Studying the New Testament

By Mark Chatfield

A 4-session Class For Christians Who Want to Dig More Deeply into The Scriptures

 "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."

--Psalms 119:18

 “Studying is the process that is used to decide what to learn and what to remember and recall”  -  James F. Shepherd

Class Period 1   What Does “Study” mean?

What does the Bible say about studying?  [Write responses in a list] Think about what, when, why, how, and where.

I.                    There are three verses in the KJ Bible where the word “study” appears:

A.    Ec 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. {study: or, reading}

B.     1Th 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

C.    2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

     II.                 Other translations add

A.    Php 3:17 Brothers, be comrades in imitating me, and study those whose life and walk is according to the pattern I have set you. (Montgomery’s New Testament)

B.     Ezr 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach his statutes and ordinances in Israel. (RSV)

C.    Ne 8:13 On the second day the heads of fathers' houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the law. (RSV)

D.    Mt 6:28 And why be anxious about clothing? Study the wild lilies, and how they grow. They neither toil nor spin; (Twentieth Century NT)

E.      1Co 1:22 While Jews ask for miraculous signs, and Greeks study philosophy, (Twentieth Century NT)

F.      1Co 10:24 A man must not study his own interests, but the interests of others. (Twentieth Century NT) 

III.               So just from this little review, we have found several references to a word that we might have missed had we not examined other translations. 

            A.    Just from looking up the word “study” using several translations, the Bible tells us even more. 

B.     What we should study (or what we should learn from) [add to the list): 

1.      People – those whose life and walk are according to the pattern that Paul showed. (Phl. 3:17)

2.      The word of God. (Ez. 7:10, Neh. 8:13)

3.      Nature (Mt. 6:28)

4.      Interests of others (I Cor. 10:24) 

C.    Why we should study [add to the list]

1.      To be quiet, to do our own business, to work with our hands (I Thess. 4:11)

2.      To show our selves approved unto God, to be a workman who is not ashamed, and to be able to rightly divide (or understand) the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)

3.      To be able to imitate Paul as He served Christ. (Phl. 3:17)

4.      To be able to obey the word and teach (Ezra 7:10)

5.      To be less anxious about everyday things (Mt 6:28)

6.      To keep our imaginations in check  (1Co 4:6) “Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.”

D.    How to study [add to the list]

1.      Come together and study with someone knowledgeable (Neh. 8:13)

2.      Take a positive perspective by seeing what God teaches rather than what He does not teach.  In other words, don’t look for ways to get away with something wrong [Where does the Bible say we can’t use tomato juice for the Lord’s supper? Or Where does it say we can’t have a piano?] – instead look for ways to serve God more abundantly and determine what it is we should be doing.  (Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.) 

E.     But wait!  There is even more.  All we did is look up the word “study” in several translations of the Bible.  There are other words that help us learn about that subject:

1.      When we study, we read or hear and learn. 

a.       “Read” There may be 100 references to this word – for example, the idea of daily Bible reading is first mentioned in De 17:19 “And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:”

b.      “Hear” There are over 500 uses of this word – for example, the Bible tells us that singing is a way to learn: Jg 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.

c.       “Learn” The Bible use of this word helps us know WHY we should study – namely, to have eternal life and peace of mind, Mt 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

d.      “Instruct” and similar words are used several times, including 2Ti 3:16, 17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

e.       Other insights such as descriptions of the word of God, "only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God . . ." --Deuteronomy 15:5  "Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you." --Matt.7:7  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." --Proverbs 3:5 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily to see whether those things were so." --Acts 17:11 

IV.              This little exercise was an example of what we hope to do in this short study.  The objectives are to: 

1.      Consider our attitude toward Bible study.

2.      Think about our approach to Bible study.

3.      Learn about the value of the Greek New Testament as well as different versions and their advantages and pitfalls.

4.      To think about why we should study.

5.      To understand what we may do with the results of study. 

V.                 Assignment for next class:

Use as many Bible translations as you want to help identify what our attitude should be when studying or learning.  What should our mind-set be?  Hint: look up the words “mind” and “heart.

