidings,
2) the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles”
Pastors (from Blue Letter Bible.com)
“of the overseers of the Christian assemblies”
Teachers (from Blue Letter Bible.com)
“of those who in the religious assemblies of the Christians, undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit”
God communicates to us through believers in the church — about all kinds of spiritual things: how to live a godly life; who God is; what salvation is all about; how to know Christ the Son of God; what our future in heaven is like; how to be built up in faith and more like Christ; how to become part of God’s mission in the world; etc.
For further study, see also:
1 Corinthians 12: 8-11, 28; 14:1-4 Certain Holy Spirit gifts God uses to speak to others.
Word of wisdom — by the Holy Spirit
Word of Knowledge — by the Holy Spirit
Prophecy — by the Holy Spirit
Tongues & Interpretation of tongues— by the Holy Spirit
Teaching — by the Holy Spirit
• Acts 1:8 God communicates/proclaims the Gospel through the church, to the world.
Core lesson: God speaks through the “body of Christ” — the church. Whether through a sermon, a word of wisdom, some encouragement, a practical need met, a strong warning, or a Gospel presentation — God will use believers — people like you and me in the church — to speak to others, and for others to speak into our lives.
This is one of the reasons why people who think church is optional to the Christian life are sorely mistaken. To disregard God’s plan for communicating to them and building them up through His body is a sad display of pride.
Some people say things like “I believe in God, but not organized religion” when they communicate their disdain for the church and not wanting to be a part of it. But what they are saying to God is “I don’t care for your plan, or your people — I will conduct my spiritual life as I see fit — I choose to engage in spiritual things the way I want to — I choose to imagine a god that allows me to do what I want.”
Write down one example of how God has spoken through the body of Christ, to you!
9. Spiritual wisdom — you probably don’t think about this one much — you just figure it out and go on thinking it was you that came up with that great idea or solution.
In daily life: how to love your spouse, how to work well with others, how to go about making a decision, how to discipline your child, how to answer people, how to approach a difficult challenge, etc.
• James 1:5-6
• Prov. 2:6,10-11
(See also: Daniel 1:17,20; 1 Cor. 1:24; 1 Cor. 2:6-15; Eph. 1:17-18 (We see here that spiritual wisdom is connected to the Spirit!)
Core lesson: God speaks to us through wisdom that is sent from God. We can ask for it. We probably won’t often recognize it as, “Wow! This is from God!” But sometimes we will. As we ask God about certain decisions we need to make, or go about life, He will drop wisdom from heaven into our minds that we may have His mind and heart on how to approach things.
Write down something you could use God’s wisdom in__________________________
10. Through unconventional and even bizarre ways (i.e. Don’t put God in a box!)
Ex. Creation/nature: Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 10:16-18
Ex. A donkey: Numbers 22:21-31
Ex. A finger writing on a wall: Daniel 5:1-6, 11-12, 24-28
Ex. Moses hearing God speak through the burning bush! Exodus 3:1-4
Core lesson: Let’s not put God in a box on how He might speak to us. But test ALL things with the Scriptures.
That’s the end of our series on How God speaks!
6 Ways to effectively hear God
God speaks in various ways, as we have learned, but does automatically mean we will hear and understand what He has communicated?
• If you have ever been in a conversation using two cell phones, you know that sometimes the signals get weak and all you hear is garbled speech — whole words and phrases and sentences drop out and you don’t understand the person on the other line — though you know they are saying something! And just because one person is speaking quite clearly over here, doesn’t mean that person over there is hearing it. How can we get the strongest, clearest communication pathways to and from God?
1. Make time: a resolute decision to set aside regular time to meet with God
• How much time do you spend with God — as much as possible or as little as possible?
