Jumamosi, 28 Desemba 2013
CREATIVE BIBLE STUDY
Creative
Bible Study
Methods
HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE
This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute, a program designed to equip
believers for effective spiritual harvest.
The basic theme of the training is to teach what Jesus taught, that which took men who
were fishermen, tax collectors, etc., and changed them into reproductive Christians who
reached their world with the Gospel in a demonstration of power.
This manual is a single course in one of several modules of curriculum which moves
believers from visualizing through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to
achieve the goal of evangelizing.
For further information on additional courses write:
Harvestime International Institute
14431 Tierra Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
U.S.A.
© Harv estim e In tern ational Institute
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . I
Suggestions For Group Study . . . . . . . II
Course Introduction . . . . . . . . . 1
Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . 3
PART ONE: THE SUBJECT OF STUDY
1. Introducing The Bible . . . . . . . . 4
2. The Books Of The Bible . . . . . . . 17
3. Versions Of The Bible . . . . . . . . 37
PART TWO: PREPARATION FOR STUDY
4. Before You Begin . . . . . . . . 43
5. Bible Study Tools . . . . . . . . 55
6. Principles Of Interpretation . . . . . . . 65
7. Bible Background . . . . . . . . 73
8. Outlining, Marking, And Charting . . . . . . 88
PART THREE: CREATIVE BIBLE STUDY
9. Studying The Bible By The Bible . . . . . . 96
10. Devotional Bible Study. . . . . . . . 109
11. Book Study . . . . . . . . . 119
12. Chapter Study . . . . . . . . . 126
13. Paragraph Study . . . . . . . . 137
14. Verse Study . . . . . . . . . 149
15. Word Study . . . . . . . . . 155
16. Topical Bible Study . . . . . . . . 168
17. Biographical Study . . . . . . . . 174
18. The Theological Method . . . . . . . 183
19. Studying Bible Poetry . . . . . . . . 196
20. Studying Bible Prophecy . . . . . . . 203
21. The Typological Method . . . . . . . 221
Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . 231
Answers To Self-Tests. . . . . . . . . 235
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
MANUAL FORMAT
Each lesson consists of:
Objectives: These are the goals you should achieve by studying the chapter. Read them
before starting the lesson.
Key Verse: This verse emphasizes the main concept of the chapter. Memorize it.
Chapter Content: Study each section. Use your Bible to look up any references not
printed in the manual.
Self-Test: Take this test after you finish studying the chapter. Try to answer the
questions without using your Bible or this manual. When you have concluded the Self-
Test, check your answers in the answer section provided at the end of the book.
For Further Study: This section will help you continue your study of the Word of God,
improve your study skills, and apply what you have learned to your life and ministry.
Final Examination: If you are enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final
examination along with this course. Upon conclusion of this course, you should complete
this examination and return it for grading as instructed.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED
You will need a King James version of the Bible.
I
SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUP STUDY
FIRST MEETING
Opening: Open with prayer and introductions. Get acquainted and register the students.
Establish Group Procedures: Determine who will lead the meetings, the time, place, and
dates for the sessions.
Praise And Worship: Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your training session.
Distribute Manuals To Students: Introduce the manual title, format, and course objectives
provided in the first few pages of the manual.
Make The First Assignment: Students will read the chapters assigned and take the Self-
Tests prior to the next meeting. The number of chapters you cover per meeting will
depend on chapter length, content, and the abilities of your group.
SECOND AND FOLLOWING MEETINGS
Opening: Pray. Welcome and register any new students and give them a manual. Take
attendance. Have a time of praise and worship.
Review: Present a brief summary of what you studied at the last meeting.
Lesson: Discuss each section of the chapter using the HEADINGS IN CAPITAL BOLD
FACED LETTERS as a teaching outline. Ask students for questions or comments on
what they have studied. Apply the lesson to the lives and ministries of your students.
Self-Test: Review the Self-Tests students have completed. (Note: If you do not want the
students to have access to the answers to the Self-Tests, you may remove the answer
pages from the back of each manual.)
For Further Study: You may do these projects on a group or individual basis.
Final Examination: If your group is enrolled in this course for credit, you received a final
examination with this course. Reproduce a copy for each student and administer the
exam upon conclusion of this course.
II
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MODULE: Deputizing
COURSE: Creative Bible Study Methods
INTRODUCTION
The New Testament Prophet John the Baptist was known as a "voice crying in the
wilderness" as he proclaimed the Word of God. His message was fresh, powerful, and
relevant to the spiritual needs of his time.
Many people today have become echoes of spiritual truths they hear from those around
them. They are not a voice through which God can reveal His message, but are only an
echo of what they hear from others. They are like the prophets of whom God said,"steal
my words every one from his neighbor" (Jeremiah 23:30).
In order to speak God's words you must first know what God has said. The purpose of this
course is to equip you to understand God's Word. You will need only this manual, a
Bible, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to learn these "Creative Bible Study Methods."
A method is an organized way to accomplish something. It is an orderly plan. Bible study
methods are an organized plan to study God's written Word. The word "creative" means
"having the ability to produce that which is new." This course teaches you how to study
God's Word for yourself. You will not have to rely on the research of others because you
will be able to create your own Bible studies based on your study of God's written Word.
By learning proper Bible study methods you will become a voice through which God can
speak His truths to a spiritually hungry world. You will no longer only be an echo of
what you hear from others.
"Creative Bible Study Methods" introduces the Bible as the written Word of the one true
God. It explains divisions of the Bible, versions, translations, and paraphrases. First, the
course guides you to discover what the Bible teaches about itself, then creative methods
are explained and you are given the opportunity to use each method discussed.
The course also explains how to outline, make study notes, mark your Bible for easy
reference, and reduce lengthy passages to simple charts. The course guides you to proper
interpretation and application of God's Word. It directs attention to the greatest Teacher
of all, the Holy Spirit. If you follow the guidelines presented, you will experience a new,
creative spiritual life flowing within you.
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No method of Bible study can replace the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. He is the
spiritual force that endues a method with creative power. He whispers into the human
spirit the truths of God's Word which create a new spiritual life flow.
The study of methods is not an end in itself. It is not the final goal. The methods are only
a means to accomplish the objective of studying God's Word. It is not enough to learn
these methods. You must use what you learn to study God’s Word and apply its truths to
your life and ministry.
Although you may complete the lessons in this manual, in reality you will never really
complete this course. Your study of God's Word will never be finished because its rich
spiritual truths can never be exhausted.
_________
Note: This co urse teac hes B ible study method s, not B ible con tent. Harvestim e Interna tional Institute offers
another course entitled "Basic Bible Survey" which presents the general background of the Bible, an outline of
each book, its author, time of w riting, to whom it was written, purpose, key verse, impo rtant characters, maps,
dates, and charts summarizing general Bible content. Because of the need for a general introduction to the
Bible in both Bible study and Bible survey, the first three chapters of these courses are identical while the
remaining con tent differs.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
C Explain how the Bible originated.
C Describe the organization of the Bible into testaments, major divisions, and books.
C Summarize basic history and chronology of the Bible.
C Explain the unity and diversity of the Bible.
C Explain how different Bible versions developed.
C Apply rules for proper interpretation of the Bible.
C Summarize what the Bible teaches about itself.
C Identify prerequisites for Bible study.
C Create outlines, charts, summaries, and text markings to help you retain content.
C Apply creative methods to your study of God's Word.
C Use Bible study tools.
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PART ONE: THE SUBJECT OF STUDY
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCING THE BIBLE
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Define the word "Bible."
C Define the word "Scripture."
C Explain the origin of the Bible.
C Identify the major purposes of the Bible.
C Identify the Old and New Testaments as the two major divisions of the Bible.
C Name the four divisions of Old Testament books.
C Name the four divisions of New Testament books.
C Explain what is meant by the "unity and diversity" of the Bible.
C Identify the person upon whom the revelation of both testaments center.
KEY VERSES:
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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the Bible which is the written Word of the one true God. The
word "Bible" means "the books." The Bible is one volume which consists of 66 separate
books.
The word "Scripture" is also used to refer to God's Word. This word comes from a Latin
word which means "writing." When the word "Scripture" is used with a capital "S" it
means the sacred writings of the one true God. The word "Bible" is not used in the Bible.
It is a word used by men as a title for all of God's Words.
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ORIGIN OF THE BIBLE
The Bible is the written Word of God. He inspired the words in the Bible and used
approximately 40 different men to write down His words. These men wrote over a period
of 1500 years. The perfect agreement of these writers is one proof that they were all
guided by a single author. That author was God.
Some of the writers wrote down exactly what God said:
Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken
unto thee against Israel . . . (Jeremiah 36:2)
Other writers wrote what they experienced or what God revealed concerning the future:
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the
things which shall be hereafter. (Revelation 1:19)
All of the writers wrote under God's inspiration the words of His message for us.
THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE
The Bible itself records its main purpose:
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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
The Scriptures are to be used to teach doctrine, to reprove and correct from evil, and to
teach righteousness. They will help you live right and equip you to work for God.
MAJOR DIVISIONS
The Bible is divided into two major sections called the Old Testament and the New
Testament. The word "testament" means “covenant.” A covenant is an agreement. The
Old Testament records God's original covenant or agreement with man. The New
Testament records the new covenant made by God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
What was the subject of these two agreements? They both concerned restoring sinful
man to right relationship with God. God made a law that sin can only be forgiven through
the shedding of blood:
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. . . without shedding of blood is no remission (forgiveness). (Hebrews 9:22)
Under God's agreement in the Old Testament, blood sacrifices of animals were made by
man to obtain forgiveness for sin. This was a symbol of the blood sacrifice Jesus Christ
would provide under the new agreement with God. Through the birth, life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus, a final sacrifice for sin was made:
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater
and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this
building;
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in
once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling
the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God?
And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of
death, for the redemption the transgressions that were under the first
testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal
inheritance. (Hebrews 9:11-15)
Both testaments are the Word of God and we must study both in order to understand
God's message. The terms "old" and "new" testaments are used to distinguish between
God's agreement with man before and after the death of Jesus Christ. We do not
disregard the Old Testament simply because it is called "old."
FURTHER DIVISIONS
The Bible is further divided into 66 books. The Old Testament has 39 books. The New
Testament contains 27 books. Each book is divided into chapters and verses. Although
the content of each book is the Word of God, the division into chapters and verses was
made by man to make it easy to locate specific passages. It would be very difficult to
find a passage if the books were all one long paragraph.
Here is a simple diagram that shows the basic divisions of the Bible:
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THE BIBLE
›
____________________
› ›
Old Testament New Testament
39 Books 27 Books
UNITY OF THE BIBLE
When we speak of the unity of the Bible, we mean two things:
ONE: THE BIBLE IS UNITED IN CONTENT:
Even though the Bible was written by many writers over many years, there are no
contradictions. One author does not contradict any of the others. The Bible includes
discussion of hundreds of controversial subjects. (A controversial subject is one that
creates different opinions when mentioned). Yet the writers of the Bible spoke on such
subjects with harmony from the first book of Genesis through the last book of Revelation.
This was possible because there was really only one author: God. The writers only
recorded the message under His direction and inspiration. For this reason, the content of
the Bible is united.
TWO: THE BIBLE IS UNITED IN THEME:
Some people think the Bible is a collection of 66 separate books on different subjects.
They do not realize that the Bible is united by a major theme. From beginning to end, the
Bible reveals God's special purpose which is summarized in the book of Ephesians:
Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good
pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself:
That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in
one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;
even in Him:
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of
His own will. (Ephesians 1:9-11)
The Bible reveals the mystery of God’s plan which is the unifying theme of the Bible. It
is the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Savior of sinful mankind. Jesus explained how the
Old Testament centered on Him:
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And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you while I
was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the
law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.
(Luke 24:44)
With this introduction, Jesus continued and . . .
. . . opened He their understanding that they might understand the scriptures.
(Luke 24:45)
What was the key Jesus gave them to understanding the Scriptures? The fact that its
major theme focused on Him:
. . . Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from
the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And Ye are witnesses of these
things. (Luke 24:46-4)
The Old and New Testaments both tell the story of Jesus. The Old Testament prepares us
for its happening and the New Testament tells how it happened. This unites the Bible in
one major theme. The people who looked forward to Jesus under the Old Testament were
saved from their sins through faith in God's promise. Everyone who looks back to it as
having been fulfilled in Jesus Christ is saved in the same way: Through faith that it
happened just as God promised.
DIVERSITY OF THE BIBLE
When we speak of the "diversity" of the Bible we mean that the Bible has variety. It
records different ways in which God dealt with people and the different ways in which
they responded to Him.
The Bible is written in different moods. Some portions express joy while others reflect
sorrow. The Bible includes different types of writing. It contains history, poetry,
prophecy, letters, adventure, parables, miracles, and love stories. Because of its variety,
the Bible has been further divided into major groups of books.
OLD TESTAMENT DIVISIONS
The books of the Old Testament are divided into four major groups: Law, history, poetry
and prophecy.
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THE BOOKS OF THE LAW:
There are five books of law. The names of these books are:
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
These books record the creation of man and the world by God and the early history of
man. They tell how God raised up the nation of Israel as a people through which He
could reveal Himself to the nations of the world.
These books record the laws of God. The best known parts are the Ten Commandments
(Exodus 20:3-17), the greatest of all commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5), and the second
greatest commandment (Leviticus 19:18).
Open your Bible and locate the books of Law in the Old Testament. Locate the three
verses mentioned in the preceding paragraph and read them. These are an example of the
laws of God recorded in these books.
THE BOOKS OF HISTORY:
There are 12 books of history in the Old Testament. The names of the books of history
are:
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
I and II Samuel
I and II Kings
I and II Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Locate these books in your Bible. They are found right after the books of law. The books
of history cover a thousand year history of God's people, Israel. Naturally they do not tell
everything that happened, but they record the major events and show the results of both
following and ignoring God's law.
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THE BOOKS OF POETRY:
There are five books of poetry. The names of the books of poetry are:
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
These books are the worship books of God's people, Israel. They still are used in worship
by believers today. Turn to Psalm 23 and read it. This is an example of the beautiful
worship poetry contained in these books.
THE BOOKS OF PROPHECY:
The books of prophecy of the Old Testament are divided into two groups which are
called Major and Minor prophetical books. This does not mean the Major Prophets are
more important than the Minor Prophets. The title is simply used because the Major
Prophets are longer books than the Minor Prophets. There are 17 books of prophecy in
the Old Testament. The names of the books of prophecy are:
Major Prophets:
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Minor Prophets:
Hosea Nahum
Joel Habakkuk
Amos Zechariah
Obadiah Haggai
Jonah Zechariah
Micah Malachi
These books are prophetic messages from God to His people about future events. Many
of the prophecies have already been fulfilled, but some remain to be fulfilled in the future.
Find these prophetic books in your Bible. They are the last books in the Old Testament.
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NEW TESTAMENT DIVISIONS
The New Testament has also been divided into four groups: Gospels, History, Letters,
and Prophecy.
THE GOSPELS:
There are four books in the Gospels. The names of these books are:
Matthew Mark Luke John
These books tell about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Their purpose is to lead
you to believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God. Find the Gospels in your Bible and
then read John 20:31 which states this purpose.
THE BOOK OF HISTORY:
There is one book of history in the New Testament, the book of Acts. This book tells how
the church began and fulfilled Christ's commission to spread the Gospel throughout the
world. Locate this book in your Bible.
LETTERS:
There are 21 letters in the New Testament. The names of these letters are:
Romans Titus
I and II Corinthians Philemon
Galatians Hebrews
Ephesians James
Philippians I and II Peter
Colossians I, II, and III John
I and II Thessalonians Jude
I and II Timothy
The letters are addressed to all believers. Their purpose is to guide them in living and
help them do what Jesus commanded. Romans 12 is a good example of their teaching.
Turn to this chapter in your Bible and read it. The letters are also sometimes called
"epistles" which means letters.
PROPHECY:
Revelation is the only book of prophecy in the New Testament. It tells of the final
victory of Jesus and His people. Its purpose is to encourage you to keep living as a
Christian should live until the end of time. Its message is summarized in Revelation 2:10.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verses from memory:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What does the word "Bible" mean?______________________________________
3. What does the word "Scripture" mean?__________________________________
4. What are the two major divisions of the Bible?
______________________________ _______________________________
5. How many books are there in the Bible?__________________________________
6. Name the four major groups into which Old Testament books are divided:
______________________________ _______________________________
______________________________ _______________________________
7. Name the four major groups into which New Testament books are divided:
______________________________ _______________________________
______________________________ _______________________________
8. What is the meaning of the word "testament"?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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9. What are four main purposes of the Bible? Give a Bible reference to support your
answer.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. What is meant by the "unity of the Bible"?
________________________________________________________________________
11. What is meant by the "diversity of the Bible"?
________________________________________________________________________
12. Read each statement. If the statement is TRUE put the letter T on the blank in front
of it. If the statement is FALSE put the letter F on the blank in front of it:
a._____The Bible is the written Word of the one true God.
b._____Although God inspired the Bible, He used men to write down His words.
c._____Because there were many writers over a period of many years, the Bible
contains a lot of contradictions.
d._____There is no united theme of the Bible. It is just a collection of books on
different subjects.
e._____The Major Prophets of the Old Testament are more important than the
Minor Prophets.
13. Who is the person on which the revelation of both testaments centers? Give a
Bible reference to support your answer.__________
Reference___________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
The bookmarks on the next page will help you learn the major divisions of the Bible. Cut
out the bookmarks on the lines dividing them and place them in your Bible. If you have
difficulty in locating the place to insert your bookmarks, use the Table of Contents in the
front of your Bible. It lists the books in the order in which they appear in the Bible. It
also provides the page number where each book begins.
OLD TESTAMENT
Place bookmark 1 at the beginning of the book of Genesis.
Place bookmark 2 at the beginning of the book of Joshua.
Place bookmark 3 at the beginning of the book of Job.
Place bookmark 4 at the beginning of the book of Isaiah.
NEW TESTAMENT
Place bookmark 5 at the beginning of the book of Matthew.
Place bookmark 6 at the beginning of the book of Acts.
Place bookmark 7 at the beginning of the book of Romans.
Place bookmark 8 at the beginning of the book of Revelation.
You have now located the major divisions of the Bible. Keep using the bookmarks until
you can name and locate these divisions by memory.
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OLD TESTAMENT OLD TESTAMENT OLD TESTAMENT
LAW (1) HISTORY (2) POETRY (3)
GENESIS JOSHUA JOB
EXODUS JUDGES PSALMS
LEVITICUS RUTH PROVERBS
NUMBERS I SAMUEL ECCLESIASTES
DEUTERONOMY II SAMUEL SONG OF SOLOMON
I KINGS
II KINGS
I CHRONICLES
II CHRONICLES
EZRA
NEHEMIAH
ESTHER
________________________________________________________________________
OLD TESTAMENT
PROPHECY (4)
MAJOR PROPHETS:
ISAIAH
JEREMIAH
LAMENTATIONS
EZEKIEL
DANIEL
MINOR PROPHETS:
HOSEA OLD TESTAMENT BOOK MARKS
JOEL
AMOS
OBADIAH
JONAH
MICAH
NAHUM
HABAKKUK
ZECHARIAH
HAGGAI
ZECHARIAH
MALACHI
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NEW TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT
GOSPELS (5) HISTORY (6) LETTERS (7)
MATTHEW ACTS ROMANS
MARK I CORINTHIANS
LUKE II CORINTHIANS
JOHN GALATIANS
EPHESIANS
PHILIPPIANS
COLOSSIANS
I THESSALONIANS
II THESSALONIANS
I TIMOTHY
II TIMOTHY
TITUS
PHILEMON
HEBREWS
JAMES
I PETER
II PETER
____________________ I JOHN
NEW TESTAMENT II JOHN
PROPHECY (8) III JOHN
JUDE
REVELATION ______________________
NEW TESTAMENT BOOK MARKS
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CHAPTER TWO
THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Identify the number of books in the Old Testament.
C Identify the number of books in the New Testament.
C Explain why it is important to have a systematic plan for reading the Bible.
C List four suggestions for successful Bible reading.
KEY VERSE:
Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according
to thy Word. (Psalm 119:169)
INTRODUCTION
In the previous chapter you learned that the Bible is the written Word of God. You
learned it is divided into two major sections called the Old Testament and the New
Testament. You learned the four divisions of the Old Testament books:
Law
History
Poetry
Prophecy
You also learned the four divisions of the New Testament books:
Gospels
History
Letters
Prophecy
The following chart summarizes what you have learned about the Bible so far:
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THE BIBLE
›
GOD'S WRITTEN WORD
›
66 BOOKS
›
__________________________
› ›
OLD TESTAMENT DIVISIONS NEW TESTAMENT DIVISIONS
› ›
Law Gospels
History History
Poetry Letters
Prophecy Prophecy
This chapter contains a summary of each of the 66 books of the Bible which make up the
major divisions of the Old and New Testaments. It provides an introduction to the
content of both testaments. Four suggestions for successful Bible reading are given and
you will choose a systematic plan to start reading God's Word.
OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS
(39 Books)
BOOKS OF LAW:
Genesis: Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage, sin,
sacrifice, nations, and government and key men of God like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and
Joseph.
Exodus: Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is delivered
from bondage in Egypt and travels to Mt. Sinai where the law of God is given.
Leviticus: This book was a manual of worship for Israel. It provides instruction to the
religious leaders and explains how a sinful people can approach a righteous God. It
relates to the coming of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the
world.
Numbers: Records Israel's 40 years of wandering in the wilderness which was a result of
disobedience to God. The title of the book is from two numberings (population censuses)
taken during the long journey.
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Deuteronomy: Records the final days of Moses' life and reviews the laws given in
Exodus and Leviticus.
BOOKS OF HISTORY:
Joshua: Details how Joshua, the successor of Moses, led the people of Israel into the
Promised Land of Canaan. It records the military campaigns and the division of the land
among the people.
Judges: Israel turned away from God after Joshua's death. This book records the sad story
of their repeated sins and the judges God raised up to deliver them from enemy forces.
Ruth: The story of Ruth, a woman of the Gentile nation of Moab, who chose to serve the
God of Israel. She became the great grandmother of David.
I Samuel: This book centers on three persons: Samuel who was the last of the judges of
Israel; Saul, the first king of Israel; and David who succeeded Saul as king.
II Samuel: The glorious 40 year reign of King David is recorded in this book.
I Kings: King Solomon's reign and the kings of the divided kingdom through the reigns
of Ahab in the north and Jehoshaphat in the south are the subjects of this book.
II Kings: The final decline of Israel and Judah is recalled in this book. God's people fell
into deep sin.
I Chronicles: The reign of David and preparations for building the temple are recorded
here. The time of this book is the same as II Samuel.
II Chronicles: This book continues Israel's history through Solomon's reign with focus on
the southern kingdom. It closes with the decree of Cyrus which permitted the return of the
people from Babylon to Jerusalem.
Ezra: The return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity is detailed.
Nehemiah: The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under the direction of Nehemiah is
recalled by this book. The project was begun about 14 years after Ezra's return with the
people.
Esther: God's deliverance of the Jews through Esther and Mordecai is the subject of this
book.
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BOOKS OF POETRY:
Job: This book is the story of Job, a man who lived around the time of Abraham. The
theme is the question of why righteous men suffer.
Psalms: The prayer and praise book of the Bible.
Proverbs: Divine wisdom for practical problems of everyday life.
Ecclesiastes: A discussion of the futility of life apart from God.
Song Of Solomon: The romance of Solomon and his Shulamite bride. The story
represents God's love for Israel and of Christ for the church.
BOOKS OF PROPHECY:
Several of these books were written during a period when the nation of Israel was divided
into two separate kingdoms: Israel and Judah.
Isaiah: Warns of coming judgment against Judah because of their sin against God.
Jeremiah: Written during the later decline and fall of Judah. Told of the coming
judgment and urged surrender to Nebuchadnezzar.
Lamentations: Jeremiah's lament (expression of sorrow) over the destruction of
Jerusalem by Babylon.
Ezekiel: Warns first of Jerusalem's impending fall and then foretells its future restoration.
Daniel: The prophet Daniel was captured during the early siege of Judah and taken to
Babylon. This book provides historic and prophetic teaching which is important in
understanding Bible prophecy.
Hosea: Theme of this book is Israel's unfaithfulness, their punishment, and restoration by
God.
Joel: Tells of the plagues which foreshadowed future judgment.
Amos: During a period of material prosperity but moral decay, Amos warned Israel and
surrounding nations of God's future judgment on their sin.
Obadiah: God's judgment against Edom, an evil nation located south of the Dead Sea.
21
Jonah: The story of the prophet Jonah who preached repentance in Ninevah, capitol of
the Assyrian empire. The book reveals God's love and plan of repentance for the Gentiles.
Micah: Another prophecy against Israel's sin. Foretells the birthplace of Jesus 700 years
before the event happened.
Nahum: Tells of the impending destruction of Ninevah which had been spared some 150
years earlier through Jonah's preaching.
Habakkuk: Reveals God's plan to punish a sinful nation by an even more sinful one.
Teaches that "the just shall live by faith."
Zephaniah: Judgment and restoration of Judah.
Haggai: Urges the Jews to rebuild the temple after a 15 year delay due to enemy
resistance.
Zechariah: Further urging to complete the temple and renew spiritual commitment.
Foretells Christ's first and second comings.
Malachi: Warns against spiritual shallowness and foretells the coming of John the Baptist
and Jesus.
NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS
(27 Books)
THE GOSPELS:
The four books known as the Gospels record the birth, life, ministry, teachings, death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. The approach of each book differs:
Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus Christ as King and was directed especially to the Jews.
Mark: Emphasizes Jesus Christ as the Servant of God and was directed especially to the
Romans.
Luke: Presents Jesus Christ as the "Son of Man," the perfect man and Savior of imperfect
men.
John: Presents Jesus in His position as the Son of God.
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BOOK OF HISTORY:
Acts: The one history book of the New Testament records the early growth of
Christianity from the time of Christ's return to Heaven through Paul's imprisonment in
Rome. The book covers about 33 years and emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit.
LETTERS:
Romans: A presentation of the Gospel which stresses salvation by faith alone.
I Corinthians: Written to correct errors of Christian conduct in the local church.
II Corinthians: Speaks of the true ministry of the Gospel, stewardship, and Paul's
apostolic authority.
Galatians: Deals with the error of mixing law and faith. The theme is justification by
faith alone.
Ephesians: Encourages believers regarding their position in Christ.
Philippians: Emphasizes the joy of the Christian unity.
Colossians: Deals with the error of "Gnosticism," a false teachings which denied Jesus
was truly Son of God and Son of Man. The book also emphasizes Jesus as head of the
Church.
I Thessalonians: Counsel in Christian living and emphasis on the return of Jesus.
II Thessalonians: Further instruction on the Lord's return and how knowledge of this
should affect everyday life.
I Timothy: Stresses sound doctrine, orderly church government, and principles to guide
the church in the years to come.
II Timothy: Describes the true servant of Jesus Christ. It also warns of the apostasy
(spiritual decline) which had already started. It presents the Word of God as the remedy
to correct all error.
Titus: Paul's letter to a young minister named Titus who was serving God on the island of
Crete. Doctrine and a Godly life are stressed.
Philemon: Paul's intercession for a runaway slave of a wealthy Colossian Christian. It
illustrates the intercession of Jesus on the behalf of believers who were once slaves to sin.
23
Hebrews: Explains the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. Presents Jesus as the
Great High Priest and the mediator between God and man.
James: Teaches that true faith is evidenced by works, although salvation is by faith alone.
I Peter: A letter of comfort and encouragement to believers, especially those suffering
spiritual attacks from outside the church through unbelievers.
II Peter: A warning against spiritual attacks from within. For example, false teachers who
had already "crept" into the Church.
I John: Written to combat Gnosticism which denied Christ's position as Son of God and
Son of Man. The book emphasizes fellowship and love among believers and assures true
believers of eternal life.
II John: Warns against any compromise with doctrinal error and emphasizes that the truth
must be guarded in love.
III John: Warns of the sin of refusing fellowship with those who are true believers.
Jude: Another warning against apostasy and false doctrine. The theme is similar to that of
II Peter.
BOOK OF PROPHECY:
Revelation: This prophetic book tells of the final events of world history. It tells of the
things which were, are, and which will be in the future plan of God (Revelation 4:22).
SUCCESSFUL BIBLE READING
You will learn much in this course about how to understand and interpret the Bible. You
will also learn methods of creative Bible study. But the first step in understanding the
Bible is to begin to read it. To help you start reading God's Word we have outlined
several different reading plans. These include a plan for those just starting their study as
well as a plan for those who are more advanced in the study of God's Word. First, here
are four suggestions for successful Bible reading:
1. READ DAILY:
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day
and night. (Psalm 1:2)
God made your physical body so you must have food daily in order to remain healthy. In
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a similar manner, your spirit must be fed daily with the food of the Word of God if you
are to be spiritually healthy:
. . . It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word
of God. (Luke 4:4)
2. READ SELECTIVELY:
Start by reading the "milk" of the word. These are the simple truths of the Word of God:
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow
thereby. (I Peter 2:2)
Later you will mature spiritually to where you can eat "meat" of the Word of God. This
means you will be able to understand more difficult teachings of the Bible:
For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he
is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by
reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(Hebrews 5:13-14)
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to
bear it . . . (I Corinthians 3:2)
3. READ PRAYERFULLY:
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord. (Ezra 7:10)
Before you start to read, pray to God and ask Him to help you understand the message He
has given you through His written Word. Let your prayer be as the Psalmist David
prayed:
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
(Psalm 119:18)
4. READ SYSTEMATICALLY:
Some people do not understand God's Word because they do not have a systematic plan
for reading. They read a chapter here and there and fail to understand how it all fits
together. This is like reading a few pages here and there in a text book on medicine and
then trying to set up a medical practice. The Bible tells us to "search the scriptures"
25
(John 5:39). This means to study them carefully. The Bible is like a text book used in
school. You must read it in an orderly way if you are to understand its content. Select
one of the following reading schedules and begin reading your Bible daily.
FOR BEGINNERS
If you have never read the Bible before, start with the book of John in the New
Testament. This book was written by one of the Disciples of Jesus Christ named John.
He tells the story of Jesus in a simple way which is easy to understand.
Read one chapter in John each day in the order in which they are found in your Bible.
Use the following chart to check off each chapter as you read it.
The Gospel Of John:
_____1 _____5 _____9 _____13 _____17
_____2 _____6 _____10 _____14 _____18
_____3 _____7 _____11 _____15 _____19
_____4 _____8 _____12 _____16 _____20
26
THE SHORT SCHEDULE
The short schedule of Bible reading is designed to provide a basic knowledge of the Bible
through selected portions of Scripture. Read the selected portions in the order in which
they are listed. Use the chart to check off each portion as you complete your reading.
THE NEW TESTAMENT:
_____John _____I Thessalonians _____Ephesians
_____Mark _____I Corinthians _____II Timothy
_____Luke _____Romans _____I Peter
_____Acts _____Philemon _____I John
_____Romans _____Philippians _____Revelation 1-5; 19:6-22:21
THE OLD TESTAMENT:
______Genesis _____Amos
______Exodus l-20 _____Isaiah l-12
______Numbers 10:11-21:35 _____Jeremiah l-25;39-33
______Deuteronomy l-ll _____Ruth
______Joshua l-12; 22-24 _____Jonah
______Judges l-3 _____Psalms l-23
______I Samuel l-3, 9-10,1 3,15-18,31 _____Job 1-14, 38-42
______II Samuel l _____Proverbs 1-9
______I Kings l-ll _____Daniel 1-6
______Nehemiah
27
THE LONGER SCHEDULE
This reading plan covers the Bible in greater depth than the Short Schedule, but it does
not cover the entire Bible.
NEW TESTAMENT:
_____Mark _____Philippians
_____Matthew _____Ephesians
_____John _____II Timothy
_____Luke _____Titus
_____Acts _____I Timothy
_____I Thessalonians _____I Peter
_____II Thessalonians _____Hebrews
_____I Corinthians _____James
_____II Corinthians _____I John
_____Galatians _____II John
_____Romans _____III John
_____Philemon _____Jude
_____Colossians _____II Peter
_____Revelation 1-5 and 19:6-22:21
28
(The Longer Schedule Continued)
OLD TESTAMENT:
_____Genesis _____Jeremiah 1-25 and 30-33
_____Exodus l-24 _____Nahum
_____Leviticus l-6:7 _____Habakkuk
_____Numbers 10:11-21:35 _____Ezekiel 1-24 and 33-39
_____Deuteronomy l-ll and 27-34 _____Obadiah
_____Joshua l-12 and 22-24 _____Lamentations
_____Judges l-16 _____Isaiah 40-66
_____I Samuel _____Zechariah 1-8
_____II Samuel _____Malachi
_____I Kings _____Joel
_____II Kings _____Ruth
_____I Chronicles _____Jonah
_____II Chronicles _____Psalms
_____Ezra _____Job
_____Nehemiah _____Proverbs 1-9
_____Amos _____Song of Solomon
_____Hosea _____Ecclesiastes
_____Micah _____Esther
_____Isaiah l-12 _____Daniel
_____Zephaniah
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THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE
The complete Bible reading schedule takes you through the entire Bible in one year.
