What? Why? So?

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,

a worker who does not need to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15

The day I became a Christian, I looked at the Bible in my hands and shuddered. It was a big book, and it contained complicated theological discussions, obscure historical references, confusing metaphors, and apocalyptic symbols. How would I ever understand it?

The answer, I discovered, was Bible study. The Book would release its treasures through systematic study grounded on and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

Well, if you are a believer, you already know the reality of which I’m speaking. You know that studying God’s Word is vital for the Christian’s spiritual well-being and growth. But perhaps you are struggling to know how to do that. Or maybe you’ve allowed your study to lapse, and it’s time to get going again.

If you’re struggling with knowing how to study your Bible, there are many excellent books that can help you. They range from simple devotional approaches to complicated systems of analysis, but ultimately they all come down to the same three disciplines: observation, application, and interpretation. Today I would like to offer you three simple questions you can use to guide you in your Bible study. These three questions are: ‘What?’ ‘Why?’ and, ‘So?’

What?

The ‘what’ question is answered through observation. In this step, the student simply asks himself or herself what is in the text. The goal is to see what is there and record what one sees. I encourage you to record your observations in a journal or notebook. The ensures you won’t forget them as you move forward.

Observing the text can be a relatively simple thing, and it may be best just simply to ask yourself ‘what’s there?’ But, if you’re looking for a more structured approach, you might consider using the following steps (selected and paraphrased from Kay Arthur’s book How to Study Your Bible):

§         Ask the “5 W’s and an H.” Methodically ask yourself these questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?Seek accuracy in your answers, and try to exhaust each question. For example, “Who is speaking? Who is this about? Who are the main characters?” and then, “What is the subject or event covered? What do you learn about the people involved?” and etc. You might even consider writing both the questions and the answers in your notebook. As you do, you will find your sketch of the passage being ‘fleshed’ out.

§         Mark Key Words and Phrases. A key word is simply one that is essential to the text. It might be a noun, a descriptive word, or an action. It would be considered key in that its removal would leave the passage meaningless. Mark these words and record them in your notebook.

§         Look for Lists. Make lists of the places where your key terms are used. These lists will help you see how a thought or term is developed or expounded upon throughout the passage.

§         Develop Themes. Look for the natural breaking points in the text. These may be paragraph breaks, or something larger, akin to chapter breaks. Once you’ve observed their presence, try to summarize the paragraph or chapter with a thematic title. Ask yourself how you might summarize the passage in one sentence for a six-year-old, and then write down that sentence.

Why?

The ‘why’ question is answered through interpretation. In this step, the student asks himself or herself the meaning of the text. The goal is to understand why God inspired the author(s) to write what they did. Ask yourself “What does it mean?” and then record your answers.

Here you would be wise to remember some basic guidelines concerning interpretation (again selected and paraphrased from Kay Arthur’s book How to Study Your Bible):

§         Remember that context rules. Interpretation of a particular verse or group of verses must always be rendered in light of the surrounding verses, the book in which it/they occur, and the entirety of the Bible. Questions to ask here include: Is my interpretation consistent with the theme, purpose, and structure of the book in which it is found? Am I considering the historic and cultural context of what is being said? Etc.

§         Remember that Scripture will never contradict Scripture. That said, sometimes you will find two seemingly contradictory truth taught in the Bible. An example of this would be the sovereignty of God and responsibility of man. When two or more truths that are clearly taught in the Bible seem to be in conflict, remember that we as humans have finite minds. Don’t take a teaching to an extreme that God doesn’t. Humble your heart in faith and believe what God ways, even in you can’t fully understand or reconcile it at the moment.

§         Interpret Scripture literally. The Bible was given that we might know God and His plan. It is not given to obscure the truth. Therefore, take it at face value – in its natural, normal sense. Look first for the clear teaching, not a hidden meaning. And, by the way, this includes the recognition and appropriate interpretation of figures of speech. It also means that we should observe the type of literature of any particular text, and, if it is poetry, treat it as poetry (for example). Or, if it is historical narrative, treat it as historical narrative.

Again, as you answer this ‘why’ question, be sure to record your thoughts. Write down your interpretative conclusions and state the observational data that supports your conclusions. Write it down so you won’t forget.

So?

The ‘so’ question is answered through application. In this step, the student asks how the text is to be applied – to himself or herself, to the church, to the world as a whole, and etc. Your goal is to determine and articulate what God would have you do in response to the text. Ask yourself So what? What does this mean for me? For us?

