How to study the Bible 2 Timothy 2:15

Objective:  Learn how to correctly study and interpret the bible. 

Reference Materials:  Holy Bible    Requirements:  Attendance and an open heart

Studying the Bible (4)

              In the previous lesson, the second step in effectively studying the Bible was indentified as being consecrated .  Before moving forward to the third and final step of three prerequiites of "Preparing the Person" .  It is important to take a more indepth look at what it means to be consencrated. 

              First, lets define what it means to be consencrated...to consencrate is too; 1.  dedicate to sacred purpose or Hallowed.  2.  to devote to a purpose with deep solemnity or dedication.  In other words to devote irrevocably to the worship of God (Eccl. 5:2-6).    One must always remember when they consencrate it requires them to shut out all outside influences  (St Matt. 13:22, Mark 4:18-19, Luke 8:14).  If one would take note not only of the the previous passages of scriptures emphasis but the whole parable a particular word stands out and that word is "hear (heard or heareth)".  Why?  Reading Romans 10:17; will give the believer the answer.  It is highly encouraged that one would read the Word of God softly out loud.  Why?  Because the beleiver's faith is tied directly to the Word; simply put much faith much Word, little faith; little Word, no faith; noWord.

              As stated in the previous lesson the student (believer) must be open or have a open heart, but in addition to that they must have a "single eye" or focus.  The Bible reveals that in St Matt.6:22, the Lord spoke of the lamp of the body as being the eye; note the Lord did not say the eye is the light of the body.  Rather, he said that the eye is is the lamp of the body.  Remember from the previous lesson,light relates to God, while the lamp relates to us.  The Light is God's word and the lamp relates to the believer.   The Lamp is the conduit from which the light flows. It is in the lamp where God deposits His light and it  is the place where light is released.    In order for God's word to shine in the believer there must be a lamp within the believer.  The lamp is our eye--"therefore if your eye is engle , your whole body will be full of light; but if your your eye is evil  your whole body will be full of darkness (St Matt. 6:22-23).   What does it mean to to have a single eye? It means to be FOCUSED.  Although as humans being we have two eyes they should only see one thing at one time.  If one eyes see two things simultanously they are sick and defineitely can not see clearly. 

              Further reading of this passages of scripture (verse 24)  The Lord states, "no man can serve two masters...  The reason many do not have a single eye is because they are short on consencration.  There is a basic principle if one wants to read the Bible, undertsands its teachings, and receive its revelations--the believer must bear responsibility for consencrating themselves before the Lord.  If one has problem seeing with a singleness the problem is there is a problem with the consencration.    How does one's eye become single?  The Lord said, "for where your treasue is, there will your heart be also (St Matt. 6:21). It is important to note mammon signifies money and wealth and the Bible declares the love of money is the root of all evil.  Mammon itself is not bad when it under our direction, it will help the believer and not ham them.    Previously we stated that only unspiritual persons could not understand the Bible; now we'll add that unconsecrated persons can not understand the Bible also.

How to study the Bible 2 Timothy 2:15

Objective:  Learn how to correctly study and interpret the bible. 

Reference Materials:  Holy Bible    Requirements:  Attendance and an open heart

Studying the Bible (5)

              Previously we identified that there were steps in effectively studying the Bible.  It is important not to forget that the person (character) is more important than the method.  The Bible is litter with example of individuals that God first dealt with their character prior to sending them out.  In continuing examining the second step in effectively studying the Bible “being consecrated”, we have already indentified that 1. one heart should be open:  2. one should be single eyed (FOCUSED) in this session we examine the final part of being consecrated is “continual obedience”.

Obedience is non-negotiable.  God’s promises are conditional but His commandments are absolute.  Take for example King Saul; his intentions were somewhat honorable but he violated God’s commandment to destroy everything.  (1 Samuel 15:22)  The more one renders themselves to obedience the more God will release His light from His word. 

One should examine John 7:16-17; if one resolves to do the will of God –he’ll know God’s will.  In other words a resolution to do God’s will is a condition for knowing God’s teaching.  It is impossible to know God’s teaching in practice when ones intend not to follow God’s will.  One must understand the resolution to do God’s will relates directly to one’s attitude.  Many miss out on understanding correctly because of their attitude.  One must understand that the Bible is a mirror not a window that changes you (2 Corinthians 3:18). 

How to study the Bible 2 Timothy 2:15

Objective:  Learn how to correctly study and interpret the bible. 