January February
_____1. Genesis l-2 _____1. Exodus 14-17
_____2. Genesis 3-5 _____2. Exodus 18-20
_____3. Genesis 6-9 _____3. Exodus 21-24
_____4. Genesis 10-11 _____4. Exodus 25-27
_____5. Genesis 12-15 _____5. Exodus 28-31
_____6. Genesis 16-19 _____6. Exodus 32-34
_____7. Genesis 20-22 _____7. Exodus 35-37
_____8. Genesis 23-26 _____8. Exodus 38-40
_____9. Genesis 27-29 _____9. Leviticus 1-4
_____10. Genesis 30-32 _____10. Leviticus 5-7
_____11. Genesis 33-36 _____11. Leviticus 8-10
_____12. Genesis 37-39 _____12. Leviticus 11-13
_____13. Genesis 40-42 _____13. Leviticus 14-16
_____14. Genesis 43-46 _____14. Leviticus 17-19
_____15. Genesis 47-50 _____15. Leviticus 20-23
_____16. Job 1-4 _____16. Leviticus 24-27
_____17. Job 5-7 _____17. Numbers 1-3
_____18. Job 8-10 _____18. Numbers 4-6
_____19. Job ll-13 _____19. Numbers 7-10
_____20. Job 14-17 _____20. Numbers 11-14
_____21. Job 18-20 _____21. Numbers 15-17
_____22. Job 21-24 _____22. Numbers 18-20
_____23. Job 25-27 _____23. Numbers 21-24
_____24. Job 28-31 _____24. Numbers 25-27
_____25. Job 32-34 _____25. Numbers 28-30
_____26. Job 35-37 _____26. Numbers 31-33
_____27. Job 38-42 _____27. Numbers 34-36
_____28. Exodus l-4 _____28. Deuteronomy 1-3
_____29. Exodus 5-7
_____30. Exodus 8-10
_____31. Exodus 11-13
30
(The Complete Schedule Continued)
March April
_____1. Deuteronomy 4-6 _____1. I Samuel 21-24
_____2. Deuteronomy 7-9 _____2. I Samuel 25-28
_____3. Deuteronomy 10-12 _____3. I Samuel 29-31
_____4. Deuteronomy 13-16 _____4. II Samuel 1-4
_____5. Deuteronomy 17-19 _____5. II Samuel 5-8
_____6. Deuteronomy 20-22 _____6. II Samuel 9-12
_____7. Deuteronomy 23-25 _____7. II Samuel 13-15
_____8. Deuteronomy 26-28 _____8. II Samuel 16-18
_____9. Deuteronomy 29-31 _____9. II Samuel 19-21
_____10. Deuteronomy 32-34 _____10. II Samuel 22-24
_____11. Joshua 1-3 _____11. Psalms l-3
_____12. Joshua 4-6 _____12. Psalms 4-6
_____13. Joshua 7-9 _____13. Psalms 7-9
_____14. Joshua 10-12 _____14. Psalms 10-12
_____15. Joshua 13-15 _____15. Psalms 13-15
_____16. Joshua 16-18 _____16. Psalms 16-18
_____17. Joshua 19-21 _____17. Psalms 19-21
_____18. Joshua 22-24 _____18. Psalms 22-24
_____19. Judges 1-4 _____19. Psalms 25-27
_____20. Judges 5-8 _____20. Psalms 28-30
_____21. Judges 9-12 _____21. Psalms 31-33
_____22. Judges 13-15 _____22. Psalms 34-36
_____23. Judges 16-18 _____23. Psalms 37-39
_____24. Judges 19-21 _____24. Psalms 40-42
_____25. Ruth 1-4 _____25. Psalms 43-45
_____26. I Samuel 1-3 _____26. Psalms 46-48
_____27. I Samuel 4-7 _____27. Psalms 49-51
_____28. I Samuel 8-10 _____28. Psalms 52-54
_____29. I Samuel ll-13 _____29. Psalms 55-57
_____30. I Samuel 14-16 _____30. Psalms 58-60
_____31. I Samuel 17-20
31
(The Complete Schedule Continued)
May June
_____1. Psalms 61-63 _____1. Proverbs 1-3
_____2. Psalms 64-66 _____2. Proverbs 4-7
_____3. Psalms 67-69 _____3. Proverbs 8-11
_____4. Psalms 70-72 _____4. Proverbs 12-14
_____5. Psalms 73-75 _____5. Proverbs 15-18
_____6. Psalms 76-78 _____6. Proverbs 19-21
_____7. Psalms 79-81 _____7. Proverbs 22-24
_____8. Psalms 82-84 _____8. Proverbs 25-28
_____9. Psalms 85-87 _____9. Proverbs 29-31
_____10. Psalms 88-90 _____10. Ecclesiastes 1-3
_____11. Psalms 91-93 _____11. Ecclesiastes 4-6
_____12. Psalms 94-96 _____12. Ecclesiastes 7-9
_____13. Psalms 97-99 _____13. Ecclesiastes 10-12
_____14. Psalms 100-102 _____14. Songs 1-4
_____15. Psalms 103-105 _____15. Songs 5-8
_____16. Psalms 106-108 _____16. I Kings 5-7
_____17. Psalms 109-111 _____17. I Kings 8-10
_____18. Psalms 112-114 _____18. I Kings 11-13
_____19. Psalms 115-118 _____19. I Kings 14-16
_____20. Psalm 119 _____20. I Kings 17-19
_____21. Psalms 120-123 _____21. I Kings 20-22
_____22. Psalms 124-126 _____22. II Kings 1-3
_____23. Psalms 127-129 _____23. II Kings 4-6
_____24. Psalms 130-132 _____24. II Kings 7-10
_____25. Psalms 133-135 _____25. II Kings 11-14:20
_____26. Psalms 136-138 _____26. Joel 1-3
_____27. Psalms 139-141 _____27. II Kings 14:21-25; Jonah 1-4
_____28. Psalms 142-144 _____28. II Kings 14:26-29; Amos 1-3
_____29. Psalms 145-147 _____29. Amos 4-6
_____30. Psalms 148-150 _____30. Amos 7-9
_____31. I Kings l-4
32
(The Complete Schedule Continued)
July August
_____1. II Kings 15-17 _____1. II Kings 20-21
_____2. Hosea l-4 _____2. Zephaniah l-3
_____3. Hosea 5-7 _____3. Habakkuk 1-3
_____4. Hosea 8-10 _____4. II Kings 22-25
_____5. Hosea ll-14 _____5. Obadiah/Jeremiah 1-2
_____6. II Kings 18-19 _____6. Jeremiah 3-5
_____7. Isaiah l-3 _____7. Jeremiah 6-8
_____8. Isaiah 4-6 _____8. Jeremiah 9-12
_____9. Isaiah 7-9 _____9. Jeremiah 13-16
_____10. Isaiah 10-12 _____10. Jeremiah 17-20
_____11. Isaiah 13-15 _____11. Jeremiah 21-23
_____12. Isaiah 16-18 _____12. Jeremiah 24-26
_____13. Isaiah 19-21 _____13. Jeremiah 27-29
_____14. Isaiah 22-24 _____14. Jeremiah 30-32
_____15. Isaiah 25-27 _____15. Jeremiah 33-36
_____16. Isaiah 28-30 _____16. Jeremiah 37-39
_____17. Isaiah 31-33 _____17. Jeremiah 40-42
_____18. Isaiah 34-36 _____18. Jeremiah 43-46
_____19. Isaiah 37-39 _____19. Jeremiah 47-49
_____20. Isaiah 40-42 _____20. Jeremiah 50-52
_____21. Isaiah 43-45 _____21. Lamentations 1-5
_____22. Isaiah 46-48 _____22. I Chronicles 1-3
_____23. Isaiah 49-51 _____23. I Chronicles 4-6
_____24. Isaiah 52-54 _____24. I Chronicles 7-9
_____25. Isaiah 55-57 _____25. I Chronicles 10-13
_____26. Isaiah 58-60 _____26. I Chronicles 14-16
_____27. Isaiah 61-63 _____27. I Chronicles 17-19
_____28. Isaiah 64-66 _____28. I Chronicles 20-23
_____29. Micah 1-4 _____29. I Chronicles 24-26
_____30. Micah 5-7 _____30. I Chronicles 27-29
_____31. Nahum 1-3 _____31. II Chronicles 1-3
33
(The Complete Schedule Continued)
September October
_____1. II Chronicles 4-6 _____1. Esther 4-7
_____2. II Chronicles 7-9 _____2. Esther 8-10
_____3. II Chronicles 10-13 _____3. Ezra 1-4
_____4. II Chronicles 14-16 _____4. Haggai 1-2/Zechariah 1-2
_____5. II Chronicles 17-19 _____5. Zechariah 1-2
_____6. II Chronicles 20-22 _____6. Zechariah 3-6
_____7. II Chronicles 23-25 _____7. Zechariah 7-10
_____8. II Chronicles 26-29 _____8. Ezra 5-7
_____9. II Chronicles 30-32 _____9. Ezra 8-10
_____10. II Chronicles 33-36 _____10. Nehemiah l-3
_____11. Ezekiel 1-3 _____11. Nehemiah 4-6
_____12. Ezekiel 4-7 _____12. Nehemiah 7-9
_____13. Ezekiel 8-11 _____13. Nehemiah 10-13
_____14. Ezekiel 12-14 _____14. Malachi l-4
_____15. Ezekiel 15-18 _____15. Matthew 1-4
_____16. Ezekiel 19-21 _____16. Matthew 5-7
_____17. Ezekiel 22-24 _____17. Matthew 8-11
_____18. Ezekiel 25-27 _____18. Matthew 12-15
_____19. Ezekiel 28-30 _____19. Matthew 16-19
_____20. Ezekiel 31-33 _____20. Matthew 20-22
_____21. Ezekiel 34-36 _____21. Matthew 23-25
_____22. Ezekiel 37-39 _____22. Matthew 26-28
_____23. Ezekiel 40-42 _____23. Mark l-3
_____24. Ezekiel 43-45 _____24. Mark 4-6
_____25. Ezekiel 46-48 _____25. Mark 7-10
_____26. Daniel 1-3 _____26. Mark ll-13
_____27. Daniel 4-6 _____27. Mark 14-16
_____28. Daniel 7-9 _____28. Luke l-3
_____29. Daniel 10-12 _____29. Luke 4-6
_____30. Esther l-3 _____30. Luke 7-9
_____31. Luke 10-13
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(The Complete Schedule Continued)
November December
_____1. Luke 14-17 _____1. Romans 5-8
_____2. Luke 18-21 _____2. Romans 9-11
_____3. Luke 22-24 _____3. Romans 12-16
_____4. John 1-3 _____4. Acts 20:3-22
_____5. John 4-6 _____5. Acts 23-25
_____6. John 7-10 _____6. Acts 26-28
_____7. John 11-13 _____7. Ephesians 1-3
_____8. John 14-17 _____8. Ephesians 4-6
_____9. John 18-21 _____9. Philippians 1-4
_____10. Acts 1-2 _____10. Colossians 1-4
_____11. Acts 3-5 _____11. Hebrews 1-4
_____12. Acts 6-9 _____12. Hebrews 5-7
_____13. Acts 10-12 _____13. Hebrews 8-10
_____14. Acts 13-14 _____14. Hebrews 11-13
_____15. James 1-2 _____15. Philemon/I Peter 1-2
_____16. James 3-5 _____16. I Peter 3-5
_____17. Galatians l-3 _____17. II Peter 1-3
_____18. Galatians 4-6 _____18. I Timothy l-3
_____19. Acts 15-18:11 _____19. I Timothy 4-6
_____20. I Thessalonians l-5 _____20. Titus l-3
_____21. II Thessalonians l-3 _____21. II Timothy l-4
_____22. I Corinthians 1-4 _____22. I John l-2; Acts 18:12-19:10
_____23. I John 3-5 _____23. I Corinthians 5-8
_____24. II John, III John _____24. I Corinthians 9-12
_____25. Revelation 1-3, Jude_____25. I Corinthians 13-16
_____26. Revelation 4-6 _____26. Acts 19:11-20:1; II Corinthians 1-3
_____27. Revelation 7-9 _____27. II Corinthians 4-6
_____28. Revelation 10-12 _____28. II Corinthians 7-9
_____29. Revelation 13-15 _____29. II Corinthians 10-13
_____30. Revelation 16-18 _____30. Acts 20:2/Romans 1-4
_____31. Revelation 19-22
35
SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. How many books are in the Old Testament?
________________________________________________________________________
3. How many books are in the New Testament?
________________________________________________________________________
4. Why is it important to have a systematic plan for reading the Bible?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. What were the four suggestions for successful Bible reading?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
36
FOR FURTHER STUDY
-Review the descriptions of each book of the Bible given in this chapter.
-Write the name of each book of the Bible below.
-By the name of each book summarize its basic content in three or four words.
-The first two are done as examples for you to follow.
(By condensing material in this manner you will be able to develop a general knowledge
of the content of the entire Bible.)
Name Of Book Content
Genesis Book of beginnings
________________________________________________________________________
Exodus Exit from Egypt
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
37
CHAPTER THREE
VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Name the three languages in which the Bible was written.
C Define the word "version."
C Explain the difference between a translation and a paraphrase version of the Bible.
KEY VERSE:
The Lord gave the Word: great was the company of those that published it.
(Psalm 68:11)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter identifies the original languages in which the Bible was written and explains
how the Scriptures have been translated into other languages. You will learn the
difference between a translation and a paraphrase version of the Bible. Examples from
various versions of the Bible are provided.
THREE LANGUAGES
The Bible was originally written in three languages. Most of the Old Testament was
written in Hebrew except for parts of the books of Daniel and Nehemiah which were
written in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek.
None of the original manuscripts of the Bible are now in existence. Some good
manuscripts exist which are copies of the original. Versions are translations of these
copies of the original manuscripts. From early times men saw the necessity of translating
the Bible so everyone could read it in their own language.
No translation is exact because no two languages are exactly alike. Some words used in
the Bible do not even exist in different languages. For example, there is a tribe of Indians
in Ecuador, South America, called the Auca Indians. When missionaries first contacted
38
them, these Indians did not know how to read or write. There were no words in their
language for "writing" or "book."
The Auca Indians did have a custom of carving identification marks on their property.
Since there were no words in their language for scriptures, writing, or book, when the
Bible was translated for them it was called "God's Carving." This identified it as
something belonging to God. This is just one example of the difficulties in translating the
Bible into various languages.
TRANSLATIONS AND PARAPHRASES
There are many different versions of the Bible. The word "version" means a Bible written
in a language different from those in which God's Word was originally written. There
are two main types of versions of the Bible: Translations and paraphrases.
TRANSLATION:
A translation is an effort to express what the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic words actually
say. It gives as nearly as possible a literal word by word translation. Extra words are
inserted only when it is necessary in order for the reader to understand the meaning.
PARAPHRASE:
A paraphrase does not attempt to translate word for word. It translates thought by thought.
A paraphrase is a restatement of the meaning of a passage. Paraphrase versions are easier
to read and understand because they are written in modern vocabulary and grammar, but
they are not an exact translation of God's Word.
The "For Further Study" section of this chapter provides examples from several English
versions of the Bible for you to compare. These illustrate the differences in translation
and paraphrase versions.
SELECTING A STUDY BIBLE
For purposes of this course and Bible study in general, we recommend use of the King
James version of the Bible. There are several reasons for this:
FIRST:
The King James Bible is very accurate and a good translation for serious study. A
paraphrase version does not contain the exact word-by-word translation of Scriptures.
39
SECOND:
There are more study tools available for the King James version. There are a large
number of concordances, dictionaries, and commentaries written for the King James text.
THIRD:
The King James version is available in more languages than any other version. Since
Harvestime International Institute courses are used throughout the world, we selected this
version of the Bible because it is available in many languages. It is important to have a
Bible in your native tongue because you think and understand best in your own language.
If you do not have a King James version of the Bible write to the American Bible Society
at P.O. Box 5601, Grand Central Station, New York, New York 10164, U.S.A. They
have a complete listing of all the languages in which the King James version of the Bible
is available. If you find the King James Version is not available in your language or have
difficulty in obtaining a Bible, write to the United Bible Societies, Bible House, P.O. Box
755, Stuttgart l, Germany. They maintain a list of "Scriptures of the World" which
identifies all the languages in the world in which at least one book of the Bible has been
published.
If you read English but have a limited vocabulary, you may be interested in obtaining the
"Bible in Basic English." This is the entire Old and New Testament written in English
using only a basic 1,000 word vocabulary. Write to Cambridge University Press, New
York, New York, U.S.A. for further information.
RED LETTER EDITIONS
Several versions of the Bible come in what are called "red letter editions." In red letter
editions of the Bible the words of Jesus are printed in red. The rest of the text of the Bible
is printed in black ink.
If a red letter edition of the King James version is available in your language, we suggest
you obtain it. What Jesus taught is one of the major focuses of Harvestime International
Institute training and a red-letter edition emphasizes His teachings.
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The Bible:
Inspired By God
›
Revealed To Holy Men Who Wrote God's Words
In Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic
›
Interpreted Into Various Languages
Resulting In
›
Exact Translations And Paraphrase Versions Of The
Bible
A SUMMARY
The following chart summarizes how the various versions of the Bible developed:
41
SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What does the word "version" mean?
________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the difference between a translation and a paraphrase version of the Bible?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What version of the Bible is used in this course?
________________________________________________________________________
5. Why is no translation of the Bible exact?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. What are the three languages in which the Bible was originally written?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
42
FOR FURTHER STUDY
We have selected the text of John 3:16 to illustrate the difference between the different
versions of the Bible. The versions listed are the most popular English versions of the
Bible.
King James Version: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
New King James Version: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Revised Standard Version: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
Living Bible: For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone
who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
New American Standard Bible: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
New English Bible: God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, that
everyone who has faith in Him may not die but have eternal life.
Amplified Version: For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even)
gave up His only-begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts, clings to,
relies on) Him shall not perish-come to destruction, be lost-but have eternal (everlasting)
life.
Phillips: For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone
who believes in Him should not be lost, but should have eternal life.
Wurst: For in such a manner did God love the world, insomuch that His Son, the
uniquely-begotten One, He gave, in order that everyone who places his trust in Him may
not perish but may be having life eternal.
Moffat: For God loved the world so dearly that He gave up His only Son, so that
everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life instead of perishing.
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PART TWO: PREPARATION FOR STUDY
CHAPTER FOUR
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Identify prerequisites to effective Bible study.
C Identify two ways God provided for studying His Word.
C Recognize the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.
C Explain the difference between the milk and meat of the Word of God.
C Identify three steps for moving from the milk to the meat of the Word of God.
C List three practical suggestions for studying God's Word.
KEY VERSE:
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because
ye are not of God. (John 8:47)
INTRODUCTION
Many people try to begin Bible study the same way they study any other book. They take
their Bible, open it, and start to read. But often their study does not last long. They find it
difficult to understand what they read. They do not recognize how the Bible relates to
everyday living and may even think it is a rather dull book. The Bible explains that only
certain people will be able to understand God's Word. People fail at Bible study because
they are not spiritually prepared to study the Word of God.
The Bible is like a door which leads into the presence of God. Behind that door are great
spiritual treasures. But you must have the key to unlock the door or you will never be
able to enter in and explore these treasures. The Bible reveals how to understand God's
Word. It provides the key to unlock the door to spiritual understanding.
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PREREQUISITES TO BIBLE STUDY
A prerequisite is something you must do before you can do something else. The Bible is
the Word of God. It is not like any other book and you cannot study it as you do other
books. There are prerequisites--things you must do before you can begin--if you are to
understand the deep spiritual things of God.
If you want to understand the Bible you must first know the Author of the Bible. Jesus
said:
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because
ye are not of God. (John 8:47)
You cannot understand God's Words without knowing God. How do you come to know
God? Jesus told Nicodemus, who was a religious leader in the nation of Israel:
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he cannot see the
kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
A man may be educated, learned, cultured, and even religious, but the understanding of
Scripture will be hidden from him until his spiritual eyes have been opened by the new
birth.
Nicodemus asked Jesus, "How can these things be?" He did not understand what Jesus
meant. Jesus answered and said:
Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? (John 3:10)
Nicodemus was a religious leader of Israel, yet he did not know about being born again.
In fact, he asked . . .
How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his
mother's womb, and be born? (John 3:4)
Jesus explained to Nicodemus that the new birth of which He was speaking was a
spiritual birth. This new birth experience comes through faith in Jesus Christ. You must
confess you are a sinner. You must believe Jesus died for your sins, ask forgiveness for
your sins, and accept Him as your personal Savior.
The person who has not been born again cannot receive the truth of God's Words:
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they
are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are
45
spiritually discerned. (I Corinthians 2:14)
The unsaved man may admire the Bible for its literary beauty and value. He may study it
historically or geographically. But the spiritual truths of God's Word will remain hidden
until he receives forgiveness of sin:
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us
which are saved it is the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:18)
GOD'S PROVISIONS
From the moment you accept Jesus as your Savior and experience the new spiritual birth,
your mind will begin to understand spiritual truths in God's Word. Just as a new born
baby in the natural world needs physical nourishment from food, a person who is
spiritually reborn needs nourishment. Their food for this spiritual growth and
development is the Word of God. There are two ways God has provided to help you
study His Word:
TEACHERS:
God chooses certain believers as leaders in the Church. One of the special leadership
positions is that of being a teacher of God's Word:
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers . . . (I Corinthians 12:28)
And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors, and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ;
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of
God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of
Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
God provides teachers to explain God's Word and guide you to spiritual maturity.
A SPECIAL TEACHER:
God has a second way for you to learn His Word. He commands you to study it yourself:
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
46
ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
God has provided a special Teacher to help you when you study His Word. When Jesus
was living on earth He personally taught His followers the truths of God. But Jesus knew
that after His death and resurrection He would be returning to Heaven so He told His
followers that a special Teacher would be sent to help them understand God's Word. That
Teacher is the Holy Spirit:
But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all
truth; for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that
shall He speak and He will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)
The coming of the Holy Spirit is recorded in Acts chapter 2. Read this chapter in your
Bible. God wants you to experience this same infilling of the Holy Spirit.* Through the
Holy Spirit you receive a special ability from God to understand His Word:
But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need
not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all
things and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall
abide in Him. (I John 2:27)
The Holy Spirit is a creative power. It was the Spirit of God that breathed into man the
breath of life (Genesis 2:7). It was that same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.
(Romans 8:11). It is that creative power of the Holy Spirit that takes ordinary study and
turns it into CREATIVE study of God's Word.
We said in the introduction to this course that to be creative is to produce something new.
The teaching of the Holy Spirit produces a new flow of spiritual understanding. The Holy
Spirit makes the Bible new, fresh, and relevant to your life.
GOD'S WORD: MILK AND MEAT
There are two levels of spiritual depth in God's Word. We call these the "milk" level and
the "meat" levels. The "milk" of God's Word refers to simple truths that even a child can
understand, such as the plan of salvation. The "meat" of God's Word refers to deeper
spiritual truths which are not so easy to understand.
_________________
* If you h ave no t received the infilling of the Ho ly Spirit, order the H arvestime International Institute course
"Ministry Of The Holy Spirit.”
47
Some people have received Jesus as their Savior and been filled with the Holy Spirit, but
they do not seem to grow in their understanding of God's Word. They are still feeding on
the milk of the Word.
In the natural world there is nothing wrong with milk for a newborn baby. The same is
true in the spiritual world. When you are first born again you should desire the milk of
God's Word:
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow
thereby. (I Peter 2:2)
But there comes a time in the natural world that a baby must start to eat solid foods if he
is to mature physically. This is also true in the spiritual world. There is a time when you
must move on from the milk of God's Word to the meat:
For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for
he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by
reason and use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(Hebrews 5:13-14)
Paul said that when it was time for believers to move from spiritual milk to meat, some
were not ready:
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach
you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become
such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
(Hebrews 5:12)
Why was this so? Why is it that some believers go deep into God's Word while others
never get beyond a surface understanding of the Bible? Why are some people always
hungering for "deeper things" in God's Word instead of experiencing them? Paul wrote:
And I brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto
carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to
bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife,
and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (I Corinthians 3:1-3)
48
They could not move from milk to meat because they were carnal Christians. This means
they were spiritually immature. They had envy, strife, division, and other sins in their
lives. When a Christian is carnal, he will not be able to understand the deeper truths of
God's Word. He will remain on milk until he repents and grows up enough spiritually
that he can digest meat.
It is God's desire that you move from the milk to the meat of His Word. This is how you
increase your knowledge of God's Word:
Whom shall He teach knowledge? And who shall be made to understand
doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts.
(Isaiah 28:9)
It is important that you move from the milk to the meat for it is upon spiritually mature
believers that God pours out His Spirit:
Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand
doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line
upon line; here a little, and there a little;
For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people.
To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest;
and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:9-12)
God wanted to bless His people with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He wanted to
revive them and give them spiritual rest, but they could not enter in because they had not
heard His Words. They could not move on to spiritual meat because they were not
weaned from the milk of the Word.
HOW TO MOVE FROM MILK TO MEAT
Now, the big question is . . . How does a newborn Christian move from the milk to the
meat of God's Word?
DESIRE THE MILK:
First, you must desire the milk of the Word. You must gain an understanding of the basic
principles of the Word of God:
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow
49
thereby. (I Peter 2:2)
You cannot start with spiritual meat. You must first desire and learn to digest spiritual
milk.
BE OBEDIENT TO GOD'S WORD:
This is the most important step. Carnal Christians do not obey what they learn in the milk
God's Word so they are not able to mature on to meat. The Bible teaches that it is not
enough to hear His Word. You must be obedient. You must become a "doer" of the Word
and not a "hearer" only:
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(James 1:22)
An increase in spiritual understanding comes through meditation on and obedience to
God's Word. This is how we move from milk to meat. David wrote:
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies. . .
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my
meditation.
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts . .
.Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way
. . .
(Portions of Psalm 119:99-104)
Because David kept God's precepts and was a doer of the Word, his understanding
increased. God will not take you on to the deeper revelations if you have not acted upon
what you have learned in the milk of the Word.
SEARCH FOR THE MEAT:
In the natural world, chewing meat requires more physical effort than drinking milk. The
same is true in the spiritual world. Discovering the meat of God's Word requires more
spiritual effort than living on the milk of the Word.
Proverbs chapter 2 tells how to search for the meat:
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with
thee;
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to
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understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for
understanding;
If you seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures:
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of
God. (Proverbs 2:1-5)
These are the steps to discovering and understanding the knowledge of God:
1. Receive my words: You must be teachable.
2. Hide my commandments with thee: You must accept the Word and integrate it
into your life and spirit. Do not try to change the Word to agree with your way of
living.
3. Incline thine ear unto wisdom: Really listen to what God is saying to you through
His Word. Listening requires changes in living where indicated.
4. Apply thine heart to understanding: Apply yourself diligently to understanding
(interpreting) the Word.
5. Seek her as silver and search for her as for hid treasures: If someone told you
there was a hidden treasure in property you own, what would you do? You would
start digging. You would conduct a systematic search until you found the treasure.
It would become a priority of your life.
When you make God's Word a priority and begin to systematically search for His
wisdom, you will find it. But it must become a priority of life. You must approach it
with as much excitement and dedication as if you were searching for treasure.
If you follow these guidelines and search for the meat of God`s Word, these are the
results:
1. Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord: Verse 5
2. And find the knowledge of God: Verse 5
3. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea every
good path: Verse 9
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4. It will be pleasant unto thy soul: (You will find satisfaction) Verse 10
5. Discretion shall preserve thee: Discretion is the ability to make sound judgment
and decisions. Verse 11
6. Understanding shall keep thee: Verse 11
7. You will be delivered from all evil: Verse 12
SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
Here are some practical suggestions for Bible study.
SET A SPECIAL TIME:
Set a special time each day when you will study. The time you select will depend on your
personal schedule or preference. Some prefer to study early in the morning when they are
fresh and rested. Some find their best time to be late at night when everyone else in their
household has retired. Whatever time you select, set it apart as a regular appointment
time with God to study His Word.
SELECT A SPECIAL PLACE:
Select a place that is as free from noise and interruption as possible. Be sure to have good
lighting to enable you to read without eye strain. If it is possible, select a place where you
can leave your study materials, i.e., Bible, pencil, paper, and any Bible study books you
may have. This way you do not have to spend time each day collecting these items before
you start your study.
START A SPECIAL WAY:
Start each study session with prayer. Ask God to open your understanding so you will be
able to receive His Word. The Psalmist David prayed:
Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord; give me understanding according
to thy Word. (Psalm 119:169)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Why do many people fail when they start studying the Bible?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What does the word "prerequisite" mean?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the key prerequisite for understanding the Bible?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. List two ways God has provided for you to study His Word.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Who was the great Teacher sent from God after Jesus returned to Heaven?
________________________________________________________________________
7. What is meant by the "milk " of the Word of God?
________________________________________________________________________
53
8. What is meant by the "meat" of the Word of God?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. List three steps that move a believer from the milk to the meat of the Word of God:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. List three practical suggestions for Bible study which were discussed in this
chapter:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
54
FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Turn to I Corinthians 3:1-3 in your Bible. List three words Paul used to describe
carnal Christians.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. From Proverbs 2: l-5, list five steps given for searching for the meat of God's
Word.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Study Proverbs 2:5-12. List seven results of applying these steps to the study of
God's Word.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
55
CHAPTER FIVE
BIBLE STUDY TOOLS
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verses from memory.
C Explain three uses of a concordance.
C Use a concordance.
C Use a Bible dictionary.
C Use a Bible word study book.
C Use a topical textbook.
C Use a Bible encyclopedia.
C Use a Bible commentary.
C Use a Bible atlas.
C Use a Bible handbook.
KEY VERSES:
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:
for they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my
meditation.
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
(Psalm 119:98-100)
INTRODUCTION
Bible scholars have written special books that are helpful in studying the Bible. This
chapter explains how to use these Bible study tools. It is not necessary to have these
special books in order to study the Bible. Do not be concerned if you cannot afford or do
not have access to them. This course teaches you how to study the Bible yourself. All
that is necessary for you to have is a Bible.
If you do not have these tools at the present time, it is still important for you to know
what study aids exist. This is why we have included this chapter on Bible study tools. If
you do have access to Bible study tools, we want you to know how to use them because
56
they will be helpful to you. There are several ways you might gain access to such books.
Perhaps you can obtain them by purchasing them at a Christian bookstore or from the
publisher. If you cannot afford to purchase these books, perhaps you can borrow them. If
you live near a Christian Bible college, you might be able to use their library. Perhaps a
minister or Christian friend living near you has some of these books and will let you use
them.
Bible study tools are important, but they cannot substitute for studying the Bible itself.
You should use these tools only after you have done your own study of the Word.
Consulting a Bible study book before studying the Bible itself influences your mind with
the comments of man before you have studied the words of God. Those who wrote Bible
commentaries and other study tools obtained their material the way any student can get it:
From the Bible itself.
It is not necessary to depend on the research of others. If Bible study tools are not
available to you, do not despair. Within you dwells the creative power of the Holy Spirit.
He is the special teacher sent by God who will guide you into all truth. That is better than
all the Bible study tools provided by men. If these tools are available, learn to use them
to supplement your own study of God's Word, but do not depend on them. Depend on the
creative revelation of the Holy Spirit.
BIBLE CONCORDANCE
A Bible concordance provides an alphabetical listing of the main words in the Bible with
the immediate context of each word. If you have limited funds with which to purchase
materials, this is the most important tool for Bible study and should be your first choice.
Two good concordances are:
The Analytical Concordance to the Bible by Robert Young published by
Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.
Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong published by
Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A. (Strong's is used for the
following study explaining the use of a concordance.)
A concordance is helpful in three ways:
1. To Locate All The References To A Word:
For example, if you want to study about angels you can look up the words "angel" and
"angels" in a concordance. You will find a complete listing of each place these words are
used in the Bible. This will enable you to look up each reference on the subject. You can
also look up names of Bible characters and do biographical studies using the
57
BEGOTTEN
b Seth were eight hundred years Gen 5:4 3205
b of thy father, she is thy Lev 18:11 4138
have I b them that thou Num 11:12 3205
The children that are b of them Deut 23 8 3205
and then sons of his body b Judg 8:30 3318
or who hath b the drops of dew Job 38:28 3205
this day have I b thee Ps 2:7 3205
thine heart, Who hath b me these Is 49:21 3205
for they have b strange children Hos 5:7 3205
as of the only b of the Father Jn 1:13 3439
the only b Son, which is in the Jn 1:18 3439
that he gave his only b Son Jn 3:16 3439
the name of the only b Son of God Jn 3:18 3439
my Son, this day have I b thee Acts 13:33 1080
concordance. For example, if you look up the name "Moses" it lists all of the Bible
references to him.
Each reference to a word is represented by the first letter of the word. For example, look
at the listing for the word "begotten":
The word "begotten" is indicated by the initial "b" in each reference listed. Abbreviations
are used for the books of the Bible rather than spelling out the name of each book.
2. To Locate A Specific Text:
Perhaps you remember just a word or two from a Bible verse and you want to find the
verse in the Bible. Use the words you remember to locate the text. For example, if you
remember the word "begotten" from the verse "For God so loved the world He gave His
only begotten Son,” you can look up the word “begotten" in the concordance. There you
will find all the references to "begotten" listed. Go down the list until you find the verse
you are looking for . . . "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
By using the concordance you discovered that this verse is located in John 3:16. Now
you can find the verse in your Bible.
3. To Find The Meaning Of A Word:
At the end of each listing under a word in the concordance you will find a number. In the
back of the concordance there are two dictionaries. One dictionary is in Hebrew, the
language in which the Old Testament was written. The other dictionary is in Greek, the
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(1) (2) (3) (4)
3439 Hoyoyevhs monogenes, mon-og-en-ace’;
(5) (6)
from 3441 and 1096; only-born, i.e., sole-only begotten
child.
language in which the New Testament was written. You do not need to know Hebrew or
Greek to use these dictionaries. Use the number which is at the end of the listing in the
concordance:
Jo 3:16 that he gave his only b son. . . 3439
Look up the number in the Hebrew dictionary if it is a word used in the Old Testament.
