Transformative Bible Study: Forgiveness and Personal Growth
Summary
In the exploration of how to study the Bible, Tom Allen delves into the intricacies of biblical interpretation and application. He begins by discussing the Book of Philemon, a brief yet impactful letter in the New Testament. The central theme of Philemon is forgiveness and reconciliation, as the apostle Paul encourages Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has become a Christian and is now considered a brother in Christ.
Allen emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of the biblical text. He explains that Philemon was a wealthy businessman and a fellow worker in the early Christian church who hosted a church in his home. Onesimus, once a slave to Philemon, had stolen from him and fled to Rome, where he encountered Paul. Through Paul's ministry, Onesimus converted to Christianity, and Paul grew fond of him, considering him a son in the faith.
The crux of the letter is Paul's delicate approach to Philemon, appealing to him on the basis of love rather than authority. Paul does not command Philemon to forgive Onesimus but instead asks him to do so out of brotherly love, reflecting the forgiveness they have both received in Christ. This narrative sets the stage for a broader discussion on how to engage with the Bible in a meaningful way.
Allen outlines several principles for effective Bible study. First, he advises choosing a translation that is understandable to modern readers to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. He also stresses the importance of establishing a consistent time, place, and plan for study, likening this discipline to forming "holy habits" that can transform one's life.
Understanding the context of the scripture is crucial, as is reading slowly and asking questions to internalize the message. Allen suggests asking three key questions: "What does this say?", "What does it say to me?", and "What is my response to God's word?" This method ensures that the Bible is not merely read for information but for transformation, allowing its teachings to shape one's life and actions.
Allen also touches on the dangers of bibliolatry, where the Bible is revered more than the relationship with God it is meant to foster. The Bible should lead to a bigger heart, not just a bigger head, and it is meant to be lived out, not just learned. He cites James 1:22-25, which warns against being hearers of the word and not doers, as a reminder of the Bible's purpose in guiding believers to live according to God's will.
In conclusion, Allen encourages his listeners to read the Book of Philemon twice in preparation for the next session, reflecting on what the text says, how it speaks to them personally, and how they should respond. He underscores the transformative power of the Bible, quoting Dwight L. Moody, who said, "The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation."
Key Takeaways:
- The Book of Philemon serves as a profound example of the Christian principles of forgiveness and reconciliation, demonstrating how personal transformation can lead to restored relationships. This narrative invites reflection on the transformative power of faith and the importance of extending grace to others as a reflection of the grace received from Christ. [38:51]
- Understanding the context of biblical texts is essential for proper interpretation and application. By knowing the historical and cultural background, as well as the author's intent, readers can avoid misconceptions and gain deeper insights into the timeless truths presented in Scripture. [21:57]
- Establishing a disciplined approach to Bible study, including a consistent time, place, and plan, is likened to forming "holy habits." These practices are not just about gaining knowledge but about allowing God's word to illuminate the path of life, guiding decisions and actions. [20:39]
- Engaging with the Bible should involve a process of introspection and response. By asking what the text says, what it means personally, and how one should respond, individuals can move beyond mere reading to a place where Scripture informs and transforms their daily living. [24:44]
- The ultimate goal of studying the Bible is not to accumulate knowledge but to experience transformation into the likeness of Christ. The Bible should lead to a life characterized by love and obedience, where knowledge is put into action and faith is lived out in practical ways. [15:02]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philemon 1:1-25 - The entire Book of Philemon
2. James 1:22-25 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
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#### Observation Questions
1. What is the central theme of the Book of Philemon, and how does Paul approach Philemon regarding Onesimus? ([38:51])
2. According to the sermon, why is understanding the context of a biblical text important for proper interpretation? ([21:57])
3. What are the three key questions Tom Allen suggests asking when studying the Bible? ([24:02])
4. How does James 1:22-25 relate to the concept of being doers of the word and not just hearers? ([15:50])
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's appeal to Philemon on the basis of love rather than authority reflect the broader Christian principle of forgiveness and reconciliation? ([38:51])
2. In what ways does understanding the historical and cultural context of Philemon enhance our interpretation of the letter? ([21:57])
3. How can the practice of asking "What does this say?", "What does it say to me?", and "What is my response to God's word?" transform one's Bible study experience? ([24:02])