Class Period 2. Attitude, Approach, Goals, Pitfalls       

I.                    Attitude

A.     What mind-set or attitude should a Christian have when studying the Bible? What should be in the back of our mind as we sit down to find out more about what God would have us know?  [Give people a minute to think, then ask for responses and write them down on the board.  Have class members read the scriptures.]

1.      Seeking salvation - Ps 25:5 “Guide me in thy truth, and teach me; For thou art the God of my salvation; For thee do I wait all the day.”

2.      With service to Christ in mind – as a co-laborer with Jesus  Mt 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

3.      With respect (fear) for God - De 31:13 “and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Jehovah your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over the Jordan to possess it.”

4.      With thankfulness - Ps 119:7 “I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments.”

5.      With prayerfulness - Ps 119:73 “Thy hands have made me and  fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.”

6.      With an eye toward improving ourselves - Isa 1:17 “learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”

7.      With readiness of mind – Acts 17:11 “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”  As a word study of “noble”: First look at different versions: NKJV – “fair-minded”; Twentieth Century New Testament – “better disposed”; Weymouth’s – “more noble disposition”; Young’s literal translation – “noble.”  According to Adam Clark – “Were of a better race, extraction, or birth, than those at Thessalonica; but the word refers more to their conduct, as a proof of their better disposition, than to their birth, or any peculiar lineal nobility. It was a maxim among the Jews, that "none was of a noble spirit who did not employ himself in the study of the law." It appears that the Bereans were a better educated and more polished people than those at Thessalonica; in consequence far from persecuting: 1. They heard the doctrine of the Gospel attentively. 2. They received this doctrine with readiness of mind: when the evidence of its truth appeared to them sufficiently convincing, they had too much dignity of mind to [accept it]. 3. They searched the Scriptures, i.e. of the Old Testament, to see whether these things were so: to see whether the promises and types corresponded with the alleged fulfillment in the person, works, and sufferings of Jesus Christ. 4. They continued in this work; they searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” 

II.                 Approach

A.     The approach we take to our study depends on the purpose of our study.

1.    If you are preparing a public talk, you might pick a subject that is of special interest to the audience.  Paul spoke in Athens about their “unknown God.”  If it is near New Years, you might decide to study something about renewal, for instance.  That might lead you to a commentary.

2.    If you are trying to cope with your new diagnosis of arthritis or a more serious disease, you might want to seek out a book or article that someone else has already prepared based on their Bible study.

3.    If you want to be prepared to answer a friend’s question about baptism, you could find all the verses that deal with that subject.

4.    For teaching children, you might be looking for scriptures and accounts of things that suit the age group.  How would you approach your study if you are to be talking with a new convert?  You should avoid the more difficult passages at first, concentrate on first things first – sin, salvation, worship, church, work, authority.

5.    If you have come upon some word that you don’t understand, you might approach the study using a computer search function to see how it is used in scripture or a Bible dictionary, or even a Greek Bible with a word-for-word translation.

6.    If you have a question about how something is done at your congregation, you should find someone who has been there a while such as one of the elders and see if that can help you understand. 

B.     Whatever we use to decide how we will begin our study, we should make every effort to stay with reliable material.  We need to always remember that the Bible is the source document.  God didn’t give us the Bible by accident and it is not by the whim of some translator that we can go to the Bible to find the truth. (2Ti 3:16) 

C.     Here are some things to consider about our approach to Bible study:

1.    The Bible is God’s word to man to let us know how to please Him.

2.    The Bible has all the truth we need, but it does not contain the totality of truthful things.  The Bible does not cover math or chemistry.  For that reason, it does not make much sense to try to disprove every idea that comes up.  If someone comes up and says, “Where does the Bible say we can’t have the Lord’s Supper on Thursday at 8 p.m.?  What should your answer be?  The answer is that the question is of no value because we need to learn what we ARE to do, not everything that is wrong.  That is what God means in Ro 12:2 “And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 

                                    When we read “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,                                        for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be                                      complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16,17) we need to know                                         that we cannot take things out of context.  We will go the way of error if we just seek out                                         a phrase or single sentence rather than looking at “all scripture” regarding an issue.  