Look up the number in the Greek dictionary if it is a word used in the New Testament.
We are studying the word "begotten" as it is used in John 3:16. Since it is a New
Testament word we will look up number 3439 in the Greek dictionary. This is how the
listing in the Greek dictionary looks:
The numbers in brackets ( ) do not appear in the dictionary. These are coded to the
following explanations:
(1) This is the number by which you find the Greek word.
(2) This is the word written in Greek.
(3) This shows how the word is pronounced in Greek.
(4) This shows the division of the word into syllables (parts) and where the
accent (emphasis) is placed when you say the word in Greek.
(5) This provides the numbers of the "root" words for the word "begotten.”
These are the original words from which the word "begotten" came. (You
can look these up in the Greek dictionary too if you desire. Look them up
by their numbers).
(6) This gives the meaning of the word "begotten."
When you do not understand the meaning of a word in the Bible this method of word
study will help you. You will learn more about word study later in this course.
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BEARD (berd), with Asiatics a badge of manly dignity in contrast to the Egyptians,
who usually shaved the head and the face. As a sign of mourning, it was the custom to
pluck it out or cut it off. The Israelites were forbidden to shave off the corners of the
beards, probably because it was regarded as a heathenish sign (Lev. 19:27). To
compel a man to cut off his beard was to inflict upon him a shameful disgrace (II Sam.
10:4)
AXE: From AXINE, an axe, kin to agumi, to break,
is found in Matthew 3:10 and Luke 3:9
BIBLE DICTIONARY
A Bible dictionary lists words of the Bible in alphabetical order and explains the meaning
of each word. A Bible dictionary is not the same as a regular word dictionary. A regular
dictionary gives the meanings of words as they are now used. A Bible dictionary gives
the definitions of Bible words as they were used in the original context of Scripture. Here
is a sample listing from a Bible dictionary:
The following are recommended Bible dictionaries:
Unger's Bible Dictionary by Merrill Unger. Published by Moody Press,
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary by Merrill C. Tenney published by
Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.
WORD STUDY BOOKS
Word study books go beyond the basic Bible dictionary in defining words used in the
Bible. They provide the Greek or Hebrew word and various meanings given to the same
word. A word study book also provides the references in a which word is used. Here is
an example from a word study book:
This listing shows the Greek Word, tells it is related to another word ("agumi"), explains
the meaning of the word, and tells where the word is used in the Bible.
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BEGOTTEN Heb. Yalad (Lev. 18:11; Job 38:28; Psalm 2:7; etc.); Gk. Yennao (Acts
13:33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5).; NEB also “sired), “become your father”, etc. In the RSV
the term occurs mainly of God’s act in making Christ His Son: “You are my son; today
I have begotten you” (Psalm 2:7), quoted in Acts 13:33 in reference to His resurrection
(Rom 1:4). The same passage is cited in Heb 1:5 as proving Christ’s filial dignity,
transcending the angels in that “the name he has obtained is more excellent then
theirs,” i.e., the name of son; and again (5:5) of God’s conferring upon Christ the glory
of the priestly office.
The following word study books are suggested:
An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words and An Expository
Dictionary of Old Testament words, both by W.E. Vine published by
Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, New Jersey, U.S.A.
BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA
A Bible encyclopedia also lists various Bible subjects and words in alphabetical order and
defines them. But it provides a more extensive discussion than a dictionary.
Here is an example from a Bible encyclopedia:
The following are recommended Bible Encyclopedias:
Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia by C.F. Pfeiffer, V.F. Vos, and John Rea;
published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia, (five volumes) published by
Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.
BIBLE COMMENTARY
A commentary is a book that provides comments about Scriptures in the Bible. It
comments on the Bible chapter by chapter and verse by verse. A commentary is helpful
in explaining passages which are difficult to understand. But remember: This is one
person's ideas as to what the Scriptures mean. Commentaries are only opinions of man.
This is why it is important that you study the Bible for yourself and not depend only on
the comments of others.
There are many different Bible commentaries. Some commentaries consist of one volume
which covers the entire Bible. Other commentaries devote one book of comments to each
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GIDEON. Call of by an angel, Judg. 6:11,14. His excuses, Judg. 6:15. Promises of the
Lord to, Judg. 6:16. Angel attests the call to, by miracle, Judg. 6:21-24. He destroys
the altar of Baal, and builds one to the Lord, Judg. 6:25-27. His prayer tests, Judg.
6:36-40. Leads an army against and defeats the Midianites, Judg. 6:33-35; 7; 8:4-12.
Ephriamites chide, for not inviting them to join in the campaign against Midianites,
Judg. 8:1-3. Avenges himself upon the people of Succoth, Judg. 8:14-17. Israel desires
to make him king, he refuses, Judg. 8;22-23. Makes an ephod which becomes a snare
to the Israelites, Judg. 8:24-27. Had seventy sons, Judg. 8:30. Death of, Judge 8:32;
Faith of, Heb. 11:32
book of the Bible. Suggested commentaries:
The Wycliff Bible Commentary by Charles F. Pfeiffer and Everett F.
Harrison published in by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Matthew Henry's Commentary of the Whole Bible published by Zondervan
Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.
BIBLE ATLAS
A Bible atlas or geography contains maps and information on the lands of the Bible. It
helps you locate and understand the geographical setting in which the incidents in the
Bible happened. The following atlases are recommended:
Compact Bible Atlas with Gazetter published by Baker Book House, Grand
Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.
Hammond's Atlas of the Bible Lands by Harry T. Frank published by
Scripture Press, Wheaton, Illinois, U.S.A.
Oxford Bible Atlas by Herbert G. May published by Oxford University
Press, New York, New York, U.S.A.
The Macmillan Bible Atlas published by Macmillan Publishing Company,
New York, New York, U.S.A.
TOPICAL TEXTBOOKS
A topical textbook is a book which organizes the Bible under major topical listings and
gives the verses where these topics are discussed. Here is an example from a topical
textbook:
62
The following are recommended topical books:
Nave's Topical Bible lists 20,000 topics with 100,000 Bible references. It
was written by Orville J. Nave and published by Guardian Press, Grand
Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.
Zondervan Topical Bible lists 21,000 topics with over 100,000 Scripture
references published by Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids,
Michigan, U.S.A.
BIBLE HANDBOOKS
A Bible handbook is usually a one volume summary of selected information about the
Bible. It contains helpful maps and charts, definitions, information on Bible times, and
summaries of the books of the Bible. A Bible handbook presents a general overview of
the Bible.
The following are good Bible handbooks:
Unger's Bible Handbook, Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Eerdman's Handbook To The Bible, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand
Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.
INTERNET
For those who are computer literate and have access to the Internet, it is a wonderful
resource for Bible study tools. Many of the study tools mentioned in this chapter can now
be accessed via the Internet. Input the key words “Bible study resources” or “Bible
studies.” You may also input the title of the study aid you are seeking. For example,
“Nave’s Topical Bible” will locate this resource for you.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verses from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the three main uses of a concordance?
________________________ ________________________
_________________________
3. Look at the words in List One, then look at the definitions in List Two. Write the
number of the definition which best describes the word on the blank in front of it.
List One List Two
___Topical textbook 1. Provides comments on the Bible, verse by verse, chapter
by chapter.
___Bible dictionary 2. Like a regular dictionary, but defines words as they are
used in the Bible rather than modern times.
___Bible encyclopedia 3. Provides maps and information on the geographical setting
of the Bible.
___Commentary 4. Lists topics of the Bible and scriptural references for them.
___Bible atlas 5. Provides explanation for words in more detail than a Bible
dictionary.
___Word study books 6. Provides general information on the Bible: Background,
history, etc.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
If you have access to Bible study tools, complete the following exercises:
1. Use a concordance to locate the following verse. Complete the verse and record
the Bible reference:
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to
this condemnation
_________________________________________________________________”
Reference:_______________________
2. Use the concordance, a Bible dictionary, and a word study book to study the word
"lasciviousness." Summarize its meaning:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Look up Jude 1:4 in a Bible commentary and see what comments are made about
this verse. Summarize what you learn:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER SIX
PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Explain what it means to "rightly divide" the Word of truth.
C List six rules for properly interpreting the Bible.
C Define each of these six rules.
C Define verbal and plenary inspiration.
KEY VERSE:
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
INTRODUCTION
Read the Key Verse again. "Rightly dividing" as used here is taken from the rules for Old
Testament sacrifices and means to "cut straight." In the Old Testament, when a person
brought a sacrifice for sin, the animal was divided into three parts. One part was offered
to God. Another part was given to the one who brought the offering. The third part went
to the priest. From this practice the expression "rightly dividing" developed. It means to
"give to each that which belongs to him."
In Bible study it is important to rightly divide the Word of God. This means you must
understand what is being said to whom. You must also interpret and apply the meaning
correctly.
There are three major groups to which the Word addresses itself. These are listed in I
Corinthians 10:32:
Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church
of God. (I Corinthians 10:32)
All Scriptures were given FOR us, but not all verses are directed TO us. For example,
God told Noah to build an ark. The story is recorded as an example from which you are
to learn spiritual truths but it does not mean YOU should build an ark. Some of the Bible
is directed to the Jews. Portions are directed to the Gentiles (nations other than the Jews).
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Other portions are directed to the Church (all those who are true believers in Jesus
Christ).
In order to find the correct meaning from the Bible you must learn to rightly divide it.
Another word for this is "interpretation" which means to give something proper meaning.
You must learn how to arrive at the proper meaning for each Scripture. Jesus pointed out
to the religious leaders of His time:
. . . Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.
(Matthew 22:29)
Spiritual error results from not knowing God's Word. There are certain principles you
must follow in order to properly interpret the Bible. There are six basic rules for
interpreting the Bible which help to "rightly divide" the Word of God.
THE RULE OF DIVINE AUTHORITY
The rule of divine authority means that we accept the Bible as the final authority. We
believe that all the Bible is inspired by God, from Genesis through Revelation:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
(II Timothy 3:16)
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:19-21)
There are two different types of inspiration: Verbal and plenary inspiration.
By verbal inspiration we mean that every word in the original manuscripts was inspired
by God. By plenary inspiration we mean full inspiration of all Scripture as opposed to
partial inspiration. Every portion of the Bible is inspired.
When we accept the rule of divine authority, then there is no conflict between the Bible
and history or science. If there is an apparent conflict it is because:
1. We have failed to understand science or history.
or else. . .
2. The current scientific knowledge is not accurate. When conflicts are apparent, the
Bible is taken as the final authority because it is the divinely inspired Word of
God. In the past, when apparent conflicts between the Bible and history or science
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arose, later investigations always proved the Bible to be correct.
THE RULE OF LITERAL INTERPRETATION
To interpret the Bible literally means to believe it means exactly what it says. Always
interpret the Bible literally unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When the
Bible says Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, accept it literally. When the
Bible tells about the walls of Jericho falling down, accept it as it is recorded by the Holy
Spirit.
The Bible does contain various "types." Certain persons, places, or events, while literal in
themselves, also represent something that will happen in the future. Chapter Twenty-One
of this course will help you recognize these.
Symbols are also used in the Bible. A symbol stands for a meaning in addition to its
ordinary one. For example, in Mark 14:22 the wine is used as a symbol of the blood of
the Lord Jesus Christ. (They were not drinking actual blood.) Symbols are often used in
Bible prophecy. For example the great image of which Nebuchadnezzar dreamed in
Daniel has symbolic significance. Each part of the image represented a future world
kingdom (Daniel 2). The Bible usually explains symbols when they are used. For
example, Daniel's interpretation of the symbolic image is recorded in Daniel 2:31-45.
Jesus often used parables when He taught. A parable is a story that is told for the purpose
of illustrating a spiritual truth. Whenever Jesus used a parable it is always stated in the
Bible. If it does not say it was a parable then the story should be accepted as an actual
event.
THE RULE OF CONTEXTUAL CONSIDERATION
Every verse of the Bible should be studied in its context. This means it should be studied
in relation to the verses which precede and follow it, as well as in relation to the rest of
the Bible. Many false doctrines and cults have been created because verses or parts of
verses were taken out of their context.
For example, the Bible says there is no God. Did you know that? You will find this in
Psalm 14:1. Right there it says "there is no God." But if we read all the passage then we
have this:
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. (Psalm 14:1)
The complete verse in its context is quite different in meaning than the portion removed
from the context.
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To study a verse in its context ask yourself the following questions:
1. Who Is Speaking Or Writing?
Although all the Bible is God's Word, different men were used in writing and speaking it.
2. What Is Being Said?
Summarize the main points of what is being said by the speaker or writer.
3. To Whom Is It Being Said?
Israel? The Gentile nations? The Church? A specific individual?
4. Why Was It Said?
What is the purpose in the passage? The Bible itself states purposes for some books and
passages:
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which
are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.
(John 20:30-31)
For other parts of Scripture the reason for writing is not so clearly stated. You must
examine the context more closely to determine why the message was recorded.
5. When Was It Said?
The time and circumstances of some scriptures help us understand the meaning. For
example, when there was confusion in church services at the church of Corinth Paul wrote
a special passage of scripture. He told the women to keep silent in the Church. Did this
mean women could not sing, pray, teach, or worship out loud in the Church?
To find the answer, we must examine when, why, and to whom this was said. In Jewish
church services men were seated on one side of the building and women on the other.
The Corinthian women were disrupting services by shouting questions to their husbands
on the other side of the room. This was the occasion when Paul found it necessary to
write:
Let your women keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto
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them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith
the law. (I Corinthians 14:34)
Interpreting a Scripture within its context helps explain the meaning of the passage.
Taking a verse out of context can result in incorrect understanding. Often the context of a
Scripture in the Bible gives the interpretation. A good example of this is the parable of
the sower in Matthew 13:1-9. If you continue to read the context, the parable is
interpreted in verses 18-23. In many cases similar to this the Bible interprets itself within
the context. This is why contextual consideration is important.
THE RULE OF FIRST MENTION
The rule of first mention is as follows: The first time a word, phrase, object, or incident is
mentioned in the Bible, it gives the key to its meaning anywhere else it occurs.
For example, in Genesis 3 there is the first mention of fig leaves. Here, Adam used fig
leaves to try to cover his own sin and nakedness by his own efforts. Fig leaves speak of
self-righteousness, rejection of God's remedy, and an attempt to justify ones self before
God.
This is the meaning of fig leaves wherever they are mentioned afterwards in the Bible.
For example, the last time fig leaves are mentioned is by Jesus in Matthew 21 and Mark
11 and 13. Here we find a fig tree with leaves but no fruit. Jesus cursed it and it withered
away. To understand this act we need to remember the law of first mention and go back
to Genesis 3. Fig leaves represent man's rejection of God's remedy and a self-righteous
attempt to justify himself. The fig tree represented the self-righteous nation of Israel who
had rejected Jesus. They rejected Him as King and would not accept His plan of salvation
from sin. They were trying to be righteous through their own self-efforts.
THE RULE OF REPETITION
All the Bible is divinely inspired. There are no unessential parts of the Bible. Each word
is inspired and necessary. For this reason, when something is repeated in Scripture it is
for special emphasis. It means that a truth is of such special importance that it needs to be
repeated.
John 3 illustrates this rule of repetition. Jesus tells Nicodemus of the necessity of the new
birth experience and repeats it three times:
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
(John 3:3)
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the
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kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
Marvel not that I say unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7)
Remember: Whenever the Bible repeats, it is the Holy Spirit's way of saying "Stop and
really look at this."
THE RULE OF CUMULATIVE REVELATION
This rule is actually stated in the Bible:
Know this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private
interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men; but holy men of
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:20- 21)
The Schofield Bible gives this translation:
No prophecy of scripture is its own interpretation; That is, it is not isolated
from all the that the Word has given elsewhere.
The rule of cumulative revelation is this: The full truth of God's Word on any subject
must not be gathered from an isolated passage. The cumulative (total) revelation of all the
Bible says regarding a truth must be considered. This is why it is called the rule of
"cumulative" revelation.
You cannot base your doctrine, teaching, or beliefs on a few isolated verses about a
subject. You must keep studying until your interpretation becomes consistent with the
whole of the Scriptures.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What does it mean to "rightly divide" the Word of truth?
________________________________________________________________________
3. What is meant by "verbal" inspiration of the Bible?
________________________________________________________________________
4. What is meant by "plenary" inspiration of the Bible?
________________________________________________________________________
5. List each rule for interpretation which was discussed in this chapter. After each
rule explain briefly what it means:
Rule 1:__________________________What it means:____________________________
Rule 2:__________________________What it means:____________________________
Rule 3:__________________________What it means:____________________________
Rule 4:__________________________What it means:____________________________
Rule 5:__________________________What it means:____________________________
Rule 6:__________________________What it means:____________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
72
FOR FURTHER STUDY
There are several passages in the Bible which confirm the inspiration of the Word by
God. Look up each passage in your Bible and summarize it:
Scripture Summary
Hebrews 1:1 _______________________________
_______________________________
I Thessalonians 2:13 _______________________________
_______________________________
II Timothy 3:16 _______________________________
_______________________________
I Corinthians 14:37 _______________________________
_______________________________
I Corinthians 2:7-13 ________________________________
________________________________
I Corinthians 11:23 ________________________________
________________________________
Galatians 1:11,12,16,20 ________________________________
________________________________
Ephesians 3:1-10 ________________________________
________________________________
I Peter 1:10,11,21 ________________________________
________________________________
II Peter 3:16 ________________________________
________________________________
73
CHAPTER SEVEN
BIBLE BACKGROUND
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Identify major historical periods of the Bible.
C Describe everyday life in Bible times.
C Define Biblical archaeology.
KEY VERSE:
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them
for ever. (Psalm 119:152)
INTRODUCTION
Each part of the Bible occurred at a specific time in history and in a specific cultural
context. Proper understanding of a passage often relates to these factors. This chapter
gives a brief summary of the history of the Bible and explains details of everyday life in
Bible days.
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
Chronological history tells when an event occurred in the past. "Chronological" means in
order or sequence. Chronological history organizes events of the past in proper order.
In most of the world the dating of time is divided into two major periods. These two
periods are shown by the use of initials after the number of the year:
B.C. Numbers marked with these initials mean an event happened before
the birth of Christ.
A.D. Numbers marked with these initials mean an event happened after the
time of the birth of Christ.
When we say something happened 250 B.C., it means it happened 250 years Before
Christ. When we say an event happened 700 A.D., it means it happened 700 years after
the birth of Christ. When a number has B.C. after it, the larger the number is the older
74
B.C. A.D.
______________________________________________
– –
500 B.C. 300 B.C. 100.B.C. 100 A.D. 300 A.D. 500 A.D.
ù ù
This date is older because it occurred This date is most recent because it
occurred 500 years before Christ. 500 years after Christ.
the date is. When a number
has an A.D. after it, the larger number is the more recent date.
This chart will help you understand dating:
There are several ways we are able to know the chronological history of Bible events:
1. The Bible itself provides the dates of some events.
2. Early records of historians provide dates.
3. Through archaeology, which is the study of ancient things. It is a science which
gains knowledge of times past from the study of existing remains of their
civilizations. Biblical archaeology is the study of remains found in Bible lands.
Some of the historical record of the Bible has been gained by dating these remains.
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE BIBLE
The chronological history of the Bible is most easily divided into twelve major periods.
Chart One shows the major periods of Bible chronology. Look at Column Two on the
chart. It shows the 12 periods of Bible history starting with "Creation to Abraham" and
concluding with "Spread Of The Gospel."
Columns One and Three show when the books of the Bible were written. Note that
75
between the Old and New Testament there was a period of 386 years during which no
books were written. Refer to this chronology as you study the Bible. It will help you
determine when events happened:
76
Chart One Chronological History Of The Bible
One Two Three
GENESIS 1. Creation to Abraham
2. Abraham to Moses
EXODUS
LEVITICUS 3. The Exodus
NUMBERS
DEUTERONOMY
JOSHUA 4. The Conquest
JUDGES 5. The Judges
RUTH
6. The Kingdom JOB
PSALMS
PROVERBS
ECCLESIASTES
SONG OF SOLOMON
I SAMUEL ISAIAH
II SAMUEL JEREMIAH
LAMENTATIONS
I KINGS EZEKIEL
II KINGS DANIEL
HOSEA
JOEL
AMOS
I CHRONICLES 7. Two kingdoms OBADIAH
II CHRONICLES 8. Judah alone JONAH
MICAH
NAHUM
HABAKKUK
9. The captivity ZEPHANIAH
EZRA
NEHEMIAH HAGGAI
MALACHI 10. The Restoration ZECHARIAH
77
(Chart One, Continued)
Between The Testaments
One Two Three
MATTHEW
MARK 11. Life of Christ
LUKE
JOHN
ROMANS
I AND II CORINTHIANS
GALATIANS
EPHESIANS
PHILIPPIANS
COLOSSIANS
I AND II THESSALONIANS
ACTS 12. Spread of the Gospel II AND II TIMOTHY
PHILEMON
TITUS
HEBREWS
JAMES
I AND II PETER
I , II, AND III JOHN
JUDE
REVELATION
Now read the description of major events which occurred in these 12 periods of Bible
history:
1. Creation to Abraham (From creation to 2000 B.C.):
The creation of the universe, the fall of man into sin, the murder of Abel by Cain, Noah
and the flood, and the Tower of Babel are some of the major Bible events of this period.
78
2. Abraham to Moses (200-1500 B.C.):
This period covers approximately 500 years. The experiences of one man, Abraham, and
his descendants are the focus of this period. From Abraham God raised up the nation of
Israel through which He wanted to reveal Himself to the nations of the world. This period
includes the stories of Isaac, the son of Abraham, and of Isaac's son, Jacob. The period
climaxes with the story of Joseph, Jacob's son, who was sold into slavery in Egypt and
became a great ruler. Jacob and his family later joined Joseph in Egypt.
3. The Exodus (1500-1460 B.C.):
Between the close of Genesis and the opening of Exodus approximately 100 years passed.
The family of Jacob multiplied into the nation of Israel during this time. The Egyptians
became fearful because of the rapid increase of the Israelites so they made them slaves.
Moses was raised up and under his leadership the Israelites miraculously departed from
Egypt. After spending a year at Mt. Sinai, they wandered for 38 years in the desert. This
period closes with the death of Moses and the leadership of Israel being assumed by a
man named Joshua.
4. The Conquest of Canaan (1460-1450 B.C.):
During this period Joshua led Israel into Canaan to possess the land God had promised
them. When the ungodly people of this area were conquered militarily, the land was
divided among the 12 tribes of Israel. This period of 10 years is recorded in the book of
Joshua.
5. The Judges (1450-1102 B.C.):
This was a time during which God raised up judges to rule the people of Israel. It is a
dark period of time in the story of Israel as it was a time of spiritual failure. This period
lasted for 348 years.
6. The Kingdom (1102-982 B.C.):
Samuel, the last judge of Israel, established the Kingdom of Israel and anointed Saul to be
king. Three kings, Saul, David, and Solomon each reigned about 40 years. During this
time the nation of Israel attained the highest glory in their history. The government was
firmly established and Israel's borders were expanded. The story of this period, as well as
the three following periods, are recorded in I and II Samuel, I and II Kings, and I and II
Chronicles. The kingdom period lasted for 120 years and then the kingdom was divided.
79
7. The Two Kingdoms (982-722 B.C.):
When the evil son of Solomon, Rehoboam, came to the throne, the Northern tribes
revolted. They established a separate kingdom of Israel. The Kingdom in the south
became known as the Kingdom of Judah. For about 259 years Israel was divided into
these two kingdoms.
8. Judah alone (722-587 B.C.):
Israel, the Northern Kingdom, was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The people
were taken captive into Assyria. After the fall of Israel, the southern Kingdom of Judah
lasted 135 years. Judah's kings had shown more loyalty to God and the people had not
gone so deep into sin.
9. The Captivity (587-538 B.C.):
In spite of the warnings of the prophets, Judah finally went deeper into sin until God let
them be conquered by Nebuchadnezzar and taken captive into Babylon. The city of
Jerusalem was destroyed and the people of God, who a few hundred years before had
miraculous crossed the Jordan River, now marched away in chains.
10. The Restoration (538-391 B.C.):
When a king by the name of Cyrus became leader of Babylon, he permitted God's people
to return and rebuild Jerusalem and their temple of worship. Zerubbabel led the group
who returned to reestablish themselves in the promised land. The records of this period
are found in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. This period of restoration lasted
for 147 years.
Between the Testaments (391-5 B.C.)
The Old Testament closes with the reestablishment of God's people, Israel, in Canaan.
Then came a period of about 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. There
were no Bible books written during this period so information on the time comes from
secular writings.
During this time Palestine was ruled by the Persians (536-333 B.C.), the Greeks (333-323
B.C.), the Egyptians (323-204 B.C.), the Syrians (204-165 B.C.), the Maccabeans (165-63
B.C.), and Rome (63 B.C. through the time of Christ).
11. Life of Christ (5 B.C. to 28 A.D.):
After 400 years, John the Baptist was raised up by God to prepare the way for the coming
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of Jesus Christ. Jesus was to be the Savior of sinful mankind. The promise of this plan
of salvation was first made in the garden of Eden when man originally sinned (Genesis
3:15). Jesus was miraculously born of a virgin, revealed Himself to Israel as the Messiah,
was rejected, crucified for the sins of all mankind, and resurrected by the power of God.
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record this period of 33 years.
12. The spread Of The Gospel (28-100 A.D.):
This period covers the events after Christ’s return to Heaven following His resurrection.
It records the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and throughout the
world,
Chart Two: Judges Of Israel
The Old Testament refers to many events which happened when Israel was ruled by
Judges. Judges ruled before Israel had kings. The stories of the judges are recorded in
the book of Judges. Use this chart to help you identify when events occurred during the
period of the judges:
Reference Name Dates B.C. Number of Years
Judges 3:7-11 Othniel 1400-1360 40
Judges 3:12-31 Ehud 1360-1280 80
Judges 3:12-31 Shamgar 1280 l
Judges 4-5 Deborah 1280-1240 40
Judges 6-8:32 Gideon 1240 -1200 40
Judges 9 Abimelech 1200-1197 3
Judges 10:1-2 Tola 1197-1174 23
Judges 10:3-5 Jair 1174-1152 22
Judges 10:6-12 Jephthah 1152-1146 6
Judges 10:6-12 Ibzan 1146-1138 8
Judges 10:6-12 Elon 1138-1128 10
Judges 10:6-12 Abdon 1128-1121 7
Judges 13-16 Sampson 1121-1101 20
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Chart Three: Kings Of Israel And Judah
Many Old Testament events are mentioned as having occurred during the reigns of
different kings of Israel and Judah. This chart will help you date these events:
Kings Of Israel:
Name Of King Length Of Dates B.C. Reference
Reign In Years
Jeroboam I 22 976-954 I Kings 11:26-14:20
Nadab 2 954-953 I Kings 15:25-28
Baasha 24 953-930 I Kings 15:27-16:7
Elah 2 930-929 I Kings 16:6-14
Zimri (7 days) 929 I Kings 16:9-20
Omri 12 929-918 I Kings 16:15-28
Ahab 21 918-898 I Kings 16:28-22:40
Ahaziah 1 898-897 I Kings 22:40-
II Kings 1:18
Jehoram 11 897-885 II Kings 3:1-9:25
Jehu 28 885-857 II Kings 9:1-10:36
Jehoahaz 16 857-841 II Kings 13:1-9
Jehoash 16 841-825 II Kings 13:10-14:16
Jeroboam II 40 825-773 II Kings 14:23-29
Zechariah ½ 773-772 II Kings 14:29-15:12
Shallum (1 month) 772 II Kings 15:10-15
Menahem 10 772-762 II Kings 15:14-22
Pekahiah 2 762-760 II Kings 15:22-26
Pekah 20 760-730 II Kings 15:27-31
Hoshea 9 730-721 II Kings 15:30-17:6
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Kings Of Judah:
Name Of King Length Of Dates B.C. References
Reign In Years
Rehoboam 17 976-959 I Kings 11:42-14:31
Abijam 3 959-996 I Kings 14:31-15:8
Asa 41 956-915 I Kings 15:8-24
Jehosphahat 25 915-893 I Kings 22:41-50
Johoram 8 893-886 II Kings 8:16-24
Ahaziah l 886-885 II Kings 8:24-9:29
Athliah 6 885-879 II Kings 11:1-20
Joash 40 879-840 II Kings 11:1-12:21
Amaziah 29 840-811 II Kings 14:1-20
Azariah (Uzziah) 52 811-759 II Kings 15:1-7
Jotham 18 759-743 II Kings 15:32-38
Ahaz 19 743-727 II Kings 16:1-20
Hezekiah 29 727-698 II Kings 18:1-20:21
Manasseh 55 698-643 II Kings 21:1-18
Amon 2 643-640 II Kings 21:19-26
Josiah 31 640-609 II Kings 22:1-23:30
Jehohaz (3 months) 609 II Kings 23:31-33
Jehoiakim 11 609-597 II Kings 23:34-24:5
Jehoiachin (3 months) 597 II Kings 24:6-16
Zedekiah 11 597 II Kings 24:17-25:30
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Chart Four: Old Testament Prophets
Since much of the Old Testament are books of prophecy, it is important to know when the
prophets lived and prophesied. Use this chart to date events during the periods of the
prophets.
Name Of Prophet Prophesied To Dates
Jonah Assyria Before Captivity (800-650)
Nahum Assyria Before Captivity (800-650)
Obadiah Edom Before Captivity (800)
Hosea Israel Before Captivity (750)
Amos Israel Before Captivity (750)
Isaiah/Jeremiah Judah Before Captivity (800-606)
Jeremiah/Lamentations Judah Before Captivity (800-606)
Joel Judah Before Captivity (800-606)
Micah Judah Before Captivity (800-606)
Habakkuk Judah Before Captivity (800-606)
Zephaniah Judah Before Captivity (800-606)
Ezekiel Judah During Captivity (606-536)
Daniel Judah During Captivity (606-536)
Haggai Judah After Captivity (536-400)
Zechariah Judah After Captivity (536-400)
Malachi Judah After Captivity (536-400)
LIFE IN BIBLE TIMES
The Bible, historians, and archaeological studies have provided information on the
everyday life of the people of Israel in Bible times. Prior to the time when they went to
Egypt the people of Israel lived in tents. They moved about with their flocks and herds in
search of fresh pasture and water.
After the exodus from Egypt and the years traveling in the desert, Israel settled in their
promised land of Canaan. From that time on the life of ordinary people followed a
pattern that changed little throughout the years.
Peasant men worked either in the fields or in a village craft while the women and children
kept the home. Farming and shepherding were both important occupations. There was
some fishing and all kinds of village crafts including carpentry, pottery, and leather work.
Water was in short supply since the land was hot and dry most of the year. Water was
drawn from a village well in a goatskin bucket. This was an important place of
socializing for the women.
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People wore long flowing robes in order to keep cool. The material of the robe was
decided by wealth. The wealthy could afford brightly dyed cloth. Often clothes indicated
a man's profession. For example, the priests wore special clothing and the rabbi (religious
leader of Israel) wore a blue-fringed robe. Shoes were made of cow hide soles with
leather thongs which fastened to the ankle.
Marriages were arranged by parents and there was little social mixing between young
people. Because the bride was a working asset, she had to be paid for with a bride price.
Domestic life centered in the home.
In Old Testament times there was no school for common men's children. They were
taught skills and religion by their parents. By the time of Jesus, a girl's education was still
entirely her mother's responsibility. Boys went to a school at the synagogue from age six
on. The Old Testament was the textbook they used to learn history, geography, literature,
and law. Exceptional students were sent to Jerusalem to learn from the Rabbis. Each boy
also had to learn a trade. When a boy became 13 years old, he became "Bar Mitzvah"
which is Jewish for "a son of the law." This meant that he was considered to be a man.
Death among the people of Israel called for elaborate ceremonies of mourning.
Sometimes professional mourners would be hired. In New Testament times bodies were
anointed and wrapped in special grave clothes. Poor people were buried in common
graves or caves, but the wealthy had tombs dug out of rocks and sealed with a flat
boulder.
There was no division between civil and religious law in Israel. The gate of the city or
village was the place where problems were formally judged. The highest court in New
Testament times was the Sanhedrin which consisted of 70 men who met in the temple.
The Roman authorities, who were in control of Israel during New Testament times,
allowed the Israelites to pass any sentence under their law except the death penalty.
The religious life of Israel centered first on the tabernacle and later on the temple in
Jerusalem. Old Testament religious regulations were administered by the priests and the
Levites. The greatest religious day of the year was the day of Atonement. On this day
the high priest entered the innermost room of the temple to make atonement for his own
sins and the sins of the people.
Other festivals included the Passover, which was a way of remembering Israel's escape
from Egypt. The feast of Pentecost marked the beginning of harvest and the feast of
Tabernacles was the harvest festival. The feast of Purim recalled Esther's deliverance of
Israel, and the feast of trumpets marked the start of the new year.
Between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament regular
worship shifted from the main temple to the local synagogue. This practice started in the
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days when Israel was in captivity and there was no temple in Jerusalem. Only men took
an active part in the synagogue service. The women and children sat in a different section.
The pattern of the service included statement of a creed, prayers, and readings from the
law and prophets. This was followed by a sermon and a time when the men could
question the minister.
