Effective Bible Study: Questions, Application, and Community
Summary
Today, I want to talk to you about how to study the Bible in order to teach the Bible effectively. This is a crucial skill for anyone who desires to share God's Word in a way that is true to the text, applicable to life, and memorable. Let's begin by defining what good Bible study is. Good Bible study involves bombarding the text with questions. This means asking the classic researcher's questions: who, what, where, when, why, and how. For example, who is speaking? To whom are they speaking? What are they saying? What is the application? When did this happen? Where did this happen? Why did they say this? These questions help us dig deeper into the text and understand its meaning and context.
One of the most important aspects of Bible study is to approach the text with humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As Luke 24:45 says, "Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." We must recognize that we cannot understand the Bible on our own; we need the Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts to its truths. Jesus said, "Without me, you can do nothing," but Paul also taught that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This balance of humility and confidence is essential in our approach to Bible study.
Another key aspect of Bible study is to study with a view to application. James 1:22 warns us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." It is not enough to simply hear or read the Word; we must apply it to our lives. This means asking ourselves, "What do I want my people to do about what they hear today?" and ensuring that our teaching leads to practical action and transformation.
To illustrate this, let's look at the passage from Exodus 17:11-13, where Moses held up his hands during the battle against the Amalekites. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on one side, one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. This passage teaches us two important insights. First, the battle is won on both the mountain and in the valley. We need to pray and intercede before God, but we also need to take practical action. Second, sometimes we all need a little help from our friends. Just as Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands, we need the support and encouragement of others in our spiritual journey.
As we study the Bible, we should also use tools like the acrostic SPACE PETS, which stands for: Is there a Sin to confess? Is there a Promise to claim? Is there an Attitude to change? Is there a Command to obey? Is there an Example to follow? Is there a Prayer to pray? Is there an Error to avoid? Is there a Truth to believe? These questions help us apply the text to our lives in a practical and meaningful way.
In conclusion, studying the Bible in order to teach the Bible involves bombarding the text with questions, relying on the Holy Spirit, studying with a view to application, and using practical tools to dig deeper into the text. Over the next several weeks, we will explore these principles in more detail and look at specific questions we can ask to enhance our Bible study. May God richly bless us as we engage in this study together.
### Key Takeaways
1. Approach Bible Study with Humility and Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Understanding the Bible requires the Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts. Jesus said, "Without me, you can do nothing," emphasizing our need for divine assistance. However, with Christ, we can do all things, including understanding and applying Scripture. This balance of humility and confidence is essential in our approach to Bible study. [04:58]
2. Bombard the Text with Questions: Effective Bible study involves asking the classic researcher's questions: who, what, where, when, why, and how. These questions help us dig deeper into the text and understand its meaning and context. By asking these questions, we can uncover the richness of the Scriptures and gain a deeper understanding of God's Word. [02:28]
3. Study with a View to Application: It is not enough to simply hear or read the Word; we must apply it to our lives. James 1:22 warns us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Our teaching should lead to practical action and transformation, ensuring that we and our listeners are doers of the Word. [07:26]
4. Victory in Jesus is Both Spiritual and Practical: The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur in Exodus 17:11-13 teaches us that the battle is won on both the mountain and in the valley. We need to pray and intercede before God, but we also need to take practical action. This balance of deep spirituality and practical living is essential for victory in our Christian walk. [01:13]
5. We All Need a Little Help from Our Friends: Just as Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands during the battle, we need the support and encouragement of others in our spiritual journey. This teaches us the importance of community and mutual support in our walk with God. We should not hesitate to ask for help and offer help to others. [08:49]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Victory in Jesus: Mountain and Valley
[02:28] - Bombarding the Text with Questions
[03:43] - SPACE PETS: A Tool for Application
[04:58] - Humility and Reliance on the Holy Spirit
[06:09] - Misquoting Scripture for Deeper Understanding
[07:26] - Study with a View to Application
[08:49] - The Importance of Community and Support
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 17:11-13 (ESV)
> Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.
