Why Study the Bible?

Summary

This script emphasizes the value of the Bible as God's word and the importance of studying it correctly. It contrasts modern interpretations with the original intent of scripture, urging readers to seek understanding from God's perspective, not personal opinion. The speaker uses relatable analogies, like a parent's note to children, to illustrate the necessity of following God's instructions. The script also offers practical advice on Bible study, such as being consistent, seeking guidance when confused, and recognizing the Bible's purpose for believers. It concludes by highlighting the Bible's role in guiding moral conduct and the responsibility to handle its teachings with respect and diligence.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Bible is considered a priceless gift from God, who created the universe and spoke the Bible into being.
• 🔍 Bible study is essential, and understanding its content is crucial for believers to align with God's will.
• 📖 Spirit and Truth Fellowship has produced an intermediate guide to studying the Bible, which can be helpful for understanding the Bible.
• 🌐 Many cultures do not have a direct word from God, unlike the Bible, which provides divine guidance and direction.
• ❓ The primary question in Bible study should be what the Bible meant to God, not just what it means to the individual.
• 👨‍👧 The analogy of a parent writing a note to their children emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions as written in the Bible.
• 🚫 Ignoring God's word and replacing it with personal interpretations is likened to a child ignoring a parent's note, which will not be acceptable on the day of judgment.
• 💪 God asks believers to do their best in studying the Bible, as stated in 2 Timothy 2:15, emphasizing the need to handle the word of truth correctly.
• 📚 Bible study requires patience and consistency, not just cramming or sporadic reading sessions.
• 🤔 When encountering something not understood in the Bible, it's important to seek help from those who have more knowledge.
• 🔑 Key principles in Bible study include recognizing the original, error-free nature of the Bible and understanding that it was written for believers, not skeptics.

Q & A

What is considered the most precious gift according to the speaker?

The speaker considers the Bible, the word of God, as the most precious and priceless gift.

How does the speaker describe the Bible's origin?

The speaker describes the Bible as being spoken into being by God, who created the heavens and the Earth.

What is the purpose of studying the Bible according to the speaker?

The purpose of studying the Bible is to understand God's will, discern right from wrong, and live according to God's instructions.

What guide has Spirit and Truth Fellowship produced to aid in Bible study?

Spirit and Truth Fellowship has produced an intermediate guide to studying the Bible to help understand the necessary aspects of Bible study.

How does the speaker compare the Bible to the teachings of other cultures?

The speaker contrasts the Bible with the teachings of other cultures, noting that many cultures lack a divine directive or word from their gods, unlike the Bible which is considered the word of God.

What is the primary question the speaker believes should be asked when studying the Bible?

The primary question to ask when studying the Bible, according to the speaker, is what did the Bible mean to God, rather than what it means to the individual.

How does the speaker use the analogy of a parent writing a note to their children to illustrate a point about understanding the Bible?

The speaker uses the analogy to show that just as children should follow the instructions in a note left by their parent, readers of the Bible should adhere to what God intended in the text, rather than substituting their own interpretations.

What does the speaker suggest about the approach to Bible study in modern culture?

The speaker suggests that modern culture has mishandled the Bible, often interpreting it in a skewed way by focusing on personal interpretations rather than the original intent of the text.

What does the speaker emphasize about the Bible being written for believers?

The speaker emphasizes that the Bible is written for believers, not skeptics, and that it covers a wide range of issues, sometimes in a way that requires faith and understanding from the reader.

What advice does the speaker give on how to approach Bible study?

The speaker advises to be patient, consistent, and faithful in Bible study, learning to understand the biblical vocabulary, and seeking help from those who understand when faced with confusion.

What verse does the speaker reference to encourage doing one's best in Bible study?

The speaker references 2 Timothy 2:15, which encourages doing one's best to present oneself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Importance of Bible Study

This paragraph emphasizes the value of the Bible as the divine word of God, highlighting its uniqueness among various cultures that lack a similar sacred text. The speaker discusses the significance of understanding the Bible's true meaning as intended by God, rather than interpreting it based on personal opinions. The analogy of a parent leaving a note for their children is used to illustrate the importance of adhering to the original intent of the message. The speaker also warns against the modern tendency to misinterpret the Bible, stressing the need to respect and follow God's instructions as laid out in the text.

