Study the Bible for Growth Week 4

Profitable Ways to Read the Bible by J.C. Ryle

UNDERSTANDING

Our goal for reading the Bible involves re-centering our attention back on [understanding] the intention of the author:

1. It is possible for finite humans to understand the meaning of Scripture.
2. Our understanding can increase, yet it will never be exhaustive.
3. There is normally only one correct meaning to any given passage of Scripture.
4. The correct meaning is what the author intended to communicate.
5. Various interpretations are simply hypotheses that attempt to account for what the author has said, and how and why he has said it in that way.
6. Though every passage of Scripture needs to be understood in light of its literary type and genre.
7. Every passage of Scripture needs to be understood in light of its literary type and genre
8. Scriptural passages are best understood when read in light of their context.
9. Following the Bible means that we emphasize what the text emphasizes, not building main points from the details.
10. We need to evaluate our personal experience in light of Scripture not the other way around.
11. We should check out our understanding of God's Word with other believers.
12. Every passage of Scripture has meaning and relevance for the believer.

From Reading for a Change by Ray Lubeck

From Reading for a Change by Ray Lube

Here is the schedule for the class:

September 7 - Basics of Bible Study and Basics of Studying Proverbs

September 14 - Introduction to the Class

September 21 - Seeing & Intro to Jonah

September 28 - Understanding Part 1 & Jonah 1

October 5 - Understanding Part 2 & Jonah 2

October 12 - Narrative (Characters, Settings, Plot) and Jonah 3

October 19 - Narrative (Irony, Poetry) & Jonah 4

October 26 - Bridging - Jonah 1 - 4

November 2 - Responding - Jonah 1 - 4

November 9 - Reading the Bible in Community

November 16 - Using Biblical Resources

November 23 - You Make the Class

 

Study the Bible for Growth Week 3

 This morning's lesson highlights two key points about this Bible Study for Yourself and Others.

1. The class is designed for everyone, NOT JUST NEW CHRISTIANS.  Even more specifically, it is a helpful class for anyone who considers Trinity Baptist Church.  The class shows the purpose of the Bible and how to use it for personal and corporate study.
2. The class is designed to show what studying the Bible together means and how to do it.  

Over the next couple of years, I would strongly encourage members of Trinity Baptist Church to take this Core class and invite them to do the same.

During the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th week of class, the study will look at 4 short, very helpful booklets about different Bible study topics.  

This week's booklet is Before You Open Your Bible:  Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God's Word.

Approach your Bible Prayerfully

I – “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain” (Ps. 119:36, ESV)

O – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Ps. 119:18, ESV)

U – “Unite my heart to fear your name” (Ps. 86:11, ESV)

S – “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love” (Ps. 90:14, ESV)

Approach your Bible Humbly

"So, given that we’re not only creatures of the dust but traitors against heaven’s throne, the talkativeness of God is astounding. He would’ve been entirely right to leave us to ourselves, sunk in an ocean of ignorance (since we’re creatures) and guilt (since we’re sinners)."

Approach your Bible Desperately

Remember Jeremiah 15:16 

Your words were found, and I ate them, 

and your words became to me a joy 

and the delight of my heart, 

for I am called by your name, 

O Lord, God of hosts.

Three diagnostic questions 

1. Do I approach the Bible more like it’s a snack or like it’s a feast?
2. Is it more accurate to say I’m willing to hear from God or that I’m desperate to hear from him?
3. Am I merely interested in the Scriptures or am I also internalizing them?

Approach your Bible Studiously

 Study from Love

Think it out

Study to Worship - Romans 11:33, 36 

Doctrine drove him to delight. His theology exploded like fireworks into doxology.

Approach your Bible Obediently

Deuteronomy 10:12-13  

 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?  

Approach your Bible Joyfully

"It is the nature of discipline to give way to delight."

Approach your Bible Expectantly

"We can schedule meetings but praise God that he schedules conversions."

Approach your Bible Communally 

"If you don't need your Bible at church, the Bible says you don't need that church."

Approach your Bible Christocentrically

 "Genesis to Revelation, though recorded for you, is not finally about you." 

2 Corinthians 1:20

SEEING

• Who?
• What?
• When?
• Where?
• How?

Here is a video that shows the importance of this seeing/observation step.