How to Study the Bible (Part 7 of 8)‏

Hello Friends!

Welcome Back! Let’s continue our with our series titled “How to Study the Bible” for our Christian walk with our Lord Jesus Christ…

How to Study the Bible (Part 7)

Meditating on the Bible

Of most importance… Don't be in a hurry when studying God's Word!

In fact, God says:

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up – Deuteronomy 6:6-7

In other words, God's Word ought to occupy our mind all the time! And if we are steadily reading through the books of the Old Testament and if we are diligently studying the books of the New Testament – that's exactly what will happen!

Meditation is the process that molds the individual parts of God’s Word into a cohesive comprehension of Biblical truth. It is simply another term for deep thinking and reflection on God’s written Word. In the biblical sense of the word, meditation is an intelligent process. This is completely contrary to Eastern meditation of which attempts to disengage the thinking processes all together, bringing its practitioners into an altered state of conscienceless in an attempt to realize the divine “god” within...  

This is the absolute antithesis of Biblical Meditation!

IMPORTANT NOTE: No true Christian should in any way be involved with such ungodly, demonic spiritual practices!

In fact, the Apostle Paul had much to say in regard to this very important point. Here is just one strong example:

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

In further support of this direct command to separate from such “lawlessness” and “darkness,” God through the Old Testament also encourages the “blessed” believer of whom takes “delight” in and “meditates” upon His Word – “day and night”:

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night – Psalm 1:1-2

As a cow ruminates on its cud – chewing on it over and over and over… We too should repeatedly meditate and reflect on Scripture! So my question to you is: Have you “ruminated” on God’s Word today?

For the true Christian, this is NOT something to be taken lightly – Nor for granted!

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s final segment of How to Study the Bible…

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

Encouraging Concepts

Truth for Today

"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"

Lighthouse Publications <><

How to Study the Bible (Part 6 of 8)‏

Hello Friends!

Welcome Back! Let’s continue our with our series titled “How to Study the Bible” for our Christian walk with our Lord Jesus Christ…

How to Study the Bible (Part 6)

Interpreting the Bible ~ Points to Appropriate

Here are a few important “points to appropriate” when interpreting the Biblical text…

Points to Appropriate

Be Literal:

We must seek to understand Scripture in its literal, normal and natural sense. Although symbolism and figures of speech appear in the Bible, they will be obvious from the full context of the passage. For instance, when we study apocalyptic passages in Zechariah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Revelation we will read about different kinds of “beasts” and “images” throughout these profound books. Although these are indeed symbols, they convey literal truth. Therefore, we must interpret the Bible in its normal and natural sense. Otherwise we're taking an unnatural, abnormal and nonsensical interpretation of God’s Word. Here is one example to avoid…

Some Jewish rabbis were zealous advocates of gematria – the process of assigning numerical values to the Hebrew letters in order to interpret the text. For instance, they said if one takes the consonants of Abraham's name -- b, r, h, m -- and add them up with their numerical equivalents, you will have 318. Therefore, when you see the word Abraham it means he had 318 servants… Huh? No! Abraham's name means Abraham – period!

We must interpret Scripture in its literal sense, just as we would any other piece of literature!

Know the Context:

The Bible must also be studied in its historical context. What did it mean to whom it was spoken or written? We must also study its literary context. How does the passage or verse we are studying relate to the surrounding text? It has been said that "a text apart from context is a pretext" -- Well said!

Analyze the Sentence Structure:

In school, we (may have) learned how to diagram a sentence -- identify the verbs, nouns, prepositions and other parts of speech to find out what the entire text is saying. For example, let’s apply this approach to the Great Commission:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you – Matthew 28:19-20

As we first read it – "Go", "make disciples", "baptizing", and "teaching" all sound like verbs. But when we study the original sentence structure, we will find there's only one verb, matheteuo –  "make disciples." The words "Go", "baptizing" and "teaching" are only participles, which means they modify the main verb. So the Great Commission is to “make disciples” – of which involves “going” to them, “baptizing” them and “teaching” them!

We must examine the grammar carefully to fully comprehend and appreciate the true meaning of the text!

Compare Your Interpretation with the Totality of Scripture:

This vital principle of interpretation is known as Analogia Scriptura – meaning all Scripture fits together. One part of the Bible doesn't teach something that another part contradicts. For example, when we read the Apostle Paul’s account of the Gospel to the Corinthians, he says:

Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? – 1 Corinthians 15:29

When this text speaks of being “baptized for the dead,” we know it CANNOT mean that we can get someone out of hell and into heaven by being “baptized” on his or her behalf. This is a false Mormon interpretation of which contradicts the clear teaching of salvation by “grace” through personal “faith” in Jesus Christ – alone!

