Introduction to Personal Bible Study

Why Don’t Christians Study their Bible?

Either you’re conforming to the image of Christ through the Word or you are being squeezed into the mold of the world by neglecting the Word.

Being under the Word and in the Word are different

Why You Should Study the Bible Yourself

1. Essential to GrowthA. Attitude: Grab for the BookB. Appetite: It is a cultivated tasteC. Aim: Bible study is not about knowing but

growing

Why You Should Study the Bible Yourself

2. Essential to Spiritual MaturityA. Expected them to understand ChristB. Expected them to be leading othersC. Expected them to be skilled discerners

Why You Should Study the Bible Yourself

3. Essential to Spiritual EffectivenessA. Profitable for doctrine: what is rightB. Profitable for reproof: what is wrongC. Profitable for correction: how to get right

Why You Should Study the Bible Yourself

3. Essential to Spiritual EffectivenessD. Profitable for instruction in righteousness: how to stay rightE. The purpose: fully equipped to every good work

How This Class Will Help

1. What to ExpectA. A simple, proven processB. Self-assurance that comes from firsthand

knowledge of the BibleC. The joy of personal discoveryD. A deeper relationship with God

How This Class Will Help

2. What it will cost youA. EffortB. Openness to GodC. Openness to Change

Overview of the Process

Method – Our Process

Method is methodicalness with a view to becoming receptive and reproductive, by means of firsthand acquaintance with the Word.

Overview of the Process

1. Beginning with ObservationA. TermsB. StructureC. Literary FormD. Atmosphere

Overview of the Process

2. Moving on to InterpretationA. Questions – what you want to knowB. Answers – what you findC. Integration – the meaningful whole

Overview of the Process

3. Finishing with ApplicationA. How does it work for meB. How does it work for others