Bible Study
INSTRUCTOR'S NOTES
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Why study the Bible? Many don't really know why they believe what they believe. A Scriptural basis
for their beliefs helps to anchor in those beliefs and stand against opposition.
o It's not just necessarily God's love letter to us
o It contains a historical record of God's dealings with mankind
Versions of the Bible; some better than others?
Healthy Study and Interpretation of the Bible consists of:
o Utilizing Historical/Contextual Hermeneutics - What would each Scripture text have meant to
the writer and original readers (reader relevance). There are time and cultural gaps between the
original writer/reader and present day readers.
 Ex – “Heaven and Earth pass away.” (Matthew 24:34) A Jewish believer of the early
church would understand this to mean the Temple consisting the Holy Place and the Holy
of Holies where the Arc of the Covenant was housed, not the literal heaven and earth. So
Eschatology (study of End Times) is greatly affected in a negative way.
o Bible progressively reveals God - The books of the Bible are arranged by types, not in
chronological order, so a progressive revelation of God is difficult. But knowing the progressive
revelation of God is essential to properly understand the Scriptures.
 The Names of God are a great way to understand God's attributes in a progressive way
(as they were given over time).
o Exegesis = Pulling from (drawing out of) the Bible without presuppositions (filters) generally
utilizing Historical Hermeneutics
o Eisegesis = Injects presuppositions (filters), what we think it means (culturally) into study the
Bible. This is largely misleading. Scripture can almost be made to appear to support all sorts of
incorrect interpretations and therefore applications.
o Did you ever consider not all of Jesus' words are for those of us living under the New and
Better Covenant? When He spoke to the Pharisees and other religious folks, he most often was
pointing out their ridiculous attempts to appear holy and authoritative, above all others.
Sacred cows - There may be some concepts that are counter your current understanding and beliefs. Be
open minded to re-consider.
o A new experience may challenge our beliefs and we must process towards either embracing or
rejecting it. Either way we must find Biblical evidence to support our beliefs. But that evidence
must be interpreted according to historical, contextual hermeneutics or we will be on shaky
ground. See Welton Academy: Y1S1C1 - Disrupting Culture.
Are you really listening?
o You can't listen and talk at the same time.
o Are you hearing just to respond; formulating your reply and not really listening others, trying to
understand their position?
o “Most closed heavens are between the ears.” ~ Bill Johnson
Shared basis of understanding - For real communications to take place, those in a discussion or
lecture, must share basic understanding of ideas in order to build upon new ideas.
Practical applications important - Live your faith and beliefs
Any sick among you? In pain?
o Pain level >5?