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.

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