In this area it may be helpful to consider three additional questions (once again selected and paraphrased from Kay Arthur’s book How to Study Your Bible):

§         Does the passage state an application? Many passages include a clear exhortation or admonishment. Just remember to be careful in discerning whether the command is given directly to you. We are to learn from every part of the Bible, but every part of the Bible was not addressed directly to us. For instance, believers in the Church Age should approach the Mosaic Law differently than citizens of ethnic Israel did during the reign of David. This particular observation should impact our understanding and application of many of the Psalms, for instance.

§         Does this section of Scripture expose any error in my beliefs or in my behavior? Are there any commandments that I have not obeyed? Are there any wrong attitudes or motives in my life that the Scriptures bring to light?

§         What is God’s instruction to me as His child? Are there any new truths to be believed? Are there any new commandments to be acted upon? Are there any new insights I am to pursue? Are there any promises I am to embrace?

Two things should be said concerning application. First, it is important that we do not simply create lists of applications and write them down. I do think it is wise to make lists and write them, but it is equally important to do the things we write on the lists. The goal of our Bible study is to have a deeper knowledge of and love for God, and to facilitate a greater conformity to the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our goal is not mere knowledge. In fact, if we pursue knowledge and do not apply what we learn, we will be worse off that those who had never pursued knowledge.

The second thing worth mentioning is that there are two types of applications that can be profitably written. They are unconditional and conditional applications. Unconditional applications involve those things we will do or not do, immediately and proactively, in response to our interaction with the text. Conditional applications are things we determine to do or not dodepending upon the situations in which we find ourselves. So, if the text says I should not retaliate against someone who strikes me, my conditional application would be, If someone strikes me, I will not retaliate. Obedience would entail a decision to act in a certain way should the opportunity or situation arise.

As I jot down these thoughts, I realize that the process I have outlined is an arduous one. Bible study requires work. It demands discipline. But it’s worth the effort. If we are to rejoice in the treasures of God’s Word, we must invest our time and energy in mining the Scriptures. The riches of Scripture are inexhaustible, and those who seek will be richly rewarded.

My encouragement to you is to determine again, today, to study God’s Word. Use these three questions to spur you back into action. Abandon yourself again to the Scriptures, that you might know Jesus and the power of His resurrection, that you might rejoice in the fellowship of His sufferings, that you might realize conformity to His death, and that you might be fully prepared for the resurrection from the dead.

 “Not that I have already attained,

or am already perfected; but I press on,

that I may lay hold of that for which

Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Philippians 3:12

The Seven Steps to Spectacular Speech

friendshipcircle.org

If anyone does not stumble in word,

he is a perfect man, able also

to bridle the whole body.

James 3:2

A friend of mine once shared a lesson he learned the hard way. He had been recently installed as the pastor of a church in an urban setting. A city park with a reputation as a ‘hook-up’ location lay next to the church, and from his office window, my friend saw many sordid events.

There was one male couple, in particular, whose flagrancy bothered him. Each day they would walk through the park hand-in-hand, leaning against other with affection. And it got to the point that, when my friend saw them through his window, he would point them out to his secretary and say, “Look at that. Isn’t that disgusting?”

Then, one day, he happened to be walking through the park, and he spied the couple rounding the bend down the pathway walking toward him. “Great,” he murmured. But he forced a pastoral smile and walked forward.

As the couple neared, he saw that one of the men was older than he had appeared from a distance, and the other was younger than he had appeared.

The older man smiled and said, “Good morning.”

My friend answered, “Hello. Beautiful day, isn’t it?”

And then the younger man, turning to the older, said, “D..d...daddy… is th..this man a frien.. friend?”

In a flash, my friend recognized how wrong he had been. These two men were not lovers. They were an older man and his disabled son, taking a walk in the park. And my friend was ashamed – ashamed that he had judged them, pointed them out to his secretary, and had spoken words of condemnation. But by then, of course, the words had been spoken. It was too late. All he could do was repent and beg God’s forgiveness.

That’s learning a lesson the hard way, isn’t it?

Well, we all stumble at times with our words, so we shouldn’t slam this poor pastor. But wouldn’t it be great if we could avoid similar mistakes? Wouldn’t it be great if we had some principles to guide us in this area?

The good news today is that there are principles to guide us. They are found in God’s Word, and all we have to do is remember and apply them. And we can do that, because God has given us His Holy Spirit, living in us and empowering us to obey His precepts.

The book of Proverbs, in particular, is filled with helpful advice on how to use our tongues, and, today, I want to review briefly seven simple speech principles found in that book. We’ll call them “The Seven Steps to Spectacular Speech.” Here they are:

1. Listen first.  “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.”  Proverbs 18:13

Whole books have been written on the importance of listening, and they usually outline methods for improving your listening skills. But let’s be honest, the only thing you need to do, in order to listen well, is to close your mouth and concentrate on what the other person is saying. 

