Who - Identify your “cast of characters”
What - Identify events, circumstances, details.
How - Identify the means by which events are accomplished.
When - Identify elements or periods of time.
Where - Identify place(s) where events occur.
Why - Identify purpose or reason of events or circumstances.
Try to determine the order of events.
Avoid taking scripture “out of context.” Whatever verse or portion of a verse you are attempting to “lift out” has been sandwiched between others for a purpose. Our business is to diligently search the scriptures to find the mind of God, not to present our opinions to other people, be it to a Sunday School Class, a congregation, or an individual.
If you’re nothing more than a “tourist,” don’t expect to “see” much. It is the archeologist who patiently, thoughtfully excavates who is apt to find rare artifacts and precious treasure as his reward.
Compare scripture with scripture: If you’re studying in the gospels, look for similar accounts that parallel any given text. In comparing such texts, contradictions are sometimes imagined. A careful correlation of scriptures will usually yield a fuller, more concise picture.
Regard no word or phrase as insignificant or of less importance: the key for which you search may be not be over the door or under the doormat.
Studying is detective work; look carefully for clues and evidence. Do not ignore or pass by any scripture that seems contrary to your line of thought; make no excuse for its being there: Study!
Observe the law of first mention; if you are dealing with a problem word or phrase, compare its usage with its first mention in the scripture. It is often very helpful to follow a word or phrase through the Bible in order to determine the sense in which it is used.
In New Testament study, the comparison with the Old Testament should add light and insight: one should find it to be of great value. Shun the idea that the God of the Old Testament is in anywise different from the God of the New.
Study carefully, diligently, to confirm as accurate or no, what you may have been told as to the interpretation of any scripture. If anyone says, “This is the way it is; just take my word for it. . .” that is cause for flashing red lights and sirens to go off in your head!
In the study of prophesy it is essential to gain a working knowledge of Old Testament scripture with the New: likewise prepare with much time and patience. The scriptures, not current events, are what we are to search in order to understand the Divine purpose and plan of God for this world and the one to come. The prophets of old were moved by the Holy Spirit to write of the future. They did not make “predictions;” what they wrote is solid rock Truth, given from the mouth of God. Trying to second guess the Creator and Sovereign Ruler of the universe is ill-advised. Modern day “prophets” should be taken “with a grain of salt.” Again, prophesy is to be based on the scriptures, not current events.
Allow your faith to be established with the scripture as its foundation; not the expressed opinion of any man, regardless of how highly you may regard him.
Beware of those who claim to believe the Bible from “cover to cover:” to believe the Bible to be the Word of God is one thing; to gain wisdom and understanding that leads one to a working faith is quite another!
Beware of “study courses.” The study of scripture is unlike that of the schools of learning of which we are familiar: if all we are doing is cramming our heads full of other men’s teaching, then we have totally missed it! We must go forth into study as pioneers, using the minds that God has given us to search out the Truths found in the Bible.
Dependence must needs return to the Holy Spirit: allow Him to lead you into “all Truth.”
If the study of scripture seems dry as dust, dare to go exploring with the Spirit as your fellow/companion; He will lead you to many springs of water! But after all this, what we have presented is only a few brief hints: we must learn to study: the Holy Spirit will teach us; He will be guide and director, principal, counselor, tutor.
On studying the Bible:
Read it, Research it, Reason it,
Rehearse it, Review it, Reverence it,
Rely upon it, Respond to it,
Rejoice in it, be Refreshed in it,
Reach others with its Report.
( For an intense study of the subject I heartily recommend Interpretation of the Scriptures by Arthur W. Pink. The publisher is Baker Book House.)
Copyright 2007, by Darius Stewart
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