Reference Materials:  Holy Bible    Requirements:  Attendance and an open heart

Studying the Bible (5b)

              The first sessions of this series has dealt extensively with the character of the studier.    As stated before, “the problem is not God or His word; the problem is with the one who chooses to examine God’s word.”   The opening words of 2 Peter 3:9, illustrate the faithfulness of God.  In addition, Philippians 1:6; insures the believers that God is able to finished what He started in them.  In concluding this part of the series on the character it is important to identify some pitfalls that hinder believers.  There are two problems that exist outside of not being saved (St John 10:2-5, 27; 2 Corinthians 2:14) that prevent many from receiving illumination (being made clear) and revelation (being shown something new) that we’ll examine in this series. 

              The first problem that hinders many is failure to receive God’s word in faith (Hebrews 11:6), one should strive to study and read God’s word without doubting it.  The clique God said and that settles it should become ones’ motto. The second problem is an unrepentant attitude and disobedience will definitely hinder illumination and revelation.  John the Baptist preached the Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (St Mark 1:4; St Luke 3:3) but when Jesus appeared the people were oblivious to who He was and could not receive Him unlike John (St John 1:29, 36). Why? They were unrepentant. 

              The author of Psalms 63:1 begins by acknowledging God and stating, “...early will he seek God…”  It is important to seek God and the condition of one heart and mind play an intricate part in successfully accomplishing that endeavor.  The following three areas on should strive not to receive God’s word in that manner:

Being subjective one should be open-minded---being full of thoughts and opinions can stifle what God is trying to do.  Take for example Samuel his subjective cause him to think Eli was calling although it was God. 

Being careless—the Bible is very accurate and not one word should be misread or replaced.  The Bible plays particular attention to singular and plural forms.  One must not be so careless that they cannot differentiate.  Additionally, one must not add anything to the Bible.

Being too curious—Deuteronomy 29:29, is specific some things are not for us to know.  Take for example the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus; how could reveal heavenly things when Nicodemus could not comprehend earthly things. (St John 3:12)

How to study the Bible 2 Timothy 2:15

Objective:  Learn how to correctly study and interpret the bible. 

Reference Materials:  Holy Bible    Requirements:  Attendance and an open heart

Studying the Bible (6)

              In order to correctly study the Bible one must correctly interpret what the Holy Spirit is trying to convey (Proverbs 4:7, 2 Timothy 2:15-16).  One cannot forget that the Bible was given by divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16-17) thus if one is going to understand and study correctly they must work in unison with the Holy Spirit.  This is especially true in regards to the New Testament for the Holy Spirit has recorded in the four Gospels and Acts.. 

First one must merge their thoughts to the thoughts of the Holy Spirit.  Second, many facts have been recorded in the Bible.  One must accepts these facts if they are going to understand God’s words (1 Peter 1:20-21).  Third, in their reading one must allow the words to touch their spirit.  In many instances it is not enough to know the thoughts of the author as led by the Holy Ghost but one must know the spirit behind the thoughts (2 Corinthians 3:6).  Additionally, one must know the spirit behind the facts.

Every reader should strive through discipline and training to achieve the above mention three points for they are not a method but relate to the person reading.  Over the next couple of session we’ll examine the three points from above.

Merging one’s thoughts:

A reader of the Bible has to learn not to only read the words and memorize words but also to touch the purpose of the Holy Ghost’s directing the writing of the book.  The first step is not busying oneself with exegesis (an explanation) but knowing the intention of the Holy Ghost.  One must remember the value of words do not lie in the words themselves but the meaning they convey.  In Matthew 22:29, Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not knowing the scriptures.  They read the scriptures but could not understand them.   It is important to understand as from an earlier session that one’s’ mind must be objective…they must be open.  The Holy Spirit has a thought and purpose for r recorded what is being read.        

How to study the Bible 2 Timothy 2:15

Objective:  Learn how to correctly study and interpret the bible. 

Reference Materials:  Holy Bible    Requirements:  Attendance and an open heart

Studying the Bible (6b)

              Having examined the first the of three points mention in lesson 6a: merging one’s thoughts with the Holy Ghost.  In this particular lesson we’ll examine the second of the two points: accepting the facts that have been recorded in the Bible and allowing the Words to touch your spirit.   But before we go further it is important to mention that Jesus spoke to the Pharisees in St John 5:39-47 about their constant search of the scriptures for eternal life…one must understand to really effectively study and understand what the Word of God is saying, in addition to allowing their thoughts to merge with the Holy Ghost one must have a relationship with Him.  Without that relationship being established their attempt are futile.