Look for Practical Principles to Apply:

As we read the various Scriptures, we must desire to learn what spiritual principles apply to us and fellow “believers” in Jesus Christ. For instance, contrary to popular “opinion,” true spiritual warfare is not waged by railing at demons or “binding” Satan. Nowhere in Scripture are we commanded to do such things!

The Apostle Paul demonstrates for us that true Biblical spiritual warfare is waged in the mind by “pulling down strongholds” – speculations – and “casting down” every “high thing” – unbiblical ideas – that “exalts” themselves against the “knowledge of God” by taking “every thought into captivity” to the “obedience” of Jesus Christ and His Word:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,  and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Again, Paul commands us to think and “meditate on these things” for a life dedicated to godliness:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things – Philippians 4:8

Through our “obedience” to God, James – the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ – commands us to “submit,” “resist” and “flee”:

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you – James 4:7

The Apostle Peter also commands us to be “sober-minded” and “vigilant” – alert – against our “adversary” and his wicked schemes:

Be sober-minded, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour – 1 Peter 5:8

Therefore, we can conclude that true spiritual warfare is a battle for the Truth – waged in the heart & mind and won through the proper appropriation of the Word of God!

We are able to properly apply important principles such a spiritual warfare only after we have literally interpreted our passage(s), analyzed their context and sentence structure and have compared our interpretation within the totality of Scripture…

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s continued investigation of How to Study the Bible…

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

Encouraging Concepts

Truth for Today

"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"

Lighthouse Publications <><

How to Study the Bible (Part 5 of 8)

Hello Friends!

Welcome Back! Let’s continue our with our series titled “How to Study the Bible” for our Christian walk with our Lord Jesus Christ…

How to Study the Bible (Part 5)

Interpreting the Bible ~ Bridging the Gaps

Here are a few important “gaps” to negotiate when interpreting the Biblical text…

Bridging the Gaps

To interpret the Bible properly we have four main “gaps” to negotiate:

Language:

We primarily speak English today. But the Bible was written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic (similar to Hebrew). Many of the Bible translations available today are excellent, but no translation can get across everything that the original language conveys. For example, the Apostle Paul says:

Let a man regard us in this manner, as ministers of Christ – 1 Corinthians 4:1

When we think of the English word “minister,” we think of a prime minister or a minister of defense. It is indeed a lofty term. However the Greek word translated "minister" – huperetes – originally spoke of a third-level galley slave. Hardly a lofty concept! Paul wanted it to be said of him that he was nothing more than a “third-level galley slave” for Jesus Christ. We would never get that understanding out of the English term. That's why we need to bridge the language gap!

There are some excellent tools available to assist us in this challenge. W. E. Vine's An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words is helpful for someone who doesn't know Greek. In addition, there are several language helps that are keyed to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, which has a numerical code to English definitions of all the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic words in the Bible. You'll learn to trace how a particular word is used throughout the entire Bible – or just in the passage you are studying.

Bridging the language gap will bring you to a new level of understanding!

Culture:

Parts of the Bible have been written as long as four thousand years ago. Times have certainly changed since then! If we don't understand the culture of the time in which our passage was written, we'll never understand its true meaning.

For example, the Apostle John says:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God – John 1:1

Why didn't John just simply say, "In the beginning was Jesus"? By studying the culture of the time, we discover that the Greek term "the Word" – ho logos – was highly significant to both Greek and Hebrew culture. To the Greeks, it was a philosophical term representing the sum total of cosmic energy or that which causes everything to exist. To the Hebrews, “the Word” of the Lord was the personal expression of God Himself.  

John drew in both audiences by describing Jesus Christ as the personal manifestation of the Almighty Creator – Brilliant!

Similarly, if we don't know anything about the Pharisees, the Sadducees the Sanhedrin, the Zealots or the Essens as well as other aspects of Jewish culture or the religion of Judaism itself, we won't understand the Gospel of Matthew. And if we don't know anything about the false teaching of Gnosticism, we won't understand the New Testament epistle to the Colossians.

Some books to help bridge the culture gap are: The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim  and Eerdmans's varying handbooks on Bible culture.

Geography:

There are also many geographical references in Scripture. For instance, we read of going down to Jericho and going up to Jerusalem as well as other such references.

For instance, the Apostle Paul says of the Thessalonians:

For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth – 1 Thessalonians 1:8

From other portions of Scripture, we learn that Paul was just recently in Thessalonica. Knowing something about the geography of the area explains how the Word of God had "sounded forth" and spread so fast – "gone forth" – in the first century! Also, the Ignatian Highway – the main concourse between the East and West – ran through the middle of Thessalonica. Whatever happened there was passed down all along the way...

Do you see how an understanding of geography can enrich your comprehension of the text? Consult a good Bible atlas or geography text and reap these wonderful benefits!

History:

Knowing the historical background of the text also enriches our understanding. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew we learn about the interplay between Pontius Pilate and Jesus Christ:

When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death.  And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor – Matthew 27:1-2

Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly – Matthew 27:11-14

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified – Matthew 27:15-26

The key to understanding this tragic false-sentencing of Jesus Christ is knowing what happened at this time – historically.