The Old Testament Scriptures were written on sacred scrolls which only the doctors of
law might open. Whenever possible visits were made to the temple at Jerusalem which
had been rebuilt. The temple was similar to Solomon's original temple of Old Testament
times but on a larger scale.
The story of the Bible is set against this background of traditional family and rural life
which did not change for centuries. It was also set against the background of warring
empires around Israel and the influence of the Roman Empire. Rome had extended to
control the people of Israel during the time of Jesus.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Matching: For each period in List One find the description that best fits it in List
Two and write the letter on the blank in front of the period it describes.
List One: Periods List Two
_____Creation To Abraham a. Acts and the Epistles tell this story.
_____Abraham to Moses b. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell this story.
_____The Exodus c. Israel's deliverance from Egypt happened.
_____The Conquest d. Israel conquered the Promised Land during
this period.
_____The Judges e. This was a period of great sin during which God
raised up judges to deliver Israel.
_____The Kingdom f. Israel was split into two kingdoms in this period.
_____The Two Kingdoms g. A period during which Saul, David, and Solomon
reigned as kings.
_____Judah Alone h. Israel and Judah were in bondage during this period.
_____The Captivity i. Jerusalem and the temple were rebuilt during
this period.
_____The Restoration j. Judah was the only kingdom.
_____Life of Christ k. The stories of Noah, Cain, Abel, and Tower of Babel
happened during this period.
_____Spread of the Gospel l. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph were key men
during this period.
3. History or chronology tells __________________________it happened.
4. What is Biblical archaeology?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
l. If you are especially interested in Bible chronology obtain the New Chronological
Bible published by World Bible Publishers. The Chronological Bible is a King
James version of the Bible which is organized on the basis of chronology. This
means that instead of being organized by books (Genesis through Revelation) that
the chapters and verses are presented in chronological order that events happened
in the past or will occur in the future.
The content of Genesis through Revelation is organized in the Chronological Bible
under twelve major sections:
-Development of the Early World
-Development of Israel As A Tribe
-Development of Israel As A Nation
-Development of Israel and As Kingdom
-Division of Israel into Dual Kingdoms
-Survival of Israel in the Southern Kingdom
-Captivity of Israel in Babylonia
-Restoration of Israel as a Nation
-Preservation of Israel during the Intertestamental period
(this is the period of time between the writing of the Old and New Testaments)
-Inauguration of the Kingdom of God on Earth
-Continuation of the Kingdom of God on Earth
-Consummation of the Kingdom of God on Earth
The Narrated Bible published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon, is also
a good tool for chronological study of the Bible. This book does not give the
actual Bible text, but provides Bible references in chronological order and a brief
narrative (commentary) on each reference.
2. If you are interested in Biblical archaeology, the following books are suggested:
Beginnings In Biblical Archaeology by Howard Vos published by Moody
Press, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Archaeology in Bible Lands by Howard Vos published by Moody Press,
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
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CHAPTER EIGHT
OUTLINING, MARKING, CHARTING
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Use a method of Bible marking.
C Create an outline.
C Create a summarizing chart.
KEY VERSE:
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding,
and I shall live. (Psalm 119:144)
INTRODUCTION
The development of three basic skills will improve any method of Bible study. These
skills are marking, outlining, and charting. They are the subjects of this chapter.
MARKING
Marking is a method of emphasizing key Bible passages. Marking makes it easy for you
to locate verses on specific subjects. To mark your Bible you underline selected verses.
If you have different colors of pencils you can color code your underlining. If you do not
have colored pencils you can use symbols in the margin by key verses.
Use the following colors or codes:
Red: For verses which relate to salvation. Red represents the blood of Jesus. You could
also use the symbol of a cross for verses about salvation.
Green: This is the color of growing things. Use this color to underline verses about
spiritual growth. You could also use a flower to represent growth.
Blue: This is the color of the heavens. Use this color to mark verses relating to the
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second coming of Jesus Christ, the New Jerusalem, and Heaven. If you are using
symbols, use a crown to mark the verses in the margin of your Bible. The crown
represents the Kingdom of Heaven.
Brown: A field of wheat ready to harvest is brown in color. Jesus used the example of
harvest when speaking of evangelism. Use the color brown to mark verses related to
evangelism. You could also use the symbol (#) which is a symbol standing for the word
number. Use it to remind you of the great number of people who have yet to hear the
Gospel message.
You can select additional colors to mark verses on other important subjects: Purple, pink,
yellow, black, etc.
You can also use additional symbols and assign them meanings: ! # Z _ i Ž • µ 5
OUTLINING
An outline is a method of organizing study notes. It puts information in summary form to
use in ministry and future study. An outline centers on a selected theme. This theme
becomes the title of the outline which usually reflects the subject of study.
After identifying the subject of study, the next step is to identify main points which tell
something about the subject. Next there will be sub-points. The prefix "sub" means they
come under or tell something about the main point.
There are many ways to outline. We have selected one which uses special numbers called
Roman numerals for the main points. If you are not familiar with Roman numerals, a list
is provided for you in the "For Further Study" section of this chapter.
Subpoints on the outline are shown with capital letters of the alphabet. If there are further
points under these, they are shown with regular numbers. Study the following example
which summarizes how to make an outline:
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PLACE THE TITLE HERE
I. This is the Roman numeral for "l" used for the first main point.
A. This is a capital letter used for a subpoint relating to the main
point.
1. If there was another subpoint relating to this, it would be
marked with the number l.
2. Perhaps there are other points relating back to subpoint A.
If so, continue to place them in numerical order.
B. Main point I may have several subpoints. If so, continue down
through the alphabet using capital letters in order. Each one of
these subpoints should relate to the main point.
II. To present another main point use the next Roman numeral.
A. Subpoints follow the same pattern under every main point.
As an example, we have prepared a brief outline of Romans 12:1-2. First read the verses:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
The outline of this passages follows:
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STEPS FOR FINDING GOD'S WILL
I. Present your bodies a living sacrifice:
A. Holy.
B. Acceptable unto God.
II. Be not conformed to this world:
A. Be transformed.
1. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds.
III. These steps will help us prove (find) the will of God which is:
A. Good.
B. Acceptable.
C. Perfect.
You can see how this outline clearly summarizes the steps to God's will given in Romans
12:1-2.
CHARTING
Another method of organizing study materials is through charting. You will be given
several charts to complete during this course to help you develop this skill. Charting is
important because it helps you visualize what you have studied. Charting summarizes in
brief form what you learn and helps you remember it.
There are two basic ways to draw a chart:
HORIZONTAL CHART:
Draw your chart lengthwise on a sheet of paper. Draw a line across the page and block
off as many divisions as needed for your particular study. The horizontal chart is good to
use in book study. You can find an example of it in Chapter Eleven.
VERTICAL CHART:
This type of chart is drawn vertically on a sheet of paper. A large rectangle is drawn and
divisions are made within it. Vertical charts are best for shorter portions of material or for
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Personal Description Test Result Religion
Seems to be religious Control of tongue Deceives himself Vain
tongue
Unspotted from world Visits poor, Undefiled before God Pure,
Keeps self holy undefiled
chapter studies.
Here is an example of a vertical chart on James 1:26-27.
First read the passage:
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but
deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from
the world. (James 1:26-27)
Now study the chart:
TESTS OF RELIGION
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is wrong with the following outline structure?
________________________________________________________________________
TITLE
I. This is the first main point.
A. This is a subpoint relating to the main point.
B. This is the second main point.
3. What are the two main ways to draw charts?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What is meant by "marking" as related to Bible study?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Study James 3:2-6 in your Bible. Complete the outline below:
THE HUMAN TONGUE
I. If we offend not in word we are: (see verse 2)
A.
B.
II. Examples of the power of small things:
A. The bit in a horse's mouth is used for two purposes: (see verse 3)
1.
2.
B. The helm of a ship: (verse 4)
1.
C. A small fire: (verse 5)
1.
III. The tongue is also small but it: (verses 5-6)
A. Boasts great things.
B. Is a world of iniquity.
C.
D.
E.
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THE TONGUE: A COMPARISON
Example Result
Bit in horse's mouth Turns their whole body
Helm in ship
A small fire
Human tongue
2. Now complete the following chart which covers a portion of James 3:2-6:
3. The following chart of Roman numerals is for use in creating outlines according to
the pattern given in this chapter:
1 I 30 XXX
2 II 40 XL
3 III 50 L
4 IV 60 LX
5 V 70 LXX
6 VI 80 LXXX
7 VII 90 XC
8 VIII 100 C
9 IX
10 X
11 XI Follow this same pattern (I, II, III) for each set.
12 XII For example, 32 would be XXXII
13 XIII
14 XIV
15 XV
16 XVI
17 XVII
18 XVIII
19 XIX
20 XX
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PART THREE: CREATIVE BIBLE STUDY
CHAPTER NINE
STUDYING THE BIBLE BY THE BIBLE
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Identify symbols of the Word of God used in the Bible.
C Study God's Word by using the Bible.
C Identify the source of the Word.
C Distinguish between the milk and meat of the Word.
KEY VERSE:
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
(Psalm 119:18)
INTRODUCTION
One of the best ways to begin Bible study is to learn what the Bible says about itself.
That is the subject of this chapter. In this lesson you will learn about the symbols of
God's Word and specific facts about God's Word revealed in the Bible itself.
In most Institute courses when we refer to Scriptures we write them out within the context
of the lesson. This is done to save you time. But we have not written out the verses in
this lesson for a special reason. One of the purposes of this lesson is to familiarize you
with using your Bible, so we have listed only the references. As you study the lesson,
look up each reference in your Bible.
If you are not familiar with the location of the books, look in the front of your Bible.
Most Bibles have a "Table Of Contents" which lists the page number where the book
begins. When you find the page number listed for a book, you will be at chapter one of
that book. Then look up the correct chapter and verse number:
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Psalm 119: 89
– – –
Book Name Chapter Number Verse Number
THE SOURCE OF THE WORD
The source of the Bible is God Himself. Read Psalm 68:11. This confirms that God is
the source of the Word. I Thessalonians 2:13 explains that the Bible is God's Word and
that its source is not man. When Jesus spoke during His earthly ministry, He made it
clear that the source of His words was God. See John 14:10 and 24; 17:8 and 14; and
3:34.
THE HISTORY OF THE WORD
The Bible reveals much about its own history, answering questions such as "How long
has the Word existed?" and "Who first wrote down the words of God?" Read Hebrews
11:3. This verse reveals that the world in which we live was framed (created) by the
Word of God. Read Genesis chapter l in your Bible which tells the story of creation and
you will find this to be true. God literally spoke the world into existence. You can read
more about this in II Peter 3:5-7. Hebrews 1:3 says that He continues to uphold the world
and all things by the Word of His power. Psalm 33:6 says that the heavens were made by
the Word of God.
God is eternal. He has no beginning and end. Since God is inseparable from His Word
(He is the Word), then the Word has no beginning and no end. Like God, His Word has
always existed. Read Exodus 20:1-17 in your Bible. This is the first record of God
inspiring a man (Moses) to write down His Words.
Read John chapter l in your Bible. Note closely verses l-5 and 14. This passage refers to
Jesus as the Word. It reveals that the Word (Jesus) was with God and was God in the
beginning. It confirms how God and His Word created the world.
Jesus has always existed with the Father, but in verse 14 it tells how the Word (Jesus)
became flesh and came to live on earth in human form. Verses 11-12 record how He was
rejected by His
own people but how those who receive Him can become children of God.
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BOOKS, SCROLLS, AND STONES
God's Word was written in many forms throughout the years. It was written on stones by
Moses (Exodus 20:1-17) and on great stones when Israel entered the Promised Land
(Deuteronomy 27:1-8).
God's Word was written in a book (Deuteronomy 31:24-26) and on scrolls (Jeremiah
36:2). A scroll is a long piece of paper with wooden spools (rollers) in each end. When
you read or write on a scroll you start at one end and unroll the paper as you progress.
God even inspired songs in His Word. See Deuteronomy 31:19-22. David wrote God's
Word in poetic form which was often sung. The book of Psalms is the worship and hymn
book of the Bible.
INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE
One of the most important things the Bible reveals about itself is that it is a book inspired
by God. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God spoke to holy men to write His
message.
Look up II Timothy 3:16-17 in your Bible. These verses confirm that God's Word is
inspired. They also reveal that it is profitable in four major areas of Christian life:
-For doctrine
-For reproof
-For correction
-For instruction in righteousness
These verses are the main objectives of God's Word. These result in the man of God
being perfect (mature) and thoroughly furnished (equipped) for all good works.
THE ETERNAL WORD
In the natural world many books are valid only for a short period of time. For example, a
book on medical procedures may be valid for a few years. When better medicines or
better methods of treatment are developed the book is no longer applicable.
God's Word is eternal and applicable in all times. It was relevant in the past, it is relevant
in the present, and it will be relevant in the future (see Psalm 119:89).
Read I Peter 1:23. This verse reveals that God's Word not only abides forever, it also
lives forever. God is and always has been. We serve a living God. God is inseparable
from His Word. Because God lives, His Word lives and is relevant for all time.
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Read Isaiah 40:8. This verse confirms that God's Word will stand (exist) forever. It will
not perish like the things you see around you in the natural world.
TWO BASIC DIVISIONS
The Bible speaks of two basic divisions of God's Word. There is the milk of the Word
and the meat of the Word. The milk of the Word is basic truth easily understood. The
meat of the Word is the deeper teachings of God's Word which bring spiritual maturity.
You can read about these in Hebrews 5:13-14 and I Peter 2:2.
PURPOSES OF THE WORD
God gave His Word to accomplish specific purposes. A purpose is a goal or objective.
According to the Bible, some of these purposes are as follows:
-The Word produces faith in the Gospel: Acts 4:4
-It cleanses: John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26
-If you hear and believe, it brings eternal life: John 5:24
-It is the basis for eternal judgment: John 12:48
-Unclean spirits are cast out by the Word: Matthew 8:16; Luke 4:36
-Miraculous signs follow preaching of the Word convincing of the truth of the Gospel:
Mark 16:20
-It gives assurance of salvation: I John 1:2-6
-You are born again by the Word: I Peter 1:23; Psalm 119:41
-The Word bears record of the truth of the Gospel: I John 5:7
-You are sanctified by the Word: I Timothy 4:5
-There is hope in His Word: Psalm 130:5; 119:49, 81
-There is healing in His Word: Psalm 107:20
-It keeps you from the path of the destroyer: Psalm 17:4
-It is spirit and life: John 6:63
-It brings joy and rejoicing: Jeremiah 15:16
-Faith is increased by the Word: Romans 10:17
-It brings comfort: I Thessalonians 4:18: Psalm 119:50, 52
-It brings spiritual nourishment: I Timothy 4:6
-It brings answered prayer: John 15:7
-It is the key to success: Joshua 1:8
-If you hear and keep it you are blessed: Luke 11:28
-It is profitable for spiritual growth: II Timothy 3:16-17
-It brings blessings when it is kept and cursings when it is not kept: Deuteronomy 28
-It is a weapon in the time of temptation: Matthew 4
-It converts the soul: Psalm 19:7
-It makes wise the simple: Psalm 19:7
-It enlightens: Psalm 19:8
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-It warns: Psalm 19:11
-Keeping the Word brings great reward: Psalm 19:11
-It permits access to Heaven: Revelation 22:14
-It brings the blessing of walking in righteousness: Psalm 119:1-3
-It makes you wiser than your enemies, teachers, and the ancients: Psalm 119:98-104
-It quickens: Psalm 119:25
-It strengthens: Psalm 119:28
-It is the basis of God's mercy towards you: Psalm 119:58
-It brings delight: Psalm 119:92
-It gives the simple understanding: Psalm 119:130, 169; 104
-It brings deliverance: Psalm 119:170
THE WORD IS NOT VOID
As we have seen, there are many purposes for God's Word. The Bible teaches that the
Word will accomplish the purposes for which it exists. Read Isaiah 55:11. Here God
says that His Word will not return void which means that God does not make empty
promises. What He says will happen. Every word of the Bible was written for a purpose
and that purpose will be accomplished.
SYMBOLS OF THE WORD
The Bible uses many different symbols to describe the Word of God. A symbol is
something that represents something else. For example, each star in the flag of the United
States of America represents one of the 50 states which make up that nation. The star is a
symbol of a state. The following are symbols used in the Bible to describe God's Word.
Look up each verse and read it in your Bible:
A Mirror: James 1:23-27
When you look into a mirror in the natural world, it reflects your physical image. When
you look into God's Word, just like a mirror, the Bible reflects your true spiritual
condition.
A Laver: Ephesians 5:26-27
A laver is the Biblical term for a basin which holds water used for cleansing. The water
of the Word of God cleanses you spiritually.
A Lamp: Psalm 119:105
A Light: Psalm 119:105,130; Proverbs 6:23
Both a lamp and light give guidance. They enable you to see in the dark. The Word of
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God provides spiritual guidance and helps you find your way out of the darkness of sin.
Rain: Isaiah 55:10-11
Water: Ephesians 5:26
Both rain and water are refreshing. The Word of God is compared to rain and water
because it refreshes you spiritually.
Food: Jeremiah 15:16; I Peter 2:1-2; I Corinthians 3:1-2; Hebrews 5:12-14
A Diet: Hebrews 5:12
The Bible is compared to food which quenches natural hunger because it quenches
spiritual hunger. Just as food permits natural growth, the Bible permits spiritual growth.
Some parts of the Bible are called the milk of the Word because they are easily
understood. Other portions are called the meat of the Word because the passages are
more difficult to understand. God wants you to progress from the milk to the meat of His
Word. Learning how to study the Bible will help you accomplish this objective.
A Fire: Jeremiah 23:29; 20:9
In the natural world a fire is used to refine precious metals. The fire burns out all the
impurities. God's Word acts as a fire in your spiritual life to burn out impure thoughts,
words, and deeds.
A Hammer: Jeremiah 23:29
A hammer can break rock in pieces. The Word of God can take sin-hardened hearts,
break them, and make them pliable in the hands of God.
A Scalpel: Hebrews 4:12
A scalpel is a sharp knife used by doctors for surgery to cure illness. God's Word
performs spiritual surgery. It corrects spiritual sickness. It removes spiritual growths and
infections from your life.
A Sword: Ephesians 6:17
A sword in the natural world is a weapon. The Word of God is your spiritual sword. It is
a weapon to use against your spiritual enemy, Satan.
Medicine: Psalm 119:25
Just as medicine in the natural world cures physical illness, God's Word works as a
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medicine to cure spiritual sickness.
Seed: Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15; I Peter 1:23; James 1:18
God's Word is like seed. When it is planted in your heart--if it finds receptive ground--it
will grow and produce spiritual fruit in your life.
Honey: Psalm 19:10
Honey is a very sweet substance in the natural world. God's Word is compared to honey
because it is sweet spiritually. Studying God's Word brings spiritual sweetness in your
life.
Gold: Psalm 19:9-10
In the natural world, gold is one of the most precious metals. The Bible is compared to
gold because of its spiritual value.
DESCRIPTION OF THE WORD
In addition to these symbols, the Bible provides other descriptions of God's Word. It is:
-The Spirit of Life: John 6:63
-The words of eternal life: John 6:68
-Precious: I Samuel 3:1
-Pure: Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 12:6; 19:7; 119:140
-Truth and soberness: Acts 26:25
-Truth: John 17:17; Colossians 1:5; Psalm 119:142
-True from the beginning: Psalm 119:160
-Tried: Psalm 18:3
-Right: Psalm 33:4; 19:8; 119:75
-The Word of life: I John 1:1; Philippians 2:6
-The Word of salvation: Acts 13:26
-The Word of faith: Romans 10:8
-Perfect: Psalm 19:7
-Counselor: Psalm 119:24
-Faithful: Psalm 119:86
-Settled: Psalm 119:89
-Heritage: Psalm 119:111
-Word of righteousness: Psalm 119:123
-Righteous and very faithful: Psalm 119:138
-Upright: Psalm 119:137
-Delight: Psalm 119:143
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RESPONSE TO THE WORD
It is not enough to hear, read, or study God's Word. The Bible teaches that you must
respond to God's Word. You are to:
-Let it fall upon good ground in your heart: Mark 4, Luke 8, Matthew 13
-Hear it and do it to be wise: John 12:47
-Keep the Word: John 14:23
-Believe on Jesus in order for God's Word to abide in you: John 5:38
-Continue in His Word: John 8:31
-Not live only on physical food, but also for the Word: Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4;
Deuteronomy 8:3
-Praise His Word: Psalm 56:4, 10
-Give thanks for it: Psalm 119:62
-Magnify His Word even above His name: Psalm 138:2
-Engraft His Word in your heart: James 1:21
-Be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only: James 1:22-23
-Ask forgiveness for sin so His Word can abide in you: I John 1:10
-Desire the milk of His Word: I Peter 2:2
-Let the Word of God dwell in you richly: Colossians 3:16
-Rightly divide the Word of God: II Timothy 2:5
-Search the Scriptures: John 5:39; Acts 17:11
-Declare His Word: Psalm 119:26-27
-Choose His Word: Psalm 119:30
-Stick to His Word: Psalm 119:31
-Run the way of His Word: Psalm 119:32
-Keep it: Psalm 119:33
-Observe it: Psalm 119:34
-Delight in it: Psalm 119:35; 70; 77; 143; 174
-Incline your heart unto it: Psalm 119:36
-Desire to have it established in your life: Psalm 119:38
-Long after it: Psalm 119:40
-Use it to answer others: Psalm 119:42
-Hope in it: Psalm 119:43, 47
-Keep it forever: Psalm 119:44
-Seek His precepts: Psalm 119:45
-Be willing to speak it before leaders: Psalm 119:46
-Meditate on it: Psalm 119:48; 78; 148
-Not decline from it: Psalm 119:52
-Walk according to its teachings: Psalm 119:59
-Not delay to keep His Word: Psalm 119:60
-Not forget it: Psalm 119:61, 83, 93, 153, 176
-Choose companions who also fear the Word and keep it: Psalm 119:63
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-Believe it: Psalm 119:66; 128
-Keep it with your whole heart: Psalm 119:69
-Value it more than gold and silver: Psalm 119:72
-Desire to learn it: Psalm 119:73
-Hope in the Word: Psalm 119:74; 81
-Find comfort in it: Psalm 119:76;82
-Desire for it to change your heart: Psalm 119:80
-Not forsake it: Psalm 119:87
-Seek after it: Psalm 119:94
-Consider it: Psalm 119:95
-Long for God's Word: Psalm 119:131
-Order your steps in the Word: Psalm 119:133
-Be grieved when God's Word is not honored: Psalm 119:136; 158
-Stand in awe of God's Word: Psalm 119:161
-Love it: Psalm 119:163, 165, 167
-Speak His Word: Psalm 119:172
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORD
In addition to making the proper response to God's Word, you have a responsibility for
the Word of God. The early Church assumed this responsibility as they went everywhere
preaching the Word of God (Acts 8;4; 13:49; 12:24). They asked God for boldness to
speak the Word (Acts 4:29 and 31) and the Word of God increased throughout the world
because of their efforts (Acts 6:7; 19:20)
Here is what the Bible reveals about YOUR responsibility for the Word of God:
-You are to preach His Word throughout the world: Matthew 16:15; Luke 24:47;
Mark 16:15.
-If you are taught in God's Word then you have a responsibility to teach others:
Galatians 6:6.
-You are to preach the Word: II Timothy 4:2
-You are to speak His Word without fear: Philippians 1:4.
-God puts His Word in you so you can speak it to others: Deuteronomy 18:18-19;
Isaiah 51:16; Jeremiah 1:9; 3:12; 5:14; 26:12; Ezekiel 2:6-7.
-You should not speak your own words but you should speak His words: Isaiah 58:13
-You are not to be ashamed of the Word: Mark 8:38
-You are to teach it to your children: Deuteronomy 6:6-9
WARNINGS IN THE WORD
Here are some warnings God gives concerning His Word:
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-Persecution comes because the Word of God is preached: Mark 4:7
-Some people will even be killed because of their witness for the Word:
Revelation 6:9; 20:4.
-The Word can be ineffective in your life because of traditions of man: Mark 7:13.
-You can pervert the Word of the Lord: Jeremiah 23:36.
-You can corrupt the Word of the Lord: II Corinthians 2:17
-You can use the Word deceitfully: II Corinthians 4:2
The Bible says not to listen to every word you hear: Proverbs 14:15. (This means that
every one who claims to speak God's Word is not really doing so.) There are false
teachers who do not teach the true Word of God (Jude l). You are to withdraw yourself
from these people (I Timothy 6:3-5. False teachers do not speak the true Word of God.
They speak their own words. They also speak:
Lying words: Jeremiah 29:23
Vain words: Ephesians 5:6
Enticing words: Colossians 2:4
Flattering words: I Thessalonians 2:5
Vain babblings: I Timothy 6:21
Feigned words: II Peter 2:3
Swelling words: II Peter 2:18; Jude 16
Malicious words: III John 10
In conclusion, the Bible gives a final warning regarding the Word in Revelation 22:18-19:
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this
book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the
plagues that are written in this book.
And if any man shall take away from the words the book of this prophecy,
God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city
and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. List at least five symbols used in the Bible to represent the Word of God.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Many purposes for the Word of God were listed in this chapter. Can you list at
least three of them?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Why are you not to believe every word you hear?
________________________________________________________________________
5. What warning is given to those who add to God's Word?
________________________________________________________________________
6. What warning is given to those who take away from what is written in God's
Word?
________________________________________________________________________
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7. Who is the source of the Word?________________________________________
8. Whose words did Jesus speak?__________________________________________
9. The two main divisions of Bible content are the__________and the_________of
the Word.
10. According to the Biblical record, who was the first man to write down God's
Words?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Of all the chapters in the Bible, Psalm 119 speaks most frequently about the Word of
God. It is also the longest chapter in the Bible.
There are several different words used to refer to God's Word in this chapter. Each time
they are used they add to our knowledge of His Word. Read Psalm 119 and underline the
following words each time they occur:
-word
-words
-judgments
-statutes
-precepts
-law
-commandments
-thy way
-thy testimonies
After you underline each use of these words in Psalm 119, read the chapter once again
and create a chart to summarize your study. Follow the pattern below. List each verse
number that contains one or more of these words and then summarize what the verse
teaches about God's Word.
Continue this pattern:
Verse Number Summary
1 We are blessed if we walk in His law.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER TEN
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C List the steps of the devotional method of Bible study.
C Do a devotional Bible study.
KEY VERSE:
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
(Psalm 119:148)
INTRODUCTION
The first method of Bible study which you will learn is called the devotional method.
This chapter defines, explains, and presents an example of a devotional Bible study. The
"For Further Study" section provides an opportunity to apply what you have learned by
actually doing a devotional study.
THE METHOD DEFINED
The devotional method gets its name from the word "devotion" which means "dedication,
consecration, worship, and sincere attachment to a cause or person." The devotional
method of Bible study increases dedication and consecration to God. It leads to worship
and a deeper personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
This method involves not only study of God's Word but also the application of its truths.
It is against this method that Satan raises his greatest opposition. Satan is not concerned
about study just to gain knowledge. He is vitally concerned when Bible study results in
application which brings positive changes in your spiritual life. It is not enough to just be
"hearers of the Word." A person who is a hearer of the Word is one who studies God's
Word but never applies the Word to his life:
But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves.
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For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man
beholding his natural face in a glass;
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth
what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he
being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed
in his deed. (James 1:22-25)
You will learn many methods of Bible study in this course but each method should result
in application. Whether you do a book, chapter, verse, word, or any other study, you
should always apply what you learn to your life and ministry.
THE METHOD EXPLAINED
Use the form provided in the "For Further Study" section of this lesson to do your
devotional study. Here are the steps for doing the study:
STEP ONE: RECORD PASSAGE INFORMATION
Record the name of the book in which the passage you are studying is found. Then
record the chapter and verse numbers you have selected to study.
STEP TWO: IDENTIFY THE SUBJECT
Read the portion of Scripture which you have selected to study. Select a title that
summarizes the subject and record it on your chart.
STEP THREE: IDENTIFY THE KEY VERSE
Which verse provides the best summary of the Scripture portion you are studying? Write
the verse and reference on your chart.
STEP FOUR: SUMMARIZE
In your own words, summarize what the portion of Scriptures teaches.
1. Outline the main points covered.
2. Use a chart to summarize the passage.
3. Make a brief summary statement.
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Side One:
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee.
Side Two:
Psalm 119:11
4. Paraphrase the passage. Paraphrasing is when you take a verse and summarize it
in your own words. Follow the text, but put it in the language of today. (See the
example section of this chapter).
STEP FIVE: MEDITATE
It is important to read and study the Bible but you must also learn to meditate on God's
Word. The word "meditate" means to think, dwell on, and ponder. After you select a
Bible portion to study, identify its subject and key verse, and summarize its teachings,
then meditate on the passage.
God told Joshua that meditating on His Word was the key to success:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to
all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and
then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)
Read slowly through the passage. Read it aloud. Imagine the Lord speaking to you
personally with this passage. Consider what it says to you personally by using some of
the questions suggested under Step Six in this lesson.
One important way to meditate on the Word is to memorize it. When you memorize
portions you are able to recall them at any time and think about them. The key verse you
select is a good portion to memorize. Make some note cards as illustrated below. Write
the verse on one side of the card. Write the reference where the verse is found on the
other side of the card:
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Read the verse several times aloud and then try to repeat it without looking at the card.
After you say the verse check your card to see if you have said it correctly. Look at the
reference side of the card and try to say the verse. Look at the verse side of the card and
try to remember the reference. Save your Scripture memory cards and continue to review
and meditate on them.
STEP SIX: MAKE APPLICATION
Now you are ready to apply what you have learned during meditation. Application is
when you personally apply to your life and ministry the truths you have learned.
Sometimes you cannot immediately apply everything you learn, but begin to apply all you
can. God will help you apply the truth of His Word even if it means you must take one
small step at a time in the process of application.
The following questions will help you apply God's Word to your life:
Example to follow:
Is there an example to follow in this portion of Scripture?
Error to avoid:
Is there an error or sin which should be avoided?
Duty to perform:
Does this portion of Scripture call for action. Are you told to do something? If so, what
action are you to take?
Promise to claim:
Is there a promise in this passage which you can claim?
Relationship to develop:
What does this passage teach about your relationship with God through Jesus Christ?
What does it teach about God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit? What
does it teach about your relationship with others in your family, community, church
congregation, and the world. What does it teach about your relationship with yourself?
Changes to make:
What changes should you make in your life in view of what you have learned in this
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Scripture portion? Be specific.
Prayer to pray:
Pray a personal prayer regarding this passage. Ask God to help you apply the truths you
have learned. Prayer personalizes the principles taught in God's Word. You may even
want to write out your prayer as in the example provided in this chapter.
EXAMPLE OF THE DEVOTIONAL METHOD
STEP ONE: RECORD PASSAGE INFORMATION
Book: Galatians
Chapter: 5
Verses: 16-25
STEP TWO: IDENTIFY THE SUBJECT
Subject: Works of the Flesh and Fruit of the Spirit
STEP THREE: IDENTIFY THE KEY VERSE
Key Verse: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
STEP FOUR: SUMMARIZE
l. The following is an example of an outline summary:
WORKS OF THE FLESH AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
I. The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. Those
who live in the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Fleshly works
include:
A. Adultery
B. Fornication
C. Uncleanness
D. Lasciviousness
E. Idolatry
F. Witchcraft
G. Hatred
H. Variance
I. Emulations
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J. Wrath
K. Strife
L. Seditions
M. Heresies
N. Envyings
O. Murders
P. Drunkenness
Q. Revellings
II. The fruit of the Holy Spirit which God desires to give us contrasts the
works of the flesh:
A. Love
B. Joy
C. Peace
D. Longsuffering
E. Gentleness
F. Goodness
G. Faith
H. Meekness
I. Temperance
III. We are to:
A. Walk in the spirit (verse 16,25)
B. Be led of the spirit (verse 18)
C. Live in the spirit (verse 25)
2. The following is an example of a summarizing chart:
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WORKS OF THE FLESH AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:16-25
Works of the Flesh Fruit of the Spirit
(Fulfilling Lusts) (Living in the Spirit)
Adultery Love
Fornication Joy
Uncleanness Peace
Lasciviousness Longsuffering
Idolatry Gentleness
Witchcraft Goodness
Hatred Faith
Variance Meekness
Emulations Temperance
Wrath
Strife
Seditions
Heresies
Envyings
Murders
Drunkenness
Revellings
3. Here is an example of a summary statement:
This passage presents two contrasts: The lusts of the flesh and the fruit of
the Holy Spirit. If we belong to Jesus, we are to crucify the lusts of the
flesh and live, walk, and be led by the Holy Spirit. The works of the flesh
are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft,
hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy ,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
4. Here is an example of a paraphrase of Galatians 5:24-25:
"Those who belong to Christ have destroyed the desires, loves, and lusts of
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the flesh. If we claim that the Holy Spirit lives in us, then we should act
like it!"
STEP FIVE: MEDITATE
Verses to memorize and meditate on: Verses 16-18 and 25-26. Also memorize the list of
spiritual fruit which God wants to develop in my life. Meditate and study on the meaning
of each fruit of the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to be gentle, good, meek, temperate,
etc?
STEP SIX: MAKE APPLICATION
Example to follow: Developing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Error to avoid: Works of the flesh.
Duty to perform:
Walk in the Spirit (verses 16,25)
Be led of the Spirit (verse 18)
Live in the Spirit (verse 25)
Promise to claim: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of
the flesh." Verse 16.
