A quote from John McArthur” Now it's interesting also that when Jesus appears in all of these eleven that we know about, He appears only to His own. He never appears to unbelievers. He never appears to the scribes and Pharisees and says, "Ha, I told you, here I am, you didn't believe." He never does that. He appears only to those who are His own.”
Some of the key things to focus on:
Why did Jesus show Himself? Was it necessary? Did he ever show Himself to unbelievers?
“Peace” vs 19, 21, 28. What type of peace?
Jesus shows His physical body – He is not returned in spirit form.
Notice emotions…fear… ‘were glad’, etc…
Vs 22 – Have you ever heard a sermon on this verse? What is this ‘breathed on them”?
Vs 23 Have you ever heard a sermon on this verse? What is the ‘forgiveness’? As humans, do we really have the authority to forgive anyone?
VS 30-31…are key verses….why John wrote the book….what might he have left out?
Think about Thomas - was his disbelief a sign of lack faith? Would you have believed the story of Jesus bodily return if you had been Thomas, and not seen it for yourself? Perhaps Thomas is an example of some of us who take longer, or need more to come to saving/believing faith.
ADDITIONAL
THE APPEARANCES OF JESUS – We serve a LIVING GOD!
To Mary Magdalene
To the 12 and Thomas – John 19, 1 Cor 15:4
To the seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee
To 500 in Galilee….1 Cor. 15:6
To James in Jerusalem and Bethany 1 Cor 15:7
To many at the ascension Acts 1:3-12
To Steven when he was stoned to death Acts 7:55
Paul near Damascus - Acts 9:3-6; 1 Cor 15:8 (many scholars believe that Paul spend a lengthy time with Jesus (personally) right after he was commissioned by Jesus – perhaps in the desert)
To John the writer, at Patmos Rev. 1:10-19
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
John 20 - part 2
John 20: 1:11-18
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Use your Stop! Look! Listen! technique. Read the verses with new eyes, slowly and several times, look for words you might not understand, etc…
There always seems to be some question/confusion about the women and Mary coming to the tomb. Mary sees Jesus when she is alone. The women see Jesus and it does not seem that Mary is there…. Do some research to figure this out….why? People will always point to ‘inconsistencies’ in Scripture – and you will be able to answer this one. (See below)
Jesus calls Mary "woman" and then by her name...why?
What are some reasons that she did not recognize Him?
What did Jesus mean when He spoke about ‘do not touch me’…later He would let Thomas touch Him>
LISTEN -
What if this part of the story had been left out of Scripture….what would we have missed out on? Why do we need all this detail?
What is God trying to teach us?
How will the study of these verses impact my view of ‘Easter”?
One probable answer to the ‘confusion of the women’ verses:
Mary goes and sees the two angels and the empty tomb.
She runs to tell the men
On the way she passes the women who are coming and tells them about the empty tomb
Mary goes on to tell the men…..The women get to the tomb and see the angels
Mary tells Peter and John and the men run to the tomb.
Mary goes back later and sees the Risen Lord – He tells her He has risen.
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Use your Stop! Look! Listen! technique. Read the verses with new eyes, slowly and several times, look for words you might not understand, etc…
There always seems to be some question/confusion about the women and Mary coming to the tomb. Mary sees Jesus when she is alone. The women see Jesus and it does not seem that Mary is there…. Do some research to figure this out….why? People will always point to ‘inconsistencies’ in Scripture – and you will be able to answer this one. (See below)
Jesus calls Mary "woman" and then by her name...why?
What are some reasons that she did not recognize Him?
What did Jesus mean when He spoke about ‘do not touch me’…later He would let Thomas touch Him>
LISTEN -
What if this part of the story had been left out of Scripture….what would we have missed out on? Why do we need all this detail?
What is God trying to teach us?
How will the study of these verses impact my view of ‘Easter”?
One probable answer to the ‘confusion of the women’ verses:
Mary goes and sees the two angels and the empty tomb.
She runs to tell the men
On the way she passes the women who are coming and tells them about the empty tomb
Mary goes on to tell the men…..The women get to the tomb and see the angels
Mary tells Peter and John and the men run to the tomb.
