The Mighty Revealer of Secrets

The apostle John emphasized in two places in the Epistle of 1 John the teaching ministry of the Spirit.  Notice in 1 John 2:20, he said, “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” This “Unction” is a reference to the Holy One, the Spirit of God, as the Teacher of the believer. This Professor dwells within. Then John later emphasized this same truth in 1 John 2:27, which says, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”  The “Anointing” in this passage is none other than the blessed sweet Spirit of God in the ministry of teaching believers the things of the Lord.  He remains in believers to teach and affirm the truth of the Word. Praise the Lord, the believer is not left to figure it out alone!  The Spirit will diligently teach the children of God.

THE REVEALER 

The Apostle Paul taught how believers can know God’s thoughts and plans through the study of the Scriptures. Revelation is what Paul emphasized in 1 Corinthians 2:9-12. He illustrated the futility of human wisdom, compared with the power and wisdom of God (1Cor. 2:1-8). The apostle reminded the Corinthians of his ministry among them and how he sought to glorify God and not himself.  Complete dependence and submission to God’s authority marked Paul’s ministry (Eph. 6:5; Phil. 2:12). He came to Corinth proclaiming the testimony of God, but not with excellent oratory or human wisdom. He was not at all interested in showing himself off as a gifted speaker or astute philosopher. His style of preaching was unimpressive from a human point of view (2 Cor. 10:10). Paul’s unembellished message was Jesus Christ, and Him crucified as the only means of salvation.

MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p. 1751) affirmed that the Apostle Paul recognized the difference between ministry that is soulish and that which is spiritual. By soulish ministry, he means that which amuses, entertains, or generally appeals to man’s emotions. Spiritual ministry, on the other hand, presents the truth of God’s Word in such a way as to glorify Christ and to reach the heart and conscience of the hearers. This is clearly the aim of the Holy Spirit as He open to believers the Scriptures. Therefore, as Paul preached the Gospel, dynamic faith was induced by a “demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1Cor. 2:4) and was not a product of human ingenuity or rhetorical excellence. Paul wanted to be sure their “faith” would not rest “in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1Cor. 2:5). Then Paul is lead by the Spirit to unveil the wisdom of God’s great plan of salvation. The result is insight into God’s thoughts and plans!

Never-the-less, I am reminded that people do not understand everything with respect to God’s Word and will!  This is why revelation is necessary. In 1 Corinthians 2:9, Paul said, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” This wonderful passage communicates how believers often are not ready to comprehend everything in reality as God knows it. Some things Christians may consider “hidden wisdom” (2:7) that are not understandable to them at the moment. The Spirit must lead believers into the deeper truths of God. Also a part of living by faith is trusting God with those things we do not, as of yet, understand. God did not promise to answer all of our questions. Everything consistent with salvation and spiritual growth needful for our, the child of God’s, current experience the Spirit will help us learn.

Through what the Spirit reveals to Christians, we can know the plans and thoughts of God through the Scriptures. In 1 Corinthians 2:10, Paul says “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Clearly the primary Teacher of Christians is the Spirit of God!  The Bible Exposition Commentary (Wiersbe 1989, p. 575) affords some helpful insight into Paul’s emphasis.

We have considered two fundamental truths of the Gospel: this message centers in the death of Christ and it is part of the Father's vast eternal plan. The believers at Corinth had forgotten the cost of their salvation; they had gotten their eyes off of the cross. They … had lost the wonder of the greatness of God's plan for them. They needed to return to the ministry of the Holy Spirit…. 

The Holy Spirit then is the ‘Revealer’ of the mind of God.  The blessings of salvation were prepared by the Father, carried out by the Son, and applied by the Spirit (Eph. 1:3-14) to all believers. “God hath revealed them unto us by [through] His Spirit” (1Cor. 2:10)—these truths foretold in the Old Testament were made known to the apostles of the New Testament era. It was by the Spirit of God that the apostles and prophets were enlightened, because “the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1Cor. 2:10). In other words, the Spirit of God, a member of the Godhead, is infinite in wisdom and understands all the truths of God. He is able to impart such insight to Christians who are willing to learn. The only way the Corinthians could know God’s redemptive plan was by the Spirit, who knows and reveals these “deep things of God” about salvation. Certainly every believer should turn to Him for a spiritual education.  While it is good to listen and learn from gifted Bible preachers and teachers, the Christian must not overlook or ignore this ministry of the Spirit in their Bible study life.