When Pontius Pilate was first assigned to the jurisdiction of Judea, he infuriated the Jewish population by trying to force pagan culture and emperor worship upon them. There were several such incidents and Rome was displeased with Pilate's inability to keep the peace. Pilate was afraid of what the Jewish leaders might instigate at this illegal “hearing.” He already had a rotten track record with the Jews and his job was on the line – That's why he allowed Jesus Christ be crucified!

Do you see the importance of historical context pertaining to our study of God’s Word? To assist us with this challenge, Bible dictionaries are good sources for historical background…

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s continued investigation of How to Study the Bible…

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!


We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

Encouraging Concepts

Truth for Today

"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"

Lighthouse Publications <><

How to Study the Bible (Part 4 of 8)‏

Hello Friends!

Welcome Back! Let’s continue our with our series titled “How to Study the Bible” for our Christian walk with our Lord Jesus Christ…

 

How to Study the Bible (Part 4)

Interpreting the Bible ~ Important Things to Avoid!

 

Here are a few very crucial points to consider when interpreting the Biblical text…

 

Important Things to Avoid!

 

1) Do not make a point at the cost of proper Biblical interpretation!

 

In other words, we don't want to make the Bible say what we want it to say by finding verses to support our preconceived ideas. This man-centered approach to Biblical interpretation is known as “cherry-picking” from the Scripture and is very popular in today’s evangelical environment.

A well-worn, anecdotal story used by many preachers over the years humorously demonstrates the fallacy of randomly stringing together unrelated Bible verses. It involves a fellow who opens his Bible seeking spiritual guidance and the first verse he reads tells how Judas went out and hanged himself. Discouraged by this depressing word, he randomly flips to another verse where Jesus Christ says, “Go and do likewise.” 

Reading the Bible as a random series of instructions can certainly lead to a dead end! Instead of being like our misguided friend, we should strive to read God's Word in the natural way that both the human author and the Holy Spirit intended.

When we try to make a passage fit out of context, we will end up forcing the Bible to fit our misunderstanding of the true meaning of the text. But if we try to truly comprehend a passage, a proper understanding and application will flow out of our Bible studies, resulting in a life-style of obedience to Jesus Christ and His Word!

 

The Apostle Paul says:

For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God – 2 Corinthians 2:17

The Greek word translated "peddling" is kapeleuo which is referred to selling something deceitfully in the marketplace – something that wasn't what it claimed to be. We must not force the Bible to illustrate our preconceived notions. Be careful not to interpret the Bible at the cost of its true meaning!

 

2) Avoid superficial Bible study! 

Sadly, to the detriment of God’s Word, many Bible studies consist of nothing more than person's saying something like: "I guess this verse means..." or "What does this verse mean to you?" Basically that's nothing more than a pooling of ignorance – people admitting what they don't know about the verse! 

To have a successful Bible study, someone must study the passage beforehand to find out what it really means. Only then can you discuss it intelligently and thus correctly apply it in your life in obedience to the Lord. Proper interpretation requires serious work! 

Don't take the easy way out and just simply believe what everyone tells you the Bible says. Check out the facts for yourself. Don't assume there are many interpretations of a biblical passage. There may be many applications, but there is only one true interpretation. God's Word is precise. The Bible is not ambiguous and its contents are “spiritually discerned.” 

In fact, God has given the believer the ability to discover the true meaning of the Scriptures:

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned – 1 Corinthians 2:14

3) Don't spiritualize the text!

 

For a light-hearted example of this next point, let’s consider the following brief testimony… 

The first sermon Pastor John MacArthur ever preached was as he recalls – “really bad!” Mr. MacArthur’s text was "The angel rolled the stone away" taken from Matthew 28 and he entitled his sermon, "Rolling Away the Stones in Your Life." The then young and energetic “twenty-something” Pastor talked about the stone of doubt, the stone of fear and the stone of anger. Doubt, fear and anger are all legitimate topics to be sure – but they have nothing to do with that text!  

Many people also tend to do this with the Old Testament. These “teachers” turn it into a fairy tale of sorts with all kinds of hidden, secret and mystical meanings – anything but what the text plainly states!

In addressing this poignant point, the Apostle Paul encouraged young Timothy to “carefully” follow his example of faithfulness to God’s Word and “godly” life style in “Christ Jesus” – whatever “persecutions” may come:

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work – 2 Timothy 3:10-17

The false teachers of Paul’s day – “evil men and impostors” – were masters at twisting the Scriptures – to their own destruction… 

Don't spiritualize the Bible. It deserves much more respect!

 

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s continued investigation of How to Study the Bible…

 

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

 

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!


We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

Encouraging Concepts

Truth for Today

"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"

Lighthouse Publications <><