Mary goes back later and sees the Risen Lord – He tells her He has risen.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
John 20 Part 1
Basic Outline Questions
John 20: 1-10 (and Luke 24:9-12)
Notice the same story in Luke 24:9-12 – different details…..why the difference?
Notice the characters involved.( not just Mary Magdalene ….Mary Magdalene goes back and sees Jesus…we will study that next week) – the women….Mary Magdalene, Joanna(hmmmm who is this??) , Mary the mother of James (not of James and John, but James” the less or younger”), “and the other women with them.) (Women were important in Gods plan to show that Jesus had risen – and to go and tell) See if you can find any resources that show the relationship between all these people…..
Use your Stop! Look! Listen! technique. Read the verses with new eyes, slowly and several times, look for words you might not understand, etc…
Vs 2,3,4,8 etc… who is this unnamed disciple? Why does the writer, John, just come right out and identify this man?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
Write out verse 8 for emphasis
LISTEN -
What if this part of the story had been left out of Scripture….what would we have missed out on?
What is God trying to teach us?
How will the study of these verses impact my view of ‘Easter”?
Next week we will study vs 11-18 and focus in on Jesus and His appearance to a women, Mary Magdalene, before any of the men…
John 20: 1-10 (and Luke 24:9-12)
Notice the same story in Luke 24:9-12 – different details…..why the difference?
Notice the characters involved.( not just Mary Magdalene ….Mary Magdalene goes back and sees Jesus…we will study that next week) – the women….Mary Magdalene, Joanna(hmmmm who is this??) , Mary the mother of James (not of James and John, but James” the less or younger”), “and the other women with them.) (Women were important in Gods plan to show that Jesus had risen – and to go and tell) See if you can find any resources that show the relationship between all these people…..
Use your Stop! Look! Listen! technique. Read the verses with new eyes, slowly and several times, look for words you might not understand, etc…
Vs 2,3,4,8 etc… who is this unnamed disciple? Why does the writer, John, just come right out and identify this man?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
Write out verse 8 for emphasis
LISTEN -
What if this part of the story had been left out of Scripture….what would we have missed out on?
What is God trying to teach us?
How will the study of these verses impact my view of ‘Easter”?
Next week we will study vs 11-18 and focus in on Jesus and His appearance to a women, Mary Magdalene, before any of the men…
Thursday, March 31, 2011
John 19 Part 2 and 3
Part 2 John 19: 31 - 42
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Follow your Stop! Look! Listen! outline…
Note the titles or names given to Jesus – given by others, and Himself. What does each one mean?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
I might want to know about the ‘broken legs’ and the soldiers casting lots for the clothing. Why would John/God have wanted us to have this information?
Vs 35 -37 are important ‘because” verses. What information do they give us?(Remember John’s theme/purpose for writing)
Vs 38+ Who were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus? What do I need to know about them?
Notice that John’s description of the last days of Jesus are somewhat different in detail than the other gospels. He leaves some things out, and adds others. Always remember the purpose of John in his writing…how does he accomplish his purpose by telling the details that he did include?
Did John accomplish his purpose in this section?
LISTEN
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
How does 2 Tim 3:16 apply to these verses?
How can I apply these verses to my life today?
John 19: 17-30
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Follow your Stop! Look! Listen! outline…
Note the titles or names given to Jesus – given by others, and Himself. What does each one mean?
Vs 20 states that the sign over Jesus was in three languages…why Greek? Why Latin?
Vs 22 why might Pilate have refused to change the sign over Jesus?
Vs 23 – 24 why would John have included this information?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
Vs 25-26 Think about the three women mentioned. We know quite a bit about Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdalene…what about the other Mary? Who is the ‘disciple that Jesus loved best?’
Vs 28… notice ‘ knowing that all these things were accomplished…’
Vs 30 What is “finished?”
Where were all the other followers/supporters of Jesus?
Notice that John’s description of the last days of Jesus are somewhat different in detail than the other gospels. He leaves some things out, and adds others. Always remember the purpose of John in his writing…how does he accomplish his purpose by telling the details that he did include?
As a side study read Psalm 22 and Is 53….not only are these verses very descriptive of what is taking place in chapters 19 and 20, but they also show us prophecy coming true. We will look at them in class during these weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday.