Relationships to develop: My relationships with others should demonstrate love,
longsuffering, gentleness, meekness. I need to develop joy, peace, goodness, faith, and
temperance in every area of my life. I learned that God wants my relationship to Him to
be based on holiness in conduct. If I truly belong to Christ it will affect my relationship
to others, myself, and God.
Changes to make: The three areas I need most to change:
Temperance: Control my appetite. Develop self control and discipline.
Faith: Be more believing of God's promises.
Love: Show love to those around me who are unlovable.
Prayer to pray:
Dear Heavenly Father:Help me walk in your Spirit, be led of your Spirit, and live
each moment in your Spirit. Cleanse my life from the works of the flesh. Help me
to crucify worldly desires. Develop the beautiful fruit of the Holy Spirit in me.
In Jesus name, amen.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the devotional method of Bible study?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. List the six steps of the devotional method.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What does it mean to be a "doer of the Word" and not a “hearer” only? Give a
Scripture reference to support your answer.
________________________________________________________________________
5. Why does Satan fight the use of the devotional method of Bible study?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Study Philippians 4:4-9 using the devotional method of Bible study. Use this form to do
this and other devotional Bible studies.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY
Book: Chapter: Verses: Subject:
Key Verse:
Summary:
Meditation:
Application:
Example to follow:
Error to avoid:
Duty to perform:
Promise to claim:
Relationship to develop:
Changes to make:
Prayer to pray:
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
BOOK STUDY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Explain how to do a Bible book study.
C Do a Bible book study.
C Create a book study chart.
C Create an outline of a book of the Bible.
KEY VERSE:
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto
according to thy Word. (Psalm 119:9)
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter you will learn how to survey an entire book of the Bible. You will also
learn how to create a chart and an outline to summarize your studies. An example of the
book study method is included and you are given the opportunity to do such a study in the
"For Further Study" section of this chapter. In following chapters you will learn how to
study the chapters, paragraphs, verses, and words of a book.
A book survey is an example of "synthetic" Bible study. This word means to study
something as a whole to gain a general knowledge of its content. Later, when we divide
a book into chapters, paragraphs, verses, and words, we will be doing "analytical" Bible
study. To analyze something is to separate it into its various parts and examine each
individually. An analytical study is more detailed than a synthetic study.
DEFINITION OF THE METHOD
A book study is important because the chapters, paragraphs, verses, and words of a book
must be interpreted in proper context. A book study provides knowledge of this context.
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EXPLANATION OF THE METHOD
Here are three steps to study a book of the Bible:
STEP ONE: INITIAL SURVEY:
Read the entire book at one sitting to identify the theme (subject) of the book. Choose a
title that summarizes the theme. You will use this title on the Book Study Chart. This
will also become the title of your outline.
Determine the purpose for which the book was written, to whom it was written, and the
author. Some books state the name of the author but for the names of others you will
need to consult an outside Bible study resource.* Each author had a special reason for
writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This purpose is usually reflected in the
content of the book.
Determine the geographic setting of the book. This is where the events occurred. Record
this on the Book Study Chart.
Summarize the basic life and ministry principle in one sentence. This is the basic truth of
the book which is applicable to your life or ministry. There are many principles taught in
a single book, but try to determine the most important for this summary statement.
Remember, the chapter divisions in the Bible are not divinely inspired. They were made
by man for ease in locating specific passages in the Bible. When you read the entire book
without chapter divisions you are reviewing the message as it was originally given.
In this first reading do not be concerned with details. Survey the book for general
information: Theme, author, purpose, to whom, geographic setting, and basic life and
ministry principle. Read quickly to gain an overview of the entire book. Do not stop and
analyze what you are reading. You will do that later.
___________
* If you do not have access to Bible study materials, this information is given in the Harvestime International
Institute course entitled "Basic Bible Survey."
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STEP TWO: BOOK STUDY CHART:
Read the book a second time. Note the major divisions of the book. These divisions may
be determined by subject matter, events, biographical material, geographical settings, or
other such factors.
Create titles for each chapter of the book. The chapter title should reflect the general
content of a chapter but it should not be so general that it could fit any chapter of the
Bible. Think of titles as handles with which to grasp the content of the chapter. Keep
them short so they are easy to remember. Enter these chapter titles on the Book Study
Chart.
Select the key verse of the book. The key verse should be one that best summarizes the
purpose or content of the book. Enter the reference on the Book Study Chart.
As you read, list the names of major characters in the space provided on the chart. This
list will provide a selection from which to do biographical studies. You will learn how to
do such studies later in this course.
Record key words and phrases on the chart. Key words and phrases are those basic to
understanding the book. They are often repeated frequently or explained in detail in the
book. You can use this list for word studies which you will learn how to do later in this
course.
STEP THREE: BOOK OUTLINE:
The final step in book study is to create an outline. Read the book again. As you read,
create an outline of the entire book. Some of the division and chapter titles on your Book
Study Chart will become main points in your outline. The purpose of your outline is to
summarize the entire content of the book.
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
STEP ONE: INITIAL SURVEY:
Book: The book selected for survey is Philippians.
Theme: The theme of the book is an appeal for Christian unity.
Author: The author of the book is the Apostle Paul.
Written To: The book was written to the Christians in the city of Philippi.
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Purpose: The general purpose of the book was twofold: It was to thank the Philippians
for their support of his ministry and appeal for Christian unity.
Key Words: Rejoice, joy.
Key Verse: Philippians 2:2
Characters: Euodias, Syntyce, Timotheus, Epaphroditus, Clement, Caesar's household.
Life And Ministry Principle: The basic life and ministry principle is unity brings joy.
STEP TWO: BOOK STUDY CHART:
Author: Paul
To: Believers at Philippi
Purpose: To thank them for support and appeal for Christian unity
Key Words: Rejoice, joy
Key Verse: Philippians 2:2
Characters: Euodias, Syntyce, Timotheus, Clement Epaphroditus, Caesar's
household
Life And Ministry Principle: Christian unity brings joy.
BOOK
BOOK STUDY CHART
Name Of Book: Philippians
Title For Chart: An Appeal For Christian Unity
1 2 3 4 5
Chapter Titles
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STEP THREE: BOOK OUTLINE:
Philippians: An Appeal For Christian Unity
I. Introduction:
A. Greeting 1:1-2
1. From Paul and Timotheus.
2. To: Saints in Christ Jesus, bishops, and deacons at Philippi.
B. Prayer for Philippians 1:3-11
C. Personal matters 1:12-26
1. Events which have served to spread the Gospel 1:12-18
2. Faith that he will be released 1:19-21
3. His questioning as to whether it is best to live or die 1:22-26
II. Exhortations for unity 1:27-2:18
A. Appeal for unity in suffering 1:27-30
B. Unity in Christ 2:1-11
C. Spiritual growth brings unity 2:12-18
III. Paul's plans 2:19-30
A. Hopes to send Timothy 2:19-23
B. Hopes to come himself 2:24
C. Is sending Epaproditus 2:25-30
IV. Warnings 3:1-4:1
A. Against Judaizing teachers 3:1-16
B. Against false teachers 3:17-21
V. Exhortations 4:1-9
A. Unity between Euodias and Syntyce 4:1-3
B. Unity in joy 4:4
C. Unity in moderation 4:5
D. Unity in prayer 4:6
E. Unity in mind 4:7-8
F. Unity between knowledge and actions 4:9
VI. Thanks for their gift 4:10-20
VII. Benediction 4:21-23
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Write the number of the definition in front of the type of study it best describes.
Type Of Study Definition
____Analytical Bible Study 1. To survey something for general content;
a book survey.
____Synthetic Bible Study 2. To study the individual parts in detail.
3. List the three steps of the Book Study Method.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What are six basic things to record when doing the initial survey of a book?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Do a book study of one of the New Testament books. For your first study we suggest that
you choose one of the shorter books. Use the steps of the book study method which you
learned in this chapter. Summarize your study with a book chart and outline. Use the
following form as a guide for this and future book studies. If the book contains more
chapters than space provides on the form, you will need to use more than one form in
order to complete your study.
BOOK
BOOK STUDY CHART
Name Of Book: Title For Chart:
Chapter Numbers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Chapter Titles
Author:
To:
Purpose:
Key Words:
Key Verse:
Characters:
Life And Ministry Principle
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CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER STUDY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C List four steps in the chapter study method.
C Study the Bible by chapters.
C Create a chapter chart to summarize your studies.
C Create a chapter outline.
KEY VERSE:
Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
(Psalm 119:11)
INTRODUCTION
In the last chapter you learned how to survey an entire book of the Bible. You will now
learn how to study an individual chapter within a book of the Bible. An example of
chapter study is provided and you are given the opportunity to do such a study in the "For
Further Study" section of this lesson.
THE METHOD DEFINED
Chapter study is exactly what the title conveys. It is the study of God's Word chapter by
chapter.
THE METHOD EXPLAINED
STEP ONE: SELECT A CHAPTER TITLE
Record on the Chapter Study Chart the name of the book and chapter number you are
studying. Read the entire chapter and give it a title which reflects its content. (If you
have done a book survey, you will have already selected a chapter title. Chapter Eleven
on book study explains how to select chapter titles).
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STEP TWO: MARK PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS
Mark the paragraph divisions within the chapter. In some Bibles the paragraphs are
marked with a special paragraph mark (¶). In other Bibles they are marked with a
boldface verse number. (Boldface means that the number is darker than the numbers in
front of other verses.) If your Bible has neither paragraph marks or boldface markings
then you must determine the paragraph divisions yourself. To do this you must know the
definition of a paragraph:
"A paragraph is a group of verses which relate to the same subject matter.
When the subject changes, then a new paragraph has begun."
Mark the paragraph divisions in your Bible by drawing a circle around the verse number
where each paragraph begins.
STEP THREE: CREATE A CHAPTER STUDY CHART
On the Chapter Study Chart record the title of the chapter. List the verses of the
paragraph divisions (see example). Then give each paragraph a title which reflects the
content of that paragraph. Use the column with the heading "Notes" to record your
thoughts about the relation between parts of the chapter (see example). These notes will
assist you in creating the chapter outline.
STEP FOUR: CREATE A CHAPTER OUTLINE
In the last chapter you learned how to outline an entire book of the Bible. Now you will
do a more detailed outline of one chapter. You already selected a title for the chapter
when you did the chapter chart. Use this for the title of your outline.
Use the paragraph divisions and paragraph titles for the main points. Then select
subpoints and outline the verses in each paragraph of the chapter. Record the verse
numbers by the points and subpoints. Also include any other Bible references which
relate to the subject and explain it more fully (see example). If the number of paragraphs
exceeds the spaces on the chapter study form use additional forms. For long chapters in
the Bible you may use several forms.
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
We have selected the book of Jude, which is a book with only one chapter, to use as an
example of the chapter study method.
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Chapter Study Chart
Book: Jude Chapter: One Chapter Title: Warning Ag ainst Fa lse Teachers
Verses Paragraph Title Notes
1-2 Introduction Jude author
3 Purpose Contend fo r faith
4 Certain M en Five identifying characteristics
5-7 Historical Record Israel, Angels, Sodom/Gom orrah
8-10 Description Begun Five more characteristics
11 Desc riptio n by E xample Cain, Balaam, Core
12-13 Description by Comparison Spots in feasts, clouds, tree s,
waves, stars
14-15 Future Judgment By L ord an d sa ints,
prophesied by Enoch
16 Description Continued Five more characteristics
17-18 Remember the Words Warning by Jesus
19 Description Continued Three more characteristics
20-21 Avoiding Deception A four point plan
22-23 How To Deal W ith Them Two categories
24-25 Benediction We ca n b e kept from these e vils
STEP ONE: SELECT A CHAPTER TITLE
The title selected for the one chapter in Jude is "Warning Against False Teachers."
STEP TWO: MARK PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS
The chapter was divided into paragraphs starting with verses 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16,
17, 19, 20, 22, 24. These verses were circled in the Bible to mark the paragraph
divisions.
STEP THREE: CREATE A CHAPTER STUDY CHART
Here is an example of a chapter study chart:
STEP FOUR: CREATE A CHAPTER OUTLINE
Here is the chapter outline we created from our study of Jude:
Chapter Outline Of Jude: Warning Against False Teachers
I. Introduction: Greeting 1:1-2
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A. From: Jude
1. Brother of James.
2. Bond servant of Jesus Christ.
B. To:
1. Sanctified by God.
2. Preserved in Christ.
3. Called.
II. Purpose: 1:3
A. Original purpose: Common salvation.
B. Revised purpose: Exhortation that they earnestly contend for the faith.
III. Characteristics of "certain men" (false teachers): 1:4
A. Crept in unawares.
B. Ordained to condemnation.
C. Ungodly men.
D. Turning God's grace to lasciviousness.
E. Denying the Lord Jesus Christ.
IV. Three historical records: 1:5-7
A. Israel: Once saved, afterward destroyed: 5 (Numbers 13-14 and
I Corinthians 10:5-10)
B. Angels: Left first estate, reserved in chains: 6 (II Peter 2:4)
C. Sodom and Gomorrah: Sin resulted in punishment by fire: 7
(Genesis 18-19)
V. Description of false teachers 1:8-10 (continued description from verse 4)
A. Filthy dreamers: 8
B. Defile the flesh: 8
C. Despise dominion: 8
D. Speak evil of dignities: 8-9
1. Michael the archangel did not dare to speak evil even against the
Devil.
2. These men speak evil of things they know not.
E. Corrupt natural things: 10
VI. Description of these evil men by example: 1:11
A. Way of Cain: Rejected the blood as necessary for remission of sin.
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(Genesis 4)
B. Error of Balaam: Ministry for financial gain. (Numbers 22-24)
C. Gainsaying of Core: Denying God's designated leadership.(Numbers 16)
VII. Description of these evil men by metaphor (comparison to natural examples)
1:12-13
A. Spots: Actually means "stones" in your feasts; stone in food.
B. Clouds: Promising much but delivering nothing; easily driven this way and
that.
C. Trees: Without fruit, no roots or stability; twice dead: Once in sin and
secondly in hypocrisy.
D. Waves: Boisterous, noisy, but accomplishing nothing.
E. Stars: Look bright, but reserved unto darkness.
VIII. Future judgment prophesied by Enoch: 1:14-15 (Genesis 5:18-24)
A. Judged by the Lord with 10,000 saints.
B. For all their ungodly deeds committed.
C. For all their hard speeches spoken against Him.
IX. Description of evil men continued: 1:16-17
A. Murmurers.
B. Complainers.
C. Walking after their own lusts.
D. Mouth speaking swelling words (boasters).
E. Have respect of persons, thinking some better than others because of
wealth, position, etc.
X. Remember: Jesus warned: 18-19
A. Mockers would come in the last time.
B. They would walk after their own ungodly lusts.
C. They would separate themselves (groups, cliques).
D. They would be sensual.
E. They would not have the Spirit of God.
XI. Four point plan for avoiding being deceived by these evil men: 1:20-21
A. Build up yourself in the faith: 20
B. Pray in the Holy Ghost: 20
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C. Keep yourself in the love of God: 21
D. Look for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ: 21
XII. Our response to these evil men: 1:22-23:
A. On some have compassion: 22
1. Make a difference between these who are weak and the willfully evil
(see following verse).
B. Others save with fear: 23
1. Pull them out of the fire of sin/Hell.
2. Hate even the garments spotted by flesh.
XIII. Closing benediction: 1:24-25
A. He is able to keep us from falling: 24
1. To present us faultless.
2. Before the presence of His glory.
3. With exceeding great joy.
B. To the only wise God our Savior, now and forever: 25
1. Glory.
2. Majesty.
3. Dominion.
4. Power.
USING QUESTIONS
Learning to ask questions will help you do detailed studies of Bible passages. The
following list of questions concerns the one chapter of the book of Jude used as an
example in this lesson. This list is an example of how learning to question can lead you
into more detailed study of God's Word.
Verses l-2:
Who is the author of the epistle?
What relationship to Jesus is stated?
What is the relationship to James?
What are the three ways in which Jude identifies his readers as Christians?
What does "kept" mean?
Since he is writing to those who are "kept" does this mean there are some who are called
and beloved but not kept in Jesus?
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Verse 3:
What does the "common salvation" mean?
What in Jude 3 indicates that the Holy Spirit changed Jude's mind about the subject of this
letter?
What was he originally going to write about?
Who are the saints?
Verse 4:
Why is Jude warning them to contend for the faith?
What does "contend" mean?
Does the text indicate these false teachers would soon come or had already come?
Where had these ungodly men crept into?
What two words describe Jesus Christ?
What three things describe these ungodly men?
Verses 5-8:
What are the two facts about Israel mentioned in verse 5?
How do they relate to Jude's subject?
Who is the chief angel among those described in verse 6.
What is meant by the "great day"?
To what must "eternal fire" refer?
Verses 9-10:
Who was Michael?
Why did Michael not accuse the Devil?
What was the dispute between Michael and the Devil?
Who are the ones in verse 10 who speak evil?
Verse 11:
What three examples of punishment are given in this verse?
What was Cain's sin?
What was Balaam's sin?
What was Korah's sin?
What are the three words (verbs, action words) which describe the actions of the ungodly
men?
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Verses 12-13:
Jude compares these ungodly men with things from nature. What are they?
What is similar about the waves, clouds, and stars as described?
Verses 14-16:
Who was Enoch?
What in verse 16 might tempt a person to show respect of persons?
Verse 17-19:
What in verse 17 in similar to verse l?
What is similar in verse 17 to verse 5?
How many times is the word "ungodly" used in verses 15 and 18?
Verse 20-23:
Who is responsible for having faith according to verse 20?
What does the word "building" infer as to the speed of attaining full maturity in Christian
life?
Who is responsible for keeping us in the love of God?
Verses 24-25:
Who is able to keep us from falling?
What does it mean to be presented before God faultless?
What qualities of God are mentioned in verse 25?
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the chapter study method of Bible study?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. List the four steps of the chapter study method of Bible study.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Use what you have learned in this chapter to do a study on II Peter 2. This chapter
concerns the same subject as the chapter in Jude which was used as an example in
this lesson.
Use the blank chapter study form provided on the next page. Make copies of this
form to use in future chapter studies.
2. Make a list of questions from II Peter 2. This list will help you in the more detailed
studies of paragraphs, verses, and words which you are to learn in the following
chapters.
3. Read through the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Write down all the
questions asked by Jesus and observe how He used questions to help others learn.
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CHAPTER STUDY
BOOK:__________________________________________________________________
CHAPTER:______________________________________________________________
CHAPTER TITLE:________________________________________________________
Verses Paragraph Title Notes
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
PARAGRAPH STUDY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Explain how to do a paragraph study.
C Do a paragraph study.
C Create a paragraph chart to summarize your studies.
C Outline a paragraph in the Bible.
KEY VERSE:
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the
simple. (Psalm 119:130)
INTRODUCTION
You have learned how to survey a book of the Bible and study a chapter within that book.
When you studied a chapter you divided it into paragraphs. Now you will learn how to
study the paragraphs. An example of paragraph study is provided and you are given the
opportunity to do such a study in the "For Further Study" section of this lesson.
PARAGRAPH STUDY
STEP ONE: DO A CHAPTER STUDY:
As you have learned, each chapter of the Bible is composed of paragraphs. Paragraphs
are groups of verses about the same subject. When the subject changes, a new paragraph
begins. As you study a chapter you will note important paragraphs or paragraphs that
seem to relate to one another. These are possibilities for paragraph studies.
STEP TWO: OBSERVE THE DETAILS:
The paragraphs in a chapter can relate to each other in different ways. Here are some
special things to observe as you study paragraphs:
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Connectives:
Words called "connectives" are very important. They reveal relationships within and
between paragraphs. The word "but" is a connective and introduces a contrast. For
example:
But these speak evil of those things which they know not; But what they
know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
(Jude 1:10)
There is a contrast in this paragraph. False teachers speak evil of things they do not know
BUT they also corrupt the things they do know. The verse begins with the word "but"
which should make you look back to verse 9 to see what the contrast is:
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about
the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said,
The Lord rebuke thee. (Jude 1:9)
Verse 10 contrasts false teachers who speak evil of dignities with the archangel Michael.
Even though he held a great position, he did not accuse the devil but said "The Lord
rebuke thee." The connective word "or" indicates a contrast. For example:
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing,
whether it be good OR whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Other connective words to watch for are "like" and "as.” Instead of a contrast these words
show comparisons between things. For example in the following verse Satan is compared
to a lion:
. . . the Devil AS a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may
devour. (I Peter 5:8)
The word "and" is another connective. It adds to what has just been stated:
Like wise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, AND
speak evil of dignities. (Jude 1:8)
The word "if" introduces a conditional statement. Many of the promises and prophecies
of the Old Testament are stated this way. They tell what God will do IF (on the condition
that) His people make a certain response:
IF my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and
pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear
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from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (II
Chronicles 7:14)
The word "that" sets forth a purpose. It tells that something happened "in order that" a
certain purpose would be accomplished:
And He came and dwelleth in a city called Nazareth; THAT it might be
fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
(Matthew 2:23)
Watch also for the connecting words "for, because, therefore." These words introduce
reasons and results:
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them,
BECAUSE they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no
shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)
The words "in, into, and with" are also important connectives. They also indicate
relationships between concepts:
He turned the sea INTO dry land and they went through the flood on foot:
there did we rejoice in Him. (Psalm 66:6)
General Structure:
As you study paragraphs observe the arrangement of ideas and how the verses relate to
each other. Sometimes the author makes a general statement, then explains it with
examples. Other times he lists a series of ideas and then summarizes with a general
statement.
In the example given later in this chapter, you will note that Jude wrote several
paragraphs listing characteristics of false teachers. He then gave Old Testament examples
which illustrated what he was teaching.
Repetitions:
Each word of the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit. When words or phrases are
repeated it is because they are especially important. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers to
repeat words and phrases in order to fix them in your memory.
The words "verily, verily" are an example of this. When Jesus preceded a statement with
these words it was like an announcer saying "May I have your attention please. I have an
important announcement to make." Study in detail any words, phrases, or verses that are
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repeated.
Questions And Answers:
It is also important to observe the questions and answers of the Bible. Often an author
will introduce a subject by asking a question. He will then explain this question and give
answers which relate back to the question. A good example of this is Romans 6. Read
the entire chapter. Note the questions in verses l-3 and the answers developed throughout
the chapter.
Introductions:
Watch for paragraphs that introduce the subject that is to follow. For example, in the
book of Jude which you studied in the last chapter verse 3 introduces the material to
follow:
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation,
it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye should
earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
(Jude 1:3)
This introductory paragraph explains the purpose of his writing. He is exhorting them to
earnestly contend for the true faith. The remainder of the chapter gives reasons for this
exhortation. There are false teachers creeping into the church who are trying to turn them
from the true faith.
Summaries And Conclusions:
Be alert for paragraphs that summarize an entire passage, chapter, or even a book. For
example, the book of Ecclesiastes contains one verse which summarizes the whole book.
In Ecclesiastes the writer has described his quest for life apart from God. His final
conclusion is:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His
commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing,
whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Progressions In Thought:
When studying paragraphs, watch for progressions in thought. Note the following
paragraph:
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And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue
knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither
be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath
forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (II Peter 1:5-9)
There is definite progression in this passage. We are to add one thing to another until we
become fruitful.
Literary Form:
Literary form refers to how a passage is written. Some passages are in narrative or story
form. This means they read like a story. Other paragraphs are in poetic form (poems)
like the passages in the book of Psalms. Some paragraphs are parables which are short
stories illustrating a spiritual truth. Some paragraphs are in dramatic form. For example,
the Song of Solomon contains dramatic as well as poetic form. Discourse form is much
like a sermon. It is a series of paragraphs giving instruction on a certain subject.
Key Words:
Identifying key words will help you understand the meaning of a paragraph. Key words
are those important to the meaning of a paragraph. Often they are words which are
repeated. Especially note key words which you do not understand. These words can be
studied in a word study. (You will learn how to do this later in this course). For
example, read the following verse:
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old
ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God
into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus
Christ. (Jude 1:4)
Do you know what the word "lasciviousness" means? It is an important word in this
paragraph because it describes false teachers. One of their characteristics is that they
have turned the grace of God into lasciviousness. This word is an example of a key word
to study.
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Grammatical Construction:
The word "grammar" refers to parts of speech or words that fit together to make up
sentences and paragraphs. Watch for words which are called verbs. These are words that
show action telling what someone did in the past, is doing in the present, or will do in the
future. They also are used in commands:
GO ye into all the world and PREACH the Gospel to every creature.
(Mark 16:15)
The words "go" and "preach" are action words. They are verbs. They are commands for
us to
obey. A noun is a word that names a person, place, or thing. The words in capitals below
are nouns:
JUDE, the servant of JESUS CHRIST, and brother of JAMES... (Jude 1:1)
Nouns tell who and what is involved and where the action took place. A pronoun is a
word that replaces or stands for a noun. The words "him" and "her" are examples.
Instead of saying "The Holy Spirit inspired Jude to write the book" you could say "The
Holy Spirit inspired HIM to write the book." The word "him" is a pronoun standing for
the noun Jude.
Adjectives and adverbs are important parts of speech also. Adverbs tell something about
a verb. It tells how something happened. For example, in the sentence "He ran quickly,"
the word "quickly" is an adverb because it tells how he ran. An adjective describes a
noun or pronoun. If we said "Jude was tall," the word "tall" is an adjective which
describes Jude.
If you have not studied parts of speech before this may seem confusing at first, but you
will soon learn to identify these as you practice. Parts of speech are important because
they identify people, places, and things. They tell who did something, where, when, and
why. They tell how things were done and what was, is, or will be done. They also
provide descriptions and details which increase understanding of the subject matter.
STEP THREE: CREATE A PARAGRAPH STUDY CHART:
By studying paragraphs in detail as described in Step Two, you will identify certain
paragraphs that relate to each other. Their relationship may be contrasts, comparisons,
progressions, or otherwise. Select these for paragraph study.
You will create a chart to summarize your study of these paragraphs. Select a general title
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for your chart which reflects the relationship of the paragraphs or the subject which they
concern. The chart will also include the paragraph titles and divisions made during the
chapter study. Record on the chart the book, chapter, and paragraphs studied. Use
margins of the chart to make observations and applications.
STEP FOUR: CREATE A PARAGRAPH OUTLINE:
Use the chart to help you create an outline of the paragraphs. The outlines you create on
chapters and paragraphs will help you as you share God's truth with others because they
help you present what you have learned in an orderly way.
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
STEP ONE: DO A CHAPTER STUDY:
A chapter study of Jude l was done in the previous lesson. We will do the paragraph
study from this same chapter, so we have already completed Step One.
STEP TWO: OBSERVE THE DETAILS:
As the paragraphs of Jude l were studied in depth, relationships emerged between
paragraphs 4, 8-10, 16, 17-18, and 19. These paragraphs all list characteristics of false
teachers.
STEP THREE: CREATE A PARAGRAPH STUDY CHART:
In previous chapters we provided a blank chart for your studies. For paragraph studies
you will draw your own chart because it is not possible to determine the proper space to
leave on a chart for paragraph studies. This is the reason why we did not create a
standard form. Some paragraphs are very detailed and require more space for study
notes.
An example of a Paragraph Study Chart follows. Use this example to create your own
study chart. Be sure to put the verse numbers of each paragraph in the paragraph block
(note number in upper left of each block division on the chart).
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Paragraph Study Chart
Book: Jude Chapter: l Paragraphs: 4, 8-10, 16, 17-18, 19
Title: Cha racteristics Of F alse Teachers
4
Crept in unawares Walk
Before of old ordained to this condemnation Background
Ungodly men Conduct
Turning the grace o f our G od into lasciviousness Doctrine
Denying the only Lord G od an d our Lord Jesu s Christ Doctrine
8-10
Filthy dream ers Conduct
Defile the flesh Conduct
Despise dominion Conduct
Speak evil of dignities Talk
Speak evil of things they know not Talk
What they know naturally they corrupt Conduct
16
Murmurers Talk
Complainers Talk
Walking after their ow n lu sts Walk
Mouth speaks great swelling words Talk
Have men's persons in admiration because of advantage Conduct
18
Mockers Talk
Walk after their ow n ungodly lu sts Walk
Separate themselves Conduct
Sensual Conduct
Have n ot the S pirit Doctrine
Key words to study:
Lasciviousness (paragraph 4): W hat does this word mean?
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STEP FOUR: CREATE A PARAGRAPH OUTLINE:
Here is an outline of the paragraph on "Characteristics Of False Teachers."
I. Their background:
A. Before of old ordained to this condemnation.
II. Their walk:
A. Crept in unawares.
B. Walking after their own lusts.
C. Walking after their own ungodly lusts.
III. Their talk:
A. Speak evil of dignities.
B. Speak evil of things they know not.
C. Murmurers.
D. Complainers.
E. Mouths speak great swelling words.
F. Mockers.
IV. Their doctrine:
A. Turn the grace of God into lasciviousness.
B. Deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
C. Have not the Spirit.
V. Their conduct:
A. Ungodly.
B. Filthy dreamers.
C. Defile the flesh.
D. Sensual.
E. Separate themselves.
F. Corrupt natural knowledge.
G. Despise dominion.
H. Partiality based on position of men.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. List the four steps of the paragraph study method.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Look at the name of the literary form in List One. Read the definitions in List Two.
Write the number of the definition in front of the literary form which it describes.
List One List Two
_____Discourse l. Story form
_____Poetic 2. Poetry: Psalms is an example
_____Parable 3. Like a sermon
_____Narrative 4. Short stories to illustrate spiritual truth
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4. Look at the name of the part of speech in List One. Read the definitions in List
Two. Write the number of the definition in front of the part of speech which it
describes:
List One List Two
_____Noun 1. An action word.
_____Pronoun 2. Tells how something was done.
_____Verb 3. A descriptive word.
_____Adverb 4. Name of a person, place, or thing.
_____Adjective 5. You use this in place of the name of a person.
5. Look at the connective words in List One. Read the definitions in List Two. Write
the number of the definition in front of the words it describes.
List One List Two
_____Like, As 1. These words show a contrast is going to be made.
_____And 2. This word means something is going to be added to what has
been said.
_____If 3. These words reveal that a comparison is going to be made.
_____But, or 4. This word shows that what has conditional upon the response
of God's people.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Do a paragraph study on Jude chapter 1 paragraphs 5-7, 11, and 12- 13 of Jude
chapter l.
These paragraphs all are "Examples Of False Teachers." This should be the title of
your chart.
Verses 5-7 give an example of the judgment on false teachers.
Verse 11 gives examples of their errors.
Verses 12-13 give natural examples (comparisons) of false teachers.
2. In the preceding chapter you did a chapter study on II Peter chapter 2. The subject
of this chapter is similar to Jude l. It concerns false teachers. Now do a paragraph
study on II Peter 2. Perhaps you can add to the charts already started--
"Characteristics Of False Teachers" and "Examples Of False Teachers."
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN
VERSE STUDY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Explain how to do a verse study.
C Do a verse study.
C Create a chart to summarize your verse study.
C Create a verse study outline.
KEY VERSE:
My tongue shall speak of thy Word: for all thy commandments are
righteousness. (Psalm 119:172)
INTRODUCTION
You learned how to survey a Bible book and do a chapter study within that book. You
also learned how to study the paragraphs within a chapter. In this lesson you will learn
how to study a single verse in detail. An example is provided and you are given an
opportunity to do a verse study in the "For Further Study" section of this chapter. As you
do a verse study, use all you have learned in previous lessons about questioning and
examining details of structure.
THE METHOD DEFINED
STEP ONE: STUDY THE VERSE WITHIN ITS CONTEXT:
Each verse must be interpreted within its context. The context is the surrounding verses
of the passage where it is located. The context gives a complete message from God of
which one verse is only a part. It is important that a single verse is not taken out of context
and misinterpreted. This is often the practice of false teachers.
STEP TWO: STUDY RELATED VERSES:
Within the context you will discover verses related to the one you have selected for study.
They will add more information to the verse you are studying. They may provide a
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contrast or comparison. Sometimes the verse you are studying may relate to verses in
another book of the Bible. (See the example in this chapter). Look up these references
and study them also.
STEP THREE: CREATE A VERSE STUDY CHART:
Select a title for the chart. On the verse study chart record the name of the book, chapter
number, and verse number which you are studying. How you organize your chart will
depend on the type of information you accumulate in your study. If you have completed
the "For Further Study" assignments in previous chapters you have enough experience
with study charts that you will be able to create your own original charts. You may use
either a horizontal or vertical chart depending on the information you are recording.
STEP FOUR: CREATE A VERSE STUDY OUTLINE:
Using the outlining skills you have developed in previous assignments, create an outline of
the verse. Select an appropriate title, main headings, and subheadings. Use your chart to
help you prepare the outline of the verse.
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
STEP ONE: STUDY THE VERSE WITHIN ITS CONTEXT
We selected Jude 1:11 as the verse to demonstrate the verse study method. In previous
lessons we studied this verse in its chapter and paragraph settings so we have already
completed the study of the verse within its context. When you select a verse for study
examine it within its context first. You do this by chapter and paragraph study, skills
which you learned in the previous two lessons. Also remember to consider the verse
within the larger framework of the entire book in which it is located. The study of Jude
1:11 within its context is recorded on the Verse Study Chart.
STEP TWO: STUDY RELATED VERSES:
Jude 1:11 is related to other verses about false teachers in chapter one. Verses 5-7 give
historical examples and verses 12-13 give natural examples of false teachers. Jude 1:11 is
also related to three important Old Testament passages:
The story of Cain: Genesis 4:1-15; I John 3:12
The story of Balaam: Numbers 22-24
The story of Core: Numbers 16
The study of these related verses are recorded on the summarizing chart and in the outline.