              The facts in the Bible are recorded not only for historical records.  To the believers the facts are examples, comfort, edification and strength.  (Deuteronomy 29:29, Psalms 119:11 & 105, Ephesians 6:10)  It is important to capture the essence of the fact, history, or story being told.   The essence is the impression that the Holy Ghost is trying to impart upon the characteristics of the believer.  Take for example the two accounts of Peter fishing recorded in the Gospels, Luke 5:4-8 and St John 21:4-7.  In Luke’s account Peter recognizes his condition and fall at Jesus’ feet; in John’s account Peter strips himself and swims to meet the Lord. In both case Peter had no more interest in fishing when he recognized the Lord and in each case he received revelation of who Jesus was.  

              The first revelation caused him to know himself and asked Him to depart but the second caused him to draw into a more intimate relationship with the Lord.  It is important for one to recognize when there is shift within what impression or imprint the Holy Ghost is trying to convey upon the believer. Another example of understanding and recognizing the shift being conveyed is the Book of Romans…chapters1-2 speaks of man’s sin, chapter 3 speaks of redemption, chapter 4 faith, chapter 5 of the sinner, chapter 6 of the death of the sinner, chapter 7 of the two laws, chapter 8 of the Holy Ghost, chapters 9 thru 11 give examples, while chapters 12 speaks of the Christian and the church and chapters 13 thru sixteen speaks of the walk and the conduct of saved persons.

              One must accept that God’s words are spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6) and His word give life and many missed receiving that life that is being conveyed by His word for the simple fact they missed the shift or refused to receive the impression that the Word is trying to give.     

How to study the Bible 2 Timothy 2:15

Objective:  Learn how to correctly study and interpret the bible. 

Reference Materials:  Holy Bible    Requirements:  Attendance and an open heart

Studying the Bible (7a)

              The first six sessions of this series dealt extensively with the character and intent of the person in regards to studying the Bible.  It cannot be over emphasized that if the person is wrong in make-up, content and intent the method one chooses to study the Bible will be fruitless.  (1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 14:12, 1 Corinthians 2:10-14)  One can not overlook the words of Jesus in St Matthew 5:20, regarding the Pharisees—take note of Jesus’ words in St John 5:39, these words were spoken to the same persons believers are instructed to exceed. In the upcoming sessions we’ll begin to examine methods of study. (Isaiah 29:10, Timothy 3:16)  

              When one studies the Bible it is important to use more than one way to digest, retain and understand the Bible.  The three ways are:  1. Searching  2.  Comparing  3.  Meditating

Searching:  In two New Testament passages you find either the word search or examine (St John 5:39, Acts 17:11).   The first thing one should do is examine the Bible.   In its original language the word examine means, “to search”.    If one wants to find out anything from the Bible they will have to search the scriptures for themselves.  All too often many wait for answers to be given or seek revelation thru osmosis, which why they are and become barren and fruitless. (St Matthew 5:6).   

In no way are we negating the role of the 5-fold ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16) or any other gift to the church, but we reiterate the objective of this series and encouraged one to develop their Personal study habit (St Matthew 5:6, 6:33).

One should approach the Bible with a searching mind regardless of the situation or need.   Through searching one may find there is one Word that will bring about spiritual help at a particular time at a particular occasion.  Or one may find that God has given them a revelation that they may need a Word to explain or express what has been revealed (1 John 4:1).  Additionally one may need Scriptural revelation concerning a subject matter, this also requires searching. 

It is important that one understands what it means to search.  To search the Bible means to read with deliberation, to devote time and care to ones reading.  One must study every word until they understand it. (Proverb 4:7)  One should ask themselves some question as they go about their examination:  When was it written?  Why was it written?  Who wrote it?  Who was it written to?  Under what circumstances was it written?  What was the feeling behind the word/s? 

Searching the Bible may require reading both the Old and New Testament for clear understanding.  Utmost care must be exercised when examining the Scripture, the omission of one word may cause one to miss the context.  Take for instance St John 12:30-33, how many persons stop at verse 32 and relate it to praise and worship…when in fact Jesus was speaking of his death.   Searching the scriptures requires patience …if one lacks understanding they should reread until enlighten.  Anxiousness produces revelation that comes from the mind which is rejected by the Spirit/spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-14)    

How to study the Bible 2 Timothy 2:15

Objective:  Learn how to correctly study and interpret the bible. 

Reference Materials:  Holy Bible    Requirements:  Attendance and an open heart

Studying the Bible (7b)

              Having in the previous session examined the first of the three previously indentified methods of (1. Searching 2.  Comparing 3.  Meditating) . In this session we’ll examine the second..                         