LISTEN
A forth gospel…how is this different, and if it had not been written what would we have missed out on?
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
How does 2 Tim 3:16 apply to these verses?
How can I apply these verses to my life today?
PART 2
John 19: 17-30
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Follow your Stop! Look! Listen! outline…
Note the titles or names given to Jesus – given by others, and Himself. What does each one mean?
Vs 20 states that the sign over Jesus was in three languages…why Greek? Why Latin?
Vs 22 why might Pilate have refused to change the sign over Jesus?
Vs 23 – 24 why would John have included this information?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
Vs 25-26 Think about the three women mentioned. We know quite a bit about Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdalene…what about the other Mary? Who is the ‘disciple that Jesus loved best?’
Vs 28… notice ‘ knowing that all these things were accomplished…’
Vs 30 What is “finished?”
Where were all the other followers/supporters of Jesus?
Notice that John’s description of the last days of Jesus are somewhat different in detail than the other gospels. He leaves some things out, and adds others. Always remember the purpose of John in his writing…how does he accomplish his purpose by telling the details that he did include?
As a side study read Psalm 22 and Is 53….not only are these verses very descriptive of what is taking place in chapters 19 and 20, but they also show us prophecy coming true. We will look at them in class during these weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday.
LISTEN
A forth gospel…how is this different, and if it had not been written what would we have missed out on?
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
How does 2 Tim 3:16 apply to these verses?
How can I apply these verses to my life today?
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Follow your Stop! Look! Listen! outline…
Note the titles or names given to Jesus – given by others, and Himself. What does each one mean?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
I might want to know about the ‘broken legs’ and the soldiers casting lots for the clothing. Why would John/God have wanted us to have this information?
Vs 35 -37 are important ‘because” verses. What information do they give us?(Remember John’s theme/purpose for writing)
Vs 38+ Who were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus? What do I need to know about them?
Notice that John’s description of the last days of Jesus are somewhat different in detail than the other gospels. He leaves some things out, and adds others. Always remember the purpose of John in his writing…how does he accomplish his purpose by telling the details that he did include?
Did John accomplish his purpose in this section?
LISTEN
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
How does 2 Tim 3:16 apply to these verses?
How can I apply these verses to my life today?
John 19: 17-30
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Follow your Stop! Look! Listen! outline…
Note the titles or names given to Jesus – given by others, and Himself. What does each one mean?
Vs 20 states that the sign over Jesus was in three languages…why Greek? Why Latin?
Vs 22 why might Pilate have refused to change the sign over Jesus?
Vs 23 – 24 why would John have included this information?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
Vs 25-26 Think about the three women mentioned. We know quite a bit about Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdalene…what about the other Mary? Who is the ‘disciple that Jesus loved best?’
Vs 28… notice ‘ knowing that all these things were accomplished…’
Vs 30 What is “finished?”
Where were all the other followers/supporters of Jesus?
Notice that John’s description of the last days of Jesus are somewhat different in detail than the other gospels. He leaves some things out, and adds others. Always remember the purpose of John in his writing…how does he accomplish his purpose by telling the details that he did include?
As a side study read Psalm 22 and Is 53….not only are these verses very descriptive of what is taking place in chapters 19 and 20, but they also show us prophecy coming true. We will look at them in class during these weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday.
LISTEN
A forth gospel…how is this different, and if it had not been written what would we have missed out on?
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
How does 2 Tim 3:16 apply to these verses?
How can I apply these verses to my life today?
PART 2
John 19: 17-30
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Follow your Stop! Look! Listen! outline…
Note the titles or names given to Jesus – given by others, and Himself. What does each one mean?
Vs 20 states that the sign over Jesus was in three languages…why Greek? Why Latin?
Vs 22 why might Pilate have refused to change the sign over Jesus?
Vs 23 – 24 why would John have included this information?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
Vs 25-26 Think about the three women mentioned. We know quite a bit about Jesus’ mother, and Mary Magdalene…what about the other Mary? Who is the ‘disciple that Jesus loved best?’
Vs 28… notice ‘ knowing that all these things were accomplished…’
Vs 30 What is “finished?”
Where were all the other followers/supporters of Jesus?