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VERSE STUDY CHART
Book: Jude Chapter: l Verse: 11
OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES OF FALSE TEACHERS
Jude 1:11: GOD SAYS: WOE TO THEM
THE REASONS...
1. They have gone in the way of CAIN
Genesis 4:1-15: He denied the plan of God that only through the
shedding of blood are sins forgiven. See Hebrews 9:22
I John 3:12: He slew his brother because his own works were evil.
2. They ran greedily after the error of BALAAM
Numbers 22-24 Did anything for financial benefit.
3. They perished in the gainsaying of CORE (Korah)
Numbers 16: Denied the authority of God's chosen leadership.
Note the progression: They HAVE GONE the wrong way....
Then they RUN GREEDILY after error...
They PERISH......
Other examples of false teachers in Jude 1:
Historical examples: Verses 5-7
Natural examples: Verses 12-13
STEP THREE: CREATE A VERSE STUDY CHART:
Study the example of the verse study chart which follows:
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STEP FOUR: CREATE A VERSE STUDY OUTLINE:
Here is an example of an outline of a verse:
OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES OF FALSE TEACHERS
Book: Jude Chapter: l Verse: 11
I. God says woe to them (false teachers).
II. The reasons:
A. They have gone in the way of Cain:
1. Genesis 4:1-15 He denied the plan of God that only through the
shedding of blood are sins forgiven.
a. This truth is expressed in Hebrews 9:22.
2. I John 3:12: He slew his brother because his own works were evil.
B. They ran greedily after the error of Balaam.
1. Numbers 22-24: Balaam did anything for financial benefit.
C. They perished in the gainsaying of Core (Old Testament spelling is Korah)
1. Numbers 16: Korah denied the authority of God's chosen leadership.
III. There is a progression of evil:
A. First, we go the wrong way.
B. Soon we are running greedily in error.
C. The end result is perishing.
IV. Other examples of false teachers in Jude l:
A. Historical examples: Verses 5-7
1. Israel
2. Angels
3. Sodom and Gomorrah
B. Natural examples: Verses 12-13
1. Spots in feasts.
2. Clouds without water.
3. Trees without fruit.
4. Raging waves.
5. Wandering stars.
Note: Remember, as in all Bible study methods, it is important that you apply what you
have learned in verse study. How does the verse you studied apply to your life and
ministry? Review the "Devotional Method" for guidelines of application.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. It is important that we always study a verse within its...
________________________________________________________________________
3. List the four steps of the Verse Study Method.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
In previous lessons you completed a book survey, chapter study, and paragraph study.
Select a verse from a paragraph which you previously studied. Using the skills you
learned in this chapter do a verse study. Summarize your study with a Verse Study Chart
and outline in the space provided below.
VERSE STUDY CHART:
VERSE OUTLINE:
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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
WORD STUDY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Identify key Bible words for study.
C Explain how to do a Bible word study.
C Do a Bible word study.
KEY VERSE:
For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall
in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18)
INTRODUCTION
You have learned how to study the Bible by books, chapters, paragraphs, and verses. In
this lesson you will learn how to study the smallest unit of the Bible which is a single
word. An example of the word study method is presented and you are given an
opportunity to do such a study in the "For Further Study" section of this chapter.
THE METHOD DEFINED
Word study is the study of individual words in the Bible. The goal of word study is to
understand a word in its context. Each detail of the inspired Word is so important that
Jesus said:
For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass. one jot or one tittle shall
in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18)
"Jots and tittles" were Hebrew letters. If even these were emphasized by Jesus, then we
know that every word of God is important. The meaning of individual words affects the
meaning of verses. Verses explain paragraphs. Paragraphs help you understand chapters
and chapters provide knowledge of an entire book.
The following diagram illustrates Bible structure from general (book) to specific (verse).
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General Study º Books
Chapters
Paragraphs
ù Verses
Words
Specific Study º Word Study
THE METHOD EXPLAINED
STEP ONE: SELECT THE WORD
During the studies of chapters, paragraphs, and verses, we introduced the concept of key
words. A key word is one that is basic to the meaning of a verse. It is an important word.
Sometimes it is a word that is repeated for special emphasis or a word that is difficult to
understand.
Care must be taken in selecting a word to study. For example, words such as "to, and, if,"
are not key words. They are connective words and add meaning, but they are not good
words to use for word study. Be sure the word you select for study is a key word.
STEP TWO: STUDY THE WORD WITHIN ITS CONTEXT
Study the word within the context of the chapter. Is the word repeated elsewhere in the
chapter? If so, what is revealed about its meaning? Is there another verse in the chapter
that explains the meaning of the word? Next, study the word within the context of the
paragraph. What is the subject of the paragraph? How does this key word relate to the
subject?
Then study the word within the context of the verse. How does it relate to the verse?
What part of speech is the word: Is it a noun, pronoun, verb, adverb, or adjective?
If you select a word to study and have not previously analyzed the context in which it
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appears, you must always take time to do this. Chapters, paragraphs, verses, and words all
fit together to provide complete understanding of God's Word. It is important that a word
or verse is not taken out of context because you might interpret it incorrectly.
STEP THREE: DETERMINE THE MEANING OF THE WORD
After selecting a key word and studying its context, the next step is to determine the
meaning of the word.
Watch for words which are different but have the same meaning, for example, "Kingdom
of God" and "Kingdom of Heaven." Watch for words which are the same but have
different meanings. For example, in John 21:15-17 Jesus asked Peter three times, "Lovest
thou me more than these?" Each time the meaning of the word "love" was different.
Unless you know Greek or Hebrew and have a Bible in these languages you will not be
able to determine the original meaning of the word without additional study tools. The
two basic study helps you need are a concordance and a Bible word study book. Chapter
Five of this manual explains how to use both of these Bible study tools.
If you do not have a concordance or word study book you can still study a Bible word
even though you may not be able to trace the original meaning. IF YOU DO NOT have a
concordance or Bible word study book, then follow these steps:
1. If your Bible has a center margin which lists additional references for
study, look up all the verses listed. They may expand your
understanding of the word. Sometimes the center margin actually
gives the meaning of the word.
2. Check in the back of your Bible. Some Bibles have a small
concordance which lists some of the most important words. Some
Bibles also have a dictionary in the back which provides definitions.
3. Look up the word in a modern language dictionary. This will provide
knowledge of the current meaning of the word even though the way it
was used in Bible days may have been somewhat different.
4. Study other uses of the word in the chapter or book. This will also
help determine the meaning of the word.
IF YOU DO have a concordance and/or Bible word study book, then follow these steps:
1. If your Bible has a center margin which gives additional references
and word meanings, see if the word you are studying is listed. (Point
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l in the preceding section explains how to use the center margin of
your Bible).
2. Look up the word in a Bible concordance. Words are listed in a
concordance in alphabetical order. If the word is used several places
in the Bible, you will find a list of verses which contain the word.
Study these verses to help you understand the meaning.
Find the word as it is used in the verse you are studying. Note
the number given at the end of the concordance listing and
look up this number in the back of the concordance. If you
are studying a word from a verse in the Old Testament you will
look up the number in the Hebrew Dictionary. If you are
studying a word from the New Testament you will look up the
word in the Greek Dictionary. (Chapter Five explains how to
do this.)
When you find the word number, it gives you the original meaning of
the word in Greek or Hebrew. It may also refer you to another
number in the dictionary. This means the word you are studying came
from another word. To trace your word back to the original meaning
you will have to look up this other word also.
3. Look up the word in a Bible word study book. Words are listed in
alphabetical order in a word study book. If your word is used
elsewhere in the Bible you will find several listings. While you want
to study these also, be sure to pay special attention to the verse from
which you have selected your word. Your purpose is to determine
what this word means within the context of that particular verse.
4. Look up the word in a regular dictionary. This will tell you how the
word is currently used in modern language. It may be similar to its
use in the Bible or it may be quite different. The difference between
the use of words in modern language and in the Bible results from
two things:
First, the meanings of words change throughout time. New
meanings are attached to old words and sometimes the original
meanings are forgotten.
Second, the Bible was written in Greek and Hebrew. The
same word has different meanings in different languages. The
word meant one thing in Greek or Hebrew but may be different
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in another language.
STEP FOUR: SUMMARIZE YOUR STUDY
During the first three steps of word study make notes on what you learn about the word.
Write down the meanings of the word from the Bible margin, concordance, word study
book, and modern dictionary. Record notes on its use in other Bible passages.
When you complete your study, use what you have learned about charts and outlines to
summarize your word study notes. Remember to record somewhere on your chart or
outline the book, chapter, verse number, and word you are studying.
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
STEP ONE: SELECT THE WORD
In previous lessons we used Jude chapter l to demonstrate the methods of chapter,
paragraph, and verse studies. From our study of Jude l we have selected the word
"lasciviousness" in verse 4. This word is a key word because it describes false teachers
which is the subject of this chapter. It is also a key word because it is a word that is
difficult to understand.
STEP TWO: STUDY THE WORD WITHIN ITS CONTEXT
In previous lessons you completed a chapter and paragraph study on the book of Jude.
This means you have already studied the word lasciviousness within these contexts. You
learned that the subject of Jude l is a warning against false teachers. Verse 4, in which the
word lasciviousness is used is one of the paragraphs of Jude l. Refer to the lessons on
chapter and paragraph studies to study this word within these contexts.
In the last chapter we explained how to do a verse study. You have not yet done a verse
study on Jude 1:4 where the word lasciviousness appears. Stop now and do a verse study
on Jude 1:4 before you continue this lesson on word studies.
In your verse study you should have identified the word lasciviousness as an adjective
because it is a descriptive word that describes false teachers. False teachers turn the grace
of God into lasciviousness.
STEP THREE: DETERMINE THE MEANING OF THE WORD
1. The Bible we were using for study of the word lasciviousness in Jude 1:4 had a
center margin. The center margin referred us to Titus 2:11 and Hebrews 12:15.
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Lasciviousness
wickedness, deceit, l, an evil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mk 7:22 766
l which they have committed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Cor 12:21 766
fornication, uncleanness, l. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gal 5:19 766
have given themselves over unto l. . . . . . . . . . . . Eph 4:19 766
the Gentiles, when we walked in l. . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Pet 4:3 766
the grace of our God into l. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jude 4 766
766. Aselgeia, from a comp. Of I (as a
neg. Particle) and a presumed selges (of
uncertain der., but apparently, mean
continent); licentiousness (sometimes
including other vices):-filthy,
lasciviousness, wantonness.
2. Here is the concordance listing for the word lasciviousness:
All the verses where the word was used were looked up and studied. The number "766"
appears at the end of the listing for Jude 1:4. This is the same number at the end of the
other listings. This means that the word lasciviousness has the same meaning in all the
texts listed.
Since lasciviousness is a word in the New Testament, we used the Greek dictionary in the
back of the concordance to look up number 766. This is the listing from the Greek
dictionary:
3. A Bible word study book was then used. Following is the listing for
"lasciviousness":
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Lascivious, Lasciviousness
Aselegeia denotes excess, licentiousness,
absences of restraint, indecency,
wantonness; in Mark 7:22, one of the evils
that proceed from the heart; in 2 Cor
12:21, one of the evils of which some in
the church at Corinth had been guilty; in
Gal 5:19, classed among the works of the
flesh; in Eph 4:19, among the sins of the
unregenerate who are past feeling; so in I
Pet 4:3; in Jude 4, of that into which the
grace of God had been turned by ungodly
men; it is translated “wantonness” in Rom
13:13, one of the sins against which
believers are warned.
We studied this entire listing, with special attention to the word as used in Jude 1:4.
4. A regular dictionary gave the modern meaning for the word lasciviousness:
"Lewd, lustful, exciting, sensual emotions.”
STEP FOUR: SUMMARIZE YOUR STUDY
During the previous steps we made notes as we studied the word lasciviousness.
In Step One we wrote down the word selected for study.
In Step Two we already had chapter and paragraph studies from previous lessons. These
became part of our word study. You were asked to do the verse study on Jude 1:4. All the
information from these studies become part of the word study notes.
In Step Three as we studied the Bible margin, concordance, word study book, current
dictionary, and other references containing the word, we took notes on what we were
learning about the word lasciviousness.
We collected quite a bit of information about this word. The final step in our study is to
summarize this material in chart and/or outline form. As we learned in previous lessons
this is the best way to save studies in an organized way. It also helps you share what you
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learn with others.
The following pages presents the summary of our word study on lasciviousness. Use these
as examples of how to summarize your own word studies through charts and outlines, even
pictures or diagrams.
As with each previous method discussed, we want to remind you of the importance of
applying what you learn through word study. Bible study is not a quest for knowledge in
itself. You must be a doer or the word and not a hearer only. You do this through applying
the truths of God's Word.
WORD STUDY
Book: Jude
Chapter: l
Verse: 4
Word: lasciviousness
Other words which have the same meaning: Wantonness
Part of Speech: Lasciviousness is an adjective. In Jude 1:4 it is used to describe a
characteristic of false teachers.
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Chart One
Lasciviousness: Definitions
Reference Book Word Number Spelling Meaning
Greek 766 aselgeia licentiousness,
filthy,
wantonness.
Modern --- lasciviousness lewd, lustful,
exciting sensual
emotions.
Vine's Word ___ aselgeia denotes excess,
Study absence
of restraint,
indecency
wantonness.
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Chart Two
Lasciviousness: Additional Bible Uses
Reference Summary
Mark 7:22 It is an evil that proceeds from the heart.
II Corinthians 12:21 It was one of the evils of which some in the at Corinth
had been guilty
Galatians 5:19 Listed among the works of the flesh.
Ephesians 4:19 One of the sins of the unregenerate who are past
feeling
I Peter 4:3 One of the sins of the unregenerate who are past
feeling
Romans 13:13 Word is translated "wantonness" and is one sins
against
which believers are warned.
II Peter 2:2 It is translated "wantonness" and is listed as the
characteristics of false teachers
Jude 1:4 It is a characteristic of false teachers
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Lasciviousness Expanded Studies
Word studies can lead to additional expanded studies of God's Word. From the study of
the word lasciviousness, the following additional studies could be made:
1. Study the word in Mark 7:22 where it is listed as a sin which comes from within.
What other sins come from within?
2. Study II Corinthians 12:21. What other sins besides lasciviousness did Paul
identify in the Corinthian church?
3. Look up the word "wantonness" in the concordance. This word means the same as
lasciviousness. Are there other Bible uses of the word "wantonness"?
4. Galatians 5:19. What are the other works of the flesh besides lasciviousness?
5. Ephesians 4. Study verses 17-19. Prepare a chart contrasting unbelievers and
believers. List the characteristics of unbelievers given in verses 17-19. These
include lasciviousness. List the characteristics of believers in verses 20-24.
6. Study I Peter 4:3. What were some of the other sins besides lasciviousness in
which we walked in times past?
7. Study Romans 13:13. In addition to "wantonness" which means lasciviousness,
what are other sins in which a believer should not engage?
8. Study the grace of God which false teachers have turned into lasciviousness. For
example, Titus 2:11 says the grace of God has appeared to all men. Hebrews 12:15
indicates that we can "fail of the grace of God.”
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. List the four steps of the word study method.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What is a key word?
________________________________________________________________________
4. Which word in the list below is a key word and would be a good subject for word
study?_____________________
he temperance she if and
5. What are the two most important Bible study books to use in doing word studies?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Select a word from a verse or paragraph which you studied in previous lessons. Be sure it
is a key word or a word you do not understand. Using the skills you learned in this lesson,
do a word study on the word you selected.
STEP ONE: SELECT THE WORD
The word I have selected to study is:________________________________
STEP TWO: STUDY THE WORD WITHIN ITS CONTEXT
The Scriptural references for this word in its context are:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
STEP THREE: DETERMINE THE MEANING OF THE WORD
As used in this context, this word means:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
STEP FOUR: SUMMARIZE YOUR STUDY
Create a chart, outline, picture, or diagram to summarize what you learned about this word.
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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TOPICAL BIBLE STUDY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verses from memory.
C Explain the topical method of Bible study.
C Do a topical Bible study.
KEY VERSES:
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right: and I
hate every false way. (Psalm 119:127-128)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the topical method of Bible study. The method is defined and
explained and an example of a topical study is provided. The "For Further Study" section
provides an opportunity to apply what you have learned by actually doing a topical Bible
study.
THE METHOD DEFINED
The topical method focuses on a selected Biblical subject. The goal of the study is to
discover all the Bible teaches on the subject.
THE METHOD EXPLAINED
Here are the steps for doing a topical Bible study:
STEP ONE: SELECT A TOPIC:
You may choose a general subject, for example, all of the miracles in the Bible. You may
select a more specific subject such as the miracles performed by Jesus or the miracles
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recorded in a certain book of the Bible.
For your first study it is best to limit the topic to a specific subject in one book rather than
study a subject in the entire Bible. You may select a topic which pertains to a need in
your own life. You might select a topic about which you have been asked and could not
answer or a topic which you do not fully understand.
You may want to study topics you can use in counseling others in time of need. For
example, you may want to study the topic of death so you will know how to comfort
others. Or you may want to study fear so you can help those who are fearful.
STEP TWO: SELECT THE PORTION OF SCRIPTURE:
After choosing a topic, select the portion of Scripture in which you will study this topic.
You can study a topic in one book of the Bible, several books, or the entire Bible.
STEP THREE: GATHER THE INFORMATION:
Find all the verses which relate to the topic in the portion of Scripture you select to study.
A concordance is helpful but not necessary. For example, if you are studying the miracles
of Jesus, read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Record each reference to a
miracle performed by Jesus.
STEP FOUR: SUMMARIZE THE INFORMATION:
After you gather all the information on a topic you will probably have a long list of
Scriptures. You must now organize these verses to make the subject easily understood.
Study the verses you collected. Identify main points made by the verses. What other
verses make this same point? Arrange these verses together, then create a chart or outline
to summarize your studies.
Remember: You not only want to learn all the Bible teaches about a specific topic, but
you also want to apply what you learn to your own life and ministry.
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
STEP ONE: SELECT A TOPIC:
Miracles
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STEP TWO: SELECT THE PORTION OF SCRIPTURE:
Miracles in the book of Luke will be studied.
STEP THREE: GATHER THE INFORMATION:
Miracles in Luke: 1:11, 3:21, 4:30, 5:1, 7:11, 9:28, 10:17, 4:33, 13:11, 14:1, 17:11, 22:50
STEP FOUR: SUMMARIZE THE INFORMATION:
Example of an outline summary:
Miracles In The Book Of Luke
I. Thirty one miracles are recorded in the book of Luke.
II. People who performed them:
A. The Lord Jesus Christ: 4:28-30; 4:31-37; 4:38-39; 4:40-41; 5:1-11; 5:12-15;
5:17-26; 6:6-11; 6:17-20; 7:1-10; 7:11-15; 7:21; 8:2-3; 8:22-25; 8:26-39;
8:41-42, 49, 56; 8:43-48; 9:11-17; 9:37-43; 11:14-23; 13:10-17; 14:1-6;
17:11-19; 18:35-43; 22:50-51; 24:1-7; 24:50-51.
B. Others:
1. Angel Gabriel: 1:11-23, 57,59
2. Holy Ghost: 3:21-22
3. God: 9:28-37
4. Disciples: 10:17
III. Classification of miracles:
A. Raising the dead: 7:11-15; 8:41-42, 49, 56; 24:1-7
B. Casting out demons: 4:33-37; 8:2-3; 8:26-39; 9:14-23; 9:37-43
C. Healing: 4:38-39; 4:40-41; 5:12-16; 5:17-26; 6:6-10;6:17-20; 7:1-10; 8:43-
48; 13:11-17; 14:1-6; 17:11-19;18:35-43; 22:50-51.
D. Over the forces of nature: 5:1-11; 8:22-25; 9:11-17
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Miracles In The Book Of Luke
Miracle Realm Occasion People Means Results Reactions
Healing Physical At home of Peter. Rebuke Fev er left She arose,
Peter’s and his and ministered
Mother-in-law Mother-in-law to othe rs
Example Of A Chart Summary:
A chart summary can also be done on each miracle in the book of Luke. The chart could
include the following headings:
Miracle: What the miracle was, reference.
Realm: Was it a miracle over nature, healing, raising of the dead, casting out demons,
etc?
Occasion: On what occasion was the miracle performed?
People: What people were involved?
Method: What method was used? Was it the spoken word, a touch, a prayer, etc.?
Results: What were the results of the miracle?
Reactions: What were the reactions of the people who witnessed or were part of the
miracle?
An example of the analysis of one miracle is shown on the following chart. Such a study
could be done on each miracle in the book of Luke.
The previous chart is designed specifically to study miracles and cannot be used for other
topics, but it serves as an example of how you can create your own charts to summarize
topical Bible studies. Here are some examples of just a few of the life and ministry
applications which can be made from this study. Can you think of others?
-Are miracles to be part of the ministry of believers? (See Matthew 16:17-
18; John 14:12).
-What can you learn from the way Jesus dealt with sickness, death, and
demons to apply in your own ministry?
-What can you learn about the relation of faith and miracles to apply in your
ministry?
-What are the results that should follow true miracles of God? How could
these results help you distinguish true miracles from deceiving signs of false
ministers?
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verses from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Define the topical method of Bible study.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What are the four steps for doing a topical Bible study?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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Miracles In The Book Of: __________________
Miracle Realm Occasion People Means Results Reactions
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Continue studying the topic of miracles. Study all the miracles in the book of Matthew.
Create an outline of your study similar to the example given in this chapter. Use the
sample chart given in this lesson to analyze each miracle in the book of Matthew. You
might also want to complete the study of miracles in the book of Luke which was started
in this chapter. Use the chart to analyze each miracle. The New Testament records other
miracles in the books of Mark, John, and Acts. You may want to continue to study the
topic of miracles in these books.
You may also want to study miracles in the Old Testament. If you do, the following list
will help you locate the Old Testament miracles:
Genesis: 1; 19:26
Exodus: 17
Numbers: 6
Joshua: 3
Judges: 3
I and II Samuel: 3
I and II Kings: 26
Daniel: 2
Joel: l (Joel 1:17)
Jonah: l
Sample chart for use in studying miracles:
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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
BIOGRAPHICAL STUDY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Define the biographical study method.
C Do a biographical Bible study.
KEY VERSE:
Now all these things happened unto them for examples; and they are written
for our admonition. . . (I Corinthians 10:11)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter defines and explains the biographical method of Bible study, an example of
the method is presented, and in the "For Further Study" section you are given the
opportunity to do a biographical study.
THE METHOD DEFINED
A biography is the story of someone's life. The biographical method of Bible study
focuses on the lives of Bible personalities. By studying the lives of Bible characters you
can learn from their experiences. The Bible states:
Now all these things happened unto them for examples; and they are written
for our admonition. (I Corinthians 10:11)
Events which happened in the lives of Bible personalities were recorded by the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit for your benefit. Their experiences can teach you great spiritual lessons.
By observing their failures you can learn of spiritual errors to avoid. By observing their
successes you can develop positive spiritual qualities in your own life.
THE METHOD EXPLAINED
STEP ONE: SELECT THE PERSON TO BE STUDIED:
You may choose a personality that is of special interest to you. You might want to choose
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a person from the list in Hebrews ll, Galatians 3:7 or Luke 4:27. You might study an
important person in the Bible book which you are presently reading or studying.
Remember that the greatest biographical study of all is the life of Jesus Christ.
Be careful not to confuse names. For example, there are some 30 Zachariahs in the Bible,
20 Nathans, 15 Jonathans, 8 Judases, 7 Marys, 5 James, and 5 Johns. Be sure the verses
you study are about the person you have selected and not another individual with the same
name.
Also be alert for people who have more than one name. For example, Jacob's name was
changed to Israel, Abram's name was changed to Abraham, and Saul's name was changed
to the Apostle Paul.
STEP TWO: GATHER THE INFORMATION:
Gather all the information in the Bible on the person you select. If you have a
concordance available, look up the name of the person and find a list of all references to
him/her in the Bible. If you do not have a concordance, gather the references directly from
the Bible. Most of the references concerning a selected Bible personality are found within
one book or a series of consecutive books. List all the Bible references about the person
you are studying, then look each one up in your Bible and read it.
STEP THREE: ANALYZE THE INFORMATION:
The following list identifies some of the information you should gather and analyze in a
biographical study. The Bible may not give information on all of these items in every
biography, but try to include everything it does reveal about the person you are studying.
Use the chart found at the conclusion of the "For Further Study" section of this chapter to
record and analyze the information you gather.
Biographical information to obtain includes:
Name and meaning of name.
Relatives: Parents, brothers and sisters, ancestors, children.
Birth: Location, importance of birth, unusual events surrounding birth.
Childhood and early training.
Geographical setting: Where does the story of this person's life occur?
Friends and associates, personal relationships.
Occupation or vocation: What position or office did they occupy? How did they
earn their living?
Physical description.
Positive character traits.
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Negative character traits.
Significant spiritual events:
First encounter with God
Conversion
Call to service
Greatest crisis or turning point in the person's life: (For example, Saul on the
Damascus Road)
Death: When, where, unusual circumstances
STEP FOUR: APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Make personal applications from the life of the person you have studied. For example:
What were the positive character traits? Ask God to help you develop them in your own
life.
What were the negative character traits? Do you see any of these in your own life? Ask
God to help you overcome them.
Compose one sentence which summarizes the greatest truth you learned from this life. For
example, a statement about the life of Sampson might be "Spiritual compromise results in
failure."
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
STEP ONE: SELECT THE PERSON TO BE STUDIED:
King Saul
STEP TWO GATHER THE INFORMATION:
The story of Saul is found in I Samuel 9-31. The information on Saul was gathered from
these chapters.
STEP THREE: ANALYZE THE INFORMATION:
Name and meaning of name:
Saul. Meaning "Asked of God." I Samuel 9:2
Relatives: Parents, brothers and sisters, ancestors, children:
Son of Kish who was the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of
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Aphiah. Kish was a Benjamite and a mighty man of power. I Samuel 9:1
Saul had three sons: Jonathan, Ishui, and Melchishula. He had two daughters: Merab and
Michal. His wife's name was Ahinoam. I Samuel 14:49-50
Birth: Location, importance of birth, unusual events surrounding birth.
The Bible does not state these facts.
Childhood and early training:
Cared for his father donkeys: I Samuel 9:3
Geographical Setting:
Judah
Friends and associates, personal relationships:
The children of Belial despised him: I Samuel 10:27. He was close to Abner, the captain of
his host, who was his uncle's son: I Samuel 14:50. David became an associate of Saul. At
first he was in favor, then Saul became jealous and their relationship was broken: I
Samuel 18:6-9. When Saul first became king he had a band of men whose hearts God had
touched. When Saul started adding "strong and valiant" men without direction from God,
his problems began: I Samuel 10:26; 13:2; 14:52
Occupation or vocation:
First king of Israel.
Physical description:
From his shoulders upward he was higher than any of the people: I Samuel 9:2, 10:23
He was described as "goodly" which means handsome: I Samuel 9:2
Positive character traits:
Showed concern for family I Samuel 9:5
Choice man I Samuel 9:2; 10:24
Let spirit change his heart I Samuel 11:6; 10:6
Modest: Hides among the baggage I Samuel 10:22
Refuses to execute I Samuel 11
Leadership: Rallies people I Samuel 11
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Man of the spirit I Samuel 11
Originally was obedient I Samuel 9:27
Aligned himself with godly I Samuel 11:7; 10:26
Bold for God I Samuel 10:6
Originally was humble I Samuel 9:21
Negative character traits:
Did what was expedient rather than obeying God: I Samuel 13:8-13
Disobeyed, lied, then refused to accept the blame: I Samuel 15
Grieved God's people: I Samuel 15:35
More concerned with what man thought than God: I Samuel 15:30
Chose strong and valiant men to be close to him rather than the band of men God had
touched: I Samuel 10:26; 14:52
Fearful: I Samuel 17:11
Judged by outward appearances: I Samuel 17:33
Trusted the armor of man: I Samuel 17:38
Jealous: I Samuel 18:6-9
Evil spirit: I Samuel 18:10
Spirit of revenge: I Samuel 18:11
Plotted against God's anointed: I Samuel 18:20-30
Significant spiritual events:
First encounter with God: I Samuel 9:15-27
Conversion: I Samuel 10:9
Call to service: I Samuel 10:1
Greatest crisis or turning point: I Samuel 13
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Death: When, where, unusual circumstances:
I Samuel 31: Died by his own hand. His three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men
died the same day in Mt. Gilboa during a battle with the Philistines.
STEP FOUR: APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED:
Positive character traits in Saul's life which I should seek to develop in my own life:
When the Spirit of the Lord comes on me, I can be changed into "another man": I Samuel
10:6. I should seek that type of anointing from God.
Negative character traits in Saul's life which I should seek to avoid in my own life:
God desires leaders after His own heart: I Samuel 13:14. Although Saul failed in this
area, I desire to be such a leader.
Disobedience: Doing what is expedient rather than what God commands. Placing blame
on others for my own sin. Caring more what man thinks than what God thinks of me.
I would do well to review the entire list of Saul's negative traits and examine my own heart
from time to time.
God's call was for Saul to be captain over the people: I Samuel 10:1. It was people who
made him king instead. (I Samuel 12:12-15; 10:24). God was to be Israel's king. I should
use caution, lest the praise of people turn me aside from God's plan.
Although God was originally with Saul (I Samuel 10:7, 9; 13:14), He later lost the
kingdom. Even after his sin and the prophecy of losing the kingdom, however, God's
anointing still rested on Saul (I Samuel 14:47). The gifts and callings of God are without
repentance. Saul still heard God's voice ( I Samuel 15:1) and worshiped Him (15:31), but
he had unconfessed sin and lost the kingdom.
David recognized the danger of touching a man anointed by God as a leader. I should
heed this warning.
The greatest truth learned from the life of Saul is the result of disobedience to God. It is
summarized in the statement of Samuel: "Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to
hearken than the fat of rams." I Samuel 15:22
The result of such disobedience is summarized in David's statement about Saul: "How the
mighty are fallen." II Samuel 1:19
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Define the biographical method of Bible study.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. List the four steps of the biographical method of Bible study.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Select a Bible character and do a biographical study. Use the following chart for this and
other biographical studies you will do in the future.
BIOGRAPHICAL BIBLE STUDY
STEP ONE: SELECT THE PERSON TO BE STUDIED:
STEP TWO: GATHER THE INFORMATION:
List the Bible references which record the life of this person:
STEP THREE: ANALYZE THE INFORMATION:
Name and meaning of name:
Relatives: Parents, brothers and sisters, ancestors, children:
Birth: Location, importance of birth, unusual events surrounding birth:
Childhood and early training:
Geographical setting:
Friends and associates, personal relationships:
Occupation or vocation:
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Physical description:
Positive character traits:
Negative character traits:
Significant spiritual events:
First encounter with God:
Conversion:
Call to service:
Greatest crisis or turning point:
Death:
STEP FOUR: APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED:
Positive traits I could develop:
Negative traits I should avoid:
The greatest truth I learned from studying this life is. . .
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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
THE THEOLOGICAL METHOD
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Define the theological method of Bible study.
C List five steps of the theological method of Bible study.
C Define the word "doctrine."
C Define key theological terms.
C Do a Bible study using the theological method.
KEY VERSE:
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
(Psalm 119:129)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter defines and explains the theological method of Bible study. An example of
this method is also provided. The "For Further Study" section provides an opportunity to
apply what you have learned by actually using the theological method of Bible study.
THE METHOD DEFINED
The theological method focuses on the study of basic Bible doctrines. It is the study of a
book or the Bible as a whole in order to collect, compare, and organize doctrine.
"Theology" is the study of God. This includes the study of God the Father, Jesus Christ
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The theological method focuses on Bible doctrines that
reveal things about God. A doctrine is a group of teachings about a certain subject. The
theological method focuses on basic doctrines (collective teachings) of theology (things
pertaining to God).
A theological study usually focuses on all a certain book teaches on a selected doctrine.
An even more detailed theological study focuses on all the entire Bible teaches on a
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doctrine. A doctrine is never determined on the basis of one isolated verse or passage.
Doctrinal error results from teaching a doctrine based on only a few selected texts. This is
a practice followed by false cults.
In doing a theological Bible study you can apply everything you have already learned
about book, chapter, paragraph, verse, and word study. All of these study methods can be
applied as you use the theological method.
THE METHOD EXPLAINED
There are five major steps in the theological method of Bible study:
STEP ONE: SELECT THE TOPIC
The following outline of Biblical theology will assist you in selecting topics for use in the
theological method of Bible study:
Biblical Theology
I. Bibliology: The study of the doctrine of the Bible.
A. Origin
B. Revelation
C. Inspiration
D. Authority
E. Illumination (how the Holy Spirit illuminates or helps us understand
the Bible)
F. Interpretation
II. Theology: Study of God the Father.
A. The attributes of God
B. The works of God
C. The names of God
D. The triune nature of God
III. Cristology: The study of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
A. The attributes of Jesus
B. The works of Jesus
C. The names of Jesus
D. The triune nature of Jesus
E. His life in the flesh:
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1. Birth and childhood
2. Baptism
3. Temptation
4. Transfiguration
5. Teachings
6. Miracles
7. Sufferings and death
8. Resurrection
9. Ascension
F. The second return of Jesus Christ
G. The messianic kingdom
H. The deity of Jesus: The study of how Jesus was both divine and human,
I n one person.
