How to Study
The
Bible
MATERIAL COMPOSED BY
MICHAEL J. DAVIS
PREACHER
FIRST PUBLICATION
2003
Forward:
2
Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth.
No verse of scripture relates more
responsibility to the soul of man than this verse. Within it, man notices the
following requirements:
Ø STUDY – the process of gaining knowledge
Ø YOURSELF – the only soul for which the individual is
directly responsible
Ø APPROVED – found acceptable of value and purpose
Ø OF GOD – the Supreme Being, Judge and Creator
Ø WORKMAN – one intent on the craftsmanship of labor
Ø UNASHAMED – without embarrassment or ruin
Ø RIGHTLY DIVIDING – handling rightly
Ø WORD OF TRUTH – the only topic of which no lie exists
When obeyed, this single verse reveals the
following essentials:
Ø KNOWLEDGE THAT GOD IS
Ø THAT CHRIST IS HIS ONLY BEGOTTON SON
Ø THAT THE SPIRIT INSPIRED THIS WORD
Ø THAT OBEDIENCE TO ITS COMMANDMENTS SAVES THE SOUL
Ø THAT WITHOUT IT, THE SOUL IS ETERNALLY LOST
Granted, there are many more particulars
to the Word of God. Nonetheless, these facts fulfill the proof of our
statement: viz. 2 Timothy 2:15 relates more
responsibility to the soul than any other verse of scripture! It is not
the most important; neither is it the least
important. It is the ACTION OF OBEYING THE VERSE wherein one
finds its immeasurable merit of responsibility!
Therefore, we rejoice in your expression
of interest in this discussion of HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE. During the
next few weeks, this study will help you develop a greater appreciation for
God’s Book and an ability to read it, study it and obey it with prayerfully
greater enthusiasm. A wise preacher once described this Book of all Books in
the following fashion:
“It contains the mind of God, the state of
man, and the happiness of Christians. Its doctrines are holy. Its precepts are
binding. Its history is true, and its decisions are immutable. It contains
light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the
traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword,
and the Christian’s charter. It involves the highest responsibility. It will
reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred
contents. It is given to you in life. It will go with
you through death. It will be opened at the judgment.
Read it to be wise. Believe it to be safe. Practice it to be
saved.
His description may be quite accurate, however he did not obtain such a noteworthy
estimation of the Book without study of its inspired contents!
Each person studious of this inspired work (2 Timothy 3:116
– 17) will have his/her own “method” of study. It is not our intention to
change workable habits. It is our intent to form habits that work! So many
souls believe reading alone is the art of study. It is not! While an element
of study, it is not the only element. Notice Paul’s admonition of Ephesians
3:4: Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
Christ. It is critical to read the scriptures (1
Timothy 4:13: Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to
doctrine.) Yet we say again, it is not the only critical element
of study.
You will need the following items to complete this
course of discussion:
Ø YOUR BIBLE
Ø PAPER AND PENCIL FOR RECORDING NOTES
Ø A FERVENT DESIRE TO LEARN
With these items, the rest of the “tools”
for good and profitable Bible study come easily. Remember that God’s Word
contains all things that pertain until life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Therefore, the way to obtain these items essential for eternity,
is to learn to practice in great diligence the commandment of 2 Timothy 2:15!
v Michael J. Davis
v Preacher