Strategy for studying

As promised, we are now getting into the three sections within the questions we discussed on October 8. Let’s do a quick recap. When studying God’s Word, we need to be focused and disciplined students so that we can seek Him as silver and gold.

There are “many” Bible study techniques out there. However, the good ones boil down to a few basic criteria. We first shared these in our last post, but for clarity, let’s spell them out.

1.     How is this event in the Bible connected with the bigger picture?

2.     What division of human history is going on, or better yet, what dispensation is happening?

3. Are there specific characteristics of that dispensation for the Believer to take note of?

Each emphasizes its own unique part. First, you need to understand the cosmic battle that has been playing out since Genesis 3. When studying God’s Word, that matters, because you have the only authoritative document from the only Person outside of time, discussing events from the past, present, and future with you. It applies to each person, no matter the time frame of human existence. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In the specific part you are studying, what is happening in that timeframe of human history? This will help you understand not only the historical context but what God was doing at that time. God does not change, so seeing His interactions as they are in the moment of reading will help us better understand how He interacts with us in our period of time. Malachi 3:6 “For I [am] the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”

Finally, we come to the hardest part. What were God's followers, in the moment we are reading, supposed to do? And how are we in our time period supposed to take action? This is where maturity and sanctification come into play. As believers, we need to be slow to jump to conclusions or follow public fads; we should examine God’s Word and identify the direction He wants us to go through what is pure, holy, and unchanging. Proverbs 3:1-6 “My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 [And] so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

In the end, it is important for us to understand that if we do not recognize the timeframe of when it was written and the application of our own period of time, we will fail to be ready to fully appreciate and apply what He is trying to tell us. He does not change; His Word does not change; however, as good students of the Bible, we need to be ready to apply it wisely as it was designed.

Next week, we will get into the languages and how simply assuming one translation will not suffice!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL