Mastering the Art of Studying the Bible

How to study the Bible Series

Week 2

Tim Bycroft, Lead Pastor  

THE POINT EXISTS TO WELCOME THE UNCHURCHED TO BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS. 

Pointing People to God  

Pointing People to Jesus  

Pointing People to Community 

A church characterized by Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is inspired by God and useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It (The Bible) corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses (His word) to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 

• A sword that pierces. Heb 4:12
• A light that shines. Psalm 119:105
• A mirror that reveals. James 1:23
• A path to purity. Ps 119:9 
• A meal that nourishes. 1 Timothy 4:6
• A seed that reproduces. 1 Peter 1:23
• A fire that consumes. Jer 23:29
• A defense against temptation. Ps 119:11
• The source of our faith. Rom 10:17
• The truth that lives forever. Isa 40:8 

THE BIBLE IS MEANT TO TRANSFORM US, NOT JUST TO INFORM US. 

1 Corinthians 8:1, “while knowledge makes us feel important, it's love that strengthens the church.”

Rick Warren -- "The Bible should give us a bigger heart, not a bigger head." 

James 1:22, "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” 

How to study the Bible? 

1. choose a translation you understand. 

2. to choose a time, a place, and a plan to study the Bible. 

3. seek to understand the context …Context is King

4. Read slowly and ask questions

5. Pray for God to speak to you and apply what He shows you. 

You Version Bible App = youversion.com

YOU CAN START WITH A BOOK OF THE BIBLE. 

• Beginning of God’s story - Genesis and Exodus
• Gospel— John 
• Practical wisdom—Proverbs and James
• Hurting—Comfort—Devotional—Worship—Psalms
• Theology—Not lite—Gospel/Sin/Salvation—Romans 

YOU CAN STUDY A PERSON IN THE BIBLE. 

YOU CAN STUDY A TOPIC IN THE BIBLE. 

YOU CAN DO A DAILY DEVOTIONAL OR A YOUVERSION BIBLE PLAN. 

YOU CAN READ THROUGH THE WHOLE BIBLE. 

Philemon 12, "I'm sending (Onesimus) who is my very heart back to you.  

I would've liked to have kept Onesimus with me so he could take your place in helping me while I'm in chains for Christ." 

"But, I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced, but would be voluntary." 

Verse 15, “Perhaps the reason he was separated you for a little while is that you might have him back forever  -- No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He's very dear to me and even dear to you, but as a fellow man and a brother in the Lord." 

Verse 18, "If Onesimus has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me,"

Verse 19, "I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand.  I will pay it back. Not to mention that you owe me your very self." 

Isaiah 53, “he took up our pain and bore our suffering…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." 

THE MAIN STORY OF THE BIBLE IS ALWAYS ABOUT GOD'S LOVE FOR THE WORLD AND HIS REDEMPTION THROUGH JESUS. 

Paul is disciplining others. 

Onesimus, needs forgiveness. 

Philemon is being called to forgive. 

1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 

Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ Jesus, God forgave you."