• It seems a bit silly to approach God as if we’re trying to fit Him in — like a someone trying to get an interview with your company or something. I mean think of it — the God of the Universe that created you and me — us saying to Him — nah, don’t think I can make time for you today. Imagine if you young child did this to you…
2. Remove distractions: if you can’t find a quiet place, find a quiet time-fame — like early in the morning.
3. Cleanse your vessel: Be a clean, obedient vessel — put your “yes” on the table before the Lord. Confess and repent of all sins. Eph. 4:17-18,30
4. Seek! Seek! Seek!
Prov. 1:28; Prov. 8:9,17; Deut. 4:29; Jer. 29:13-14; Luke 11: 5-10
1 Chron. 28:9
5. Listen: Talk to God then listening, discernment and awareness of the various ways God may speak — God may be speaking, but we may be looking and listening in the wrong places. Cultivate discernment between your voice, the Holy Spirit, Satan’s voice, the flesh.
Be aware of impressions that may be fairly general, or may be even specific words. Make sure you pay attention to them, but test them to see where they originated from.
• Be still (Ps. 145) to hear that still, small voice (1 Kg 19:9-16) If you are still, and you have an immovable reference point, you can actually see the moon move!
• Be open to the various ways God may answer.
6. Journal: to keep a log of what God is doing in your life
— Stones of remembrance in Joshua
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT HOW GOD SPEAKS?
Homework:
1. Keep listening — and write down in a journal what you think God is saying.
2. If you have heard from God — share it with someone in the body of Christ.
Where we’ve been in our course thus far:
• Being a disciple
• How God speaks
Next week begins a new series:
• Bible study: Igniting a passion for God’s Word through effective Bible study practices and methods
God communicates through believers:
• with Wise counsel:
Prov. 1:5 (See also Prov. 12:15 Prov. 24:6)
Expect God to use other believers in your life to give you wise counsel.
• about Spiritual things that pertain to life and eternity:
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
Apostles “sent ones”: those sent to proclaim the message of the gospel to all the nations/peoplegroups of the earth.
[For study when going through spiritual gifts segments: There are/were only 12 original Apostles (capital A). This is consistent throughout Scripture. But there have been many disciples who have been sent out, as the original apostles were. So in a sense, there have been other “small “a”” apostles, or “sent ones” who communicate God’s message of salvation to the “panta ethne” = all the people groups of the world.]
Prophets (from Blue Letter Bible.com)
“one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation)”
of men filled with the Spirit of God, who by God's authority and command in words of weight pleads the cause of God and urges salvation of men
in the religious assemblies of the Christians, they were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate, their hearers”
Evangelists (from Blue Letter Bible.com)
1) “a bringer of good tidings,
2) the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles”
Pastors (from Blue Letter Bible.com)
“of the overseers of the Christian assemblies”
Teachers (from Blue Letter Bible.com)
“of those who in the religious assemblies of the Christians, undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit”
God communicates to us through believers in the church — about all kinds of spiritual things: how to live a godly life; who God is; what salvation is all about; how to know Christ the Son of God; what our future in heaven is like; how to be built up in faith and more like Christ; how to become part of God’s mission in the world; etc.
For further study, see also:
1 Corinthians 12: 8-11, 28; 14:1-4 Certain Holy Spirit gifts God uses to speak to others.
Word of wisdom — by the Holy Spirit
Word of Knowledge — by the Holy Spirit
Prophecy — by the Holy Spirit
Tongues & Interpretation of tongues— by the Holy Spirit
Teaching — by the Holy Spirit
• Acts 1:8 God communicates/proclaims the Gospel through the church, to the world.
Core lesson: God speaks through the “body of Christ” — the church. Whether through a sermon, a word of wisdom, some encouragement, a practical need met, a strong warning, or a Gospel presentation — God will use believers — people like you and me in the church — to speak to others, and for others to speak into our lives.
This is one of the reasons why people who think church is optional to the Christian life are sorely mistaken. To disregard God’s plan for communicating to them and building them up through His body is a sad display of pride.
