1. Unlocking God’s Word How to Study the Bible

2. Discover what the Bible says about a particular characteristic

3.  To learn to develop desired traits  To learn to avoid negative traits

4.  Study Bible  Exhaustive concordance  Topical Bible  Bible Dictionary or Encyclopedia  An English Dictionary

5.  One at a time  Don’t rush it  Stay the course  Be cautious of misused qualities  Trust the Holy Spirit to change you

6. In-Class Example PRAYER

7. 1. Select the quality and write it down 2. Jot down definition from English Dictionary 3. List any synonyms or related words

8. Name the Quality Defined An exhibition of courage and fearlessness; bravery; willingness to move ahead confidently in the face of danger Synonyms  Confidence  Defiant  Determination  Disrespecting  Enterprising

9. 1. Write down the antonym 2. Jot down definition from dictionary 3. List any synonyms 4. May be more than one opposite

10. Name the Opposite Quality Timidity, Fearfulness To shrink back from a difficult or dangerous circumstance; to be hesitant

11.  Look up the BIBLICAL definition of the word  Some resources biblegateway.com bible.christianity.com (Registration Required) bible.christianity.com bible.crosswalk.com www.mybibletools.com

12. Simple Word Study Parresia 1. freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech a.openly, frankly, i.e without concealment b.without ambiguity or circumlocution c.without the use of figures and comparisons 2. free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance 3. the deportment by which one becomes conspicuous or secures publicity Examples Mark 8:32 John 7:4 The New Testament Greek Lexicon

13. Simple Word Study Tolma 1. not to dread or shun through fear 2. to bear, endure 3. to bring one's self to 4. to be bold 5. bear one's self boldly, deal boldly Examples Mark 15:43 Philippians 1:14 The New Testament Greek Lexicon

14.  Use your concordance  Use your topical Bible  Remember to look up synonyms  Write down the passage and brief description of verse  Ask questions as you meditate

15. Cross References with Insights  Christ spoke boldly in the face of opposition (John 7:26)  Our confidence comes from trusting that the Lord will help us in a difficult situation (Heb. 13:6)  Peter and John were bold because they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13)  When the Holy Spirit fill our lives, we will be able to speak the Word of God boldly. (Acts 4:31)

16.  What shows this quality in his life?  How did this quality affect his life?  Did the quality help or hinder his growth to maturity? How?  What results did it produce in his life?

17. Brief Biography The apostle Paul is a major example of boldness. His entire life seemed to be characterized by this quality.  As a new Christian in Damascus, he witnesses boldly for Christ (Acts 9:27)  He wrote bold letter to the churches (Romans 15:15)  He asked people to pray that he would preach with boldness (Eph. 6:19-20)  He even faced death boldly (Phil. 1:20)  He continually shared his faith boldly, despite opposition and persecution  In Jerusalem (Acts 9:28-29)  In Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:46)  In Iconium (Acts 14:3)  In Ephesus (Acts 19:8)  In Thessalonica (I Thess. 2:2)

18.  Use a verse from your Cross-Reference or Biographical Sections

19. Memory Verse So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me Hebrews 13:6

20.  The convicting part of the study that leads to application

21. Situation or Relationship I have been afraid to witness to my buddy Ted, who works with me at the office.

22.  The Application Statement Personal Practical Possible Provable

23. My Project First, I will ask my accountability partner, Steve, to pray with me about overcoming my timidity in witnessing to Ted. Then, each day this week I will pause before going into the office and ask the Holy Spirit to fill my life with boldness to witness to Ted (Acts 4:31)

24.  Follow-up  Proving the Provable  Jot down an example of where you succeeded and where you might have failed.

25. Personal Illustration  Monday – Prayed for boldness, no opportunity arose  Tuesday – Prayed for boldness, no opportunity arose. Called Steve this evening and asked him to pray specifically for a chance to share my faith tomorrow  Wed – Prayed for boldness and a specific opportunity. Placed my Bible on my desk, hoping Ted would recognize it. During a coffee break, Ted came to talk to me and he noticed my Bible. He said, “Is that a Bible?” I answered, “It sure is. Have you ever read it?” “Not lately,” he responded. I said, “Well I’ve been reading it a lot lately and it has really helped me handle some tough situations here at work.” I then shared a brief testimony of how following the advice of several proverbs had defused some situations. I made sure that I gave credit and glory to God for His wisdom. Ted seemed mildly interested – at least he wasn’t turned off. It’s a start and I thank God for giving me the boldness to go this far.

26. Unlocking God’s Word How to Study the Bible