Now that the Spirit is understood to be the Revealer, what is “revelation?” Revelation is the unveiling of something previously hidden so that it may be seen for what it is. “Revealed” in 1Corinthians 2:10 expresses how God has made known to men truths and realities that men could not discover for themselves (Deut. 29:29; 1Cor. 2:7-10). The Holy Spirit, as God, reveals God to people. He ministers to them and makes the Father real to them. Without revelation, people would not know anything about God or even that there is a God. Thus it is vital to accept the premise that God desires to make Himself known to man, and has in fact revealed Himself at various times and in different ways (Heb. 1:1-2). This automatically eliminates mere imagination, reason, philosophy, intuition, speculations, Aristotle, Plato, and any other love of knowledge as equals with the revelation of God in the Bible.  Only the Apostles and Prophets knew the mind of God; Christians have it today in the written Word of God.  God has revealed Himself to man and the Scriptures are the single authoritative disclosure of Him to modern humanity.  If believers really want to know God they must turn to the Scriptures.  No other writings should be placed on the same level with them. They are Spirit-given—His revelation of God to man—and He skillfully uses them to teach believers.

Marks of a Bible Teacher

TEXT: Rom. 12:7

SUBJECT: The Spiritual Gift of Teaching

                                                           

THEME: Today We Want to Explore the Spiritual Gift of Teaching and the Characteristics of the Teaching Ministry.

INTRODUCTION: 

This article is the continuation of the previous post The Gifted Teacher. This portion of the lesson focuses on the traits of a godly gifted teacher.  Previously we stated a spiritual gift is a God-given ability for ministry to others.  This is consistent with Romans 12:7, where the Apostle Paul says,  "Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching".

People with this Romans 12:7 gift are those who, regardless of their office or particular ministry in the local body of Christ, are motivated by a desire to clarify and expound truth. They enjoy mental challenges and learning. They are generally able to communicate well and will always have a driving need for biblical truth to be accurately expounded with well-documented proof of any conclusions drawn. They do not merely transfer information; they teach to transform lives among the people of God, and to win the lost to faith in Christ. Let us now turn our focus to the qualities every Bible teacher should cultivate. 

 LESSON:

What are the Characteristics of the Gift of Teaching?

Typical Features of the Gift of Teaching

    1.  The Example of Luke.

One of the foremost teachers in the Bible is Luke. Just look at how he begins his Gospel account!

Luke 1:1-4, Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, [2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; [3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order,most excellent Theophilus, [4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Does not Luke sound like a teacher?

           — He says of himself that he is an expert, that his understanding is “perfect,” and that his account will be orderly.

           — His desire is that Theophilus “know the certainty”—in other words, to know with exactness of detail.

           — Luke’s Gospel as well as the book of Acts are highly detailed accounts. They are intended to teach the truth with certainty that Jesus is the Christ.

    2.  The Instructions to Timothy.

1 Tim. 4:13, Till I come, give attendance to reading [reading of the Word of God and explaining the passage] to exhortation [a call for people to apply the Scriptures], to doctrine. [Systematically teaching the Word]

1 Tim. 5:17, Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word [Scripture Exposition] and doctrine [Systematic Teaching].

           — The harder a believer works in teaching God’s Word, the more honorable he/she is. 

           — It’s sad to realize that many teachers have been diverted away from the most important pursuit—teaching. 

           — They make a priority of the details of service and leave the main priority behind and unattended to.