4. What does James 1:22-25 suggest about the relationship between knowledge of the Bible and living out its teachings? ([15:50])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to forgive someone. How did Paul's approach to Philemon inspire you to handle that situation differently? ([38:51])
2. What steps can you take to better understand the context of the Bible passages you read? How might this change your interpretation and application of Scripture? ([21:57])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of asking the three key questions ("What does this say?", "What does it say to me?", and "What is my response to God's word?") into your daily Bible study routine? ([24:02])
4. James 1:22-25 emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word. Identify one specific area in your life where you can move from merely hearing the word to actively doing it. ([15:50])
5. How can you establish a consistent time, place, and plan for your Bible study to form "holy habits"? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? ([20:39])
6. Reflect on the concept of bibliolatry mentioned in the sermon. How can you ensure that your study of the Bible leads to a deeper relationship with God rather than just accumulating knowledge? ([15:02])
7. Think of a specific decision or action you need to take this week. How can the teachings from Philemon and the principles of Bible study discussed in the sermon guide you in making that decision? ([38:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Grace-Fueled Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a hallmark of Christian faith, reflecting the grace received from Christ. The Book of Philemon illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness and how it can restore broken relationships. It challenges believers to extend grace to others, just as they have been graciously forgiven by God. [38:51]
Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Who do you need to forgive in your life, and how can you take a step towards reconciliation today?
Day 2: Context Shapes Comprehension
Proper interpretation of Scripture requires an understanding of its context. Knowing the historical and cultural background, as well as the author's intent, allows for a deeper grasp of the text's meaning and its application in today's world. This approach prevents misconceptions and enriches the study of God's word. [21:57]
1 Chronicles 12:32 - "From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command."
Reflection: How can you apply the principle of understanding context to your current Bible study, and what difference might it make?
Day 3: Discipline in Devotion
Establishing a disciplined approach to Bible study is essential for spiritual growth. Consistent time, place, and plan for engaging with Scripture can form "holy habits" that illuminate life's path. This disciplined practice is not merely for knowledge but for allowing God's word to guide one's decisions and actions. [20:39]
Daniel 6:10 - "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
Reflection: What steps can you take to establish or improve your daily Bible study routine?
Day 4: Scripture for Transformation
The Bible is meant to be a catalyst for personal transformation, not just a source of information. Engaging with Scripture should lead to introspection and a response that aligns with God's will. This process involves asking what the text says, what it means personally, and how one should respond, moving beyond reading to living out the teachings. [24:44]
James 1:23-24 - "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
Reflection: In what ways can you move from being a mere listener of the Word to an active doer in your daily life?
Day 5: Knowledge to Action
The ultimate goal of studying the Bible is to experience transformation into the likeness of Christ. Knowledge gained from Scripture should lead to a life characterized by love and obedience, where faith is lived out in practical ways. This transformation is the true measure of spiritual maturity and the purpose of engaging with the Bible. [15:02]
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can put your biblical knowledge into action in your community this week?
Quotes
1) "The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation." [43:37]
2) "Choose a translation you understand so that when you read it you can understand what it's saying." [19:33]
3) "Reading the Bible is a holy habit; prayer is a holy habit. The spiritual disciplines are holy habits that we develop in our lives." [20:39]
4) "You want to understand the context of the book or the person or the portion you're reading." [21:57]
5) "What does this say and then what does it say to me and then what should my response be to what God's word says to me?" [24:44]
6) "The Bible should give us a bigger heart, not a bigger head." [15:02]
7) "We study the Bible to know God's word but it also is so that we can know how to live our lives." [16:31]
8) "Bibliolatry is where this is God's word and we want to know it, we want to read it, we want to study it, but if you worship this book more than you worship the Lord, all you do is get information in your brain, not Christ living out through your life." [15:02]
9) "We just want to be getting more and more of this book hidden in our hearts so that we know how to live, how to do what He says." [27:43]
10) "Paul's purpose was to encourage Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him back as a brother in Christ." [38:51]
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