
How to Get the Most Out of Studying God’s Word
Introduction:
“Such is the depth of the Christian Scriptures that even if I were attempting to study them, and nothing else, from early boyhood to decrepit old age, with the utmost leasure and the most unwearied zeal, and talent greater than I have, I would still daily be making progress in discovering their treasures.” ~ Augustine (A.D. 354-430)
Psalm 19:7-11 — The majesty and power of the Word of God
Biblical Illiteracy:
“Americans revere the Bible - but, by and large, they don’t read it. And because they don’t read it they have become a nation of illiterates.” ~ George Gallup & Jim Castelli
• Fewer than half of all adults can name the four Gospels
• Many Christians cannot identify more than two or three disciples
• 60% of Americans can’t name even 5 of the 10 Commandments
• According to 82% of Americans “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.
• Those who identified themselves as born-again Christians did better—by 1%
• 12% of Americans believe Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife
• Over 50% of graduating high-school seniors believe that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife
• A large number of respondents to one survey attributed the Sermon on the Mount to Billy Graham
Why should we study the Word of God?
- To know God better and love Him more.
- To become more like Christ.
- To gain wisdom (see Ps.19:7)
- To keep from sin (see Ps.19:11)
- To receive guidance.
- To be encouraged
- To know truth about God, ourselves and our world.
Some (Flawed) Approaches to Bible Reading:
• ‘The Advil Approach’
• ‘The First Aid Kit Approach’
• ’The Web-MD Approach’
• ’The Physical Therapy Approach’
How should we approach Personal Bible Study?
Inductive Study -vs- Deductive Study
Observation - What does it say?
• Literary Observations
• Context
• Structure
• History
Interpretation - What does it mean? What is its significance?
• Historical Interpretation
• Natural Interpretation
• Harmonious Interpretation
Application - What do I do in light of this?
- Proclamation - Sharing the truths of Scripture in preaching, teaching or personal conversation.
Practical Tips: