Practical Bible Study Helps

1) PRAYER

1) What is most important before we open the word of God for study? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. And it will be given."

2) What will the Holy Spirit do when He is come? John 14:26

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and Bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

3) Why is it important to pray before studying the Bible? Review and Herald, vol. 6, p. 526

"Let the heart be softened and subdued by the spirit of prayer before the Bible is read."

4) What is prayer in the hand of the Christian? Steps to Christ, pp. 94, 95

"Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence."

5) How does Satan feel about prayer? Messages to Young People, p. 53

"At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan's whole host trembles."

6) Therefore, what is Satan seeking to do to the followers of Jesus Christ? Messages to Young People, p. 369

"Satan is seeking to discourage the followers of Christ, so that they will not seek or search the Scriptures."

7) How important is prayer? Messages to Young People, p. 249

"Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted and the health of the soul be preserved."

As we open God's holy word in the spirit of prayer, we can believe that the Holy Spirit will be sent to teach of the hope of the gospel, and to bring all the things to our remembrance in accordance with His will.

We can also be assured that Satan's whole host is trembling for he knows that in the word of God we will become acquainted with his devices and escape his snares. Therefore, dear friend, let us commit ourselves to a prayerful study of the Scriptures that our feet may be established on the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ.

2) PURPOSE

1) Upon what does our knowledge of the Scriptures depend? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 429

"Knowledge of the Word of God depends not so much upon strength of intellect as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith."

2) As we study the light of truth in the Scriptures, what should be our purpose? Ephesians 5:8

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light."

3) What will be the result of walking in the light of truth? 1 John 1:7. "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

4) What is it that we are to lay aside and renounce as we study the word of God? Review and Herald, vol. 6, p. 526

"Let the seeker for truth who accepts the Bible as the inspired word of God, lay aside every previous idea, and take the word in its simplicity. He should renounce every sinful practice, and enter the Holy of Holies with heart softened and subdued, ready to listen to what God says."

5) Why is it so important to have the right spirit when investigating the Scriptures? Testimonies to Ministers, p. 108

"The spirit in which you come to the investigation of the Scriptures will determine the character of the assistant at your side. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance. But if the Bible is opened with irreverence, with a feeling of self-sufficiency, if the heart is filled with prejudice, Satan is beside you, and he will set the plain statements of God's word in a perverted light."

6) What are some of the evidences manifested by those who are not really seeking for an understanding of truth? Testimonies to Ministers, p. 108

"There are some who indulge in levity, sarcasm, and even mockery toward those who differ with them. Others present an array of objections to any new view; and when these objections are plainly answered by the words of Scripture, they do not acknowledge the evidence presented, nor allow themselves to be convinced. Their questioning is not for the purpose of arriving at truth, but is intended merely to confuse the minds of others. Some have thought it an evidence of intellectual keenness and superiority to perplex minds in regard to what is truth. They resort to subtlety of argument, to playing upon words; they take unjust advantage in asking questions. When their questions have been fairly answered, they will turn the subject [and] bring up another point to avoid acknowledging the truth.

7) What is to be the attitude of all who are honestly seeking after the truth? Matthew 18:3

"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

This is similar to language Jesus used when talking to Nicodemus in John 3:3. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." The word "see" means "to know, to understand, or to perceive." (Strong's, Lexicon-1492; see also Isaiah 29:9–14; 1 Corinthians 10:12).

3) Persistence

1) What will happen as a real love for the Bible is awakened in us? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

a) "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more that my necessary food." Job 23:12. (See also Proverbs 6:20–22; Psalm 119:105; Jeremiah 15:16).

b)"When a real love for the Bible is awakened, and the student begins to realize how vast is the field and how precious the treasure, he will seize upon every opportunity for acquainting himself with God's word."

c) "His study will be restricted to no special time or place."

2) And what will be the result of this continual study? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"And this continuous study is one of the best means of cultivating a love for the Scriptures."

3) What then would be a good habit to get into? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"Keep the Bible always with you. As you have opportunity, read a text and meditate upon it."

4) What are some of the opportunities we might have to read the Bible? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"While walking the streets, waiting at a railway station, waiting to meet an engagment, improve the opportunity to gain some precious thought from the treasure-house of truth."

5) What will happen as we search the Scriptures more and more? My Life Today, p. 22

"In the Scriptures thousands of gems of truth lie hidden from the surface seeker. The mine of truth is never exhausted. The more you search the Scriptures with humble hearts, the greater will be your interest, and the more you will feel like exclaiming with Paul: ‘O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!'"

6) Of what can we be assured when we experience this love for the word of God? Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 204

"If we love the Scriptures, and search them whenever there is opportunity, that you may come into possession of their rich treasures, then you may be assured that Jesus is drawing you to Himself.

In John 1:1–12 we are told that Jesus Christ is the Word, the "divine Expression," that is, the invisible God revealed to us through the words of Scripture. Therefore when we love God's word, then we love Jesus, who is the Word.

4) HOW LINE- UPON -LINE

1) How much benefit is derived from a hasty reading of the Bible? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"There is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures."

2) Does just reading the Bible from cover to cover ensure that one understands its meaning? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning."

3) What would be more valuable than just reading the Bible from cover to cover? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"One subject studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view, and no positive instruction gained."

4) How exactly do we study just one passage of the Bible?

"Precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line, here a little, and there a little." Isaiah 28:10, 13

5) So to study one passage does not mean that we cannot refer to others, but rather that we should be "rightly dividing the word of truth." And not "wrest" the scriptures to endorse our preconceived opinions. 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:16.

