Prove YourselfProve YourselfPersonal Bible Study

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

The KeysThe KeysOpening the truths in God's

word

6/28/11

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great

eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what

Paul said was true.

Acts 17:11(NIV)

Approve…

"Regard favorably;consider right or good“

American Heritage Dictionary

Study to shew thyself approved…

Methods of Study…

Subject

This is probably the most common form of Bible study. Choose a subject that interests you and find out as much about it as possible. Cover every scripture that you can find.

Methods of Study…

Section

Choose a book, chapter, or any other section of the Bible and study it thoroughly. Endeavor to master it.

Methods of Study…

Biography

Choose a person in the Bible and follow his/her life through the scriptures.

Methods of Study…

Memorization

There is nothing like having God's word hid in your heart. Select key verses that mean a lot to you, and put them to memory.

Study Aids…

Bible

The Bible itself should always be your main source of information. Other sources can help immensely but you always need to take that information right back to the word of God.

Study Aids…

Concordance

A concordance lists each word found in the Bible and where that word is found. They do not always cover every word or scripture, so as a general rule, the larger the concordance, the better. Many concordances also offer Greek and Hebrew dictionaries.

Study Aids…

Commentary

A Bible commentary goes through the Bible and explains the meaning of each passage. They generally go by chapters or sections of verses.

Study Aids…

Dictionary

Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias can be excellent study aids. You will often find that a standard English dictionary can also make a big difference. Greek and Hebrew dictionaries can help the more in depth Bible student get back to the original text that the Bible was translated from.

Study Aids…

Computer

Many study aids can be found in electronic format.

Study Aids…

Internet

The internet is both a great place and a terrible place. Be cautious to use reputable web sites. Anybody can post anything on the web at practically no cost.

Study Aids…

Miscellaneous

• Books

• Tracts

Study Aids…

Pastor/Church

One of the pastor’s responsibilities is to guide you in truth. If you have questions, or are having trouble understanding something, go to your pastor.

Translation…

“To express in another language, systematically

retaining the original sense.”

American Heritage Dictionary

Correct Interpretation…

In order to properly interpret the scripture there are some basic things that

must be considered…

Correct Interpretation…

ATTITUDE

You must approach the scriptures with a desire to know the truth. If you are merely trying to prove what you believe, you will find proof, but you may still be wrong.

Correct Interpretation…

Author/Subject

Who wrote the passage that you are reading. Who is the author writing to, what is the subject, what surrounds this passage of scripture?

"a period of time under which mankind is answerable to God for how it has obeyed the revelation of

God which it has received".

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Correct Interpretation…

Dispensation

Dispensations…

Innocence

From creation to the 'fall' of Adam and Eve - They were innocent of evil. They did not realize right from wrong.

Dispensations…

Conscience

From the fall to Noah - Man's conscience told them what was wrong and what was right. There is no documented 'law' from God yet.

Dispensations…

Human Government

From Noah to Abraham - Man is now responsible for governing the earth for God

Dispensations…

Promise

From Abraham to Moses - God chooses a specific group of people, the Jews, or descendants of Isaac. He promises to make a great nation of Isaac.

Dispensations…

Law

From Moses to Christ - God gives Moses the Ten Commandments. The Jews are supposed to live by the rules that God lays down for them.

Dispensations…

Grace

From the death of Christ until his second coming - We live by Grace. God will punish those who do not live for him after death. A good example of misinterpreting dispensations would be to say that animal sacrifices are still necessary for salvation.

Dispensations…

Kingdom

The millennial reign of Christ on earth for 1000 years