Study the Bible for Growth Week 6

Ezra's actions in Ezra 7:10 should be our actions.

Study the Law of the Lord.
Practice the Law of the Lord.
Teach the Law of the Lord.

This past week, October 12, we looked at Theologies, Interpretation, and Jonah 3.

To faithfully interpret Scripture requires asking the right questions.

In exegeisis, we are asking the Biblical author,

"What are you saying?"  (the grammar, text-criticism, and translation question)

"Why do you say it like that?"  (the genre, structure, argument, and historical and literary context question)

In theology, we are asking,

"What do you mean?" (the biblical and systematic theology question),

"What is the significance of this passage for us today? (the practical theology question)

UNDERSTANDING:
Biblical Theology:  Consider how your passage connects to the Bible's overall flow and message and points to Christ.

Systematic Theology:  Discern how your passage theologically coheres with the whole Bible, assessing key doctrines especially in direct relation to the gospel.

APPLICATION:
Practical Theology:  Apply the text to yourself, the church, and the world, stressing the centrality of Christ and the hope of the gospel.

Much of this information comes from:  
www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/interpreting-scripture-a-general-introduction/

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 - Theologies & Interpretation and Jonah 3

October 19 - Narrative (Characters, Settings, Plot) and Jonah 4

October 26 - Narrative (Irony, Poetry) & Jonah 4

November 2 - Bridging, Responding, and Jonah 1 - 4

November 9 - Reading the Bible in Community

November 16 - Using Biblical Resources

November 23 - You Make the Class

Psalm 5

As we continue our praying through the Psalms, let's remember to look to what the Psalms, and all of Scripture, say about who God is and how we should live in response to who He is. 

The Psalms we have been focusing on each week are the Psalms we covered this summer.  This week's Psalm 5 does not have a corresponding video like the previous Psalms.  

So here are some resources to help you think about and pray this Psalm.

BIG IDEA:  The Seriousness of Sin
PRAY:  Know God's holiness and sin's consequences.

When reading this Psalm, notice the pattern.

Verses 1 - 3, 7 - 8, and 11 - 12 are verses that praise God.
Verses 4 - 6 and 9-10 are verses that call out God's enemies.

Read and meditate on this whole Psalm.
Especially remember the last two verses 

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;   

    let them ever sing for joy,

and spread your protection over them,     

    that those who love your name may exult in you.

For you bless the righteous, O Lord;

    you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Those who take refuge in the Lord rejoice, sing for joy, are protected, and are shielded. 

Contrast that with those who are against the Lord.
They cannot dwell with the Lord (v 4).
God hates all evildoers (v. 5).

The Lord abhors the deceitful man (v. 6).

Psalm 5:9 is quoted in Romans 5:13 to show the wickedness of men and the need for a savior.  

Here are two statements about Psalm from Family Worship Bible Guide from Reformation Heritage Books.  Along with some questions to think about.

Psalm 5

1. Never let us be content with saying our prayers. What God requires of us is not formality but personally drawing near to His presence at the throne of grace. True religion is finding, knowing, and enjoying God - do not be satisfied with anything less. True believers have much to be joyful about: God is our portion, we are precious in His sight, and our sins are all forgiven. In addition to all this, God sees our tears, hears our sighs, and is able and willing to answer our prayers. How is it then that we are so often cast down? How can loving God's name lead us into more joy?
2. Jesus Christ, though God Himself, was also a man and the Mediator for men, and so was much in prayer (Matt. 26:39; Mark 1:35; 6:41, 46; Luke 5:16; John 11:41; 17:1). He called God, "my God, as One in covenant with Him (Matt. 27:46; John 20:17). Through prayer, Christ found strength to overcome His wicked enemies despite their lies and violence. How can we, in union with Christ, find the strength we need as well?

HERE is the Psalm set to music by Poor Bishop Hooper