Notice that John’s description of the last days of Jesus are somewhat different in detail than the other gospels. He leaves some things out, and adds others. Always remember the purpose of John in his writing…how does he accomplish his purpose by telling the details that he did include?
As a side study read Psalm 22 and Is 53….not only are these verses very descriptive of what is taking place in chapters 19 and 20, but they also show us prophecy coming true. We will look at them in class during these weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday.
LISTEN
A forth gospel…how is this different, and if it had not been written what would we have missed out on?
What is God trying to teach us in these verses?
How does 2 Tim 3:16 apply to these verses?
How can I apply these verses to my life today?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Study of John Chapter 19 - part I
A Change of Direction
In class on Sunday we discussed that “Resurrection Sunday” will be here in a few weeks-April 24th. I proposed that we skip ahead and study John Chapters 19 and 20 as we come upon that day. By the time April 24th arrives we will be ready to really worship our Lord for what He did for us.
We will study in short bites of Scripture….15-20 verses each week. Lets begin.
Here is a brief outline of the technique that I use in study. I will not repeat writing it for each study, but you will know where I am coming from.
Stop! Look! Listen!
General Outline
(We will go into much detail for each section at a later date)
STOP! Pray before you begin. Remember to keep a list of all the resources you use to study/gain information.
1. Ask why I am studying this topic/book? What do I already know about it?
2. Who is the author? Why did he write it?
3. General reading and overview of the entire section/chapter/book for general information. Read slowly and purposefully. Read every word.
4. Stop! when God explains something with - “because” “for, “so that,” etc…
5. Pick out key words and concepts that you do not understand. Just make a list.
6. Scan the horizon – where does this take place? Is geography important?
LOOK!
1. Read it again. For John, make a list of all the titles for Jesus.
2. Research the study words/concepts from the Stop! section.
3. Look Left! Look Right! What came before? What came after?
4. Ask questions. Make charts as necessary.
5. How does 2 Tim. 3:16 apply to these verses?
6. Do I see any “precepts”, “practices” “principles” or “progressive revelation”?
LISTEN!
1. Read it again.
2. Why did God give us this story?
3. What if this story had been left out of Scripture?
4. How do I apply this story to my life today?
Chapter 19: 1-16
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Since we are jumping to chapter 19 we must ask….what has happened to bring Jesus to this point? He stands before Pilate…..what events brought Him to this encounter? (This is the second time Jesus has come before Pilate.)
This section recounts the ‘rejection’ of Jesus. Who are the main characters? Who was Pilate? Who are the Jews that are mentioned? Who are the soldiers?
Note the titles or names given to Jesus – given by others, and Himself. What does each one mean?
This chapter is full of emotion: hate, anger, fear, etc…. Who is fearful? Why? Who is angry? Why? Who seems calm and at peace during all of this…why?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
Notice the politics/political correctness!!
I will be looking up the word ‘blasphemy’ to find out what it means in this particular context. ). In a thesaurus it is described as a profanity, a sacrilege, swear word, or an irreverence. How did Jesus commit ‘blasphemy?’ (Jo. 8:58-59)
Pilate asks a strange question in verse 9.
Jesus spoke up in the section before chapter 19, why might He have remained silent now?
LISTEN - just 16 verses…but how can I apply these to my life today? How will the study of these chapters impact my celebration of "Resurrection Sunday" this year?
In class on Sunday we discussed that “Resurrection Sunday” will be here in a few weeks-April 24th. I proposed that we skip ahead and study John Chapters 19 and 20 as we come upon that day. By the time April 24th arrives we will be ready to really worship our Lord for what He did for us.
We will study in short bites of Scripture….15-20 verses each week. Lets begin.
Here is a brief outline of the technique that I use in study. I will not repeat writing it for each study, but you will know where I am coming from.
Stop! Look! Listen!
General Outline
(We will go into much detail for each section at a later date)
STOP! Pray before you begin. Remember to keep a list of all the resources you use to study/gain information.
1. Ask why I am studying this topic/book? What do I already know about it?
2. Who is the author? Why did he write it?
3. General reading and overview of the entire section/chapter/book for general information. Read slowly and purposefully. Read every word.
4. Stop! when God explains something with - “because” “for, “so that,” etc…
5. Pick out key words and concepts that you do not understand. Just make a list.
6. Scan the horizon – where does this take place? Is geography important?
LOOK!
