the abc's of bible study

We Need To Be Devout Bible

Students• The Holy Scriptures teach that we should,

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

• To be a noble example (Acts 17:11) we need to, receive the word of God with all readiness of mind and search the scriptures daily to see whether the things being taught are so.

• A ttitude.– Get the strong desire to find out what’s right!– Psalm 119:2; John 7:17; James 1:21

• B alance.– “Consider the whole package.”– You need a good, overall knowledge of all the

Word of God! Acts 20:27; Mt. 28:20

• C ommandments.– When you learn any commandment that

applies to you, decide immediately that you will obey. Psalm 119:4; Revelation 22:14

• D iligence.– This means great effort and care.– The effort pays greatly. Psalm 119:18– Our searching will teach us! John 5:39

• E xamples.– There are good examples and bad examples.

We should study these and let them instruct us. 1 Corinthians 10:6; Philippians 4:9

• F aith.– Effective Bible study requires belief in God,

trust in Jesus, and full confidence in the truth of God’s word. Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6

• G od.– One major accomplishment of Bible study is

to learn about God. Romans 11:22

• H elp.– Don’t ever hesitate to ask for help.

Acts 8:30-31– Ask God in prayer for help and seek for the

answer in His word. James 1:5; Matthew 7:7

• I mplications.– When the information leads to a conclusion,

accept it for what it is, a part of God’s will. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• J esus.– Look for the “Good News” theme of Jesus.– Jesus is throughout the Bible! Let every new

experience of Bible study bring you closer to Him. John 3:16; Colossians 1:18

• K nowledge.– Your object is to acquire a knowledge of God’s

truth. – Colossians 1:10; Jn. 17:17; 1 Timothy 2:4

• L ove for the Truth! – We must have a love for the Truth or we cannot be

saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:10– Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also

wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”

• M aturity.– “Never happen without study.” – 1 Cor. 14:20; 2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:28

• N ourishment.– Understand that you cannot have spiritual life

without the divine food that sustains that life!– Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2

• O bedience.– Let honoring Christ and pleasing God be your

constant object. – Matthew 7:21, 24-27; Hebrews 5:9

• P atience.– Be patient with yourself as you study the Bible.

Philippians 3:15; James 5:7-8

• Q uestions.– Use questions to learn about the text.– Remember ask, Who?, What?, When?,

Where?, and Why? – Are there any other passages that will help

me understand this?– What from this verse do I need to apply?– How does this passage help me understand

other parts of the Bible? Etc. Acts 17:2

• R eview. “Don’t be through until you review.”

– Go through it again, examine key passages and you may learn something you missed before. Philippians 3:1; 2 Peter 3:1

• S tudy. “Big difference between reading & this!”

– Think about the information. What did it mean to them? What does it mean today? How do I apply this today? How does this teaching relate to other parts of the Bible? Etc. Ephesians 5:17

• T racking promises and prophecy.– Track the various promises or prophecies

from the Old Testament to their fulfillment in the New Testament. Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53

• U nderlying Principles.– Look for underlying principles that transcend

dispensational boundaries. Romans 15:4

• V ersions. – So many Bible versions. Some can be helpful,

be careful some are inaccurate.

• W ords.– Word studies are essential!– God has chosen to communicate with us

through words. – Respect the Biblical significance of the words.

1 Corinthians 2:13

• X marks the spot.– Use systematic reading and studies.– These will help you to get your understanding

and keep track of where you are going.

• Y ourself.– Your first concern in Bible reading and study

should be for your own self examination. 2 Corinthians 13:5

• Z eal.– As you read, study and grow in knowledge,

you need to be sure that knowledge is accompanied by the zeal to do and teach the truth of the gospel. Romans 10:1-3

• Be sure to use these tips for studying God’s word to the fullest and you will be better prepared and blessed in your knowledge of God’s Word.

Salvation In Christ Awaits You

• Eternal salvation is available only in Christ. 2 Timothy 2:10; Ephesians 1:3

• Christ’s plan for your salvation includes your obedience to His commands. Heb. 5:9

– Hear Him. Mt. 17:5– Believe the gospel. Mark 16:15-16– Repent of sin. Luke 13:3,5– Confess faith in Christ. Acts 8:37– Baptism into Christ. Rom. 6:3-4; Acts 22:16