05:00

🔍 Keys to Effective Bible Study

The speaker outlines the importance of diligently studying the Bible, drawing from 2 Timothy 2:15, which encourages believers to present themselves to God as workers who handle the word of truth correctly. The paragraph discusses the need for persistence and patience in Bible study, comparing it to a journey that begins with small steps. The speaker advises seeking help from those with more knowledge when faced with difficult passages. The distinction between principles and keys in Bible study is clarified: principles are foundational beliefs such as the Bible being without error or contradiction, while keys are practical methods for studying, like reading the text as written and understanding biblical vocabulary. The speaker encourages a faithful approach to Bible study, emphasizing the importance of God's word in believers' lives.

Keywords

💡Priceless gift

The term 'Priceless gift' refers to something of immeasurable value, which in the context of the video, is the Bible. The speaker emphasizes that the Bible is a divine message from God, making it invaluable. This concept is central to the video's theme, highlighting the importance and sacredness of the Bible as a guide for moral and spiritual life.

💡Bible study

Bible study is the act of examining and interpreting the Bible's content. The video discusses the importance of studying the Bible to understand God's message and apply it to one's life. It is a key concept in the script, as the speaker encourages viewers to engage with the Bible actively and seek a deeper understanding of its teachings.

💡Spirit and Truth Fellowship

This is mentioned as the producer of a guide for intermediate Bible study. It signifies the community or organization that has created resources to aid in understanding the Bible. The reference to Spirit and Truth Fellowship in the script underscores the communal aspect of religious learning and the support provided by such groups.

💡Cultural context

The script contrasts the Bible with the beliefs of various cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans, to highlight the uniqueness of having a divine word. The cultural context is used to emphasize the Bible's significance as a guide that is unparalleled in other belief systems.

💡Word of God

The 'Word of God' is a central concept in the video, referring to the Bible as the divine message or instruction from God. The speaker uses this term to stress the authority and importance of the Bible, and how it provides direction for moral and spiritual conduct.

💡Modern culture

The term 'modern culture' is used in the script to describe contemporary society's handling of the Bible. The speaker suggests that modern interpretations may have distorted the Bible's original intent, moving away from its intended meaning as the divine word.

💡Primary question

The 'primary question' mentioned in the script is about understanding the Bible's original intent. The speaker argues that the first step in studying the Bible should be to determine what it meant to God, rather than immediately interpreting it from a personal perspective.

💡Parental analogy

The script uses a parental analogy to illustrate the importance of following God's instructions as given in the Bible. The analogy compares a parent's note to children with the divine message of the Bible, emphasizing the consequences of ignoring or altering the intended message.

💡Day of judgment

The 'day of judgment' is a concept in the script that refers to a future time when individuals will be held accountable for their actions. It is used to stress the importance of adhering to God's word as written in the Bible, as opposed to personal interpretations.

💡2 Timothy 2:15

This is a biblical reference used in the script to encourage diligent study of the Bible. The verse from 2 Timothy emphasizes the importance of striving to understand and correctly handle the word of truth, which is directly related to the video's theme of proper Bible study.

💡Biblical vocabulary

Understanding 'biblical vocabulary' is highlighted in the script as a key to accurate Bible study. The speaker points out common misconceptions that arise from not reading the exact words of the Bible, such as the misinterpretation of the fruit eaten by Adam and Eve, emphasizing the need for accurate reading and understanding of biblical terms.

💡Principles and keys

The script distinguishes between 'principles' and 'keys' in Bible study. Principles are foundational beliefs, such as the perfection of the original scripture, while keys are practical methods or strategies for studying the Bible effectively. This distinction helps viewers understand the approach needed to engage with the Bible at both a theoretical and practical level.

Highlights

The Bible is described as a priceless gift, the word from God who created the heavens and the Earth.