    3.  The Skills of a Teacher.

Teaching was considered a highly valued profession in both Jewish and Greek circles. To be a teacher within the early church was also an exalted position—few were called teachers. A great responsibility was placed upon teachers to be accurate, wise, diligent in their research, and skilled in their ability to present information. Then as now, the gift of teaching was expected to display the following characteristics:

           A.  Concerned with Systematic Sequence. 

The gift of teaching includes great concern with a systematic sequence. Teachers seek to present material in a way that is easy for others to follow.

ILLUSTRATION:  Luke notes that he was writing an orderly account. Luke 1:1-3, Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration … It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order….

Obviously Luke was concerned with consecutive order. The teacher lays out his material so it all points toward specific themes, which taken together convey the main point.

APPLICATION:  A teacher must seek to be a good communicator. Too often teachers are content to present the facts as they have studied them, without making their subject matter of interest or application to their students. For true “learning” to occur, one must not only be a good researcher and organizer of information, but an effective communicator—a person who knows how to convey information in a way that will captivate the will and desire of those who hear him speak.

           B.  Concerned with Precise Meaning.  Luke 1:3,“. . . having had perfect understanding of all things . . . ”  The gift of teaching includes a concern with the accuracy of words and the use of language.

                  — A teacher is concerned with precise definitions and shades of meaning. A teacher can be irritating at times because he or she is always asking, “What do you mean by that? What does that mean to you?”

                  — He wants to hear and speak with accuracy.  2 Tim. 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

           C.  Concerned with Reporting Research. Luke 1: 2, a declaration . . . they delivered them . . . ministers of the word;   The gift of teaching includes a delight in researching and reporting as many details as possible.

ILLUSTRATION:  The Gospel of Luke contains more details about key events than any other Gospel. Luke sees meaning in details. The person gifted in teaching delights in his own study of a passage of Scripture or in his own research. He takes great joy in seeing meaning in factual details that may have been overlooked by others. Once this information has been acquired, the teacher longs to share everything he knows. At times that can be more information than others want or need to hear, but the teacher feels compelled to “teach all.”

No other Gospel writer tells us about the birth of Jesus as Luke tells us. Nearly three chapters of His Gospel are devoted to the birth of Jesus—he not only tells the story of Mary and Joseph, but also the stories of Zacharias and Elizabeth, and Simeon and Anna. He does not deal only with the facts of the story, but with dialog, monologue, and references to the Old Testament.

           D.  Concerned with Thorough Study.  (Ezra 7:10, 25; 1Tim. 4:6)

The gift of teaching includes a great interest in knowing as much as possible about a subject being studied.

                  1.  A Teacher Never Tires of Delving into a Chosen Area of Study, or Engaging in Multiple Studies with Increasing Depth over Time.

                                                    

                  2.  The Teacher Desires That All of the Information He Presents Is Accurate, Valid, and Verifiable.

ILLUSTRATION:  Traditional historical accounts tell us that Luke took several years to research his Gospel, talking to numerous people who had known Jesus personally.  Then his reporting continued into the Book of Acts as he declares the ministry of Christ continuing through the Apostles under the Holy Spirit’s administration. Acts 1:1-3, The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: [3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

         E. Concerned with Promoting Change!

Remember, the Bible is not to be studied as an end in itself, but as a revelation of God and His truth to us so that our thinking, our values, our habits, our actions, our words, and most of all, our very lives are changed. Change! That is the grand purpose of the Bible. Changing us so that we become more than the person we were yesterday, less like a fallen person and more like God.

God is not merely a safety net or a lifeboat. He isn’t just walking with us to rescue us from problems so that our lives will go smoother. He requires active participation from us. He demands our commitment, our allegiance, our worship, and our obedience. To do that, we need the power of the Word (Hebrews 4:12).

When we learn the true word and follow it,

•          hurting people are helped;

•          abused people are healed;

•          angry people are soothed;

•          depressed people are encouraged;

•          fearful people are given courage;

•          weak people are given strength;

•          confused people are given insight;

•          foolish people are given wisdom;

•          ignorant people are given knowledge;

•          selfish people are given generosity;

•          hateful people are given love;

•          doubting people are given faith;

•          aggressive people are given gentleness;

•          proud people are given humility.