2. James 1:22 (ESV)
> But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
3. Luke 24:45 (ESV)
> Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
4. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
> I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
### Observation Questions
1. In Exodus 17:11-13, what actions did Moses, Aaron, and Hur take during the battle against the Amalekites?
2. According to James 1:22, what is the danger of merely listening to the Word without applying it?
3. What does Luke 24:45 say about understanding the Scriptures?
4. How does Philippians 4:13 describe the source of our strength and ability to do all things?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What can we learn from the actions of Moses, Aaron, and Hur about the importance of both spiritual and practical efforts in our lives?
2. Why does James warn against merely listening to the Word? What might be the consequences of not applying what we learn from the Bible?
3. How does the statement in Luke 24:45 about Jesus opening the minds of the disciples to understand the Scriptures relate to our need for the Holy Spirit in Bible study?
4. How does Philippians 4:13 encourage us to balance humility and confidence in our approach to studying and applying the Bible?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you needed both prayer and practical action. How did you balance these two aspects, and what was the outcome?
2. Identify one specific command or teaching from the Bible that you have heard but not yet applied in your life. What steps can you take this week to put it into practice?
3. Think of a time when you struggled to understand a passage of Scripture. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to open your mind and heart to its meaning?
4. Consider an area in your life where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you draw strength from Christ to overcome this challenge?
5. Who are the "Aaron and Hur" in your life—those who support and encourage you spiritually? How can you show appreciation for their support, and how can you be an "Aaron or Hur" for someone else this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Humility and Reliance on the Holy Spirit
Understanding the Bible requires the Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts. Jesus said, "Without me, you can do nothing," emphasizing our need for divine assistance. However, with Christ, we can do all things, including understanding and applying Scripture. This balance of humility and confidence is essential in our approach to Bible study. We must come to the text with a humble heart, recognizing our limitations and our need for God's guidance. As we study, we should pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures and reveal their truths to us.
Luke 24:45 says, "Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." This verse reminds us that true understanding comes from God. We should not rely solely on our intellect or study methods but should seek the Holy Spirit's help in comprehending and applying God's Word. By doing so, we can approach Bible study with the right attitude, ready to receive and act on the truths we discover. [04:58]
Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit for understanding and guidance? How can you invite the Holy Spirit into your Bible study time today?
Day 2: Bombarding the Text with Questions
Effective Bible study involves asking the classic researcher's questions: who, what, where, when, why, and how. These questions help us dig deeper into the text and understand its meaning and context. By asking these questions, we can uncover the richness of the Scriptures and gain a deeper understanding of God's Word. This method allows us to engage with the text actively and thoughtfully, leading to more profound insights and applications.
For example, when studying a passage, ask yourself: Who is speaking? To whom are they speaking? What are they saying? What is the application? When did this happen? Where did this happen? Why did they say this? How does this apply to my life today? By systematically asking these questions, we can explore the text more thoroughly and discover its full significance. [02:28]
Acts 17:11 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Choose a Bible passage and bombard it with the classic researcher's questions. What new insights do you gain from this deeper exploration?
Day 3: Study with a View to Application
It is not enough to simply hear or read the Word; we must apply it to our lives. James 1:22 warns us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Our teaching should lead to practical action and transformation, ensuring that we and our listeners are doers of the Word. This means asking ourselves, "What do I want my people to do about what they hear today?" and ensuring that our teaching leads to practical action and transformation.
As we study the Bible, we should always be looking for ways to apply its truths to our daily lives. This involves not only understanding the text but also considering how it can shape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. By doing so, we can ensure that our Bible study is not just an intellectual exercise but a transformative experience that impacts our lives and the lives of those we teach. [07:26]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent Bible passage you studied. How can you apply its teachings to your life today? What specific actions can you take to live out its message?
Day 4: Victory in Jesus is Both Spiritual and Practical
The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur in Exodus 17:11-13 teaches us that the battle is won on both the mountain and in the valley. We need to pray and intercede before God, but we also need to take practical action. This balance of deep spirituality and practical living is essential for victory in our Christian walk. We must recognize that our spiritual efforts and practical actions are both crucial in achieving God's purposes in our lives.
