BSM 1.5

Preparing to Study the Bible

In the last two lessons we were introduced to the importance of knowing significant events that occurred in the past (Lesson 3) as well as the sequence in which they occurred (Lesson 4). We were laying a foundation to help us answer an important question one must ask when studying the Bible-the question "When?" As we seek to understand the Bible, we find ourselves constantly searching for answers to questions we have. There are some basic questions which we must ask and answer because they are important to "handling accurately the word of truth" (2 Tim 2:15). God invites us to bring all of our questions to Him (Matt 7:7-8).

The basic questions that we must ask of every verse are very simple: who, what, when, where, why, and how? The answers must be considered while keeping in mind the two primary questions concerning the Christian Life: How does this help us develop a close, personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ (Php 3:10)? And, how then shall we live (John 7:17)?

SIX BASIC QUESTIONS FOR EVERY VERSE:

1 "WHO?"

As we ask the question, "who?" we are seeking to determine who is doing the speaking and to whom it is addressed. One example is found in Genesis 22:2 when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, his only son, to Him. God spoke directly to Abraham, not anyone else in this case, so we, as hearers of the Word, are not under that particular order.

2 "WHAT?"

"What" deals with the reality of the thing being said. Jesus Christ is referred to in Revelation 5 as "the Lamb." This does not mean that He is a shaggy, four-footed creature, but refers to His sacrifice for sin (John 1:29) which is the "reality."

3 "WHEN?"

The "when" question refers us to the time frame to which a particular passage may refer. For instance, Abraham’s marriage to his half sister Sarah might be interpreted as immoral until the reader understands that this marriage occurred before the giving of the Mosaic Law, which forbade such practice. Since personal sin is not an issue when there is no law (Rom 4:15), we conclude that in Abraham’s case, incestuous marriage was not sin. Clear answers to the question "when" is crucial to complete understanding.

4 "WHERE?"

"Where" deals with the geography and frequently the culture in which a passage was written. Frequently in the Bible we find the phrase "up to Jerusalem." In many cultures, the phrase "up to" has come to mean to travel north. However, the Biblical intent has to do with elevation and not direction. When Jesus came from Galilee and was going "up to Jerusalem," He was actually traveling south, but going higher up in elevation.

5 "WHY?"

The "why" question is often the most difficult question to answer. The answer is most often found through studying other passages. If one reads the phrase in Isaiah 7:14 which says, "Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel," an obvious question would be "why a virgin?" We might just answer the question with, "that’s the way God wanted to do it." That answer, while correct, is not complete.

As we look for the answer we will find the passage in Romans 5 that addresses the effect the sin of Adam had on the human race. We find that through the man, Adam, each member of the human race is given a Sin Nature. If Jesus had had an earthly father, He too would have had a Sin Nature. The answer to "why", in this case, is crucial to Christ’s qualifications to pay for sin.

6 "HOW?"

The question of "how" is often difficult to answer as well. We might ask, "How did Jesus walk on water?" The answer is simply that He depended upon the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18). We also might ask, "How does God control history when mankind has the freedom of choice?" That question is not as easily answered and we will explore it later in our study.

WHAT IF WE CAN’T ANSWER THEM ALL?

These questions and their answers are important. We must remember, however, that our relationship with the Living God is based on faith (Eph 2:8-9; Col 2:6). We won’t get all of the answers that we seek in this lifetime, but God has promised that eventually all of our questions will be answered (1 Cor 13:12).

TWO IMPORTANT PERSONAL QUESTIONS:

1. HOW WILL THIS HELP DEVELOP MY RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST?

This is one of the most important questions we can ask. The knowledge that we have gained through the study of God’s Word must be united with faith (Heb 11:6), so that our relationship with the Lord will grow. We must trust God’s Word as accurate and dependable. The result will be a relationship with the Lord that is grounded in His love and is beyond human knowledge. The apostle Paul said it clearly in Ephesians 3:14-19 when he wrote:

"For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."

If we are simply studying God’s Word for intellectual reasons and not seeking to grow in our love for God and others (Mark 12:29-31), we are becoming arrogant (1 Cor 8:1). The apostle Paul, who knew more theology than any other man on earth (2 Cor 12:1-4), expressed his greatest desire in saying, "that I may know Him" (Php 3:10). Paul, as a Pharisee, had already been on an intellectual quest, but, as a Christian, began a quest for a vital relationship with the Living God.

Look for God’s promises, and trust them, so that you might "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18).

2. HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?

Once we come to understand the meaning of the verses we are studying, we must seek to understand how it applies to everyday life. We are given a beautiful example of this concept in Hebrews 12:1-3. Read the first two verses:

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The illustration the writer of Hebrews chose in these two verses is that of running a race. People in the stands are watching (the heroes of Chapter 11). The race is for speed and distance, and to the victor goes the seat of honor. The contestant removes any additional weight that would slow him down, or any obstacles that could trip him up. His eyes are on the finish line, where the One (Jesus Christ) who has already run His race, and won, stands. Potential joy becomes more important than any fatigue experienced, so the runner endures.

The writer then applies these two verses to our lives in verse three. He writes:

"For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart."

When we face trials and opposition, pain and sorrow, shame and disgrace for the cause of Christ, we are to consider our Leader and be encouraged by Him! Realize that, "we do not have a great high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin" (Heb 4:15).

WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT IN OUR STUDY?

Beginning with the next section, we will take a simple look at principles we ought to keep in mind while studying the Bible. These foundational principles of interpretation have been revealed by the Holy Spirit Himself through the written Word. They are principles that we are to pass on from one generation to the next (2 Tim 2:2) so that we all might grow in all respects in our Lord (Eph 4:11-16).

Let God’s Word make a difference in your life.

QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL STUDY
# Why is it important to ask questions of God’s Word?
# Write from memory the six basic questions for every verse that we are to ask.
# Write from memory the two important personal questions.

Read 1 Peter 5:1-4 and then answer all the questions posed in this lesson.

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