Part 2: Bible Studies for the Hungry Christian

A course of study for turning students into teachers

Summary: Tools and Techniques

In the overview to this part we learned that Bible study is not an end in itself but the means to an end, namely spiritual growth and maturity. But a good understanding of how (and how not) to interpret the text makes all the difference in the world. Then in Lesson One we made sure the issue of salvation was made clear. Bible study really is for believers, because the Bible itself speaks of unbelievers being unable to get much out of it (1 Cor. 2:14). True, the Bible alone has brought some to salvation, but this series is aimed at causing growth, which can't happen to the "unborn".

In Lesson Two we studied the importance of context from several angles, using some common cases of twisted scriptures as examples. Then in Lesson Three we looked at the NT for the authoritative Word on how our meetings are to be conducted, and that this model is not at all the way "churchianity" has been practiced all these centuries. There's no point in learning all this exegesis if we wind up making the same mistake in these studies, perpetuating the wrong model. Accurate Bible study should result in the growth of the house church movement, not more buildings!

In Lessons Four and Five we drove home the Biblical teachings on salvation, security, and legalism, the very things which separate Biblical Christianity from all impostors. An important principle of interpretation was highlighted: that when we are faced with scripture passages that seem to be in conflict, we need to either find a solution that does not require ignoring parts of the Bible that don't fit our favorite views, or put the matter on the "back burner" till God gives the solution at another time.

These principles boil down to one thing: ask questions. When you read a passage, ask yourself about the writer, time, culture, intended audience, topic at hand, and what underlying principle the Holy Spirit was trying to convey. But don't forget to ask the Author, God, for enlightenment as well. Just as the sun can't shine light into a room with all the shades pulled, God cannot enlighten those who have already decided what He will tell them.

Remember also that sometimes God speaks to us through other believers. Seek out mature Christians who show evidence ("fruit") of having spent considerable time in the Word and use the principles we've been talking about. Avoid at all costs smooth-talking impostors who will wave their credentials in your face and announce, "Touch not God's anointed!" in an effort to keep you from questioning them. And be careful not to make the mistake of thinking that because a teacher has one thing right, they must have everything right. We all have "blind spots", which is why we all need to be kept under scrutiny.

I could go on, but that would defeat the purpose of this writing, which is to "teach you to fish", not simply hand you a fish. These are principles or guidelines, not canned, "ready to eat", pre-digested, no-thinking-required crumbs. The real learning begins when you take it all personally and sink your teeth into the meat of the Word. Spiritual growth does take time, but we can certainly make better use of the time we have. It's time to throw away the little booklets with blanks to fill in and start taking personal responsibility for our spiritual growth.