                                    For example:  John 8:32 “The truth will set you free.” Non-Christians as well as Christians                                         take this verse out of context.  It is not an unconditional promise to everyone that because                                         the Bible is truth, all people are free.  We must find the complete idea of John 8:31-32. It                                         says, “31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you                                         are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”                                         In other words, we will know the truth, and it will set us free from our bondage to sin only                                         if we are obedient believers and only if we continue in God’s Word (hold to my teaching). 

3.    Millions of people have studied the scriptures over centuries.  You can take just about any idea and find someone who will agree with it.  By the same token, you can find those who disagree.  What is important is God’s word, not anyone’s opinion.  Pr 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”  We can use what others have learned as long as we can find consistency with all that the Bible has to say about it.  When we read or study from a particular book, it is helpful to know how that book fits into the whole Bible:the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,”  [This is a great motivation to study and learn – to be able to teach others.]

De 11:16 "Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, 

De 20:3 "And he shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; 

1Sa 12:24 "Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. 

1Ch 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 

Isa 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. 

Jer 12:2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit. You are near in their mouth But far from their mind. 

Da 10:12 Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 

Mt 22:37 Jesus said to him," 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 

Mr 14:72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And when he thought about it, he wept. 

Lu 12:29 "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 

Ro 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

Ro 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 

Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 

1Pe 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 

1Pe 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

Class Period 3.  Study Aids, Internet Resources

I.                    Study Tools [Read Acts 8:26-39]

A.     The Ethiopian eunuch was a wealthy and powerful official, yet apparently he had only a scroll or book to study.  Many, if not most, Christians in the first century relied almost exclusively on the words of evangelists who related what they had read or had themselves written in the form of epistles or letters to others. Today we have an almost limitless number of study tools and methods to choose from. 

Here is a list of some of the most popular study aids we have today.  Computer users have most of them available for instant searching and printing.  I use Power BibleCD (1-800-243-7124). Power BibleCD is an easy-to-use Windows application for Christian Bible study. Features such as floating cross-references, floating Strong’s definitions, a lesson editor, and fast Bible searches will help you get the most out of your Bible study time.

The Power Bible CD-ROM includes 22 Bible translations, over 10 Bible dictionaries, over 10 topical references, over 20 commentaries, and over 700,000 cross-references, all for only $19.00*, including postage!

B.     The Bible in several usable versions

C.     Commentaries by scholars such as Haley’s Bible Handbook.  Some commentaries go back several centuries such as the Geneva Bible Notes from 1599.

D.     Bible dictionaries such as The Smith Bible Dictionary and Hitchcock’s Bible Names

E.      Lexicons – Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary and Strong’s Greek Dictionary. (A lexicon is more than a dictionary, for it also cites actual usages of a word within a document.)

F.      Parallel Gospels

G.     Nave’s Topical Bible

H.     Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies

I.        Bible footnotes, indexes, maps, study inserts

J.       Books by noted preachers

K.    Books that concentrate on one particular Bible book or topic

L.      Bible-related archaeology books

M.   Topical studies and notes such as the books that Florida College publishes for their annual lectures.

 II.                 Study Methods  [Read 2 K. 22:1-13 (Don’t let your Bible collect dust!)

A.     To see what study methods might work best for you, try www.howtostudy.org.  They have a short multiple-choice test that will give some specific ideas based on how you have learned things earlier in your life.

B.     Reading – It’s hard to beat.  However, what do we do when we come up on a word or idea that we do not understand?  Either we just skip over it or we give up our reading session in frustration. 

1.    One easy technique is to have a notepad handy and jot down the verses and words you want to look up later.  That way, you can continue your reading and get the flavor of the text without much interruption.  Then go back and see what the word means by looking it up in other Bible verses or in a reference book.

2.    Another good method is to have an idea in mind and read your Bible to see what God would have you know about the idea.  For example, you might be interested in the emotion of anger.  You remember several accounts that deal with anger, so you read them and jot down how God expects His people to behave.

