Bible Studies

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE Part Seven

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

Part Seven

 ANALYZING THE INDIVIDUAL BOOKS

        The purpose of this section is to help find important teachings from each book.

Romans

        This book deals completely with the subject of Salvation.

Chapters 1-3 deal with the need for Salvation (Sin)

Chapters 4-8 The Doctrine of Salvation

Chapters 9-16 The practical outworking of Salvation

        The books of Hebrews Galatians and Romans have the words “The Just shall Live by Faith” as a subject needing to be emphasized. Romans deals with Righteousness of God as revealed in the matter of sin, correct doctrine and responsible living.

I, II Corinthians

The church at Corinth was a church filled with many abuses a misunderstanding.

 Paul the apostle spent much effort to try and help them. They did not respond to him kindly and questioned his authority.

Second Corinthians found Paul encouraged by the apparent progress since his last visit to them. All outward evidence reveals a willingness to receive Paul’s admonitions and instructions

Galatians

The church at Galatia started out well in their salvation journey, but soon they faced antagonizes in the church who insisted that salvation by Faith was proper but it should involve compliance with the Mosaic Law. Paul’s message led to a proper understanding of the meaning of being justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Ephesians

The church at Ephesus was one of the “Great churches mentioned in the book of Acts. The church was established through much tribulation and her perseverance left them strong. Paul’s word of encouragement to them was to press on and be partakers of all of the blessings in Christ There was mutual encouragement from them and by the Apostle Paul.

Philippians

We remember the Philippi a Jailor and his conversion. He and his house together formed the beginnings of this grateful church. While Paul was facing imprisonment, the saints at Philippi sent many gifts expressing their love for him. This letter from Paul was an expression of Gratitude by Paul. The church demonstrated their love which their name proclaims.

Colossians.

It is doubtful that Paul ever came to know the church at Colosse. It was through a man named Epaphras that the Gospel came. He came to know Paul and some think that he shared imprisonment at the same time as Paul. Epaphras became the minister at Colosse and expressed some concern over a heresy that was invading the church. Paul admonished them in their faith by stressing the importance of focusing on God’s supremacy and pre-eminence. Although he never visited them, Paul gained a great love for them through their response to his ministry.

I, II Thessalonians

As you read about this church you could wish that all churches had their qualities. What was astounding was the way that they heard the word of God and how it took root in them and resulted in a clear cut witness for Christ. Paul spent much effort in helping them over their confusion regarding the Coming of Christ. At one point they thought that Christ had come already and they missed it.  Paul’s teaching on this matter has helped believers to clearly understand the events surrounding Christ’s coming. These books give us a clear understanding of end-time-subjects.

Timothy and Titus.

These are the letters from Paul called “The Pastoral Epistles”.These books contain the qualification of leaders and servants in the church. Pastors, Deacons are given serious responsibilities’ and are told how they as leader ought o behave. The importance of preaching and teaching sound doctrines, God’s servants are to be blameless in their devotion and in their conduct. These books supply us with information about what God wants His church to be.

Philemon

This is Paul’s shortest letter and it stands out because it is written to one person. It is written to Philemon on behalf of his runaway slave, Onesimus. It appears from the content of the letter that Onesimus stole something from Philemon and to avoid prosecution, fled to Rome to become lost in the crowd, but he was not lost to God. While in Rome He met Paul the Apostle and through his influence became a follower of Christ. Paul admonishes Philemon to forgive him and receive him as a brother in Christ. Paul closes with a promise that if Onesimus is unable to make good on what he stole, that he would himself make up for the loss.

Hebrews

Some think that Paul the apostle was the original writer of this book; however, unlike the rest of Paul’s books, this one does not have his signature. The teachings are similar, along with writing style. However, no-one knows exactly who the specific author is.

This book was written for Hebrew converts and its significance centers around Jesus Christ being superior to all things they might have once trusted. For instance, we see he is greater than the prophets, he is greater than Angels, he is greater than Moses, he is greater than Aaron, and the whole Jewish priesthood. He is greater than them all because these Old Testament types found their completion in Jesus Christ. In the latter part of Hebrews, we have the significance of faith and God’s hall of fame to those who in the past were faithful. The challenge of the book is an encouragement for those who claim faith in Jesus Christ to demonstrate that faith by living faithfully.

