CHAPTER
TWO:
WHERE DO I
START?
Let’s start this chapter with a little “test”. In the space below, write the quotation of 2 Timothy 2:15. Be very careful to emphasize the last phrase of the verse.
Notice what you wrote (even if you had to
look it up before completing the assignment.) By inspiration, Paul says, “rightly
dividing the word of truth.” This phrase means, “handling correctly;
retaining the context”. Mishandling of the scriptures creates as much
distortion to truth as any false doctrine. For example, do you remember the
story of the depressed man who wanted comfort from the scriptures? He simply
opened the Bible, and began reading, “And he cast down the pieces of silver in
the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” (Matt. 27:5). He
recognized this talked about Judas Iscariot, and was not encouraged! Turning to
another passage, he noted red letters. Surely, these being the “words of Jesus”
they would encourage him. “Go and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37) is all he saw,
but obviously was not encouraged! So, with one final, desperate appeal to
scripture, he reads the words of Jesus (they were red letter!), “That thou
doest, do quickly.” (John 13:27) He depression ended … but not to the advantage
he desired! His problem was in not “rightly dividing the word of truth.” Yet,
he did one thing correctly: HE READ THE SCRIPTURES. Keep in mind reading
alone does not constitute study. However, in order to study, YOU
HAVE TO READ THE MATERIAL!
Perhaps adults would do well to rehearse
the basics taught young children. From a very early age, they learn the
following:
_______ books in the Bible.
_______ books in the Old Testament.
_______
books in the New Testament.
The
first five books of the O.T. are the books of ____________. From Joshua to
Esther are books of ________________. The next five books (name them) are books
of ___________________. The remaining ________ books of the O.T. are books of
prophesy and determined by their length are either ________ prophets or ___________
prophets. How many books in each division?
_________________________________________________________
The
New Testament has five divisions: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are called
__________________________. __________ is the book of history. Paul wrote
________ books of the N.T. (if you include Hebrews, of which book no one is
absolutely certain of the author. Most, however, attribute the book to Paul.)
From Romans through Jude, we note two divisions called ___________ epistles (or
letters) and ____________ epistles (or letters).
The final book of the N.T., the book of ___________________ written by ________
is as a book of ______________________.
What we just completed is the most basic of “rightly dividing” the word of truth. Other basic principles include:
1. Saying the books of the Bible in order … saying the author’s names in order … naming the judges, kings, apostles, etc. in order.
2.
The Old
Testament law is no longer binding. (Colossians 2:14)
3.
The New
Testament is called the “gospel” (Romans 1:16) and yet the gospel is
specifically defined as the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1
Corinthians 15:1-4).
4.
Just as there is
a difference between “general letters” and “specific letters”, there are
“general commands” and “specific commands” within the scriptures.
NONE OF THESE “BASICS” IN AND OF THEMSELVES CAN SAVE
THE SOUL. NONETHELESS, KNOWING THESE THINGS HELPS THE STUDENT UNDERSTAND THE
SCRIPTURES SO THE SCRIPTURES AND OBEDIENCE TO THEM CAN SAVE THE SOUL!
The
student of the Bible quickly learns to examine three things with each study:
1.
Who is speaking?
2.
To whom is this
one speaking?
3.
Does this apply
to me?
While
every lesson of the Bible has some application to the well being of our souls
(2 Peter 1:3), some commandments have no bearing at all upon us. For example,
no one today need concern himself with bringing Paul’s cloak, books and
parchments! Neither should we be concerned about keeping a vow to return to
Therefore, “rightly dividing the word of
truth” means simply, “handle the truth with care; keep it in the context!”
Someone wisely stated, “Any doctrine known to man has a proof within scripture
if you twist the truth enough.” While a true statement, note the caution Peter
gives by inspiration: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these
things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are
unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their
own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)
If you don’t know the basic divisions of
the Bible, we strongly suggest you learn them. “But I’m an adult! I don’t
belong in a children’s class.” While that may be true chronologically, it is
not always true SPIRITUALLY! Remember, the student examines himself to
see if he/she is in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). The Hebrew writer
explains two distinctively separate “groups” of souls: babes and those of full
age. Examine carefully Hebrews 5:12 – 14. Notice the word “exercise” in verse
14. It means just what you think it means --- “put in motion for the purpose of
improving.” We find the word “exercise”
in several other passages. The APPLICATION of the text tells us whether
the “exercise” is profitable for the soul, or someone’s selfish ego! For the student,
“exercise” in the scriptures has a similarity with DILIGENCE. Study
the following scriptures and examine the use of the word “diligence” as it
applies to you and your study!