2. Think about it.  “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer...”  Proverbs 15:28

Think first, then speak. I wish I had practiced this principle more carefully throughout my life. I would have saved myself and others a lot of pain. And what should you think about? Well, as my wife reminds me frequently, think about this: “Is it kind, necessary, and true?” You could also ask yourself that great question, “Is this something Jesus would say?”     

3. Shut up.  “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”  Proverbs 17:28

I had a ministerial friend named Dan who mastered this principle. Dan was no fool. He would keep his mouth shut, particularly in long business meetings. Everyone would give his or her opinion, some more emphatically than others, except for Dan. And then we’d remembered that he hadn’t contributed yet, and we’d turn to him. By then, he had heard everyone else’s ideas and had carefully formed his own thoughts. His comments were always comprehensive and insightful. He sure came across as a wise person.

4. Choose wisely.   “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”  Proverbs 15:23

Words aptly chosen are valuable, and a person who makes genuine contributions through his comments will be honored. This often boils down to knowing what to say when. Wisdom entails discerning a time for light comments (“The weather’s taken a turn for the worse, hasn’t it?”) and a time for heavy ones (“If you died today, where would you spend eternity?”). I guess this goes along with the other principles, such as “think first.” Choosing words wisely depends on your taking a moment, assessing the situation, and choosing gracious words that will bless and build.

5. Test for quality.  “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”  Proverbs 13:3

Every thought, even those brilliant true thoughts, does not need to be expressed. Here again is a principle I wished I had learned when I was younger. I won’t go into the story much, but I remember a girlfriend once asking me how I would describe her body build. I thought about it, and then answered truthfully, “Hmm, pear-shaped?” Enough said.

6. Be concise.  “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.”  Proverbs10:19

The fool babbles on. This, I know, is true, and, frankly, it scares me. I’m a bit of a talker, and I have to guard against overindulging in verbal expression. I guess that’s one of my areas of temptation to excess. Some people are tempted to eat too much; some people are tempted to drink too much; and some of us are tempted to talk too much. If you also struggle with that temptation, you will have to join me with confessing your failings and asking the Spirit’s help in overcoming this sinful tendency. Hmm, maybe we should start an “Overtalkers Anonymous” or “Blabbers Anonymous”?

7. Put some heart into it.   “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth…”   Proverbs 16:23

As we speak with others, we would be wise to remember Who God is and who man is. By that I mean we should remember that God is utterly holy, and it is only by His grace that any of us stand. So we should be careful to avoid harshness in our conversations. We should seek to be gentle with all. And, yes, I’ll admit it, I struggle with that too. I’ve noticed it’s easy to be gentle when I’m getting my way and ‘my rights’ are being respected, but when I’m not and they’re aren’t, it’s a different story. My flesh calls my tongue to battle, and I am tempted to use words to eviscerate my adversary. At this time, I must listen to the Spirit who reminds me that ‘I am but dust, and to dust I will return’ and ‘to do unto others as I would have them do unto me.’

I hope you haven’t made the blunders I and my pastor friend made. But if you have, don’t despair. Ask God’s forgiveness, accept it, and then move on. Forget the things that are past, and push forward in His strength toward greater holiness. Ask the Lord to help you apply these seven steps to spectacular speech!

“Let your speech always be

with grace, seasoned with salt.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Colossians 4:6

- Christian Pilet

7 Biblical Reasons for Christians to Rejoice Today!

“Count your blessings,

Name them one by one...”

Johnson Oatman, Jr.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, even Christians can get overwhelmed and discouraged. Eternal realities can be forgotten in the midst of temporal pressures. But if we take a moment and think about all God has done, is doing, and will do, we can regain our confidence and joy. Today I would like to list seven reasons you can rejoice. I believe these precious truths can carry you through any momentary hardship. See if you agree…

Reason #1:       Jesus bore your sins at the cross. 

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.”  
2 Corinthians 5:21a

Reason #2:       Jesus ‘closed the account’ on your sins through His death.

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”  
Hebrews 10:14

Reason #3:       God credited you with Jesus’ righteousness.

“It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.” 
Romans 4:20b

Reason #4:       Jesus gave you unending life.

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish…” 
John 10:28a

Reason #5:       Jesus promised you’ll never lose your life again.

“…Neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”  
John 10:28b

Reason #6:       The Holy Spirit ensures your eternal life will transition from good to better to best.

“He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 
 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Reason #7:       Your ‘best life’ is nearer now than ever!

“Now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”  
Romans 13:11b

What reasons for rejoicing would you add?

 “Rejoice in the Lord always.

Again I will say, rejoice!”

                                                                               

Philippians 4:4

-Christian Pilet