Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Simple Bible Study Outline - Lesson 1

Here are my notes from a discussion last night with a relatively new Christian. I elaborated in person, filling about 30 minutes. Below is just an outline.

My hope is that it may influence how someone thinks about their new born Christianity. It's not about suddenly getting involved in humanitarian efforts, or church outreach ministries. Nor is it about being moral. It's about growing in grace, then and only then will we be equipped for "every good work."

I hope you pay special attention to the verses I listed below as worth committing to heart.
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Bible Study Notes

[Words in brackets are mine to add clarity.]

Lesson 1 Notes:

1. Read/study the Bible 1st, then other books. Like putting the genuine, unabridged classic before SparkNotes.

2. Hermeneutics- rules for interpretation, let clear direct Scripture help us understand ambiguous or seemingly contradicting Scripture (such as Php 2:14-16 helping us understand the time frame -in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation- of Col 1:21-23, which makes it sound like salvation is conditional w/ the words "if indeed," given Eph 2:8-9 which clearly says salvation is not conditional: we cannot earn it or maintain it), context is king, use original language to understand thought behind words, consider audience, etc.

3. Topics we mentioned: All Scripture is not only God-breathed, it's good for instruction in righteousness, etc. When saved, justification follows condemnation, sanctification follows salvation. Sanctification is made possible by truth, and God's word is truth (John 17:17).

4. Some Scripture is so basic to the foundation of faith, it's worth committing to memory, so it sinks into your heart. God is motivated by pure love for you to know Him and His eternal plan. He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). [We didn't really get into this thought. We'll pick up from here next week.]

Scripture verses to take to heart:

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
John 17:17 ESV

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 ESV

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

“Do your best to present [or, study to show] yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling [discerning] the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

“[God,] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the [full, accurate] knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:4 ESV

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who [diligently] seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 ESV

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