Explanation
The doctrine of the Bible helps us understand the role of scripture in God’s relationship with his people. What is the nature of the scriptures? What does it mean to be inspired? What does it mean to be inerrant? How does God use the Bible in our lives, churches and spiritual development? What is the difference between the Old and New Testaments? How do we make sense of the different types of literature in the Bible? How do we interpret the Bible? How should we study the Bible to get the most out of it? How should we read the Bible to grow spiritually? These are the questions that a study on the Bible itself should answer.
KEY SCRIPTURES
Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question. They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject. Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject. They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole. Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion. Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.
General
Psalm 12:6 – The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. NIV
Psalm 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. NIV
Mark 12:24-Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? NIV
Deuteronomy 4:2 – Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you. NIV
See also Psalm 119:8-9
Eternal
Psalms 119:89 – Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. NIV
Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. NIV
Matthew 24:35 – Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. NIV
1 Peter 1:24-25 – All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever. NIV
Inspired
Ezekiel 1:3 – The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the LORD was upon him. NIV
Spiritually Nourishing
Deuteronomy 8:3 – He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. NIV
Job 23:12 – I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. NIV
Jeremiah 15:16 – Then your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. NIV
Delight
Psalm 119:47 – I delight in your commands because I love them. NIV
Psalm 119:72 – The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. NIV
Purifying
John 15:3 – You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. NIV
John 17:17 – Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. NIV
Inductive Bible Study Questions
to be used with individual Key Scriptures
- What is the primary point of this passage?
- How does this passage challenge us?
- How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
- What does this passage teach us about God?
- What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
- What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
- What does this passage ask or require of us?
Key Scriptures Bible Study
to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together
- Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
- Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
- Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
- How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
- What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
- Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?
DISCUSSION GUIDES
GROWING EXERCISES
- Read the Bible through in 3 months.
- Learn the 66 books of the Bible in order.
- Research how and why the New Testament was complied. What external forces influenced the church to compile the cannon? Who made the decision regarding which books were in and which were out? Why were certain books included in the cannon while others were not? How would you explain to another why the New Testament is inspired?
- Interview the most knowledgeable Bible expert you know. Ask them which reference works are the most helpful to them and why. Ask what tips they would give to someone just beginning to study the Bible?
- Research and list the different types of literature found in the Bible: poetry, history, etc… Write out the implications for the interpretation of each. Discuss these with your coach.
- Do a study of Bible Prophecy. How many Messianic prophecies were fulfilled in Christ? How many other Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled? How many years before Christ were these prophecies written? How do we know these dates are correct? What does this say regarding the inspiration of the Old Testament as well as the identity of Christ? Defend your position with your coach playing devil’s advocate.
- Contrast and compare three different approaches to hermeneutics (the study and interpretation of the Bible). Write out your top 10 rules for Bible interpretation. Discuss with your coach?
- Complete a book study for any book of the Bible. Include author, date, nature, purpose and outline of the book. Create a list of at least 10 truths taught by this book. Create another list of at least 10 applications. Create 4 Bible study lessons from your studies. Discuss with your coach?
RECOMMENDED READING
- Scripture and Truth by D. A. Carson
- What the Bible is all About by Henrietta Mears
- Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren
- 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders
- How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur, David Arthur and Pete De Lacy
- How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth: A Guide to Understanding the Bible by Gordon D. Fee
- Understanding the Bible by John R. W. Stott
- New Testament Foundations Volumes 1 and 2 by Ralph P. Martin
- Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
- Willmington’s Guide to the Bible by H. L. Willmington
- Thompson Chain Reference Bible by Frank Charles Thompson