1. Read it again. For John, make a list of all the titles for Jesus.
2. Research the study words/concepts from the Stop! section.
3. Look Left! Look Right! What came before? What came after?
4. Ask questions. Make charts as necessary.
5. How does 2 Tim. 3:16 apply to these verses?
6. Do I see any “precepts”, “practices” “principles” or “progressive revelation”?
LISTEN!
1. Read it again.
2. Why did God give us this story?
3. What if this story had been left out of Scripture?
4. How do I apply this story to my life today?
Chapter 19: 1-16
Remember to record the resources that you used as you studied.
Since we are jumping to chapter 19 we must ask….what has happened to bring Jesus to this point? He stands before Pilate…..what events brought Him to this encounter? (This is the second time Jesus has come before Pilate.)
This section recounts the ‘rejection’ of Jesus. Who are the main characters? Who was Pilate? Who are the Jews that are mentioned? Who are the soldiers?
Note the titles or names given to Jesus – given by others, and Himself. What does each one mean?
This chapter is full of emotion: hate, anger, fear, etc…. Who is fearful? Why? Who is angry? Why? Who seems calm and at peace during all of this…why?
Where were the followers of Jesus during this time?
Notice the politics/political correctness!!
I will be looking up the word ‘blasphemy’ to find out what it means in this particular context. ). In a thesaurus it is described as a profanity, a sacrilege, swear word, or an irreverence. How did Jesus commit ‘blasphemy?’ (Jo. 8:58-59)
Pilate asks a strange question in verse 9.
Jesus spoke up in the section before chapter 19, why might He have remained silent now?
LISTEN - just 16 verses…but how can I apply these to my life today? How will the study of these chapters impact my celebration of "Resurrection Sunday" this year?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
John 1:19-35
John 1:19-35 Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study
STOP! Ask: Which Bible translation am I using, and why? Read each word slowly and make a list of those words/concepts that you do not fully understand.
Read the verses. Slow down and read each word. This is the general overview section.
LOOK!
Here is where you do your main research. Begin by reading it again. Again look for words you do not understand; also look for special words like “because”, “for,” when it means because, and “but.”
Research the words/concepts you noted that you do not fully understand.
Ask and answer questions from what you have read:
The writer goes from saying that Jesus is God, and "was there in the beginning," right to the baptism of Jesus. Why might he have left out the story of Mary, Joseph and Elizabeth (she did figure into this part of the story if you remember her relationsiip to John the baptizer.)
Who did the Jews mean when they spoke of the "Christ," "Elijah" and "the Prophet?"
Who is the "John"? What is his relationship to Jesus?
Verse 29 is a key verse. Jesus is telling them that salvation is not just for the Jews. Who is the Lamb and why is that title used?
VS 31 mentions ‘Israel.” What is the context? What does this verse mean?
What titles are given to Jesus in these verses? What do they represent?
Notice the mention of the Holy Spirit…this is the first time the HS is really mentioned to the people.
How is 2 Tim. 3:16-17 applied to these verses?
Do you see any “practice” “principle” “precepts” or “progressive revelation”?
How did the author accomplish his point/purpose in these verses? John 20:30-31 and 21:24-25 Do we see Jesus as God here? Who testifies that Jesus is God in this portion of Scripture?
LISTEN! This is the most important section of our study. Why bother to study if we are not going to “Listen” and apply God’s Word to our lives?
Always ask:
What is God trying to say to me?
What if these verses had been left out of Scripture?
How can I apply these verses to my life today in 2011?
STOP! Ask: Which Bible translation am I using, and why? Read each word slowly and make a list of those words/concepts that you do not fully understand.
Read the verses. Slow down and read each word. This is the general overview section.
LOOK!
Here is where you do your main research. Begin by reading it again. Again look for words you do not understand; also look for special words like “because”, “for,” when it means because, and “but.”
Research the words/concepts you noted that you do not fully understand.
Ask and answer questions from what you have read:
The writer goes from saying that Jesus is God, and "was there in the beginning," right to the baptism of Jesus. Why might he have left out the story of Mary, Joseph and Elizabeth (she did figure into this part of the story if you remember her relationsiip to John the baptizer.)