In the story, as long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. This illustrates the importance of persistent prayer and intercession. However, when Moses' hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur held his hands up, showing the need for practical support and teamwork. This balance of spiritual and practical efforts is vital for overcoming challenges and achieving victory in our lives. [01:13]
Exodus 17:11-13 (ESV): "Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to balance spiritual efforts with practical actions? How can you incorporate both prayer and practical steps to achieve victory in these areas?
Day 5: We All Need a Little Help from Our Friends
Just as Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands during the battle, we need the support and encouragement of others in our spiritual journey. This teaches us the importance of community and mutual support in our walk with God. We should not hesitate to ask for help and offer help to others. By doing so, we can strengthen one another and grow together in our faith.
The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur highlights the significance of having a supportive community. When Moses' hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur stepped in to help, ensuring that the Israelites continued to prevail. Similarly, we all face moments of weakness and fatigue in our spiritual journey. During these times, the support and encouragement of fellow believers can make a significant difference. We should seek to build strong, supportive relationships within our faith community, offering and receiving help as needed. [08:49]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Think of someone in your faith community who may need support or encouragement. How can you reach out to them and offer your help today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes we all need a little help from our friends. Sometimes we need a little help from our friends. And sometimes you need to ask your friends for help." [08:49]
2. "Victory in Jesus is, one, both on the mountain and in the valley. And so it, the application is we need to pray well on the mountain. We need to act well in the valley. One of my favorite verses is from Nehemiah where it says, Nehemiah prayed to his God and posted a guard. He prayed to his God. That's the mountain. And he posted a guard. He was deeply spiritual and profoundly practical." [08:49]
3. "The battle is won on both the mountain and in the valley. And I talked, a little bit, about how we need to go to the mountain, and we need to pray, and we need to intercede before God in behalf of our friends and in behalf of ourself. And we need to pray, and we need to cry out to God. And we need to be people of deep spirituality. But the Bible teaches that the battle is won not only on the mountain, but also in the valley." [01:13]
4. "Christian living comes down to this, a humility that I can't do without him and a confidence that I can do it with him. And Bible study is much the same way that we come to the text with some humility to understand. I cannot understand this Bible passage unless the Holy Spirit opens my eyes." [04:58]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Bible teaches that we are to be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourself. And that passage teaches us that one of the most dangerous things that you can do is sit in Bible study. One of the most dangerous things that you can do for your spiritual development is to study the word of God. And one of the most dangerous things that you can do is to teach the word of God without a view to application." [07:26]
2. "To study the Bible is to bombard the text with questions in the power of the Holy Spirit with a view to application. So we looked at this passage earlier. We looked at the idea that victory in Jesus, that's the way I actually taught it. Victory in Jesus is, one, both on the mountain and in the valley. And so it, the application is we need to pray well on the mountain. We need to act well in the valley." [08:49]
3. "Some basic questions that we can ask are the classic researcher's questions, who, what, where, when, why, and how. Who is talking? Who is talking? To whom? What did they say? What is the application? When did this happen? Where did this happen? I'm a believer in maps. I like to look at maps. I like to know where did this take place? How far was it? Why did he say this? And so on. And just your classic who, what, where, when, why questions can help you." [02:28]
4. "Whenever you bombard the text with questions, you need to remember, you can't do it. This is actually the basics of Christian living, that Christian living comes down to this. It comes down to the fact that we are saved for starters, and then that we have a profound humility that I cannot live the Christian life on my own. Jesus said, without me, you can do nothing." [04:58]
5. "Is there a sin in this passage to confess? Is there a promise that I can claim? Is there an attitude that I can change? Is there a command to obey? Is there an example to follow? Is there a prayer that I can follow? Is there a promise that I can pray? Is there an error to avoid? Is there a truth to believe? And you might look at that passage and I would encourage you to look at it early and just bombard that text with that passage there." [03:43]
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