James

The book of James is full of many practical illustrations concerning this matter of faith. It is a good book to follow the book of Hebrews because of its emphasis on faith. The main theme of James is how faith and works go together. James addresses a false idea that you don’t have to worry about good works. James demonstrates that true faith is proven by its works. He mentions that “faith without works is dead”. He is right. Faith without works is not faith, it’s merely wishful thinking. Good works validate our faith and authenticate those who are true believers. The most important thing about faith is what our faith is in (or the object of our faith). If what our faith trusts it is not true or authentic, then our faith is not either. Faith is only as reliable as its object. Hebrews 11:6 says “but without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

I Peter

This first book of Peter is sent to Saints scattered throughout Asia because of persecution, suffering greatly for their faith. Peter’s admonition to them is to press on and not give up. He expresses to them the importance of faith during a time of intense suffering. His message of encouragement is found that as Christ suffered, so his followers should not be surprised if we suffer the same thing. We know from Peter’s later experience that he knew exactly what he is talking about. Perhaps these words found in the book could serve as the theme. “Brethren, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial. That shall try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering, that when he shall be revealed, ye may rejoice also.” (I Peter 4:12)

II Peter

In this second letter of Peter, his emphasis focuses upon growing in grace and being grounded in truth. The reason for this is that there are many pretenders and false teachings arising at this time. Being scattered, they will be exposed to new gods and teachings and they must be knowledgeable and discerning to be able to spot them. This book is clearly related to the book of Jude. In that Christians should be diligent in the knowledge of God’s truth, making it a strong priority in their lives. False teachings are deceptive and Satan is fully motivated, and unless we are properly guarded in truth, we are easy prey for the enemy. They are to be grounded in truth and growing in grace.

I John,

This book has become a favorite among believers because it deals with the subject of forgiveness, walking in the light, fellowship with God, fellowship with one another, and the importance of love toward one another. The title of the book could be called “unclouded communion” or “unbroken fellowship. “ There are many promises of assurance in this book, like the assurance of salvation and assurance of answered prayer.” It is a book designed to keep Christian’s faithful in their daily walk with God.

II John

Although this book has the same author. It has quite a different theme. During this time that the book was written there was a practice that faithful Christians would be spread out to various areas and Christians living in the areas were admonished to take care of them in their need. However, there are also false teachers who caught onto this practice and began doing the same thing as the other Christians. John is warning the churches about this invasion by false teachers and posing as faithful missionaries as well. John is warning the churches that this is happening. In this word, John is calling them to be discerning and wise and dealing with all of these.

III John

In this book, we are introduced to a man named Gaius. He is a very brave man and does a very courageous act. We remember how John addressed him. He prayed that he would be strong in his body like he is in his faith. That tells us a lot about Gaius. But the one purpose in writing this book is John’s commendation of him in preventing further corruption in the church. There was one man named Diotrophese who was trying to prevent the true program from going forth. He was hindering the true Christian from receiving what was needed. It was Gaius who stood up and rebuked him and prevented further damage from taking place. Perhaps there comes a time when our physical strength, is weak, but in spite of this faith still can triumph. We learned this from this book.

 Jude

John MacArthur entitled this book “beware of the Pretenders”. The title is a good summary of the book of Jude.” The writer warns the people that there are certain men who have secretly crept in among them who are imposters. How they got into the church we are not told. We know they were using the same tactics of Satan in pretending to be true. Perhaps they spoke the right language, or claim the right doctrine, and prayed fancy prayers; but whatever means they used, they were successful and they were beginning to damage the image and testimony of the church. Perhaps they may have even taken over the board meetings and the leadership of the church further hindering their being identified. The call to the true believer is to remember the words spoken by the apostles, and faithful teachers and hold fast to them. The promise by God is, although these may continue for a while, God has a determined end for them in mind.

Revelation.

The book of Revelation is the final book in the Bible. It is appropriately the final book because it speaks specifically of the end times and what shall take place prior to the arrival of the Lord for his church. If we were to give one verse to focus on that describes this book. It is Revelation chapter 1 verse seven says this “Behold, he, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also who pierced him; and all nations of the earth shall wail because of him.” For the Christian, who anticipates and lives his life in light of Christ’s return, this period of time is called the “Blessed Hope”. It will be the fulfillment of the great expectation that Jesus has come. For those who live in denial and reject the truth, it will be a time of intense sorrow and anguish. The whole book of Revelation centers on the coming of Christ. In chapters 2 and 3 we see seven churches addressed. These churches someday will be the bride of Christ when he comes in chapter 19. In chapter 2 and 3 three, the church is not yet ready for the arrival of the bridegroom, but after the events of chapters 4 through 19 are finished, events will happen that will purify the church and make her ready for Jesus when he comes.

 Chapter 20- 22 deal with events that will take place after the arrival of Christ. Two events follow the return of Christ. The first will be the judgment of the unsaved dead, and the second event, describes the eternal bliss of the faithful at home forever with their Lord.