Some people say things like “I believe in God, but not organized religion” when they communicate their disdain for the church and not wanting to be a part of it. But what they are saying to God is “I don’t care for your plan, or your people — I will conduct my spiritual life as I see fit — I choose to engage in spiritual things the way I want to — I choose to imagine a god that allows me to do what I want.”
Write down one example of how God has spoken through the body of Christ, to you!
9. Spiritual wisdom — you probably don’t think about this one much — you just figure it out and go on thinking it was you that came up with that great idea or solution.
In daily life: how to love your spouse, how to work well with others, how to go about making a decision, how to discipline your child, how to answer people, how to approach a difficult challenge, etc.
• James 1:5-6
• Prov. 2:6,10-11
(See also: Daniel 1:17,20; 1 Cor. 1:24; 1 Cor. 2:6-15; Eph. 1:17-18 (We see here that spiritual wisdom is connected to the Spirit!)
Core lesson: God speaks to us through wisdom that is sent from God. We can ask for it. We probably won’t often recognize it as, “Wow! This is from God!” But sometimes we will. As we ask God about certain decisions we need to make, or go about life, He will drop wisdom from heaven into our minds that we may have His mind and heart on how to approach things.
Write down something you could use God’s wisdom in__________________________
10. Through unconventional and even bizarre ways (i.e. Don’t put God in a box!)
Ex. Creation/nature: Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 10:16-18
Ex. A donkey: Numbers 22:21-31
Ex. A finger writing on a wall: Daniel 5:1-6, 11-12, 24-28
Ex. Moses hearing God speak through the burning bush! Exodus 3:1-4
Core lesson: Let’s not put God in a box on how He might speak to us. But test ALL things with the Scriptures.
That’s the end of our series on How God speaks!
6 Ways to effectively hear God
God speaks in various ways, as we have learned, but does automatically mean we will hear and understand what He has communicated?
• If you have ever been in a conversation using two cell phones, you know that sometimes the signals get weak and all you hear is garbled speech — whole words and phrases and sentences drop out and you don’t understand the person on the other line — though you know they are saying something! And just because one person is speaking quite clearly over here, doesn’t mean that person over there is hearing it. How can we get the strongest, clearest communication pathways to and from God?
1. Make time: a resolute decision to set aside regular time to meet with God
• How much time do you spend with God — as much as possible or as little as possible?
• It seems a bit silly to approach God as if we’re trying to fit Him in — like a someone trying to get an interview with your company or something. I mean think of it — the God of the Universe that created you and me — us saying to Him — nah, don’t think I can make time for you today. Imagine if you young child did this to you…
2. Remove distractions: if you can’t find a quiet place, find a quiet time-fame — like early in the morning.
3. Cleanse your vessel: Be a clean, obedient vessel — put your “yes” on the table before the Lord. Confess and repent of all sins. Eph. 4:17-18,30
4. Seek! Seek! Seek!
Prov. 1:28; Prov. 8:9,17; Deut. 4:29; Jer. 29:13-14; Luke 11: 5-10
1 Chron. 28:9
5. Listen: Talk to God then listening, discernment and awareness of the various ways God may speak — God may be speaking, but we may be looking and listening in the wrong places. Cultivate discernment between your voice, the Holy Spirit, Satan’s voice, the flesh.
Be aware of impressions that may be fairly general, or may be even specific words. Make sure you pay attention to them, but test them to see where they originated from.
• Be still (Ps. 145) to hear that still, small voice (1 Kg 19:9-16) If you are still, and you have an immovable reference point, you can actually see the moon move!
• Be open to the various ways God may answer.
6. Journal: to keep a log of what God is doing in your life
— Stones of remembrance in Joshua
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT HOW GOD SPEAKS?
Homework:
1. Keep listening — and write down in a journal what you think God is saying.
2. If you have heard from God — share it with someone in the body of Christ.
Where we’ve been in our course thus far:
• Being a disciple
• How God speaks
Next week begins a new series:
• Bible study: Igniting a passion for God’s Word through effective Bible study practices and methods
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