3.    The Bible is conveniently, though sometimes not accurately, divided into Chapters. Although you may spend several sittings studying a chapter, it is best to consider each one as a whole. To study a chapter effectively you will have to go through it several times. The first step is to look over the entire chapter. Read the main headings and the summary if there is one. Think about the two or three main ideas that this chapter is about. Say them aloud or write them down. You may want to phrase them as questions. These ideas will form the foundation of what you will learn, and they will be the primary method by which you will remember the information in the chapter.
       The Bible is further partitioned into verses. This structure helps you to learn, for as you acquire new ideas and information you may want to store them in your memory. Research tells us that items stored at random are hard to remember, but ideas and items stored on the basis of their meaning and context are much easier to remember. Thus, understand the material first; then work to remember it.
       As you study each Chapter, check for paragraph breaks or subheadings inserted by the translators or publishers.  Read the heading and look for the primary idea about the heading in the first or second paragraph. When you find it, mark it by underlining or highlighting. Then read the first subsection without marking anything. Stop and think. What in that subsection is important about the primary idea? You may find one or two or three items to mark, but be selective, for if you mark too much, the markings are useless. Work your way through each subsection, back and forth, reading... thinking... marking. As you work, be sure to look over any charts, graphs, or footnotes. They can help you understand the ideas. Work for fifteen to twenty minutes and then get up and take a five-minute break. Then back to work.
       If text material is especially difficult, make an outline of the section. If there is new vocabulary, you might make flash cards (à la grade school) with the word on one side and the definition on the other. Flash cards also work for identifications and grouped items (types, characteristics). Carry them in your purse or pocket and practice them several times a day. If you have a study guide for the text, use it to organize your efforts by going back and forth between the guide and the text.
       The end result of a productive study session is twofold: you have an understanding of the main ideas of the Bible reading, and you have a marked text that will help you in future studies.
       If you have read this far and are fairly intimidated by these suggestions, take heart; you can learn how to study. Most students rarely read their texts, and few if any study them. One of the hardest adjustments is learning to really study the Bible because it is a new behavior.  With practice you can improve. You will not only get better with practice, you will get faster. 

C.     Listening  [Jer. 36:14-32 (Bible is not meant to be read and discarded!)]

1.    Lectures, sermons, Bible classes, audiotapes, cd’s, mp3 players.

2.    Reading out loud 

D.     Visuals

1.    Videotapes, DVD’s, computer videos, maps, charts, tables

2.    Depicting lessons by drawing, sketching, or doodling 

[Ask students to examine their Bibles.  What study aids are right in your Bible?] 

Read and discuss what theses verses tell us about study methods:  

Gen. 2:16, 17 “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat thereof you shall surely die.”  [The first recorded word of God to man shows that God expected His word to be heeded.  It was a message from the mouth of God to the ear of man.  Man was to hear it and obey it.] 

Nu 20:8 “Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.”  [God told Moses exactly how to provide water, but Moses did not pay attention to God’s word and moreover Moses failed to sanctify God.  Instead Moses attributed the miracle to himself and Aaron.  Our study methods may lead to conclusions that are not supported in God’s word.  When we do it wrong, we suffer consequences.] 

De 31:12 “Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:”  [When we study together we need to use the Bible, not just some story that captures our heart.  Those stories are fine to make a point, but we need to make sure to get around to a Bible verse.] 

Eph 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  [Sometimes we may think of an example or situation that makes a good point, but is “corrupt”.  For example, we can study and learn about immodest apparel without going in to a lascivious description.  Rather than say something disgusting or out of line, just read some of the vivid descriptions in the Bible.] 

Word Study 

Often I come across a word that I am curious about.  Here is one way to go step-by-step to find out more about what it means. 

Php 2:17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 

Read these scripture and pick out words that would be good for further study:

Ro 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

1Co 15:1, 2 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 

Ga 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 

Mt 5:48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. 

Example: 

Let’s dig into the word “servant. I pull out my Vine’s and turn to p347.  Now I find out that there are seven Greek words that are translated into English as “servant.”  Duolos, Diakonos, Pais, Oiketes, Huperetes, Therapon, Sundoulos.  Under “serve” and “service” there is Latreuo, Leitourgia.  Each one is printed in English letters and in Greek.  Then it tells its specific meaning and gives the verses where it has that particular meaning.  For example:  Mk 9:35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."  The word “servant” comes from the Greek word diakonos.  That is the same word that is used to describe a deacon in the church. 