              Comparing:  1 John 4:1 reads, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”  This passage encourages believers to prove or try that which is proclaimed to be the words of God.  This is done by comparing what is communicated with more than one text of scripture.   Additionally, the Apostle Paul speaks of spiritual things and the spiritual man in 1 Corinthians 2:11-13.   When one follows the principle of comparing spiritual things with spiritual things will be reveal in an all too different light.  To further explain the above phenomenon one should examine Psalms 36:9, “…in thy light we see light.”  One must understand light compliments light in the Bible.  There is a greater light to be revealed when one compares scriptures.

Further supporting the need for comparing one should do an examination of 2 Peter 1:2, which states, “Knowing this first no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”  Notice before getting to no prophecy the passage begins by saying “knowing this first” key words.  By reading the passage one can easily surmise that prophecies are not to be interpreted by man ideas…but further examination of Peter’s grammar one can additionally glean that no prophecy (text) is of its own interpretation (by itself).   One should compare one passage with another passage for clear understanding.  Besides the fact that many heresies and false doctrines have been started from failure to compare scriptures many believer have stumble and missed the essence of 2 Corinthians 3:6.  One must understand that God’s speaking is not completed through just one text.  In Isaiah 28:13 we are told that God’s word are here a little, there a little.  The more one compares the less likely they are to be overcome by personal interpretation. 

Take for example Revelation 19 11-15, says when the Lord descends from heaven to fight, He will remove all His enemies by the sword of His mouth.  If one was to interpret this text by itself they may conclude that the Lord’s mouth contains a sword.  But the need to compare becomes evident when one examine it with Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12; the sharp sword refers to the Word of God.  

It is also important to compare the Old and New Testament.  In comparing the two one will find that God’s word is progressive. It is through comparison that we see the evidence of Psalms 36:9 being revealed.   Words spoken in the Old Testament are often found in the New.  The progressive nature of the Bible is revealed when one examines the Book of Daniel alongside the Book of Revelation.  The Book of Revelation is more advanced in revealing than Daniel.   

It is important to understand that every Book of the Bible has its own characteristics and it can only be found by comparing.  Take for example the four Gospels:  They all end differently and reveal different aspects of Jesus.  Matthew speaks of the resurrection but not of His ascension.  Mark speaks of the lord’s ascension.  Luke speaks of the ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit whereas John does not say anything about the ascension but of His coming back. 

How to study the Bible 2 Timothy 2:15

Objective:  Learn how to correctly study and interpret the bible. 

Reference Materials:  Holy Bible    Requirements:  Attendance and an open heart

Studying the Bible (7C)

              The previous sessions 7a and 7b covered two of the three identified methods for studying the Bible.  Before moving forward to the third which is mediating we’ll briefly reiterate the first two: Searching, which is too thoroughly and meticulously examined God’s word.  Comparing, which is too compare scripture against scripture or examine additional passage concerning the same matter.      

              Meditating:   In Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 1:2, you will find that believers are instructed to meditate on God’s word at all times.  Simply put these times should be the times other than when one is reading the God’s word.  It is interesting to note as one reads either the corresponding verse (Psalms 1:3) or read the entire verse (Joshua 1:8) that after the mediating come prosperity.   Thus given insight on how believers will prospers.      

By meditating one learns to mold their thoughts according to the thoughts of the Bible. Romans 12:2, clearly states that the believers mind should be transformed, also Philippians 2:5, states that believers are to have the same mind as Christ.  The mind of Christ is established in believers by mediating on God’s word.  

Furthermore, Romans 8:6, speaks of being spiritually minded…this means that one should have the mind of the Spirit.  In other words one should not just concentrate on the Spirit but should have the concentration of the Spirit. (St John15:26)  Thus the quote WWJD is what you live and not just what you say. 

One must learn that meditating upon God’s word is a spontaneous action or habit.  Which is to say that one’s meditating is not just when they are reading God’s word (one way of mediating) but also actively exercising our minds on God’s word when not reading the Bible. This is not forcing one’s mind to think on scriptures only but allowing the Holy Ghost to direct your thought which in turn will lead your direction (Psalms 119:105,133).    

Another aspect of meditating is accomplished by memorizing God’s word, Colossians 3:16 tells the believers to allow the Word to richly dwell in them.  In order to do that one must memorize the scriptures.  The Apostle Paul told the Ephesians to remember the Lord’s word (Acts 20:35).  In order to remember one must memorize. One of the most quoted scriptures can be found in Psalms 119:11 that process begins with memorization.

Memorization of the scriptures is not a difficult task when one’s heart is open to God and they possess a meek attitude.  One must understand that through memorizing scriptures the groundwork for revelation is being established; it allows the Holy Ghost to easily speak to your spirit.  Additionally through memorization one will soon realized the riches of God’s words.