How To Study The Bible Like A Pro- Class #4 - Benefits Of Bible Study Series

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19:7-9 ESV)

The Bible is: Rewards:

Perfect Revises the Soul

Sure and supportive Makes you wise

The right way Makes your heart rejoice in gladness

Pure Enlightens the eyes to His light

Clean Stands forever

True and righteous Trustworthy

1. Grow in obedience to God and in His service.

> Read Joshua 1:8; 1 Peter 2:2; Rom 10:17 (See also Matt 4:4; John 6:44-45; 2 Peter 1:12-15)

2. Avoid error and false teaching.

> Read Hosea 4:6; Acts 17:11< (See also 1 John 4:1,6; Gal 1:8; Matt 22:29, 15:14; Prov 2:1-20; Rom. 10:1)

3: Teach others. [See ATTACHMENT #4]

> Read Deut 6:6-9; Heb 5:12; 2 Tim 2:2< (See also 1 Tim 1:7; 1 Peter 3:15; Col 3:16; Rom 15:14.)

4: Express love for God and His Word.

> Read Psalm 1:2; 119:47-48, 97-99; John 14:15

5. Grow in knowledge of Yourself

It is important to study the Bible because you learn about God and yourself.

The Bible reveals God to us and also reveals us to ourselves. The Bible gives us the answer to

questions by making us aware of our identity and position, our source, our purpose, significance,

and our ultimate destination.

We are not merely readers of the Bible story but are participants in the story. We are included as

beneficiaries of it and also are participants in the Great Commission that Jesus gave His disciples:

“And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt 28:18-20 ESV)

It is Born-Again Christians that make up the Church of Jesus:

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV)

6. Discernment of Truth

It is through Bible study that we become able to discern errors in doctrine.

A. Dangerous Assumptions

We often allow teachers to form our beliefs because want to believe they:

1). - have fully and honestly researched the topic

2). - have greater training and therefore their ability is greater than mine

3). - understand they are accountable to God

4). - are doing the work of God

The truth is that most Bible teachers are trustworthy and care more for the people than themselves. However, there are those who are mistaken either deliberately or accidentally (from carelessness or lack of education). In every case teaching must be evaluated for its adherence to the Bible.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matt 7:7 ESV)

Just as preparing for an athletic event well in advance, we must prepare in advance to evaluate the teaching we receive. This is done through prayer and Bible study. Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, actually goes so far as to praise those who evaluated the teachings of the Apostle Paul himself.

“The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:10-11 ESV)

It is vitally important to evaluate your teachers; to disagree with them when they are clearly in error, and to support them when they are clearly right regardless of their fame or integrity.

B. Grow in your Knowledge of God

The best reason for studying the Bible is that through the diligent study we gain God’s approval, learning how to properly handle the truth it contains and what He has revealed in His creation.

1. Examples of Interpretation and Translation

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15 ESV)

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