It is not quick and it is not easy, but it is sure.

God’s Power to Execute the Teaching Ministry (Grace for Our Inadequacies)

    1.  Weigh Your Responsibilities Carefully.

It is important for every believer to weigh these matters about teaching responsibilities and characteristics very carefully. 

• James reminded the teachers of this extremely important fact.   James 3:1, says, “My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”  The truth is that Teachers will be held in a more severe and stricter judgment than their students.      

• This may seem unfair, but yet it forces us to be careful and accurate in what the Lord calls us to do.  It gives us good reason to reflect upon our responsibilities as servants of God. 

• Once again we want to notice that next sentence in that same chapter gives another reason: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (Js. 3:2a).  

APPLICATION:  As Bible teachers we know that we make many mistakes; we stumble in so many ways and are largely misunderstood in too many things.  This kind of reflection can have a negative impact if we are not careful. 

    2.  Take The Teaching Challenge in Grace.

           A.  We Are Naturally Hesitant to Presume to Teach Others the Word. 

We see ourselves as being grossly inadequate for the task and therefore reluctant to respond to God’s calling upon our lives.

           B.  Teach in Faith and by God’s Grace.

However, it is evident in analyzing the lives of God’s leaders that this feeling of inadequacy is not a good reason for declining the job. After all, we are all sinners saved by grace before God.

                  — Who among us could claim that we have not blown it in many ways and in many different situations? If that is an adequate reason for not stepping up and taking the lead, no one would ever do so. 

                  — Remember God gives the motivational gift of teaching to His Bible instructors, therefore be one who labors in the Word of God with confidence in God’s grace to enable you to be fruitful in this ministry.

   3. Rely upon the Spirit’s Anointing Power.

When one is yielded to God and relies on the anointing of the Spirit wonderful things take place! There is progressive, personal sanctification that is manifested in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). There is the teaching of spiritual truths that can come only by the guidance and illumination of the Spirit (John 16:12–14).

• The deep things of God can only be known by those who rely upon the teaching ministry of the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9, 10). The Spirit enables the teacher and believer to apply the truths of the Word of God to their particular situations. The Spirit also enables the teacher to properly worship and love God (John 4:24).
• In addition to all of the personal blessings derived from reliance upon the power of the Spirit, there are the blessings of the Spirit’s anointing in ministry to the local body of Christ. The natural and spiritual gifts one possesses for ministry are dependent upon the power of the Spirit if they are to be exercised effectively.
• Jesus likened the anointing of the Spirit to rivers of living water flowing from within the believer (Jn. 7:38). Rivers of living water speaks of divine energy, energy that enables the believer to serve God effectively. One may possess great spiritual gifts and yet not be used of God if there is not a reliance upon His power. On the other hand, one may have few gifts and yet be greatly used of God because of a reliance upon the anointing.
• Jesus taught us to rely upon the Spirit of God. With humility He said, “I can of mine own self do nothing” (John 5:30). He set an example for those who teach when He expressed His need for the power of the Spirit to sustain Him. We, too, are to rely upon the Spirit’s power and guidance so that we might accomplish the work He has for us.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, 1Cor 15:10, says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

All of the apostles had been called to that position “by the grace of God,” but Paul was without peer in his devotion (1Cor. 9:19-27). Only by God’s undeserved favor poured out upon repentant sinners was Paul saved and enabled to serve. And he certainly ministered with great energy and effectiveness! He had worked harder than any of the other apostles, as he traveled more, suffered more opposition, wrote more New Testament epistles, and founded more churches. This was not an arrogant boast because he knew that his hard work was a result of “the grace of God” that was “with” him. The history of Christianity confirms that his devotion was entirely effectual. Yet Paul knew and ministered with the recognition that it was not his power, but God’s (1Cor 2:4-5) which produced these outstanding results (1Cor 3:6).  Likewise, let us recognize that the same grace is available to us to teach God’s Word effectively and see other lives transformed by His mighty grace.

