Fundamentals of the Faith

1
Fundamentals of the Faith

• Lesson 2
• How to Know the Bible

2
Why Study the Bible?

• Basis for Christian living
• To prepare for service
• Defend our faith
• A good servant spends time in the word

3
Why Study the Bible?

• To sanctify our lives
• Gods word will set us apart for holiness
• We are exhorted to be holy
• It is Gods will

4
Why Study the Bible?

• To know God deeper
• We find Christ in the Scriptures
• We discover the knowledge of God
• We lead others to God

5
Five Ways to Know the Bible

• Hear (5 retention)
• Public reading
• Preaching
• Mass Media
• WARNING! Use discernment
• Read (10-15 retention)
• How? What?
• 88 hours at conversation pace
• Study (35 retention)
• More to follow

6
Five Ways to Know the Bible

• Memorize(100 retention)
• Memory verse exercise (2 Ti 215)

• 2Ti 215 Do your best to present yourself to God
  as one approved, a workman who does not need to
  be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of
  truth.
• - How do we become approved by God?
• - Is it easy to handle the word of God
  accurately?
• - NB It is both Gods command will

7
Bible Study Requires Diligence

• Meditate
• Ponder, prayerfully consider, focused on
  understanding application, changing our lives
• Meditation verse exercise (Ro 109)

(Ro 109) That if you confess with your mouth,
Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that
God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
8
Principles of Biblical Interpretation

• Hermeneutics
• The science (and art) of Biblical interpretation
• Scripture is sufficient, spiritually informed,
  plenary inspired
• Rules
• Literal interpretation is primary (i.e., no need
  to look for hidden meanings)
• Scripture interprets scripture (i.e., the part is
  seen through the whole)
• Scripture documents progressive revelation
• Meaning of passage is based on the culture,
  language, words, grammar, syntax, and context
• Exegesis vs. Eisogesis

9
Approach for Bible Study

• Prepare
• Observe
• Who? What? How? Where? When?
• Key words subjects verb tenses
• Interpret
• What does it mean? Why is it here? How does it
  fit?
• There is only one correct interpretation
• What does it not mean?
• Parallel Passages Cross References
• Bible study aids
• Apply
• Our response to the Word of God

10
Our Response to the Word of God

• Is there a(n)
• Sin to forsake?
• Promise to claim?
• Example to follow?
• Command to obey?
• Stumbling block to avoid?

11
Bible Study in Action

• Homework for Lesson 2