I. His preexistence with God the Father
J. Old Testament types of Jesus Christ
IV. Pneumatology: The study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
A. The attributes of the Holy Spirit
B. The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit
1. In the Old Testament
2. In the New Testament
3. In the present Church age
C. The names of the Holy Spirit
D. Preexistence of the Holy Spirit with God the Father
E. Triune nature of the Holy Spirit
F. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament contrasted with the Holy Spirit in the
New Testament
G. Types and symbols of the Holy Spirit
H. Gifts of the Holy Spirit
I. Fruit of the Holy Spirit
J. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
V. Angelology: The study of good angels, the angels of God:
A. Their structure and organization
B. Names of angels
C. The work of angels: Past, present, future
VI. Demonology: The study of wicked angels who are the demons of Satan:
A. Origin
B. Structure and organization
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C. Names
D. Work: Past, present, future
E. Judgment and destination
VII. Satanology: Study of Satan:
A. Origin
B. Fall
C. Names
D. Work: Past, present, future
E. Judgment and destination
VIII. Anthropology: The study of the origin and nature of man:
A. The origin of man
B. The fall of man
C. The sin nature of man
D. God's remedy for man's sin
IX. Soteriology: The study the doctrine of salvation.
A. The development of the plan of Salvation: Traced from the first promise of
salvation in Genesis 3:15 throughout the Bible
B. Study of the Savior, Jesus Christ (see God the Son Jesus Christ, Cristology)
C. The finished work of the Savior
D. The terms of salvation
X. Ecclesiology: This is the study of the doctrine of the Church. It focuses on all the
Bible teaches regarding the spiritual Body of Jesus Christ which is called the
Church:
A. The Church as an organism: The body of Christ
B. The contrast between Israel and the Church
C. The organization of the Church:
1. Ordinances
2. Order
3. Structure
4. Service
5. Doctrine of the church
XI. Eschatology: Study of the last events which are to happen before eternity begins:
A. Prophecy concerning the Church
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B. Prophecy concerning Israel
C. Prophecy concerning other nations of the world
D. Prophecy concerning the Messiah: His returns and establishing of His
kingdom
E. The resurrections of the dead
F. The judgments
G. The tribulation
H. The millennium
I. The eternal states of the righteous and the unrighteous
STEP TWO: DEFINE THE DOCTRINE SELECTED
The definitions of basic Bible doctrines are given in the preceding outline. These include
Cristology, pneumatology, theology, bibliology, angelology, demonology, satanology,
anthropology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.
STEP THREE: SELECT THE BIBLE PORTION TO BE STUDIED
Decide the book or books of the Bible in which you will study this doctrine. Books of the
New Testament are the best to use for theological research. The Old Testament is largely
prophetic or in narrative (story) form. The New Testament, especially the Gospels and
the Letters, provide much material for theological Bible study.
STEP FOUR: GATHER INFORMATION ON THE DOCTRINE
Use what you have learned about book, chapter, paragraph, verse, and word studies to help
you gather information on the doctrine which you are studying. As you read, make
notations on everything the Scriptures reveal about the doctrine.
STEP FIVE: SUMMARIZE THE INFORMATION YOU GATHERED
Summarize the information you recorded during Bible study. Use the outline on theology
given in this chapter to help you organize your study notes into an outline or chart.
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
STEP ONE: SELECT THE TOPIC
For an example of the theological method we have selected the topic of Cristology.
STEP TWO: DEFINE THE DOCTRINE
Cristology is the study of the doctrines pertaining to Jesus Christ.
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STEP THREE: SELECT THE BIBLE PORTION TO BE STUDIED
We will study Cristology in the book of Colossians.
STEP FOUR: GATHER INFORMATION ON THE DOCTRINE
For this study we first read and outlined the book of Colossians:
The Book Of Colossians
I. Introduction: 1:1-14
A. Greetings: 1:1-2
B. Thanksgiving: 1:3-8
C. Paul's prayer for Christians at Colossae: 1:9-14
II. The person and work of Jesus: 1:15-23
A. Lord of creation: 1:15-17
B. Lord of the Church: 1:18-19
C. Reconciler: 1:20-23
III. Paul: God's minister of reconciliation: 1:24-2:7
A. Sufferings: 1:24
B. Minister of mystery of Christ: 1:25-29
C. Desire for unity and stability in Christ: 2:1-7
IV. Christ's lordship over false teaching: 2:8-3:4
A. Lord of every power: 2:8-10
B. Source of the new life: 2:11-14
C. Conqueror of principalities and power: 2:15
D. Colossian practices as denial of Christ's lordship: 2:16-3:4
1. Ritual: 2:16-17
2. Angel worship: 2:18-19
3. Subject to rudiments of world: 2:20-23
4. Worldly, temporal affections: 3:1-4
V. Christ's lordship and the Christian life: 3:5-4:6
A. Old life to put off: 3:5-9
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B. New life to put on: 3:10-17
C. Special situations: 3:18-4:6
1. Home: 3:18-21
2. Work: 3:22; 4:1
3. General guidelines: 3:23-25
VI. Final instructions: 4:2-6
A. Duty of prayer: 4:2-4
B. Duty of witness: 4:5-6
VII. Closing: 4:7-18
A. Personal greetings: 4:7-17
B. Salutation: 4:18
(Note: In addition to outlining the book, you could also do chapter, paragraph, verse, and
word studies to study the doctrine within the book. What studies you do depends on how
thoroughly you decide to study the subject. For purposes of this example, we have done
only an outline on Colossians).
Next, we read the book again and wrote down every reference to Jesus Christ and
summarized what was taught by that reference:
Chapter One:
1:1 His name: Jesus Christ.
1:2 Peace comes from Jesus.
1:3 God is Father of the Lord Jesus.
1:4 Faith is in Jesus Christ.
1:13 His Kingdom.
1:14 In Jesus we have redemption and forgiveness of sin.
1:15 Jesus is the image of the invisible God; He is the firstborn of all creation.
1:16 All things were created by Jesus.
1:17 Jesus is before all things and in Him all things consist.
1:18 Jesus is the head of the Church which is His spiritual body.
1:18 Jesus is the firstborn from the dead (this means He was the first to be
resurrected from the dead).
1:19 All fullness is in Him.
1:20 Jesus made peace through the blood of His cross.
1:20 Jesus accomplished reconciliation.
1:22 Holiness is through Jesus Christ.
1:24 The Church is His spiritual body.
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1:27 When Jesus is within us we have the hope of glory.
1:28 Jesus is our perfection.
1:29 He works in us mightily.
Chapter Two:
2:3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him.
2:5 Jesus is the object of our faith.
2:6 We are to walk in Him.
2:7 We are to grow in Him.
2:9 In Jesus the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily.
2:10 Jesus is the head of all principalities and powers we are complete in Him.
2:13 Jesus has forgiven us (circumcision of heart).
2:14 Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament law.
2:15 Jesus judged principalities and powers.
2:17 The body is of Christ.
2:19 He is the head of the body.
2:20 If we are dead with Christ, we are not subject to the rudiments of the world.
Chapter Three:
3:1 We are raised with Jesus.
3:1 He is seated at the right hand of God.
3:4 Jesus is our life.
3:4 Jesus will be manifested and we will be manifested with Him ("manifested"
would make a good word study).
3:11 Christ is all and in all; He breaks down walls of separation.
3:10 We are renewed in knowledge after His image
3:13 Forgiveness between brethren is possible on the basis of Christ's forgiveness.
3:15 Peace comes from Jesus.
3:16 His Word is to dwell in us richly.
3:17 We are to do all in His name.
3:17 We are to pray in His name.
3:24 We are to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter Four:
4:3 The mystery of Christ (the Gospel).
STEP FIVE: SUMMARIZE THE INFORMATION YOU GATHERED
The following outline analyzes the information gathered in Colossians on Cristology. It
summarizes the basic doctrines taught about Jesus in this book:
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The Study Of Christology In Colossians
I. The names of Jesus Christ:
A. Christ Jesus: 1:1
B. Lord Jesus Christ: 1:3
C. Head of the Body: 1:18, 24
D. Son of His love: 1:13
E. Lord Christ: 3:24
II. The attributes of Jesus Christ:
A. Omniscient: Knows all (in Him is all wisdom and knowledge): 2:3
B. Love: He made peace through the blood of His cross because of His love for
sinful mankind: 1:20
C. Holiness: He is perfection: 1:29
D. Omnipresence: Present everywhere; Christ is in all: 3:11
E. Infinity: Before all things: 1:17; Christ is all: 3:11
F. Omnipotent: He is all powerful:
1. All things are created by Him: 1:16
2. All is held together by Him: 1:17
3. Principalities and powers are subject to Him: 2:10
G. Creator: 1:16
H. Forgiver: 2:13
I. Peace: 1:2
J. Faith: 1:4
K. Wisdom and knowledge: 2:2-3
III. The Deity of Jesus Christ: He was God in the flesh.
A. His relationship to God:
1. Son of God: 1:3, 13
2. He was made in the image of invisible God: 1:15
3. In Him dwelt the full Godhead: 1:19; 2:9
B. His works:
1. Creator: 1:16
2. Sustainer of life: 1:17
3. Savior of mankind: 1:14, 20, 22; 2:13,14
4. Judged principalities and powers: 2:15
C. His position:
1. Head of principalities and powers: 2:10
2. Object of the believer's faith: 1:4, 2:5
3. Reason and recipient of believer's service: 3:17
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4. Agent through which a believer approaches God: 3:17
5. Head of the church, His body: 1:24; 2:17, 19
6. Head of the Kingdom: 1:13
7. Seated at the right hand of God: 3:1
8. He is all and in all: 3:11
IV. The humanity of Jesus: Although He was God He was also made flesh and lived
among man, subject to all the temptations and limitations of man, yet without sin:
A. He spilt His blood: 1:20
B. He died: 2:15
C. He was resurrected from the dead: 2:15; 1:18
V. His death
A. Fulfilled the law: 2:17
B. Brought principalities and powers to judgment: 2:15
C. Made peace and reconciliation for mankind: 1:20,22
D. Enabled forgiveness of sins: 2:13; 3:13
VI. His Resurrection
A. He was the firstborn or first to rise from the dead: 1:18
B. He guaranteed our resurrection: 3:1
VII. His return: He will be manifested in the future and we will be manifested with
Him: 3:4
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SELF-TEST
1. Several theological terms were defined in this chapter. It is good for you to be
familiar with these terms so you will understand them when you hear them used by
others or encounter them in Bible study materials.
Look at the terms in List One. Read the definitions in List Two. Select the
definition which best describes each term. Write the number of the definition on
the blank provided in front of the term which it defines.
List One List Two
_____Angelology 1. The study of the doctrine of the Bible.
_____Demonology 2. The study of Jesus Christ.
_____Soteriology 3. The study of the doctrine of the Church.
_____Ecclesiology 4. The study of last things.
_____Eschatology 5. The doctrine of salvation.
_____Cristology 6. The study of man.
_____Bibliology 7. The study of good angels.
_____Anthropology 8. The study of bad angels who are the
demons of Satan.
_____Satanology 9. The study of the doctrine of Satan.
_____Pneumatology 10. The study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
2. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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3. What is the theological method of Bible study?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. List the five steps of the theological method.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. Define the word "doctrine."
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
The doctrine of eschatology is the study of teachings concerning last things. The books of
I and II Thessalonians reveal several things about eschatology or last things. They focus
specifically on the return of Jesus Christ which is known as the rapture.
The rapture is a future time when Jesus will return in the clouds of Heaven to receive to
Himself all true believers. Those believers who have previously died will be resurrected
from the dead to meet Him in the air. Believers who are alive on earth will be raptured or
raised up to join Jesus and those resurrected from the dead. We will all then dwell forever
in the presence of God.
Using the example given in this chapter, do a theological study on the books of I and II
Thessalonians. Gather and analyze all the information contained in these books pertaining
to eschatology, specifically the return of Jesus Christ.
STEP ONE: SELECT THE TOPIC
STEP TWO; DEFINE THE DOCTRINE
STEP THREE: SELECT THE BIBLE PORTION TO BE STUDIED
STEP FOUR: GATHER INFORMATION ON THE DOCTRINE
STEP FIVE: SUMMARIZE THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE GATHERED
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CHAPTER NINETEEN
STUDYING BIBLE POETRY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Identify various forms of Bible poetry.
C Identify various types of Bible poetry.
C Study Bible poetry.
KEY VERSE:
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
(Psalm 119:164)
INTRODUCTION
The Bible is a collection of 66 individual books containing history, drama, romance,
adventure, and poetry. The Bible is much more than great literature, but it is great
literature both in content and form. When you study the content of a book you study the
message of the book. You learn the spiritual truths it reveals.
When you study the form of a book you examine the way a book is organized to present
the content. Most of the Bible is in narrative form which presents God's truths in stories
which are easy to understand. But five books of the Bible--Job, Psalms, Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon--are organized in poetic form. There are additional
sections of poetry in other parts of the Bible even though the books are not part of the
poetry division. For example, poetry is found in some of the books of law and prophecy.
The poetic form of presenting God's truths is quite different from the narrative (story) form
used in most of the Bible. Biblical poetry is also different from most forms of poetry with
which you may be acquainted. For these reasons, special guidelines are necessary to help
you study these books. This chapter explains the form and types of Bible poetry. This
knowledge will help you understand and apply the great spiritual truths found in the poetic
books of the Bible.
POETIC FORM
The poetry of the Bible probably will not be like any poetry with which you are familiar.
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The poetry of the Bible is written in the form of Hebrew poetry since most of the Old
Testament was written in this language. The basic principle of Bible poetry is that it
contains "parallelism" in thought. The word "parallelism" is from the word "parallel"
which means "beside one another or like each other." For example, these two lines are
parallel:
____________________
____________________
When things are parallel to each other, just like these two lines, they are alike. Hebrew
poetry is parallel in thought just as these two lines are parallel in appearance. Each line of
the poem agrees with other lines of the poem.
There are four common parallel forms used in Hebrew poetry:
1. SYNONYMOUS PARALLELISM:
The word "synonymous" means the same. In synonymous parallel poems the second line
of the poem repeats the thought of the first line. For example:
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me!
Many are they that rise up against me. (Psalm 3:1)
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:
The Lord will have them in derision. (Psalm 2:4)
In both of these examples the second line rewords the same thought as the first line. The
thought expressed in the second line is synonymous (exactly like) that expressed in the
first line.
2. ANTITHETIC PARALLELISM:
"Antithetic" means opposite. In antithetic parallel poems the second line is an opposite
thought to the first line. But it is still parallel or like the first line because it is stating a
similar truth. It uses an opposite to state a similar truth. This is why it is called antithetic.
For example:
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous:
But the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalm 1:6)
In this example the second line is antithetic (opposite) of the first line. The first line
speaks of the way of the righteous. The second tells of the way of the unrighteous. But the
second line is still parallel to the first line because it agrees with what is said in the first
line by presenting an opposite truth.
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3. SYNTHETIC PARALLELISM:
This type of parallelism is like building with blocks. The second line of the poem and all
following lines add to or develop the thought of the first line. Study the example below.
The second and following lines build on or add to the first line of the poem:
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor standeth in the way of sinners,
Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
And in His law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)
In verse 1, the first line states that a man is blessed if he does not walk in the counsel of
the ungodly. The following lines build on this truth by stating that he also should not stand
or sit in their way. In verse two the first line tells us this man delights in the law of the
Lord. The second line adds to this thought that he meditates in God's law constantly.
4. EMBLEMATIC PARALLELISM:
An "emblem" is something which stands for or illustrates something else. For example,
the stars in the flag of the United States of America are emblems of (stand for) the 50
states which are members of the Union. In emblematic parallelism the second and
following lines of a poem are an emblem or illustration of the first line. For example:
As the hart panteth after the water brooks,
So panteth my soul after thee, O God. (Psalm 42:1)
The second line of this verse illustrates the first. David pictures his soul desiring God just
like a hart (an animal similar to a deer) pants for water when it is thirsty. The illustration
of a thirsty deer is an emblem expressing David's spiritual thirst. Although there are
several other types of parallel form in Hebrew poetry they are not very common in the
Bible so it is not necessary to include them in our study.
USING FORM TO UNDERSTAND CONTENT
Recognizing these basic poetic forms will help you when you study Bible poetry. You
will be able to understand the content as it is expressed in:
1. Identical restatements of truth (synonymous parallelism):
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This will help you understand the same truth expressed in similar ways. Such repetition
will fix the truth expressed firmly in your mind and heart. It is an important way of
meditating on the Word of God. If for some reason you do not understand a certain truth
in the way it is presented in the first line of a poem, the following lines which present the
same truth will help you understand.
2. Opposite statements of the same truth (antithetic parallelism):
You will learn not only great truths, but the opposite parallels of these truths. In the
example of Psalms 1:6 you not only learned something about the way of the righteous but
you also learned an opposite truth about the way of the ungodly. As you learn to recognize
the antithetic parallel form you will be able not only to apply positive truths in your life
but you also will be warned of dangers of the opposite. In the example we used you
learned that God knows your way if you are righteous which is a positive truth. You also
learned that if you are unrighteous you will perish. This opposite thought provides an
important warning.
3. Building blocks of truth (synthetic parallelism):
As each line of a poem builds or adds to what is presented in the first line, that truth will
be fully developed in your mind.
4. Emblems which illustrate God's truth (emblematic parallelism):
Such illustrations create a visual picture of God's truths in your mind.
TYPES OF POETRY
There are three basic types of Hebrew poetry. The division of poetry into types is made on
the basis of the content and manner of presentation of the poem. If you learn to recognize
the different types of Bible poetry it will help you understand what you are reading. The
three main types of Bible poetry include:
1. EPIC POETRY:
This is a narrative poetry. It tells the story of a heroic action. There is quite a bit of
narrative poetry scattered throughout the books of history. Read Numbers 22 through 24
which tells the story of Balaam. It contains examples of epic poetry.
2. DRAMATIC POETRY:
Dramatic poetry is acted poetry. The book of Job is the best example of acted poetry. In
the opening we are allowed to see behind the scenes and discover the cause of Job's
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problems is Satanic. Next we find messengers informing Job of the disaster of the loss of
his children and possessions. Then Job is sitting by a lonely ash heap. In following scenes
his friends offer a variety of suggestions as to the reason why he is suffering. There is a
great climax as Job hears from God and in the end is restored with earthly blessings. The
book of Job is a drama presented in poetic form.
3. LYRIC POETRY:
Lyric poetry is sung poetry. Two excellent examples are found in Deborah's song of
Judges 5 and Miriam's song in Exodus 15. There are also sections of lyric poetry which
were used for mourning or expressing sorrow. Examples of these are found in Psalms 137,
74, 80, and II Samuel 1:19-27. The book of Lamentations is also an example of this type
of lyric poetry or mournful singing. This book is written in poetic form but it is classified
with the historic books because the poetry relates to a tragic event in the history of God's
people.
THE BOOKS OF POETRY: A PROGRESSION
The five books of poetry show a progression of spiritual life. The book of Job describes
the death to the old life of self. Psalms shows the new life in God, expressing itself in
praise, prayer, adoration, supplication, confession, and intercession. In Proverbs we are in
God's school learning heavenly yet practical wisdom for life on earth. Ecclesiastes speaks
of the vanity of pursuing life "under the sun" apart from God. The Song of Solomon
speaks of the pursuit of life with meaning through a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Look at List One of the types of Biblical poetry. Read List Two and find the
definition which describes each type. Write the letter of the correct definition in
front of the type of poetry which it describes.
List One List Two
_____Dramatic poetry a. This type of poetry is sung.
_____Epic poetry b. This type of poetry is a drama.
_____Lyric poetry c. This type of poetry is narrative or in story
form and often tells of heroic action.
3. Look at List One of the different forms of Biblical poetry. Read List Two and find
the definition which describes each form. Write the letter of the correct definition
in front of the form which it describes.
List One List Two
_____Synonymous parallelism a. The second and following lines give
an illustration or emblem to express the
truth of the first line.
_____Emblematic parallelism b. The second and following lines opposite truth
which relates to the first line of the poem.
_____Antithetic parallelism c. The second and following lines express
a thought identical to the first line.
_____Synthetic parallelism d. The second and following lines build on
the truth expressed in the first line.
4. Look up Psalm 3:1 in your Bible. This verse is written in__________parallelism.
5. Look up Psalm 1:6 in your Bible. This verse is written in_________parallelism.
6. Look up Psalm 1:1-2 in your Bible. This verse is written in _________parallelism.
7. Look up Psalm 42:1 in your Bible. This verse is written in_________parallelism.
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
In addition to the books of poetry there are scattered poetical sections in both the Old and
New Testaments. Some of these are listed below. Use these references for further study
of Bible poetry:
Genesis 4:23-24 Lamech to his wives
Exodus 15:1-21 Song of Moses/Miriam
Numbers 21:27-30 Song of ballad singers
Numbers 23:7-10 Song of Balaam
Deuteronomy 33:1-47 Song of Moses
Joshua 10:12-14 Song of Joshua
Judges 5:1-31 Song of Deborah and Barak
Ruth 1:16-17 Song of Ruth
I Samuel 2:1-10 Song of Hannah
II Samuel 3:33-34 David's lament for Abner
II Samuel 1:17-27 Song for Saul and Jonathan
II Samuel 22:2-51 David's song of victory
II Samuel 23:1-7 David's last words
I Chronicles 16:8-36 David's thanksgiving
Jeremiah 9:17-22 Mourning over the fallen nation
Lamentations 1,2,3,4,5 Mourning over the fallen nation
Ezekiel 27:25-28:23 Prophecies against Tyre, poetic form
Ezekiel 19:1-14 Lamentation for Israel's princes
Hosea 2:1-15 Song of the chastisement of Israel
Habakkuk 3:1-19 Habakkuk's prayer
Luke 1:46-55 Mary's song
Luke 1:68-79 Song of Zacharias
Luke 2:29-32 Simeon's blessing
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CHAPTER TWENTY
STUDYING BIBLE PROPHECY
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C List three reasons why it is important to study Bible prophecy.
C Identify the source of Biblical prophecy.
C Define Biblical prophecy.
C Name two methods by which God gave prophecies.
C Distinguish between true and false prophets.
C List three purposes of prophecy.
C List five keys for understanding Biblical prophecy.
KEY VERSE:
And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I
was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the
law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning me.
(Luke 24:44)
INTRODUCTION
As you learned previously in this course, there are several books in God's Word which are
called books of prophecy. This chapter presents basic guidelines for studying and
understanding Bible prophecy.
A BOOK OF PROPHECY
God's written Word, the Holy Bible, differs in many ways from the sacred writings of
other religions. But there is one important difference. That difference is that the sacred
books of all other religions, but do not contain prophecies that have been accurately
fulfilled. The prophecy contained in the Bible, much of which has already been fulfilled,
is an important witness of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures.
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DEFINITION OF PROPHECY
The word "prophecy" means to speak forth. Bible prophecy includes three basic kinds of
speaking forth:
1. A message of inspiration from God.
2. Prediction of future events in God's eternal plan.
3. An interpretation for man of the acts of God.
THE PROPHETS
God commissioned each prophet of the Bible to fulfill a particular role in His plan.
-As interpreters they explained God's acts to men.
-As spokesmen they voiced God's truth. They spoke messages of hope and inspiration.
-As prophets they predicted future events in God's plan through revelation given by the
Holy Spirit.
The predictions of Bible prophecy are beyond the power of human ability. They include a
sufficient number of details to eliminate speculation or guessing.
METHODS OF PROPHECY
There are two basic ways in which God spoke through the prophets.
THE SPOKEN WORD:
The method most often used was the spoken word. God would tell the prophet the words
to speak. For example, God said to the prophet Jeremiah:
. . . for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command
thee thou shalt speak. (Jeremiah 1:7)
Throughout the book of Jeremiah God's instructions to him were. . .
Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord. . .
(Jeremiah 2:2)
Jeremiah spoke the words which God told him to speak.
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ACTED PROPHECIES:
In addition to spoken prophecy, God had the prophets visually act out a message. For
example, God told Jeremiah to:
. . . Make thee bonds and yokes and put them upon thy neck. . .
(Jeremiah 27:2)
These yokes were a visual prophecy of the yokes of bondage which were to come on the
people because of their sin. Jeremiah acted out the prophetic message of God.
THE SOURCE OF PROPHECY
The source of Biblical prophecy is God who reveals His message to man through the Holy
Spirit:
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:21)
But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all
things, yea, the deep things of God. (I Corinthians 2:10)
God can speak accurately of the future because:
Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.
(Acts 15:18)
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I
am God, and there is none like me.
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that
are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.
(Isaiah 46:9-10)
God raises up true prophets:
The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of
thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken. (Deuteronomy 18:15)
God reveals His future plans to these prophets:
Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He revealeth His secret unto His
servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
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FALSE PROPHETS
Satan imitates true prophecy through false predictions by fortune tellers, witches, and
astrologers. These methods are not of God. The Prophet Daniel said:
Daniel answered in the presence of the king and said, The secret which the
king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the
soothsayers shew unto the king.
But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets and maketh known to the
king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. . .
(Daniel 2:27-28)
True prophecy directs attention to Jesus Christ:
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of
God calleth Jesus accursed; and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord,
but by the Holy Ghost. (I Corinthians 12:3)
The Bible warns of false prophets (Matthew 24:11,24; Mark 13:22). A person called "the
false prophet" will be evident in events at the end of the world (Revelation 13:11-17;
16:13; 19:20; 20:10). The Bible reveals several ways to identify false prophets:
-They teach sexual immorality and permissiveness: II Peter 2:13
-They try to lead people away from obedience to God's Word: Deuteronomy 13:1-5
-They make false claims: Matthew 24:23-24
-They deceive people with miraculous signs: Matthew 24:11,24
-They do not prophecy according to the proportion of faith (in right relation to God's
Word): Romans 12:6
-False prophets do not have the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives: Matthew 7:15-16;
Galatians 5:22-23
-What they prophesy does not come to pass: Deuteronomy 18:20-22
THE PURPOSES OF PROPHECY
The Bible reveals special purposes for God speaking to men through prophecy:
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TO AUTHENTICATE GOD'S MESSAGE:
Fulfilled prophecy proves that God's message is authentic (true). In Isaiah 41:21-23 God
challenges the gods of the heathen nations to prove their power by foretelling future
events. They could not do it because they were false gods:
Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the
King of Jacob.
Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the
former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and known the latter
end of them; or declare us things for to come.
Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are
gods. (Isaiah 41:21-23)
TO CONFIRM GOD'S MESSENGER:
Prophecy confirms the true messengers of God:
The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall
come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent
him. (Jeremiah 28:9)
TO INSTRUCT BELIEVERS:
Believers are to receive instruction from prophecy and take heed (pay attention) to it:
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye
take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place. . . (II Peter 1:19)
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING PROPHECY
There are three main reasons why it is important to study Bible prophecy:
1. All Scripture is inspired of God and is profitable for study:
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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
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2. Prophecy brings understanding of past, present, and future events in the plan of
God:
. . . the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things
which shall be hereafter. (Revelation 1:19)
3. Understanding of God's future plan prevents deception by Satan:
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great
signs and wonders: insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the
very elect. BEHOLD, I HAVE TOLD YOU BEFORE.
Wherefore if they shall say unto you, behold He is in the desert; go not forth:
behold He is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
(Matthew 24:23-26)
God's future plan has been shared before it happens so we will not be deceived by Satan.
4. There is a special blessing pronounced upon those who study Bible prophecy:
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and
keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
(Revelation 1:3)
THE STUDY OF PROPHECY
Bible prophecy is part of the "meat" of the Word of God which we referred to previously
in this course. The "meat" of prophecy is more difficult to understand than the "milk" of
God's Word which presents basic concepts of the Christian faith.
If you are a new believer and do not have any background knowledge of the Bible, you
should study other portions of God's Word before you try to study the prophetic books.
Study the Gospels, Acts, and Letters of the New Testament. Study the Poetry, Law, and
History divisions of the Old Testament. As you study, use what you have learned in this
course about book, chapter, paragraph, verse, and word study.
After you have a basic knowledge of these divisions, then study the prophetic books of the
Bible. Do not worry if you do not understand all of the prophecies in the Bible. Many
great Bible scholars have debated for years about the meaning of some portions of Bible
prophecy.
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PROPHETIC BOOKS
In addition to the books of prophecy there are many other chapters and verses of prophecy
scattered throughout God's Word.
The very first prophecy recorded in the Bible is in the book of Genesis:
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and
her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.
(Genesis 3:15)
This verse prophesies the coming of Jesus Christ who, through His death for the sins of
man, would crush the enemy, Satan.
It is not possible to list in this manual every prophecy in the Word of God. We just want
you to be aware that there are prophecies throughout the entire Bible. Prophecy is not just
confined to the books known as the Books of Prophecy. With study and experience you
will be able to identify the prophetic theme that runs throughout the entire Bible.
UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY
Some people are frustrated when they try to study Bible prophecy. Because prophecy is
more difficult than other portions of the Bible, they wonder if God really intended for
them to understand it. It is possible to understand Bible prophecy. God wanted so much
for Daniel to understand prophecy that he sent an angel to explain it to him. The angel
said:
. . . I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
(Daniel 9:22)
Jesus took time to explain Old Testament prophecy to His Disciples:
And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I
was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the
law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.
(Luke 24:44)
When the Disciples asked Jesus about the end of the world, Jesus listed several prophetic
signs for which they were to watch. He wanted them to understand future events. Jesus
said:
So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at
the doors. (Matthew 24:33)
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In the introduction to the book of Revelation, a book which some consider quite difficult
to understand, it is clear that God wants His people to understand prophecy:
The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His
servants things which must shortly come to pass. . . (Revelation 1:1)
KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING
There are some basic keys which will help you understand and properly interpret Bible
prophecy.
ONE: THE BASIC THEME OF PROPHECY
The Lord Jesus Christ is the basic theme of Bible prophecy. There are many other subjects
of Bible prophecy. For example, there are prophecies of judgment of wicked nations by
God. But the underlying theme of all Bible prophecies is that they somehow relate to
Jesus and the purpose of God regarding Him:
Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good
pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself;
That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in
one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;
even in Him. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
All Bible prophecy, even when it deals with subjects such as judgment upon nations, etc.,
relates to the overall plan of God. That plan is to bring all mankind into right relationship
with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose is to gather in one all things in
Christ.
The Bible states that the "spirit" or theme of Bible prophecy is Jesus:
. . . for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)
When you study Bible prophecy consider it in terms of this question: How does this
prophecy relate to Jesus Christ (the spirit of prophecy) and God's overall plan concerning
Him?
TWO: THE BIBLE INTERPRETS ITSELF
Another key to understanding is to realize that often the Bible explains its own prophecies.
For an example of how the Bible interprets itself read Daniel chapter 2. Here a king by the
name of Nebuchadnezzar is given a dream from God. Upon waking he cannot remember
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the dream. He calls upon the astrologers and magicians to recall and interpret the dream.
They cannot do it. Then God uses the prophet Daniel to tell the king what he dreamed and
interpret it for him. The dream is described by Daniel in verses 31-35. The interpretation
of the dream is given in verses 36- 45. This is an example of how, in many passages, the
Bible interprets its own prophecies.
The New Testament interprets many of the prophecies of the Old Testament because
much of the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament. For example, compare this
Old Testament prophecy and the New Testament fulfillment:
. . . and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people, and
they shall say, Thou art my God. (Hosea 2:23)
Even us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my
people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
And it shall come to pass that in the place where it was said unto them, ye are
not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
(Romans 9:24-26)
Fulfilled prophecy in the New Testament includes many Old Testament prophecies
concerning the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.
THREE: THE RULE OF DOUBLE REFERENCE
Another key to understanding Bible prophecy is the "rule of double reference." This rule
for interpreting Bible prophecy states that a prophecy of immediate fulfillment is made as
a means of teaching a deeper truth or foretelling an event to be fulfilled farther in the
future.
Many times in the Bible a prophecy was fulfilled immediately after it was given, but the
same prophecy applied not only to the event which was fulfilled immediately, but also to a
second fulfillment farther in the future.
For example, there is a prophecy given in Ezekiel 28:1-19 which is addressed to Ethbaal
who was then the king of Tyre. He was a wicked king. He was a type of the Antichrist
who will arise during the end of the world. By saying Ethbaal is a "type" we mean that in
nature and actions he was like the Antichrist which will come in the future. (You will learn
more about "types" in the next chapter.) When God spoke in prophecy through Ezekiel, it
was fulfilled in the immediate future in the life of Ethbaal. But there is a future event, as
yet unfulfilled, where the same prophecy applies to the evil end time ruler called the
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Antichrist.
As you study Bible prophecy remember this rule of double reference. Ask yourself two
questions:
1. What did this prophecy mean at the time it was given for the people to whom
it was given?
2. Is there a future double reference in this prophecy?
Asking these questions will help you interpret prophecy to the full extent of its meaning.
FOUR: PROPHETIC PERSPECTIVE
The prophets described future events as if they were continuous and in immediate order.
For example, Isaiah prophesied:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to
preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the broken
hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to
them that are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our
God; to comfort all that mourn;
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that
He might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3)
When Jesus read from this portion of Isaiah in Luke 4:17-20 He stopped with the phrase
"to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." Then He closed the book and said that these
Scriptures were fulfilled in Him that day. By this He meant that He was fulfilling this
prophecy. He was the one with God's Spirit upon Him to preach good tidings, bind up the
broken hearted, proclaim liberty, and open the prisons.
