Bible Studies

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE? Part two

by Henry Jaegers
04/08/19
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HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE? Part two

What methods will help me to better understand the Bible?

Sometimes time is a factor in studying the Bible so there are various methods we can employ to best reach our goal. Here are some guidelines:

A) The Devotional Method.

          This method is important because it helps us to get into the Word of God in order to hear His voice and learn His purposes and will for us and how to apply His word to everyday situations. The devotional method is the practical application of God’s Word.

B) The Topical Method.

          The typical method is employed to search out what the Bible has to say on certain subjects. One of the benefits of modern day study Bibles is that they have an index listing hundreds of topics a person can study. Some suggested topics a person might pursue is on the subject of capital punishment, Prayer, forgiveness, and you will discover the possibilities are endless. Topical studies are beneficial, especially when a group of people is discussing some topic contained in the bible.

C) The Textual Method

          This is the method most often used by pastors when they are delivering the message from the pulpit. The textual method takes portions from a passage such as “the prodigal son”, or “the parable of the soils” or “the story of the rich young ruler”. These are sermons based upon certain texts. The studies involve thorough explanations of shorter passages of scripture.

D) The Historical method.

          In order to make many portions of scripture clear, an examination of biblical history is necessary to clearly understand what God is trying to tell us. A study in the life of Abraham is essential for us to understand the history of the nation of Israel and God’s plan for them. A study in the book of Judges is a good example, telling us of the dark ages of Israel’s history. Mostly all sound Bible study is laced with historical facts. In the Old Testament, some of the Historical books are: Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther In the New Testament there is only one historical book: The book of Acts          ( which is the History of the Church.)

E) The Expository method.

          The expository method is the one used by most pastors involved in in-depth Bible teaching. It usually goes verse by verse, chapter by chapter until the whole book or section of scripture is complete. Expository Studies can be divided into two parts.

1. Analytical.

          This method can be compared to looking at something through a microscope. Much detail is employed in searching out a portion of scripture even to the point of examining the meanings of words to explain. This method usually starts at the beginning of a book or section and explains the meaning to the end.

2. Synthetical

          This method is more intent in presenting the study in a more concise form. The synthetic method can be compared to looking at the passage through a telescope, giving us a birds-eye view. A comparison between the two methods as to which is better depends upon the person who comes under the teaching of both. Because people tend to get restless, the synthetical approach covers more ground in a shorter period of time and the message appears to be retained for a longer period. It takes a gifted expositor to use the analytical method.

4. How can I get started? 

          As you begin your venture into this study ask yourself these questions as you begin:

A) What is the main subject?

B) Who are the main persons addressed?

C) What is the key verse?

D) What does this passage teach me about Christ?

E) Is there any sin for me to confess, and forsake?

F) Is there any command for me to obey?

G) Is there any promise for me to claim? 

H) Is there any instruction for me to follow?

I)   Is there any prayer that I should pray? 

          The above writings are given with the purpose of supplying an incentive to begin an adventure filled with blessing...  May God Bless you as you experience  His filling as you hunger and thirst after righteousness