The Grace of God

1. There are those who regard themselves as simply the effects of natural causes.

2. Others are wont to attribute their character to social and civil influences, the times and institutions in which they live.

3. There are men of great individuality and power of character who are apt to attribute to their own selves the whole skill and efficiency of their life.

4. The truly Christian man is wont to combine all these as composing a Divine providence; and led by the Spirit of God to see his life and character in its relations to God’s superintending power and grace…. –The Biblical Illustrator

The Value of Bible Study

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Cor. 3:17, 18).

Ever wondered why we should read and study the Bible? Have you adopted the myth that closeness to God and Biblical depth are mutually exclusive? Do we unintentionally (subconsciously) believe that God places a premium on spiritual ignorance? Think about this carefully before answering. You see, all of these questions draw serious attention to the great importance of knowing God and His Word. The value of God’s Word to the entire Christian experience can never be overstated or stressed too much. In an age in which more people are rejecting the Bible, let every Believer embrace it with greater passion to know God intimately and deeply.  I firmly believe the Lord Jesus Christ would be pleased with that.

A Noteworthy Observation

It was Robertson McQuilkin who said, “God desires the response of faith and obedience to both the direct teachings and the principles of Scripture.” I was reminded of this crucial function of the Word of God while reading and studying Dr. McQuilkin’s book, Understanding and Applying the Bible as part of an undergrad Bible class several years ago. Yes, God calls His people to certain responses, values, beliefs, and practices through His Word. Ultimately, we are invited to Him for worship, fellowship, submission, and service through His love letter—The Scriptures. For me McQuilkin's statement reinforced something God had taught me years before. Primarily, that there is tremendous value in Bible study and every Christian should develop strong Bible exploration skills. 

Good Bible study habits and methods are crucial to viable Christian development, growth, and service to our Lord Jesus. While it is true anyone can pick up a Bible, share a truth, explain its application to modern life, and urge others to adhere to it, not anyone can do this regularly with accuracy or effectiveness. Sharing biblical truth with others is our Christian responsibility (Matt. 28:18-20) and a God-given privilege, but we should cherish a palpable measure of competence as we do so (2 Tim. 2:15). Certainly, we all make mistakes when handling Scripture, and we all will again, but still we must strive to represent our Lord well. A desirable aim is to express His Word as accurately and lovingly as we can to benefit the listeners on any given occasion (Eph. 4:11-16). As with any worthwhile skill, Bible study strategies must be learned, cultivated, and explored with diligence. In fact my own story regarding studying and sharing the Bible was fraught with many failures. God, in His infinite grace, eventually developed in me the necessary skills enabling me to research, study, and share His Word with a greater measure of accuracy. He desires to do the same for every Believer without a single exception. My own journey is a testimony to this reality.

Personal Testimony

As a new Christian, I recall a cavernous hunger for the grand teachings of the Bible. Being fascinated with biblical messages and thrilled with certain topics, I dreamed of handling Scripture competently also. However, desiring to study Scripture and possessing the ability to do so effectively, are as different as our solar system from a model of it. I was 23 years of age, four years into an Air Force career, and stationed at Plattsburgh, AFB, NY. It was there the Lord Jesus rescued me from my sin and unto Himself. God had saved and forgiven me of a life of sin, and now it was time to grow in this new relationship He had brought me into. Though I had read portions of the Bible for many years as a young person, I still did not possess any significant Bible study skills. I was starving for biblical insight and roundly inept at feeding my famishing soul.

