HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE I. The Heart: The Why II. The Background: The Who, What, Where and When III. The Method: The How Declaration: “We accept the authority and infallibility of the Bible as God’s written Word” This is called “The spiritual attitude indispensable.” I Corrinthians 2:14…”spiritually discerned.”

Approach – Reverence, 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God breathed…” – Confidence, 1 Corinthians 1:18, “…but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” – Eagerness, Acts 17:11b, “for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day…” – Expectation, Isaiah 55:11, “…it will not return to me empty.” – Prayer, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, “…by the word of God and prayer.” – Application, James 1:22b and 25, “Do what it says.”

I. The Heart: The Why – the Purpose – 1. Truth: To know Him better. John 17:17b, “…your word is truth.” – 2. Food: To be nourished and become mature. Matthew 4:4, …Man does not live on bread alone…” Hebrews 5:14, “But solid food is for the mature.” – 3. Live: To live for ever. John 6:68b, “…You have the words of eternal life.” – 4. Lamp: To be guided. Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” – 5. Equipment: To do God’s works. 2 Timothy 3:17, “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Continued I. The Heart: The Why – The Purpose – 6. Weapon: to fight the spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:17, “…and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” Revelation 1:16b, “…and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword.” – 7. Encouragement: To endure until His return. Romans 15:4b, “…so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”