Bible Study 101 - How to use a List in Bible Study

I admit I love a good list. 

In Bible study, it helps me absorb what I've read. 

It's good to read the Bible, but to actually study it, 

you need to spend a little more time with it. 

Even if you're not a list-maker, 

here are some ways you can use lists in your Bible study time.

For instance, in Philippians 4:8 we have an obvious list. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

So, we can write the list in a way to remember and apply it. My list might look something like this-

Dwell on These Things

whatever 

is true,

is honorable, 

is right,

is pure,

is lovely,

is of good repute.

If there is any 

excellence

anything worthy of praise 

let your mind dwell on these things. 

Phil. 4:8

That's a list that will help me focus on good, praise-worthy things. It also helps with memorizing because I can visualize my list. 

Here's another example in 2 Peter chapter 1:5-11. Starting in verse five we read qualities we need to have. [Read verses 1-4 for context and learn who this list applies to.]

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, 

in your faith supply moral excellence, 

and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 

and in your knowledge, self-control, 

and in your self-control, perseverance, 

and in your perseverance, godliness, 

and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, 

and in your brotherly kindness, love. 

Did you notice that this list builds on itself? We diligently establish one quality before we apply another. We can read why this is important in the last few sentences.

For [a term of conclusion] if these qualities are yours and are increasing, 

they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

For [a term of conclusion] he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, 

having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 

Therefore, brethren, [because of what you just read] be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; 

for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 

for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Did you notice "diligent" was repeated? What do we do when we want our children to remember something? Repeat it. People of faith should be diligent to grow from our initial faith to love in the steps listed above. In the conclusion, we read that by doing that, we are useful and fruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and our entrance into the eternal kingdom will be abundantly supplied.

On the other hand, it is also explained that if that is not happening, we have forgotten something very important.

Because the Bible is our book of answers,

you didn't have to consult a priest, pastor, or commentary to find the answer to the question  

  How Do I Know I'm Growing in Christ

You found it by taking the time to examine Scripture-the Word of God. 

Sometimes when I find a list I want to remember, I simply number the items in the list on the text and underline the answer it brings. 

Other times I make a separate list beside the passage. If there are only two or three, I might draw a bullet point or insert a dash to help me find the others. Colored pencils are also helpful to find special words. 

You create the lists in a way that makes sense to you. Colored pencils, indentions, or underlining. You'll want to be able to find the passage again and explain it to someone who has the question for the answer you found. 

I'm praying the Holy Spirit shows you rich and profound lists in your Bible study time today that reveal your identity in Christ and the way God wants you to think and behave.  

Blessings,

Lisa

 

 

Bible study 101 - How to Find Answers in the Bible

 

I believe the Bible is our book of answers.

Jesus loves me, 

this I know, 

for the Bible tells me so.

 

This simple chorus answers the question, how do we know Jesus loves us? 

"The Bible tells me so."

Here's another familiar example. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 

How much did God love the world?

He loved it so much "He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

How do we know?

Because He told us in His word, John 3:16.

The terms "for," "because," and "that" or "so that" are terms of conclusion. They answer the question "why?"

Here's a longer section for you to practice. In the first two chapters of the book of Proverbs, King Solomon wrote about wisdom. In this third chapter, he speaks to his son. 

Proverbs 3:1-12

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

2 For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD from your wealth

And from the first of all your produce;

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD

Or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

You probably recognize some of the verses that are often quoted. You might even have them committed to memory. That's wonderful!

While reading, did you notice some terms of conclusion? If you read it again, you might see instructions and conclusions. In this case, the conclusions are promises from God. 

It helps me identify them by marking them in some way. Below, I color-coded the instructions and also indented the promised results, so I could easily find what God wants me to do, and how He will respond. I didn't need a commentary or opinion from someone, I read it directly from His Word.

Pay attention to verse 12 to find a special conclusion about why God gives us these instructions and reproves us when we disobey.  

Proverbs 3:1-12

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

2 For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD from your wealth

And from the first of all your produce;

10 So your barns will be filled with plenty

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD

Or loathe His reproof,

12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Isn't it exciting to find these treasures in God's Word? I encourage you to note them in a study Bible or notebook. Pray over them to see what the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to you. 

I'm praying His Word will penetrate deeply into your soul today, satisfying your questions, and leaving you hungry and thirsty to receive the blessings He has in store for you.

The Bible is our book of answers. 

We only have to read it to find the questions it answers.