Hebrews
6:11 – 12
Hebrews 11:6 2 Timothy 2:15
2 Peter 1:5 – 11
2 Peter 3:14
The fact is, many “older” folks are
“babes” in Christ and cannot yet discern the things of “strong meat.” There is
no shame in saying, “I don’t understand.” The shame is in not studying to
learn! Only YOU can determine your “spiritual age” and from that
established admission, you must grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
Once you establish your “spiritual age”,
then you must determine where to start in your study. No one can learn the
entirety of scripture overnight and need not try. Your growing in grace and in
the knowledge of Christ requires a lifetime of commitment. Nonetheless, you
have to start somewhere and it seems the best place is always at the beginning!
For the young student of the Bible (not
necessarily speaking chronologically) we suggest the book of John. Notice it
starts “In the beginning.” Some may question, “Why not start with the Old
Testament and read it all the way through?” That’s a good question and deserves
a good answer. While we certainly need a knowledge of the Old Testament to
understand much of the New Testament, one can gain that knowledge and understanding
while reading and studying the New Testament and using the references. Please do no think I am discouraging the
reading or the study of the Old Testament! Quite the contrary I would encourage
it for young and old alike! However, we just discussed the “spiritual age” of
the student, (thus requiring the SPIRITUAL MIND – see chapter one), and noted
that each individual must determine by an honest estimation his SPIRITUAL AGE.
If you are a babe, start with the milk of the word of God. If you are
somewhat older, but not full grown, then review the “milk” of the word and
begin examining the weightier matters of the law (Matt. 23:23). If you are of
full age, your reading and study of the scriptures must continue in the more
difficult areas. Nonetheless, never forget the basics! Faith is
the foundation of our existence in Christ Jesus (Hebrews 11:1; 6) and comes
from hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17). Will you ever know too much? Is it not
the case that the most expert in any subject retains the basics for a strong
foundation of his proven understanding?
The following outline of study from “babe”
to “full grown” has only my opinion for its validity. As we
stated, we do not wish to establish new habits with any student of the Bible:
we wish only to establish habits that work! Therefore, I suggest this course
for the New Testament:
John --- Matthew --- Mark --- Luke
--- Acts (only because the last chapter of Luke introduces the first chapter of
Acts).
If one follows the above course of
study, one learns the life of Jesus Christ, what one must do to be saved and
the only inspired history of the Lord’s church as it grew throughout the world.
Now, that soul is ready to learn what he/she must do within the work of the
church. Therefore, this suggested order of study:
Philippians --- Colossians ---
Ephesians --- 1 Timothy --- 2Timothy --- Titus --- Galatians --- Philemon --- 1
Peter --- 2 Peter --- 1 Thessalonians --- 2 Thessalonians --- 1 Corinthians ---
2 Corinthians --- 1, 2 and 3 John
This order of study progressively
shows the student the trials of individual faithfulness and the increasing
responsibility of remaining faithful in all we say and do. When that study
concludes, the student should be able to accept the more “meaty” substance of
the remaining books of the New Testament.
James. (Though usually considered
the first of the letters within the New Testament, this book is a “meaty book”
for most souls. Its last chapter may confuse the babes in Christ, whose
understanding of spiritual gifts and the subsequent ending of these miraculous
abilities is lacking.) Jude – Romans --- Hebrews --- Revelation: these books
contain very “meaty” material. While “babes” in Christ may read them, their
understanding and acceptance of their content may “choke” them. Even those of
“full age” have serious difficulty in these books unless they truly study
them. Often, these latter books require some “external help” in
determining their proper meaning. We will discuss “What about the externals?”
in a coming chapter of this material.
For a study of the Old Testament, I
suggest the order from Genesis through Malachi. Perhaps not so strangely, the
assembled order (though not chronological by any description) does reveal the
sequence of the creation of man (Patriarchal Law) through the rise of God’s
chosen people, Israel (The Mosaic Law or Ten Commandment Law) and their fall
(through the various judges, kings, captivities, prophesies, etc.) Granted,
some books like Daniel, Zechariah, Zephaniah and others contain many “apocalyptic
statements”. However, these become clearer when you have a good working
knowledge of the New Testament and the fact the New Testament is our law today
(Colossians 2:14). As well, to fully understand Romans, Hebrews, and especially
the Revelation letter, an awareness of the Old Testament usage of these terms
and the Law of Moses make the understanding of the New Testament much easier.
Nonetheless, these things belong to the “full age” and not to babes. Govern
your spiritual age as you continue growing (2 Peter 3:18).
Before we leave this chapter of study, we need to examine the use of a few “man made tools” of study. While authored by uninspired men, they are usually accurate and reliable. In fact, many bibles have these “tools” built into the reading of your bible.
A CONCORDANCE is a listing of
key words within the scriptures and where you can find that word. Often,
concordances contain definitions of the words. Strong’s Exhaustive
Concordance of the Bible (just one of many concordances) contains a
numerical listing of definitions and their original Hebrew, Chaldean or Greek
meaning. Cruden’s Complete Concordance is another very reliable
concordance, though less “analytical” than other concordances. In class, we
will show you the proper use of a concordance. Though not classified as a
“concordance”, books that give various “study definitions” to various
individual words are great helps in one’s personal study. Vine’s Expository
Dictionary of New Testament Words is one such book. Other books (usually
limited to the New Testament) that grant helpful insight are ones like The
Four Translation New Testament. This book places four separate translations
side by side and permits the student a ready “overview” of four readings of the
same passage. (As within our discussion of translations, be careful to examine
the text and see if the translations remain consistent with the working of
truth and righteousness.)