Another distinct memory of my first Christian year was a bona fide passion to communicate the Word to both Christians and non-Christians. However, I was plagued with a few crippling problems. The most obstructive dilemma was my grossly inadequate biblical and theological understanding. For instance, I could tell someone they needed to be saved, but I could not show them adequately from the Bible. So, I witnessed to others from gospel tracks. Additionally, I knew that foul language was wrong, but I was unable to identify even one verse to support my opinion. It did not take long for me to figure out that my mere assertions do not make my statements true. Convinced that church attendance, prayer, and Bible reading were important, I commended them hardily to others; yet, I had little or no clue where God or the Bible required this. I even declared arrogantly, that "I believe the entire Bible from cover to cover!" The problem was I had only read about three-quarters of it at the time! In addition, I misquoted verses, misstated the Lord’s expectations, endorsed tradition over truth, disagreed with more mature Christians, misapplied Scripture repeatedly, and scandalously confused the topic of service with salvation. Frankly speaking, I even taught things that not even God knew. I even thought it was possible to be unsaved again. If you had known me, you would have described me as the poster child for ‘zeal without knowledge.’ God in His grace has forgiven me for these awful blunders; I had good intentions, but was severely wrong in many instances.

As previously mentioned, I was ill equipped in Scripture study methods. Thus, I had next to zero ability to acquire the knowledge I desperately needed for life and service. My study approach was entirely without rhyme or reason and generously peppered with unfounded theological biases. As a study method, I ransacked my Bible to justify my misguided ‘insights’ and ‘conclusions.’ Like a hunting dog with no sense of smell, I was ever searching for that illusive ‘proof text’ while ignoring the biblical context. Needless to say I made more than a few embarrassing mistakes along the way. Yes, I experienced some agonizing frustrations in my pathetic attempts to ‘serve the Lord’ and be a ‘blessing’ to others. However, through the gracious leadership of our patient Lord, personal growth became my first priority. That decision also directly impacted my ability to minister far more effectively to others in a manner pleasing to the Lord.

God's Providential Guidance

Nevertheless, there was one thing I did right in those early years. Realizing my severe ineptitude, I purchased a King James Study Bible to assist my personal growth endeavors. This proved to be a truly helpful move. The introductory book summaries, responsible Bible insights, outlines, and notes helped me to develop a fundamental doctrinal orientation. Praise the Lord, the Bible was making more sense to me! Not only did I read the Scriptures and the study notes, but I began following some of its guidelines regarding Bible study strategies. You see, that study Bible provided several different ways to explore the Scriptures in its introduction section. Taking these useful instructions seriously, I began using some of those study methods with notable benefit.

God in His infinite grace also prompted me to develop a simple worksheet to record what I was learning. By this strategy, I could preserve the insights He was teaching me and revisit them as I needed them or to share them with others. This proved to be especially supportive of my goal of growth in grace and knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18). These early and humble worksheets spurred me to think far more concretely about Scripture and its place in my own experience. Though my path to using sound Bible study methods was filled with blunders, my ever wise Lord Jesus gradually achieved His purpose in me.

Now there were three major positive developments that came out of those early struggles. The first was my experience of some modest spiritual formation as I applied myself to these study techniques. Secondly, a more effective ministry to believers and non-believers eventually emerged as I used what God was teaching me. People were actually coming to Christ as Savior! Younger believers were receiving some of the basic spiritual guidance they needed. Through my conversations, God was actually ministering to others through what He had taught me. I was delighted beyond my ability to express!

The third advancement was significant improvements of Bible study tools for my personal use. Because I had profoundly profited from these methods, I developed different study worksheets to target other areas in the Christian sphere. Some of these focused on acquiring biblical knowledge, while others zeroed in on application and sanctification. I even designed one for identifying Bible principles and applying them to my professional life. Borrowing ideas and concepts from many different sources, I constructed a number of tailor-made study tools for personal use. After refining these tools, I could confidently introduce them to others as Bible study training aids. In fact, this post is an additional expression of my desire to serve others through personal Bible study training.

Inductive Bible Study

Typical of Inductive Bible Study, my plan enables me to observe, interpret, and apply the Scriptures to daily life. As we interact directly with the Word of God, we are afforded additional opportunities to permit the Holy Spirit to teach us His Word. While this plan can be somewhat demanding, I believe it is equally rewarding to those who are serious about knowing God and making Him known to others. God desires for each of us to know Him through the revelation of the Scriptures; historically my plan has served as a catalyst in this regard. The intent is to grow in Christ as we use inductive study strategies, and certainly God will use us to influence many lives for Christ.

