EQUIP - WEEK 2 - HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

WEEK #2

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE:

A key to reading and studying the Bible is preparing your heart. 

Using Jesus as our example, what can we derive from watching and understanding how He lived His Life?

It's all CONNECTED!

This means; Your life can not be separated into compartments. In regards to your relationship with God, your Work life, your social life (personal, sexual, relational) and your Spiritual life (prayer, worship, discipleship ) all are reflected in your behavior "in the world" and in the church. All of these combine as factors effecting your ability to accurately see (spiritually) and understand (comprehend with your mind)  Gods Word (Holy Scriptures and Prophecy)

*note - Prophecy- prophēteia is defined as 1) prophecy

a) a discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp. by foretelling future events

b) Used in the NT of the utterance of OT prophets

1) of the prediction of events relating to Christ's kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions pertaining to it, the spirit of prophecy, the divine mind, to which the prophetic faculty is due

2) of the endowment and speech of the Christian teachers called prophets

3) the gifts and utterances of these prophets, esp. of the predictions of the works of which, set apart to teach the gospel, will accomplish for the kingdom of Christ

http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4394&t=KJV

Holy-קֹדֶשׁ - 1) apartness, holiness, sacredness, separateness

a) apartness, sacredness, holiness

1) of God

2) of places

3) of things

b) set-apartness, separateness

You will SEE God Word and the world based on your attitude [flesh] (worlds view) and your Faith [spiritual] (Gods View)

Why this is so important...

MATT 5:8 

Blessed are the pure in heart, 

    for they will see God.

The condition of your heart will determine your ability to see God clearly!

Bible Scriptures in regard to Prayer!

Psalm 107:28-30 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven

Matthew 7:7  ”Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Mark 9:29  And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Mark 11:24  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it

Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 5:14-16 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Where you start

Matt 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]

    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’

Below is an extremely condensed version of Dr. Larry Lea's book, "Could you not tarry one hour"

This is a link to a more expanded version - http://www.dougandmarsha.com/essays-cws/ch19_larry_lea_prayer.pdf

Understanding this is important, so you understand that Scripture has a reason and a purpose, It's not random or pointless. By reading and studying scripture you will become closer with God and understand His call on your life.

Gospels;

Matthew -  Jewish, Written to the Jewish believers

Mark - Most likely the first Gospel written - Written to the Romans - Gentiles

Luke - According to Luke, - A physician, written to the Jewish believers

John - The "Believe Gospel" Written to all, Heavy support of Jesus the Man the SON of the Living God.

Start in John or Mark then move into Luke and Matthew followed by Acts.

Types or Studies you can do:

Word Study - Dig in and cut into the definition, origin, root and application of a word. Good for personal study

Topic Study - Great for personal and group study, broaden your understanding of core principles of your faith.

Book Study - Probably the best way to get a bigger picture of the purposes of the writings of Scripture.

Now your digging with a big shovel. Get plenty of support resources to help keep you focused and manage your study.

A Person Study - Also called Character Study, Learning about a person in the Bible, (ex. Paul the Apostle)

Here are a few other study options, it is endless.

HW: Find a new study tool and tell us why its great, what it does/ how it helps you study.

Resources to help you study:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://concordances.org/

http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/

http://www.a.youversion.com/free-bible-apps

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/strongs-concordance-lite/id460871979?mt=8