But it is significant that Jesus stopped reading with the phrase "to proclaim the acceptable
year of the Lord." He did not read the portion regarding "the day of vengeance of our
God" because the day of vengeance had not yet come. Already a gap of almost 2,000
years has elapsed since Jesus read this passage. The day of God's vengeance still has not
yet come.
Prophetic perspective records events as if they were immediate. Through the revelation of
the Holy Spirit Isaiah saw the whole plan of God. He saw Jesus coming to preach, bind
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up, proclaim liberty, open the prison, proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and bring
the vengeance of God.
Isaiah saw the events as you would look at distant ranges of mountains. The valleys in
between the mountains are not visible until you climb to the top of the nearest range.
Prophetic perspective reveals the whole plan of God from a distance. Sometimes events
seem to appear as though they happen immediately in sequence. But as the prophecies are
fulfilled there are often valleys of time between them as illustrated by this passage from
Isaiah. Jesus has not yet fulfilled the Scriptures about the day of vengeance.
FIVE: THE CONDITIONAL NATURE OF PROPHECY
Much Bible prophecy is conditional in nature. This means that God says He will do
certain things based on the response of man. IF man does NOT listen to God's message,
certain things will happen. IF man HEARS God's message and RESPONDS properly to it,
then something else will happen.
God said:
At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom,
to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;
IF that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will
repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a
kingdom, to build and to plant it,
IF it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the
good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. (Jeremiah 18:7-10)
In much Bible prophecy, you must continue studying in order to discover man’s response
to it because the fulfillment of prophecy is often conditional upon man's response. For a
good example of this principle read the book of Jonah. The Prophet Jonah revealed that
God would destroy Ninevah in three days IF they did not repent. The destruction never
came. The reason was that Ninevah responded properly to the message of God and
repented of their sins.
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY
Prophecy in the Old Testament centers on:
1. The people of Israel which was the nation God raised up through which to reveal
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Himself to the world. During the period of time when Israel was divided into two
kingdoms this prophecy is directed to Israel and Judah. An example of prophecy to
Israel is the book of Hosea. An example of prophecy to Judah is the book of Joel.
2. Prophecies to the nations surrounding the people of Israel. For example, prophecies
are given regarding Babylon, Egypt, Tyre, Edom, etc. An example is the prophecy
of Obadiah directed to the nation of Edom.
3. Prophecies concerning the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. These are not contained
in any one prophetic book. They are scattered throughout the Old Testament. A
good example is Isaiah 7:14.
4. Prophecies concerning the entire world, its destiny, future events, the end of the
world, and the end of time as we know it. The book of Daniel is an excellent
example of this type of prophecy. The following chart condenses the general
content of the books of prophecy in the Old Testament. As you use this chart be
sure to remember the rule of double reference. Although prophecies were directed
to certain nations and fulfilled in the immediate future, many of the prophecies
spoke of even greater events in the far future:
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Old Testament Prophets
Prophet Message Time Period
_________________________________________________________________
Jonah God loves the Gentiles To Assyria Before Captivity
Nahum Doom of Ninevah for its brutality (800-650 B.C.)
_________________________________________________________________
Obadiah Doom of Edom for its treachery To Edom Before Captivity
(800 B.C.)
_________________________________________________________________
Hosea God's love for adulterous Israel To Israel Before Captivity
Amos God's people ripe for punishment (750 B.C.)
_________________________________________________________________
Isaiah Messiah is coming
Jeremiah/ Judgment now, glory to follow
Lamentations
Joel Judgment will fall like a plague To Judah Before Captivity
Micah God's people on trial (800-606 B.C.)
Habakkuk The just shall live by faith
Zephaniah God's day is coming
_________________________________________________________________
Ezekiel God is not finished with Israel To Judah During Captivity
Daniel God's hand in world events (606-536 B.C.)
_________________________________________________________________
Haggai The danger of halfheartedness To Judah After Captivity
Zechariah The glory of Messiah (536-400 B.C.)
Malachi The danger of hardheartedness
NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY
There are many prophecies scattered throughout the New Testament. Most of these deal
with future events which are to happen prior to the end of the world. For examples read
the prophecies in Matthew chapter 24.
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There is only one book in the prophecy division in the New Testament, however. That is
the book of Revelation. John, a Disciple of Jesus, was given this revelation from God
through the Holy Spirit. It is a revelation of Jesus Christ:
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his
servants things which must shortly come to pass. . . (Revelation 1:1)
John was told to. . .
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the
things which shall be hereafter. (Revelation 1:19)
The Book of Daniel should be studied along with the book of Revelation as the two books
relate to each other.
There are many different interpretations given to the prophecies in the book of Revelation.
Most of these interpretations center on the exact timing of certain events or specific details
of these events. It is important to have a general understanding, however, of what the
Bible says will happen. The following outline provides understanding of the major events:
MAJOR EVENTS IN THE FUTURE
I. The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to earth for believers: John 14:2-3.
A. The Rapture: I Thessalonians 4:13-18 gives the most detail about Christ's
return for believers. This return is called the rapture:
1. Christ Himself will return: Verse 16
2. There will be a resurrection from the grave of those who were
believers when they died: Verse 16
3. There will be rapture, which means "the act of taking a person from
one place to another." Living believers will be taken from earth to
meet Jesus: Verse 17.
4. There will be a reunion between believers who have previously died,
believers living at the time of Christ's return, and the Lord Jesus
Christ: Verse 17.
B. The Tribulation: The Bible tells of a terrible time on earth which is called the
tribulation.
1. The tribulation will last for 42 months or 1,260 days: Daniel 9:24-27
2. It will be a very difficult time. There have been many difficult times
in the world, but three things will distinguish the tribulation from all
other times of trouble.
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a. First, it will be worldwide and not just local: Revelation 3:10
b. Second, people will realize the end of the world is near:
Revelation 6:16
c. Third, the intensity of the trouble will be greater than ever
before experienced: Matthew 24:4-14
3. Its description: There are a series of judgments on earth during the
tribulation. These are described in Revelation chapters 6, 8-9, and 16
and Matthew 24:4-14.
4. The reason for the tribulation: The wickedness of man must be
punished, Satan defeated, and Jesus acknowledged as Lord of all.
This completes God's plan of the ages spoken of in Ephesians 1:8-9.
C. The timing of the rapture: Some people believe the rapture will occur before
the tribulation and that believers will not have to experience any of this
terrible time on earth. Others believe the rapture will happen midway
through this period. Still other believe the rapture will happen at the end of
the tribulation. The most common interpretation is that the rapture of
believers will happen before the tribulation begins. The different views of
the timing of the rapture result from various interpretations of prophetic
information given in Revelation and other books of the Bible. What is most
important is to know you are a true believer and will be ready to go with
Jesus in the rapture when it does occur.
D. The Millennium: The Millennium is a period of 1,000 years after the
tribulation during which Jesus will rule the earth in righteousness
(Zechariah 14:9; Daniel 7:14). The city of Jerusalem will be the center of
government (Isaiah 2:3). This period will end when Satan stages a last
revolt against God (Revelation 20:7-9). God will send fire from heaven and
end all opposition. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
(Revelation 20:10).
E. Judgment: All created beings will be judged by God. This is known as the
time of eternal judgment. Those who died as unbelievers will be resurrected
to face judgment. Because they did not repent from sin and accept Jesus as
Savior they will be condemned to eternity in Hell (Revelation 20:12-15).
True believers who repented from sin and accepted Jesus as Savior will
spend eternity in heaven in the presence of God (Revelation 21).
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. List three purposes of Biblical prophecy.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. List four reasons why it is important to study prophecy.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. List five keys to understanding Bible prophecy.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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5. Who is the source of Bible prophecy?
________________________________________________________________________
6. Define the word "prophecy."
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. Identify the three kinds of "speaking forth" involved in Biblical prophecy.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. What two methods did God use in the Bible to give a prophetic message to men?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Where is the first prophecy in the Bible found?
________________________________________________________________________
10. The Bible gives several ways to identify false prophets. List at least three of these.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
1. Apply what you have learned in this lesson to study of the following prophetic
books:
Old Testament:
___Isaiah ___Jeremiah ___Lamentations ___Ezekiel ___Daniel ___Hosea ____ Joel
___Amos ___Obadiah ___Jonah ___Micah ___Nahum ___Habakkuk ___Zephaniah
___ Haggai ___Zechariah ___Malachi
New Testament: ___Revelation
2. God speaks through prophecy in the Bible to His people. He also uses prophets in
the church to speak to His people:
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets. . .
(I Corinthians 12:28)
The messages given by prophets today do not become part of the written Word of
God. Their messages are given in confirmation of the written Word of God. What
they say is to be judged by its accuracy in relation to the Bible.
For further study of the gift of prophecy as it operates in the church today obtain the
Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Ministry of the Holy Spirit." This
course presents a more detailed discussion of this spiritual gift and lists references
on all the prophets of the Bible for further study.
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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
THE TYPOLOGICAL METHOD
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:
C Write the Key Verse from memory.
C Define the typological method.
C List four general groups into which all Bible types are classified.
C Do a typological Bible study.
KEY VERSE:
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image
of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year
continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (Hebrews 10:1)
INTRODUCTION
This chapter explains how to study the Bible by the typological method. This method is
also referred to as study by "types." The method is defined, explained, and an example is
provided. In the "For Further Study" section you are given an opportunity to do a
topological Bible study.
THE METHOD DEFINED
To understand how to do a typological study you must first understand the meaning of the
word type. There are several verses in the Bible which explain the meaning of a Biblical
type. The Key Verse for this chapter, Hebrews 10:1, speaks of the law having a shadow of
good thing to come. "Shadow" is one word to describe a Biblical type. A shadow is an
exact outline, although the details may be dim and sometimes it contrasts the thing that
casts the shadow.
"Figure" is another word which describes type:
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Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had
not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of
Him that was to come. (Romans 5:14)
According to this verse, Adam was a "figure" of someone else who was to come. The
meaning of the word "figure" is similar to that of type. Adam was a type of the Lord
Jesus Christ who was to come later.
The offering of sacrifices for sin in the Old Testament was a type of the final sacrifice for
sin which was to be offered by Jesus in the New Testament:
The Holy Ghost thus signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet
made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts
and sacrifices that could not make him that did the service perfect, as
pertaining to the conscience. (Hebrews 9:8-9)
"Pattern" is another word describing Biblical types:
For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests
that offer gifts according to the law;
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was
admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith
he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the
mount. (Hebrews 8:4-5)
Each of these words--shadow, figure, and pattern--all contain the idea we refer to when we
speak of types. A type is a person or thing in the Bible which God used to represent some
other person, thing, or event that would appear in the future. It was a shadow, a figure, or a
pattern of what was to come.
THE METHOD EXPLAINED
When we study these types it is called typological Bible study. We study a person, place,
event, or thing and then we study the thing of which it is a type. In a way, types are like
prophecy. They give an advance view of what is to come in God's future plan. Like
prophecy, some types have been fulfilled. Others remain to be fulfilled.
Although the type is important in itself, it has an even greater significance in the future
person or event which it represented. Types are physical pictures of spiritual realities. For
example, the experience of the children of Israel being healed from the bites of serpents is
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an actual Old Testament event. The Old Testament account in Numbers 21:6-9 tells that
serpents bit the people and caused many of them to die. Moses made a bronze serpent and
set it on a pole. Everyone who looked at the bronze serpent recovered from the serpent's
bite. This event is a type of the death of Jesus:
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of
man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
eternal life. (John 3:14-15)
Many of the truths of the Bible are so simply stated that a child can understand them.
There are other truths that are "hidden riches of secret places.” They require more intense
study to understand. The typical teachings of the Bible are like hidden riches. You must
take time to search out these truths to discover the richest teachings of the Word of God.
All types fall into four general classifications:
1. Persons
2. Places
3. Events (historical, ceremonial, etc.)
4. Material things
EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD
One of the greatest types in the Bible is found in the Old Testament personality of Joseph.
Read the story of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37-50. Joseph was a type of the Lord Jesus
Christ. There were many events in his life which were a pattern of those which would be
in the life of Jesus. These are noted on the following chart:
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Typological Bible Study
STUDY OF JOSEPH as a type of JESUS CHRIST
Reference Event References
Genesis 37:2 He was a shepherd John 10:11
Genesis 37:3 He was the well-beloved of his father
Genesis 37:4 He was hated by his own brothers
Genesis 37:8 His brothers rejected his rulership
Genesis 37:11 His father took notice of the future
plans just as Mary did concerning Jesus
Genesis 37:13 His father sent him to his brothers
Genesis 37:13 He was willing to do his father's will
Genesis 37:18 His brothers plotted against him
Genesis 37:29 As in the case of Pilate and Jesus, a leader
(Reuben) tried to find a way to deliver him
Genesis 37:23 He was stripped of his beautiful robe
Genesis 37:28 He was sold for silver
Genesis 37:26-28 He was sold by Judah (Judas in Greek)
Genesis 39:2 He became a servant
Genesis 39:7-23 He resisted temptation
Genesis 39:13-20 He was condemned by false witnesses
Genesis 39:20 He suffered though innocent
Genesis 40:1-3 He was with two sinners in his suffering:
One delivered and one was not
Genesis 41:14 He came up out of the "grave" of prison
Genesis 41:57 He saved the world from death
Genesis 47:1-2 His brothers gained access to the king through him
Genesis 41:50 He had a Gentile bride
Genesis 50:14-21 He showed a forgiving spirit
Joseph's life was important in itself but it was also a pattern of an even greater life which
was to come in the future. That greater life was the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. You will
notice on the chart that space is provided for references under the column heading "Jesus
Christ." Complete the typological study by finding references in the Gospels which tell of
similar events in the life of Jesus. The first one is done as an example for you to follow.
This is an example of typological Bible study, Joseph being a type of Jesus Christ. After
you complete the “Self-Test,” use the "For Further Study" section of this chapter to do
your own typological study.
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SELF-TEST
1. Write the Key Verse from memory.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Define the typological method of Bible study.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What are some other words used in the Bible for the word "types"?
________________________________________________________________________
4. What are the four general categories into which Bible types are classified?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. What Old Testament personality was used in this chapter as an example of a Bible
type?
________________________________________________________________________
6. Of whom was he a type?
________________________________________________________________________
(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)
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FOR FURTHER STUDY
Several examples of types are given in this section which you may use to do a typological
Bible study. There is a study form at the end of this section to use in doing typological
studies.
1. Study Isaac as a type of Jesus Christ. (Genesis 21-28)
Some things to watch for: Isaac was an only begotten son and he was willing to be
sacrificed on a mountain. He also chose a bride, Rebekah.
2. Study Rebekah as a type of the church which is the bride of Christ. (Genesis 24)
She had to be qualified by belonging to the family of Abraham, she had to make her
own choice as to whether to come to Isaac, and she had to leave her former
surroundings. After her long journey she saw Isaac face to face.
3. Study Noah's ark as a type of salvation. (Genesis 6-8).
Note that the penalty of sin was death. The flood is a type of the judgment of God.
The provision of safety in the ark was planned exactly, there was only one door,
and there was adequate room for all. The ark was covered with pitch to keep out
the water. The word "pitch" comes from a Hebrew word meaning "to cover.” The
same word is translated "atonement" in other portions of the Old Testament. How
is this a type of salvation through Jesus Christ?
4. Study the wanderings of Israel recorded in Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
I Corinthians 10:11 states that ". . . all these things happened unto them for
examples; and they are written for our admonition." Leaving Egypt is a type of
leaving sin. Wandering in the wilderness is a type of the life of a carnal Christian
who is controlled by his own selfish will and fleshly desires. He does not deny
God, but refuses to enter into God's perfect plan for his life. Study the failures of
Israel in the wilderness. I Corinthians 10 points out that their failures have a
spiritual significance. If we are not careful, we can fail after their example.
5. Use the following reference guide to help you identify and study other Biblical
types. This is only a partial list of the many types used in the Bible.
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REFERENCE GUIDE OF TYPES
PERSONS:
Aaron/priests Jesus as our High Priest
Abraham God the Father
David Christ as King
Esau The sensual, natural man
Isaac Christ, the obedient son
Jacob Spiritual man as contrasted with Esau
Jonah Type of Christ's death, burial, resurrection
Joseph Jesus
Joshua Jesus as our leader
Melchizedek Jesus as priest and king
Moses Jesus as deliverer and ruler
Rebekah The church, bride of Christ
Shepherd Jesus as the Good Shepherd
PLACES:
Desert Temptation
Wilderness Life of a carnal Christian
Egypt Sin
Canaan Spirit-filled life
Gomorrah/Sodom Wickedness
Jerusalem Heaven
Cities of Refuge Jesus as our protection
Rephidim Life in the spirit
EVENTS:
Historical Events:
Red Sea Leaving the world behind
General Events:
Baptism Death, burial, resurrection of Jesus
War Spiritual conflict
Washing Cleansing
Natural Events:
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Fire Presence of God in favor or judgment
Flood Judgment
Rain Blessing
Snow Purity
Wind Might, power
Ceremonial Events:
The offerings of Israel:
-The sin offering: Leviticus 4:1-6. A type of the atonement of Jesus through the shedding
of blood.
-The burnt offering: The one who offered it acknowledged that consecration to God is
necessary for genuine worship. Consecration must be renewed continually. Leviticus 1:1-
4
-The peace offering: Expressed the idea of peace and fellowship with God. Part of the
sacrifice was burned on the altar to God, part was given to the priests, and part was for the
worshiper to feast upon.
The feasts of Israel:
-The Passover: The lamb was a type of Jesus and the blood a type of His atonement from
sin; Exodus 12:3-5; 11-13
-Pentecost: The typical meaning of the feast of Pentecost was fulfilled on the day of
Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to the Disciples in the upper room. See Leviticus
23:15-17 and Acts 4.
-The feast of Tabernacles: This has not yet been fulfilled in type. It pictures the great
rejoicing in Heaven when the redeemed of all ages gather around the throne of God.
Deuteronomy 16:13-15
MATERIAL THINGS:
The Tabernacle:
God provided the tabernacle as a place where He could meet with His people.
-The outer court: This was a meeting place of the people and priests. The curtains which
surrounded it represented exclusion because of sin. But because the walls were of cloth,
the exclusion was to be temporary. The door into the Outer Court taught there was access
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to God, the Brazen Altar represented atonement for sin, and the Brazen Laver reminded of
the necessity of purification before service.
-The Holy Place: It represented priestly service. In it was the golden candlestick typifying
testimony, the table of shewbread typifying spiritual nourishment and fellowship, and the
Golden Altar and Incense typifying worship and intercession.
-The Holy of Holies: This was God's special dwelling place. The veil which separated it
from the Holy Place showed that perfect access to God was not yet possible. The ark
containing the law taught the justice of God. The mercy seat taught that a just God can
also be merciful because of shed blood. Through the tabernacle God showed what He
would do in the future. He would provide a way of perfect communion with mankind
through Jesus Christ. God would dwell in the spiritual temple of the church. He would
also dwell in the individual believer. This means that the typical application of the lessons
from the tabernacle speak of Jesus, His Church, and the believer.
Typical Metals:
Brass Judgment
Gold Glory
Silver Redemption
Typical Colors:
Blue Heavenly things
Crimson, scarlet, and red Suffering or sacrifice
White Purity
Typical Foods:
Bread Sustaining life
Fruit Increase or multiplication
Honey Natural sweetness
Manna Jesus, the bread of life
Meat Strong spiritual food
Milk Spiritual food for young believers
Salt Incorruptibility, preserved
Wine Teaching: Fermented wine represents false teaching.
Unfermented wine represents true teaching.
Creatures:
Birds Evil spirits
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Oxen Strength or service
Fish Men
Goat Sin or the sinner
Lamb Jesus, the perfect offering
Lion Rulership
Serpent Satan
Sheep God's people
TYPOLOGICAL BIBLE STUDY
Study of ____________________________ as a type of _______________________
References Event References
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APPENDIX
ADDITIONAL BIBLE STUDY METHODS
The methods of creative Bible study discussed in this course were those which provide the
greatest spiritual benefits in terms of application to life and ministry. Several additional
Bible study methods are described in this Appendix. While these methods are interesting
and will expand your knowledge of the Bible, they are not as applicable to Christian living
as those previously explained. For this reason we have provided only a brief description of
these methods.
THE POLITICAL METHOD:
The political method studies matters related to the politics of nations in the Bible. It
provides understanding of the governments of nations in which Biblical events occurred.
To do such a study you must identify:
I. The type of government: For example, is it a dictatorship or a constitutional
government?
II. Philosophy of government: Is it a democratic philosophy or otherwise?
III. Geography of government:
A. Area governed.
B. Organization of subdivisions.
C. Seats of government.
D. Influence of geography on the government.
IV. Leaders in government.
V. Functions of government.
A. Administration.
B. Public finance.
C. War and international relations.
D. Judicial affairs.
VI. Influence of religious groups on government.
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VII. How this government affected the Biblical events which you are studying.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL METHOD:
The psychological method examines the behavior, traits, feelings, and attitudes of people
in the Bible. It attempts to determine the motive or reason behind their behavior.
Examples of psychological studies include the following:
1 .Examination of the motives for Christian service in Philippians 1:14-19.
2. Study of the influence of Solomon's environment on his political policies.
3. A study of the human emotions experienced by Jesus.
4. An investigation of the Pharisee's actions and reactions towards Jesus.
5. A study of the actions and attitudes of Elijah after the Mt. Carmel incident.
6. A study of the motives behind the opposition to Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of
Jerusalem.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD:
The scientific method of study deals with scientific subjects in the Bible. For example,
you could study the plants, animals, or minerals of the Bible. To do this type of study,
identify the subject you are studying and the references where it is mentioned, then
determine its spiritual significance. Here is an example of how such a study increases
background knowledge of Bible truths:
Subject: Mustard (seed and plant)
Use In Scripture: Matthew 13:31; 17:20; Mark 4:31; Luke 13:19; 17:6
Spiritual Application: The mustard plant sometimes grows to a height of 12 feet. This
plant is used by Jesus to illustrate the Kingdom of God and faith. The small beginning of
the Kingdom are illustrated by the tiny mustard seed. Although at the start it is
insignificant, in the end the mustard seed develops into a large tree. This illustrates the
growth of the Kingdom of God. Jesus also said that if men will have faith as big as a grain
of mustard seed they can do great things.
SOCIOLOGICAL METHOD:
The sociological method is the study of society. It is the study of groups, group behavior,
and relationships within a group. The sociological method includes the study of family,
community, government, and social institutions, communication, travel, distribution of
goods, labor and management relations, race, religion, education recreation, and the arts.
An example of such a study would be a comparison of social relationships in Ephesians
5:21-6:9 and Colossians 3:18-4:1. Another example for study is the role of women in
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- - - - - - - - - - - -fold here- - - - - - - - - - -
various Biblical societies.
ANTHROPOLOGICAL METHOD:
Anthropology is the study of man, his language, culture, physical development, and
history. The history of man is often studied through archaeology which examines the
remains of past civilizations. An example of language study would be a comparison of
languages at the tower of Babel (Genesis 11) with the gift of tongues on the day of
Pentecost (Acts 4). A study of Biblical culture would be studies of the religion, art, music,
science, and literature of Bible times. For example, you might study the music of Israel
and the instruments mentioned in the Bible.
BIBLE STUDY FILES
It is important to organize your Bible study notes. You may want to study the same topic,
book, or passage again at a later time. You will also want to share what you have learned
with others.
The easiest way to organize your notes is to create Bible study files. A file is a paper or
cardboard folder in which you can place your notes. You can also add articles from
newspapers or magazines which relate to the subject as well as notes you take as you listen
to others teach on the topic.
You can purchase commercially made file folders at a stationary or business supply store.
If you cannot obtain file folders you can make your own. If paper is scarce you can even
use old newspaper to create your file folders! To make a file folder use a piece of paper
approximately 16 inches by 22 long. Fold it as shown below:
-----22 inches-----
16 inches
When your file folder is folded properly, one edge will extend beyond the other:
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Title of file
___________________
- - - - - - - Top of file with name which reflects
its content
(Regular file folders have a tab for
this purpose)
- - - - - - - Bottom edge folded up
- - - - - - - Place where fold was made
Store your folders in proper order. If you cannot purchase a filing cabinet then obtain
wood or cardboard boxes in which to organize your files. There are three main types of
files which you should create and organize:
1. Books Of The Bible: Make a folder for each book of the Bible. Place in these
folders the notes from your study of that book, its chapters, paragraphs, verses, and
words. Organize these folders in your file box in the same order as the books are
organized in the Bible, starting with Genesis and ending with Revelation. You will
make one folder for each book of the Bible.
2. Topics: As you study various topics, create folders by subject name. For example,
you might study prayer, the parables of Jesus, or the names of God. Make a folder
for each subject and place your study notes in it. Organize these folders in your file
box alphabetically by subject name.
3. Personalities: These files will contain biographical studies. Label them by name,
i.e., "Moses," "David," "Joseph," etc. Organize these folders in your file box in
alphabetical order by name.
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ANSWERS TO SELF-TESTS
CHAPTER ONE:
l. 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
2. The word "Bible" means "the books."
3. The word "Scripture" means "sacred writings."
4. Old Testament and New Testament.
5. 66.
6. Law, history, poetry, prophecy.
7. Gospels, history, letters, prophecy.
8. The word "testament" means "covenant."
9. For doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
10. The Bible contains no contradictions and it is united in its major theme.
11. The Bible has variety.
12. a. T; b. T; c. F; d. F; e. F
13. Jesus. Luke 24:44-48.
CHAPTER TWO:
1. Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord; give me understanding according to thy
Word. (Psalm 119:169)
2. 39
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3. 27
4. If you just read a chapter here and there you fail to understand how the Bible fits
together. You must read the Bible in an orderly way if you are to understand its
content.
5. -Read daily.
-Read selectively.
-Read prayerfully.
-Read systematically.
CHAPTER THREE:
1. The Lord gave the Word: great was the company of those that published it. (Psalm
68:11)
2. A version is a Bible written in a language different from the languages in which
God's Word was originally written.
3. A translation is a word by word translation of the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramic
words. A paraphrase does not translate word for word. It is translated thought by
thought.
4. The King James version.
5. Because no two languages are exactly alike so differences occur when translation is
done.
6. Hebrew, Aramic, and Greek.
CHAPTER FOUR:
l. He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are
not of God. (John 8:47)
2. Because they try to read it the same way they do any other book.
3. Something you must do before you can do something else.
4. Knowing God and accepting Jesus Christ as Savior.
5. Believers who are called as teachers. The Holy Spirit.
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6. The Holy Spirit.
7. The milk is the simple truths of the Word of God.
8. The meat is the deeper spiritual truths of the Bible which are not so easily
understood.
9. -Desire the milk.
-Be obedient to God's Word.
-Search for the meat.
10. -Set a special time each day to study.
-Select a special place to study.
-Start each study session with prayer.
CHAPTER FIVE:
1. Thou through thy commandments has made me wiser than mine enemies: for they
are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy
testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep
thy precepts. (Psalm 119:98-100)
2. -To locate all the Bible references to a word.
-To locate a specific Bible text.
-To find the meaning of a word.
3. 4, 2, 6, 1, 3, 5
CHAPTER SIX:
1. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
2. It means you must understand what is being said to whom. You must also interpret
and apply the meaning correctly.
3. The verbal inspiration of the Bible means every word in the original manuscripts
was inspired by God.
4. The plenary inspiration of the Bible means the full inspiration of all Scripture as
opposed to partial inspiration. Every portion of the Bible is inspired.
5. The rules and explanations are as follows:
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1. The rule of divine authority. We accept the Bible as the final
authority because it is inspired by God.
2. The rule of literal interpretation. The Bible means exactly what it
says.
3. The rule of contextual consideration. Each verse must be studied in
relation to its context.
4. The rule of first mention. The first time a word, phrase, object, or
incident is mentioned in the Bible, it gives the key to its meaning
anywhere else it is used in the Bible.
5. The rule of repetition. When something is repeated in the Bible it
deserves special attention as it is very important.
6. The rule of cumulative revelation. The full truth of God's Word on
any subject must not be gathered from an isolated passage. The
cumulative (total) revelation of all the Bible says regarding a truth
must be considered.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
l. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for
ever. (Psalm 119:152)
2. k, l, c, d, e, g, f, j, h, i, b, a
3. When.
4. Biblical archaeology is the study of remains found in Bible lands. It is a science
which gains knowledge of Bible times from the study of existing remains of their
civilizations.
CHAPTER EIGHT:
1. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I
shall live. (Psalm 119:144)
2. The second main point should not come under point I. It should be a separate point
and indicated by the Roman numerals II. Review the instructions for outlining
given in this chapter.
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3. Horizontally and vertically.
4. Marking is a way to emphasize key Bible passages. You underline selected verses
or use symbols in the margins.
CHAPTER NINE:
l. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous thing out of thy law. (Psalm
119:18)
2. See the symbols listed in Chapter Nine.
3. See the purposes listed in Chapter Nine.
4. Everyone who claims to speak God's Word is not really doing so. There are false
teachers.
5. God will add to them the plagues written in the Word. Revelation 22:18-19
6. Their part will be taken out of God's book of life and out of the holy city and from
the things which are written in the Word. Revelation 22:18-19.
7. God.
8. God's words.
9. Milk and the meat.
10. Moses.
CHAPTER TEN:
l. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy Word. (Psalm
119:148)
2. This method emphasizes application of knowledge to life and ministry. It results in
increased devotion to God.
3. -Record passage information -Identify the subject
-Identify the key verse -Summarize
-Meditate -Make application
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4. It is not enough just to hear the Word. You must also apply the Word in your life.
James 1:22-25
5. Satan fights the use of this method because he is concerned when Bible study
results in application which brings positive change in spiritual life.
CHAPTER ELEVEN:
l. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according
to thy word. (Psalm 119:9)
2. 2, l
3. -Do an initial survey
-Create a book study chart
-Create an outline
4. -Title of the book
-Theme
-Author
-To whom the book was written
-Purpose
-Basic life and ministry principle
CHAPTER TWELVE:
1. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm
119:11)
2. Study of the Bible by chapters.
3. -Select a chapter title.
-Mark paragraph divisions.
-Create a chapter study chart.
-Create a chapter outline.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
l. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
(Psalm 119:130)
2. -Do a chapter study
-Observe details of the paragraph
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-Create a paragraph study chart
-Create a paragraph study outline
3. 3, 2, 4, l
4. 4, 5, l, 2, 3
5. 3, 2, 4, l
CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
1. My tongue shall speak of thy Word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
(Psalm 119:172)
2. Context.
3. -Study the verse within its context
-Study related verses
-Create a verse study chart
-Create a verse study outline
CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
1. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no
wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18)
2. -Select the word.
-Study the word within its context.
-Determine the meaning.
-Summarize your study.
3. A key word is one which is basic to the meaning of the verse. It is an important
word. Sometimes it is a word difficult to understand or it is repeated for special
emphasis.
4. The word "temperance" would be a good subject for word study. The other words
are not key words.
5. A concordance and Bible word study book.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
l. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I
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esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
(Psalm 119:127-128)
2. The topical method focuses on a selected subject. The goal of the study is to
discover all the Bible teaches on the subject.
3. -Select a topic.
-Select the portion of Scripture.
-Gather the information.
-Summarize the information.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN :
l. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for
our admonition . . .(I Corinthians 10:11)
2. The biographical method focuses on the lives of Bible personalities. By studying
their lives we learn from their experiences.
3. -Select the person to be studied.
-Gather the information.
-Analyze The Information.
-Apply What You Have Learned.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:
1. 7, 8, 5, 3, 4, 2, l, 6, 9, 10
2. Thy testimonies are wonderful; therefore doth my soul keep them. (Psalm 119:129)
3. The theological method is the study of basic Bible doctrines about God. The
method includes collecting, comparing, and organizing doctrinal statements.
4. -Select the topic of study.
-Define the doctrine selected.
-Select the Bible portion to be studied.
-Gather information on the doctrine.
-Summarize the information you gather.
5. A "doctrine" is a group of teachings about a certain subject. It contains all the Bible
teaches on a selected subject.
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CHAPTER NINETEEN:
l. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. (Psalm
119:164)
2. b, c, a
3. c, a, b, d
4. Synonymous.
5. Antithetic.
6. Synthetic.
7. Emblematic.
CHAPTER TWENTY:
l. And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was
yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of
Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning me. (Luke 24:44)
2. -To authenticate God's message.
-To confirm God's messenger.
-To instruct believers.
3. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for study. Prophecy presents a
proper perspective of past, present, and future events in the plan of God.
Understanding God's future plan prevents deception by Satan. A special blessing is
pronounced on those who study it.
4. -Recognize Jesus is the basic theme of prophecy.
-Realize that in many cases the Bible interprets itself.
-Understand the rule of double reference.
-Understand prophetic perspective.
-Realize that prophecy is conditional in nature.
5. God.
6. Prophecy means to speak forth under the inspiration of God.
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7. -A message of inspiration from God.
-Prediction of future events in God's plan.
-An interpretation for man of the acts of God.
8. The spoken word and acted prophecy.
9. Genesis 3:15. It is the promise of a Messiah.
10. See the ways of identifying false prophets discussed in Chapter Twenty.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:
l. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the
things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually
make the comers thereunto perfect. (Hebrews 10:1)
2. The typological method is the study of a person, place, event, or thing as a type of
something else. Types give an advance view of what is to come in God's future
plan. Although the type is important in itself, it has an even greater significance in
the future person or event which it represents.
3. Shadow, figure, pattern.
4. -Persons
-Places
-Events
-Material things
5. Joseph.
6. Jesus Christ.
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