Who did the Jews mean when they spoke of the "Christ," "Elijah" and "the Prophet?"
Who is the "John"? What is his relationship to Jesus?
Verse 29 is a key verse. Jesus is telling them that salvation is not just for the Jews. Who is the Lamb and why is that title used?
VS 31 mentions ‘Israel.” What is the context? What does this verse mean?
What titles are given to Jesus in these verses? What do they represent?
Notice the mention of the Holy Spirit…this is the first time the HS is really mentioned to the people.
How is 2 Tim. 3:16-17 applied to these verses?
Do you see any “practice” “principle” “precepts” or “progressive revelation”?
How did the author accomplish his point/purpose in these verses? John 20:30-31 and 21:24-25 Do we see Jesus as God here? Who testifies that Jesus is God in this portion of Scripture?
LISTEN! This is the most important section of our study. Why bother to study if we are not going to “Listen” and apply God’s Word to our lives?
Always ask:
What is God trying to say to me?
What if these verses had been left out of Scripture?
How can I apply these verses to my life today in 2011?
Friday, February 25, 2011
Lets Start the Gospel of John - and the Four "P's
John 1:1-18 Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study
Lets actually use what we have discussed over the past few weeks and do a little Bible Study!! (I always use a NKJ version – so some of your wording may not be the same as mine.) We will begin with just a few verses and progress on to entire chapter studies. As you study please keep a list of resources you might use….internet, concordance, Bible dictionary, etc…. you might need to go back and find these later.
These may be very familiar verses to some of us, but lets look at them with new eyes.
STOP! Ask:
Which Bible translation am I using, and why?
Who wrote this book and why? In many of the New Testament books and letters the author will actually tell why he wrote it…. (hint hint - John 20:30-31 and 21:24-25). Keep this in mind as we study each chapter – we will ask “How did the author make his point/purpose in these verses?”
Read the verses. Slow down and read each verse. Make note of any words/concepts you do not understand – you will research these in the ‘LOOK’ phase. (For example – do you know what “Word” and “Light” mean? Why a capital “L”? ) This is the general overview section.
LOOK! Here is where you do your main research. Begin by reading it again. Again look for words you do not understand; also look for special words like “because”, “for,” when it means because, and “but.” These words all signal important information, or relationships.
Research the words/concepts you noted that you do not fully understand.
Ask and answer questions from what you have read; for example: Who is the He/Him mentioned (should be written in caps)? Re-read these verses and replace the name of the person where the He or Him as in the sentence. This makes the verses come alive with understanding.
Who is this John in these verses? John the author, or someone else?
If I was doing this study I might also write downto research “bosom of the Father, and ‘begotten.”
How is 2 Tim. 3:16-17 applied to these verses?
Do you see any “practice” “principle” “precepts” or “progressive revelation”?(If you missed the class when we discussed this....it is posted at the end of this lesson)
How did the author make his point/purpose in these verses?
LISTEN! This is the most important section of our study. Why bother to study if we are not going to “Listen” and apply God’s Word to our lives?
Always ask:
What is God trying to say to me?
What if these verses had been left out of Scripture?
How can I apply these verses to my life today in 2011?
Four Ps of Bible Study
We learn from Scripture by other ways than there being direct commands or statements. These are the "four p's"
As we study Scripture, look for the “Four P’s.” Not all sections of Scripture that you study will have each, or even one of these...but Look for:
Practice what is the ongoing custom or tradition that is repeated? What can we learn from this that will influence our understanding of the story? The practice of male leadership. Jesus prayed. Practice is something tangiible that can be seen; an action. The point is we are given an example to follow. “Practice” also teaches us something about history….manners and customs… Why is it important to look for these?
Precept a specific rule, command, instruction. Are any given? Thou shalt not kill. Wives and husbands are told to love each other and to be submissive to each other….”husbands love your wives as you love yourself and as Christ loved the church…” Why is it important for us to look for these precepts?
Principle a belief, a standard. A general truth. A fundamental assumption. "Principle" is not tangible. A generally acceptable rule of action or behavior, i.e. moral principles. General biblical principles might include the Trinity (the word “trinity” never appears in Scripture”, the sovereignty of God (as seen in the story of Esther – thought never called the sovereignty of God…. Why is it important for us to look at any principles?