Finally, there are several fundamental guidelines that should influence and help us personally discover God’s eternal truth. My goal is to not only encourage you to study God’s Word habitually, but to also adopt Bible study helps and tools  that expedite Christlike formation and transformed living through Bible study. These guidelines for selecting a study strategy are:

1. The motivations for personal Bible study are obedience to God’s commands, spiritual strength for personal transformation, and preparation for Christian service (2 Tim. 2:15; Jn. 5:39; 1 Jn. 2:14). The goal is not to merely become smarter, to argue with others, to become a ‘know it all,’ or to become a prideful Pharisee.

2. The Inductive Bible Study Method uses the Word of God (Old and New Testaments) as the primary source of insight about God and Christian living (Jn. 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10, 13). Choose a study plan that concentrates attention on the Bible and makes proper use of observation, interpretation, and application techniques. Avoid, so called study methods that rely more on modern experiences, contemporary testimonies, and the ‘talking points’ from fringe movements. These tend to ignore major portions and teachings of the Bible while opting for trendy ideas and popular philosophies (Col. 2:4-12).

3. The study plan you choose should enable you to annotate your observations, interpretations, applications, and translate the message of the text into obedient living (Acts 8:26-39; Neh. 8:1-12; 1 Tim. 4:16). This is necessary to aid the adoption, application, and appropriation of Scripture truth.  A simple notebook will suffice; a Bible study worksheet is even better. The point here is to be sure to write it down. Capture on paper or in a computer document what God is saying to your heart from the Word. This is extremely important and must not be divorced from the Bible study exercise.

4. The obligation of personal growth recognizes that Bible study is not an intellectual or academic exercise, but part of a life-changing process. Once we know what the passage says and mean, we are responsible to live it (2 Pet. 3:18; James 1:22). God calls us to obedience and responsiveness to His Voice. The Gospel is to be preached, precious souls are to be won to Christ, Christians are to be feed with the Word, and ministry is to be executed to meet the existing needs.

Beloved, this is important because good study methods must be translated into obedience to Christ. Observation, interpretation, and application are the three vital facets of inductive Bible study. Choose a plan that provides a means of documenting, annotating, and capturing the valuable biblical information discovered as you explore the rich veins of the Word. Such a plan will enable us to effectively use Bible study as a catalyst for life transformation—genuine Christian formation and experience. 

A Process of Transformation

Yes, Bible study is far more than a scholastic work out for our brains! Possessing insight deeply rooted in eternal Truth is a wonderful achievement, but it is not the target at which we as disciples are to take aim. In fact the danger of more knowledge is more arrogance and impatience with those who are not as astute (1 Cor. 8:1)! No, the Word of God can save, sanctify, satisfy, strengthen, sturdy, stabilize, and stir us repeatedly in a continuing process of transformation. Since it is a supernatural Book, we require supernatural assistance from its Author, the Spirit of Truth, to help us grasp its message 1 Cor. 2). Since it is written in human language, ordinary reading and study skills can also be applied as we study it. According to Paul, the Scriptures were given to transform our lives and fit us for service to Christ (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Beloved, this is the value of Bible study!  

Paul, the apostle, said, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:17, 18).Yes, the Scriptures stimulate and advance a life changing process that results in greater Christ-likeness (2 Cor. 3:17-18). We must depend on the Spirit of Christ to exercise ourselves in the truths we have learned (Rom. 12:1-2). The wonderful result is a life enriched and changed for the glory of God and the service of our fellow man.

Books you may find helpful if you want to make the commitment to study the Bible regularly on your own are listed below in general order of difficulty, and they represent several strategies. Your best choice would be to look at all of them in a Christian bookstore and try to get a feel for one of them before you try it.

•           How to Study the Bible for Yourself, revised edition, Tim LaHaye

•           Bible Explorer’s Guide, John Phillips

•           Living by the Book, Howard Hendricks

•           How to Study Your Bible, Kay Arthur

•           Understanding and Applying the Bible, Robertson McQuilkin