Spirit and Truth Fellowship has produced an intermediate guide to studying the Bible.

Many cultures have no word from God, leading to questions about the morality and guidance of their actions.

The Bible is unique as the word of God, unlike the sayings of ancient gods like Zeus or Aphrodite.

Modern culture has mishandled the Bible, often interpreting it based on personal opinions rather than its original intent.

The primary question in Bible study should be what the Bible meant to God, not just personal interpretation.

An analogy is made comparing a parent's note to children with the Bible as God's note to humanity.

Ignoring God's word in the Bible is compared to not following a parent's instructions, with consequences on judgment day.

The Bible is described as a big book that requires time and patience to understand, not to be rushed.

2 Timothy 2:15 is cited as a call to handle the word of Truth correctly, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Bible.

Bible study is likened to a journey, encouraging gradual learning and consistency rather than cramming.

When encountering something not understood in the Bible, seeking help from those with more knowledge is advised.

Principles in Bible study include the belief that the original text was perfect and without error.

The Bible is written for believers, not skeptics, and should be approached with a sympathetic understanding.

Keys to Bible study include reading what is written, understanding biblical vocabulary, and learning from the text itself.

Common misconceptions, such as the idea that Adam and Eve ate an apple, are corrected by simply reading the Bible.

The importance of learning biblical vocabulary, such as the different uses of the word 'Israel', is emphasized.

Bible study is encouraged as a way to understand God's word and live according to His will.

Transcripts

[Music]