Progressive Revelation information that is unveiled a little at a time. Genesis through Revelation slowly unveils teachings of the Messiah to come. Daniel and Joel, and others, give us some information, but it does not all come together until the book of Revelation. The Gospels unveil the Messiah. Revelation then ties up all the loose ends with the actual unveiling of the King of Kings who returns again to the earth for one last time.
Much of prophecy is ‘progressive revelation.’ Why is looking for progressive revelation important?
Go to my Feb. 19 post that suggests resources you might use for study/research.
Lets actually use what we have discussed over the past few weeks and do a little Bible Study!! (I always use a NKJ version – so some of your wording may not be the same as mine.) We will begin with just a few verses and progress on to entire chapter studies. As you study please keep a list of resources you might use….internet, concordance, Bible dictionary, etc…. you might need to go back and find these later.
These may be very familiar verses to some of us, but lets look at them with new eyes.
STOP! Ask:
Which Bible translation am I using, and why?
Who wrote this book and why? In many of the New Testament books and letters the author will actually tell why he wrote it…. (hint hint - John 20:30-31 and 21:24-25). Keep this in mind as we study each chapter – we will ask “How did the author make his point/purpose in these verses?”
Read the verses. Slow down and read each verse. Make note of any words/concepts you do not understand – you will research these in the ‘LOOK’ phase. (For example – do you know what “Word” and “Light” mean? Why a capital “L”? ) This is the general overview section.
LOOK! Here is where you do your main research. Begin by reading it again. Again look for words you do not understand; also look for special words like “because”, “for,” when it means because, and “but.” These words all signal important information, or relationships.
Research the words/concepts you noted that you do not fully understand.
Ask and answer questions from what you have read; for example: Who is the He/Him mentioned (should be written in caps)? Re-read these verses and replace the name of the person where the He or Him as in the sentence. This makes the verses come alive with understanding.
Who is this John in these verses? John the author, or someone else?
If I was doing this study I might also write downto research “bosom of the Father, and ‘begotten.”
How is 2 Tim. 3:16-17 applied to these verses?
Do you see any “practice” “principle” “precepts” or “progressive revelation”?(If you missed the class when we discussed this....it is posted at the end of this lesson)
How did the author make his point/purpose in these verses?
LISTEN! This is the most important section of our study. Why bother to study if we are not going to “Listen” and apply God’s Word to our lives?
Always ask:
What is God trying to say to me?
What if these verses had been left out of Scripture?
How can I apply these verses to my life today in 2011?
Four Ps of Bible Study
We learn from Scripture by other ways than there being direct commands or statements. These are the "four p's"
As we study Scripture, look for the “Four P’s.” Not all sections of Scripture that you study will have each, or even one of these...but Look for:
Practice what is the ongoing custom or tradition that is repeated? What can we learn from this that will influence our understanding of the story? The practice of male leadership. Jesus prayed. Practice is something tangiible that can be seen; an action. The point is we are given an example to follow. “Practice” also teaches us something about history….manners and customs… Why is it important to look for these?
Precept a specific rule, command, instruction. Are any given? Thou shalt not kill. Wives and husbands are told to love each other and to be submissive to each other….”husbands love your wives as you love yourself and as Christ loved the church…” Why is it important for us to look for these precepts?
Principle a belief, a standard. A general truth. A fundamental assumption. "Principle" is not tangible. A generally acceptable rule of action or behavior, i.e. moral principles. General biblical principles might include the Trinity (the word “trinity” never appears in Scripture”, the sovereignty of God (as seen in the story of Esther – thought never called the sovereignty of God…. Why is it important for us to look at any principles?
Progressive Revelation information that is unveiled a little at a time. Genesis through Revelation slowly unveils teachings of the Messiah to come. Daniel and Joel, and others, give us some information, but it does not all come together until the book of Revelation. The Gospels unveil the Messiah. Revelation then ties up all the loose ends with the actual unveiling of the King of Kings who returns again to the earth for one last time.
Much of prophecy is ‘progressive revelation.’ Why is looking for progressive revelation important?
Go to my Feb. 19 post that suggests resources you might use for study/research.
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