6) What does it mean to "rightly" divide the word of truth? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430, Review and Herald, vol. 6, p. 526. We cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. Some portions of the Scriptures are indeed too plain to be misunderstood; but there are others whose meaning does not lie on the surface, to be seen at a glance. Scripture must be compared with Scripture. There must be careful research and prayerful attention. And such study will be richly repaid. As the miner discovers veins of precious metal concealed beneath the surface of the earth, so will he who perseveringly searches the word of God as for hid treasure, find truths of the greatest value, which are concealed from the view of the careless seeker. The words of Inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as streams flowing from the fountain of light.

The Bible is its own interpreter. With beautiful simplicity, one chapter connects itself with the truth of another chapter, until the whole Bible is entwined in one harmonious whole. Light flashes forth from one page to illuminate some portion of the verse that has seemed more obscure."

5) BE BEREANS–SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1) What did the Bereans do when the Apostle Paul expounded to them the word of God? Acts 17:11

"They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

2) Why is it so important for us to search the Scriptures for ourselves? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"We should not take the testimony of any man as to what these Scriptures teach, but should study the word of God for ourselves. If we allow others to do our thinking for us, we shall have feeble energies and dwarfed abilities. The noble powers of the mind may be so numbed by lack of exercise in themes worthy of their concentration as to lose their ability to grasp the deep meaning of the word of God. The mind will expand if it is employed in tracing out the relation of the subjects of the Bible, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual."

3) What will be the result of personal Bible study? Steps to Christ, p. 90

"There is nothing more calculated to stregthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a noblity of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."

4) What will result in the neglect of Bible study? Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, pp. 92, 93. "The mind must be exercised on the solemn truths of God's word, or it will grow dull."

"If the Bible were studied as it should be, men would become strong in intellect. The subjects treated upon in the word of God, the dignified simplicity of its utterance, the noble themes which it presents to the mind, develop faculties in man which cannot otherwise be developed. In the Bible a boundless field is opened for the imagination. The student will come from a contemplation of its grand themes, from association with its lofty imagery, more pure and elevated in thought and feeling than if he had spent the time in reading any work of mere human origin, to say nothing of those of a trifling character.

6) REVERENCE

1) What does it mean to reverence the word of God? Signs of the Times, vol. 4, p. 430

"We should reverence God's word. For the printed volume we should show respect, never putting it to common uses, or handling it carelessly. And never should the Scriptures be quoted in jest or paraphrased to point a witty saying."

2) Why is it important to show respect for God's word? Psalm 119:140; Psalm 12:6

"Thy word is very pure: therefore they servant loveth it." "The words of the Lord are pure words."

3) How should we come to a study of God's word? Testimonies to Ministers, p. 107

We should come with reverence to the study of the Bible, feeling that we are in the presence of God. All lightness and trifling should be laid aside.

7) PRACTICE WHAT WE LEARN – A KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH

1) What could be the result of our Bible study without practicing what we learn? 2 Timothy 3:7, 9

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

2) If we just read the Bible, will that give us a saving knowledge of the truth? Review and Herald, vol. 6, p. 528

"The whole Bible is a revelation of Jesus Christ. But you may read the Scripture from morning till night, and unless you humbly apply your self to the will of God, you cannot receive a saving knowledge of the gospel."

3) What is the result of submitting our will to God? Mount of Blessing, p. 62

Our will is to be yielded to him, that we may receive it again, sanctified and enobled, and so linked in sympathy with the Divine that He can pour through us the tides of His love and power."

4) What in connection with prayer will have a great affect upon our study of the Bible? Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 515, 516

"Daniel's clearness of mind and firmness of purpose, his strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge, were due in a great degree to the plainness of his diet in connection with his life of prayer." (See also Daniel 1:8, 12, 17).

5) How should we eat and drink? 1 Corinthians 10:31

"Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

6) How can indulgence of appetite affect our Christian experience? Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 569, 570

"Every true Christian will have control of appetite and passions. Unless he is free from the bondage and slavery of appetite he cannot be a true, obedient servant of Christ. It is the indulgence of appetite and passion which makes the truth of none effect upon the heart. It is impossible for the Spirit and power of the truth to sanctify a man, soul, body, and spirit, when he is controlled by appetite and passions."

7) What are some of the effects of indulging our appetites? Testimonies to Ministers, p. 114

a) "The brain will be confused;

b) "Unable to bear the strain of digging deep."

8) What do we reject if we reject the light of health reform? Series B, #6, p. 31

"God gave the light on the health reform, and those who reject it, reject God."

1) What will be our central theme as we study the Bible? Education, pp. 125, 126

The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in the whole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God. From the first intimation of hope in the sentence pronounced in Eden to the last glorious promise of the Revelation, they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:4)."

2) Where in the Bible is found this theme? Education, pp. 125, 126

"The burden of every book and every passageof the Bible is the unfolding of this wondrous theme,—man's uplifting,—the power of God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. He who grasps this thought has before him an infinite field for study."

3) What do we have when we grasp this thought? Education, pp. 125, 126

"He has the key that will unlock to him the whole treasure house of God's word....This is the highest study in which it is possible for man to engage."

1) What else results from acting in accordance with the light we receive? Testimonies to Ministers, p. 518

"As fast as the soul resolves to act in accordance with the light given, the Holy Spirit gives more light and strength...

2) And what is dependent on the appropriation of the light God gives? Testimonies to Ministers, p. 518

"Success in the Christian life depends upon the appropriation of the light that God has given."

3) What then would be the result of refusing to walk in the light? Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 391

"It is impossible for men to refuse to walk in the light God has given them and still have a living connection with Him."

1) How can we increase our understanding and knowledge of the word? Christ's Object Lessons, p. 354

"He who begins with a little knowledge, in a humble way, and tells what he knows, while seeking diligently for further knowledge, will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand. The more he seeks to impart light, the more light he will receive. The more one tries to explain the word of God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to himself. The more we use our knowledge and exercise our powers, the more knowledge and power we shall have."