the word of God is a Priceless gift it

it is literally the word from God God

who created the heavens and the Earth

spoke the Bible into being so I'd like

to talk to you just a little bit about

Bible study why we study some of the

things we pay attention to when we study

and spirit and Truth Fellowship has

produced a a guide an intermediate guide

to studying the Bible that could be very

helpful in understanding some of the

things that we need to know and apply

when we study the

Bible now as I said the Bible is

precious it's it's Priceless and we have

to think in terms of how many cultures

do you know can you think about that had

no word from God just

people were they doing okay were they

like is what they were doing all right

or was it wrong and if it was wrong who

was to say and what was going to happen

if it was wrong or even if it was right

what was going to happen I mean you

think about the Greeks the you know Zeus

or or Aphrodite of those gods they

didn't speak something into being and

say this is the word do this the Romans

the same thing the ancient Mesopotamians

the the same thing how many cultures do

you know where there where there isn't

even some kind of book or directive that

says this is the work of God I mean sure

there are some that are like the the

wise sayings of so and so but what about

the word of God that I created you and

this is what you need to do to be inside

my will and because the the Bible is the

word of God it is priceless

now unfortunately modern culture has

taken this Priceless word of God and

they've kind of handled it a skew and

let me tell you what I mean by that a

lot of times I'll hear that people will

read the Bible and they'll be reading

along and they'll say okay well this is

what this means to

me well that's not a bad question but

it's a secondary question the primary

question the question we have to ask

ourselves is what did it mean to God

when it was God who wrote the Bible to

help us and to bless us and direct us so

that we would do right from wrong so we

would do his will and so therefore the

important question to ask is what did

the Bible mean to God now if you're a

parent maybe you've run into something

similar to this or if you're a teacher

or if you're in some kind of management

in business where let's say let's take

the parent example and you write a note

to your kids and you say okay uh I've

got to work late tonight tonight I'll be

home but it'll be uh a little late

dinner I'd like you to prepare dinner

we're going to have spaghetti the

spaghetti and you write this note you

know the spaghetti in the closet the the

sauce is there in the can or jar or

whatever spaghetti sauce comes in you

know but you lay out this thing that

that then you leave this note and and

that is your word for your children and

if you come home and there's a nice

spaghetti dinner with a salad there and

some bread you're like hey you guys did

a great job and if you come home and

there's absolutely nothing prepared but

there's some baloney left out on the

counter and and all the kids just they

left some kind of note that said we all

decided to have baloney sandwiches fix

something

yourself you'd be upset and say wait a

minute I left you what I wanted to

happen and you completely ignored it and

unfortunately that's the way it's going

to be on the day of judgment with a lot

of people God's going to say I very

clearly laid out to you what I wanted

and you ignored it and did your own

thing you read it and go

baloney no see once we do what God says

then we can say wow how does this mean

what does this mean to me but we don't

get to ignore what God says and replace

it with well this is what I think it

should say no no the Bible is the word

of God he went and there was a universe

now that God we need to pay attention to

come on this isn't F just fun in games

here this is real life you and I are

only alive we only breathe because God

gave us

breath and and we he deserves better

than us just to ignore him and he gave

us his word and it's Priceless and now

it's our job to read it understand it

see what it's saying and live like it

tells us to live and so there are verses

and God tells us about this it's not

like he leaves us in the dark on this

stuff 2 Timothy 2:15 New International

Version do your best that's all God

asks he doesn't ask for per for

Perfection he asks us to do our best he

says do your possess best 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 truth that's what God is

asking for he's asking for you and I to

correctly handle his word the word of

Truth Now some keys here first the Bible

is a big book so expect it's going to

take some time don't get discouraged I I

know I've run into people that they look

at and go oh my gosh I'll never learn

this well you'll never learn it

overnight but you will learn it stick

with it don't get discouraged and be

faithful you know stick with it a little

bit at a time this is is like the the

mile the Journey of a Thousand Miles

begins with a a one step how do you eat

an elephant one bite at a time just be

faithful take a little bit at a time and

remember that Bible study isn't like

cramming for a test you you can't read

over a weekend say for 10 hours and then

ignore the Bible for the next 3 weeks um

it's it's being faithful a little bit

every day being faithful absolutely also

when you don't understand something ask

go to somebody who does understand more

and ask if I read something and I don't

understand it chances are the next time

I read it I won't understand it then

either so when you when you read

something and you don't understand it

then find somebody that can help

understand and then as you gain

understanding of these little areas then

all of a sudden the whole picture begins

to come together when it comes to Bible

study there are principles and there are

Keys now maybe principles maybe we could

say aums or or

bases but um when it comes to Bible

study there are fundamental things that

we accept is true and then there are

keys well let's take a talk about the

difference between them fundamental

things that we think are true are aums

our principles are things like the

original God breathed word was perfect

in true it was without error or

contradiction so now if we read a

contradiction in the Bible or an

apparent contradiction we know from our

principle our Axiom that well God wrote

the Bible without contradiction so this

has to fit I may not understand it yet

or another principle would be the Bible

is written for believers not Skeptics

and what do I mean by that I mean there

are there are times the Bible is a huge

book and covers a lot of different

issues and there are times when God

can't cover things in complete detail

and the skeptic will point out say see

there's something left out no no we need

to be sympathetic listeners just like if

you're relating to someone somebody says

to you what did you do today and you

tell them basically you know an

unsympathetic listener would say oh you

left out something but a sympathetic

listener would say okay yeah I get it

that's from your perspective the essence

of what your day was the Bible was

written for believers not Skeptics now

what about Keys we've seen there are

principles there are also keys to Bible

study keys are things that we have to

learn have to pay attention to if we're

going to get the truth out of scripture

for example how about read what's

written that's an important key it seems

so simple yeah just read what's written

but how many people believe that Adam

and Eve ate an apple yet the word apple

is not in the Bible if we actually take

the Bible and read it it's not in there

they didn't eat an apple they ate a

fruit we don't know what that fruit is

um many people say well Noah was on the

ark 40 days no he was on the ark a year

in 10 days it rained for 40 days let's

let's simply read what's written that's

that's a huge part we also have to for

example another key is learn the

biblical vocabulary for example the word

Israel Israel is used of the name of a

man Jacob is called Israel is Israel is

used of the entire 12 tribes of Israel

all the tribes of Israel put together

Israel is used of the nation of Israel

the 10 Northern tribes Bible study takes

some effort but it's really worth it our

God has graciously given us his word for

our lives let's learn how to study it

and make sure we understand what he is

telling

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us

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