Compiled By: Casey Gray
Based on a Series of Lessons By Berry Kercheville
Introduction
If we were going to study through the Bible to gain understanding of God’s plan of redemption for mankind we would need to read the sum of God’s word seeing the full puzzle so to speak. This would require us to set aside time each day and the exercise of discipline daily so we could remain consistent and make progress from day to day, week to week, and month to month.
But with this being the case, it would behoove us to consider the information that will be presented here over the next few articles to help us better enjoy our studying the Bible as well as help us to derive greater understanding from God’s word.
Let us begin.
Lesson One
How can we develop a desire to study?
Realize the time wasters in our lives.
Be willing to decrease what brings little or no value even to our temporal lives and increase that which brings eternal value.
Imagine how much more time many Americans would have for profit if they would only cancel their cable subscription. Am I faithfully serving God with my time, talent, money, etc? Or is it Satan that is truly pleased with the way I spend my time?
2. Realize the amount of time it takes to read God’s word.
a. Reading through the New Testament (approximately 19 hours; 30 minutes per day for 1 month)
b. Reading through the Old Testament (approximately 64 hours; 30 minutes per day for 3 months)
3. Realize the importance of discovering the truth for MYSELF.
When we read for ourselves we retain much more, we allow ourselves to find joy in first hand discovery, we protect ourselves from the vulnerability of following the teaching of another man blindly. What other benefits are there to discovering the meaning of a passage through study?
When I read for myself, how do I draw the correct conclusions?
Understand that the Holy Spirit is the source. One source. One meaning. Therefore, two people cannot derive different meanings and both be right. Either one is right and the other wrong or both are wrong. Therefore, it is imperative we respect the context of the passage. This will be explained in greater detail to come.
4. Realize the importance of helping others understand the truth.
Can you explain Acts 2:37-38?
Why did James warn against many becoming teachers (James 3:1)?
What did the writer of Hebrews expect from his audience (Hebrews 5:11-14)?
What did those leaving Jerusalem do when dispersed (Acts 8:1-4)?
What would you do if we were persecuted harshly today and dispersed?
What Makes God’s Word Precious to You?
Read Psalm 139:17 and answer the question above.
How Should We Study The New Testament?
How would you read a letter from a loved one?
First, I would read the letter in its entirety from the first word to the last. Then I would read it again —- maybe more slowly —- and begin to analyze and reflect upon the thoughts and ideas. Lastly, I would consider my response in word and action.
Read Psalm 119:97; Ephesians 5:15-21
Daily Bible Reading Advice
Find a time and develop a consistent pattern
Read at least once a day without distractions (most alert time).
Set up a project (i.e. read through Acts, develop 3 key points for each chapter).
Read with more intensity and care than other books.
Use different versions for personal studies
Inductive Method: Gather the facts before drawing a conclusion
Gather the context
Understanding the big picture
Understanding the statements made prior to the passage
Understanding the statements made after the passage
Understanding that there were no contradictions because of the inspired source
Independent study (No commentary)
See things as they really are not as someone told me they are (Hebrews 4:12).
Dependent on careful observation (for example when reading 1 Corinthians it may first appear that chapter 9 seems out of place, but not when understood in context and flow of the overall letter).
Scientific in its procedure.
What did you see?
What did the author mean in the original intended context?
How does it affect me?
How can I tell it to someone else?