Bible DICTIONARIES such as
Smith’s or Davis’ contain historical commentary of people and places within the
Bible. These books often help the student learn the essential facts of
particular places, people or events and guide your study with various
scriptural references. The danger of dictionaries is that they often take on
the “flavor” of their author. For example, some “extend” the definitions of
words like “baptism” and attempt “twisting” the word to include infant baptism,
or sprinkling as a scripturally acceptable tenant. Obviously, the scriptures
themselves must prevail in the use of any such material!
MARGINAL REFERENCES or END
VERSE REFERENCES help refer the student to other passages of scripture
containing like phrases or situations. Reading all the references will give you
a good view of the use of the phrase, but may not always answer your questions
as to the “reason” or “use” or “action” of the subject of study. In class, we
will examine how to use marginal references. Some bibles (depending on the
manufacturer or printing company and always depending on the cost of your
bible) contain “study helps”. In addition to maps, or “quick references”, some
provide historical data at the beginning of each book of the Bible. Other study
helps include “commentary” or “foot notes” (see following chapters of this
study regarding the use of commentaries) and others “synchronized reading”
where you will find discussion of like passages of the same event. This is
especially helpful when studying the life of Christ.
As with any such manmade help, you
must be careful. If in doubt, ask someone you respect regarding its use.
Remember most, however, YOU NEVER GO WRONG WITH STAYING WITH JUST THE BIBLE
AND READING, STUDYING, LEARNING AND OBEYING ITS CONTENT ALONE!
Finally, question books (often
called “quarterlies”) or other such study guides help you in going from verse
to verse or point to point within a topical study. However, remember these
study guides are man made and therefore not always accurate or complete!
Usually “structured for class use” in their composition, we often see their use
in the bible classes of the young (chronologically). As a personal
preference, I would suggest their use in private study only,
and use ONLY THE BIBLE, in directing the minds of a class
situation. Having said such, please notice that this material (written by an
uninspired man) is not the primary text of our discussion in this class!
It is an “outline”, yes. But as good students, you are expected to use it at
home in your private study. THE MAIN OBJECT OF OUR STUDY FOR ANY
TOPIC OR TEXT MUST BE THE WORD OF GOD.
The best advice is to remember this
fact: THE BIBLE IS ITS OWN BEST DICTIONARY, CONCORDANCE AND COMMENTARY. The
more study you give the Bible, the more you find it explains itself. This is
why a notebook and pen are so handy. Write down the verses that seemingly “associate”
themselves with your present study and examine them carefully. ALWAYS KEEP
THE PASSAGES WITHIN CONTEXT, but study the subject as thoroughly as you
can. The best “rule of thumb” for understanding any passage is:
1.
Read the verse
preceding and following the verse of study: THE WHOLE SENTENCE. Paul,
for example, wrote in very long sentences. The exacting thought is rarely found
within just one verse of text!
2.
If you still
have difficulty understanding the text, read the whole chapter. Notice that
chapters and verses are divisions placed by man (the translators) and sometimes
should NOT be divided. Carefully read the ENTIRE text before you
surrender in defeat of understanding!
3.
If you still
have difficulty understanding text, read the entire book and READ IT ALOUD.
Often, this provides the greater inflection and emphasis of the text. Since the
Bible was in large part dictated, reading out loud should help you consider the
meaning of the text with greater personal influence.
4.
If you still
have difficulty understanding it, ask someone to study with you!
The Bible cannot and does not contradict itself. Therefore, any apparent contradiction must be studied to remedy the conflict. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). Therefore, “prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) demands using God’s Word as proof over any and all of man’s word!
Before our next study time in class, do the following
exercises:
1.
ESTABLISH YOUR
SPIRITUAL AGE. DETERMINE TO LEARN THE “BASICS” AND GROW.
2.
BEGIN NOT ONLY A
READING BUT ALSO A STUDY OF SOME BOOK OF THE BIBLE. WHETHER A
STUDY OF CURRENT DISCUSSION (AS LORD’S DAY MORNING AND WEDNESDAY EVENING
CLASSES) OR YOUR PRIVATE INVESTIGATION, BEGIN STUDYING THE TEXT WITH GREATER
DESIRE FOR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHEMENT!
3.
PRACTICE USING A
CONCORDANCE, DICTIONARY AND MARGINAL REFERENCES. USE A NOTEBOOK TO RECORD YOUR
NOTES OF STUDY REGARDING WORDS, PHRASES OR TOPICS.
4.
ESTABISH A DAILY
PATTERN OF STUDY (2 Corinthians 4:16).