Greek New Testament:  Now I’m not sure I want to just depend on Vine’s.  I want to see the original text in Greek and see how it is used.  Now I can read Greek because in the margin is the KJV by chapter and verse.  Then the Greek text has right under it in smaller print the literal translation of the words as they appear in the Greek language.  Mk 9:35 says, “And sitting down he called the twelve, and he says to them, If anyone desires first to be, he shall be of all last and of all servant.” 

If I wanted to go further:  Strong’s, Naves, Thayers, Barklay’s or use a computer search engine.  After all this, I should have a pretty good picture of what it means to be a servant!

Appendix – supplementary material that is collected and appended at the back of a book

Chronologies - The science that deals with the determination of dates and the sequence of events.

Commentary - A series of explanations or interpretations.

Dictionary –

1. A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each   word, usually including meaning, pronunciation, and etymology.

2. A book listing the words of a language with translations into another language.

3. A book listing words or other linguistic items in a particular category or subject with specialized information about them:

Footnote – A note placed at the bottom of a page of a book or manuscript that comments on or cites a reference for a designated part of the text.

Index – Something that serves to guide, point out, or otherwise facilitate reference, especially:

a. An alphabetized list of names, places, and subjects treated in a printed work, giving the page or pages on which each item is mentioned.

b. A thumb index.

c. A table, file, or catalog.

Lexicon –

1. A dictionary.

2. A stock of terms used in a particular profession, subject, or style; a vocabulary: the lexicon of surrealist art.

3. Linguistics The morphemes of a language considered as a group.

Maps – A representation, usually on a plane surface, of a region of the earth

Table of Contents – a list of divisions (chapters or articles) and the pages on which they start

Thesaurus –

1. A book of synonyms, often including related and contrasting words and antonyms.

2. A book of selected words or concepts, such as a specialized vocabulary of a particular field, as of medicine or music.

Translation –

1.       A rendering in another language.

2.       To put into simpler terms; explain or interpret.

3.       To express in different words; paraphrase.

Class Period 4.  What to do with the Results of our Study 

Sometimes we may read or listen to things just for entertainment or relaxation.  But even then, there is a purpose.  The enjoyment helps our mood or allows us to go to sleep and be refreshed.  When we study, the effort is still enjoyable but that is not its only purpose. 

I.                    Using the lessons learned

A.    What are some of the uses of our study?  Here we are thinking of what we receive or do with our new awareness and understanding:

1.    Increased self-confidence, encouragement

a.     Prov. 28:1

b.    2 Tim. 1:7

2.    Teach others

a.     Ro 2:21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?

b.    Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

c.     Grow spiritually

(1)   2Pe 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

d.    Find new areas of study

(1)   Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

e.     Provide guidance to others

(1)   Ro 15:14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

(2)   Ro 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another

f.      Write articles or books

(1)   Lu 1:3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,

(2)   1Ti 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth

g.     Better handle difficult situations in life. 

(1)   Ro 2:21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?

(2)   Jas 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

h.     Increased emotional health

(1)   1Jo 1:4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

(2)   Ro 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

II. Writing and archiving lessons learned

A.           If you have a photographic memory, you don’t need this.

1.    Some use files where they keep notes and clippings of things that might be useful in future lessons.

2.    Several folks take notes during services.

3.    Some people like to write articles for others to read.

4.    Some people like to teach classes or preach to share what they have learned.

5.    The refrigerator door or a home bulletin board is a great way to share things in a family.

6.    Usually there is a weekly bulletin, tack board, copies of material in the foyer, overhead projections, pictures on the walls, classroom visual aids, computers, audio and video players.

7.    My personal favorites are to write articles for publications that are read by Christians and to write material for the church website. 

Now, as we go forward into our Bible reading, let’s use the things we learned about studying.  You might want to do a few word studies and share what you learned about one or more of those words.  You may find an application to your daily life that you did not know and that might be helpful for others to know.  You could find a relationship among Bible characters or other facts or spiritual lessons.  Consider your class preparation as a treasure hunt.  (Matt. 13:44)