THE EAGLE & THE  LION BIBLE STUDY GUIDE... 

                        Mini-Guide 07-A

Created and copyrighted (c) 2001, 2007 by F. Paul Haney

        "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2Chr.7:14).

This guide is a companion to regular Bible study.  It is a summary of viewing and analyzing God's word.  The Bible lends itself to various approaches: Eschatological, Prophetic, Historical, Comparative, Pauline, Literal, Symbolic, Word Studies, etc., but all Bible study begins with prayer and humility.  Next, tools are gathered.  To dig a ditch you need a shovel, but you can only get so far with it.  Other tools are a must if you are to achieve real depth.  Study aids are only as valid as scripture proves them to be and are only a means to an end.  Biblical doctrines presented by any ministry ought to be clearly verifiable by scripture.  Loose, slipshod theology does not glorify God.  Therefore, always follow the Berean example: "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the OT Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts  17:11).

 

READ THESE SCRIPTURES FIRST

  

Psa.119:33-40 (begin with prayer); Mk.7:7 (teachings of men); 1Thess.5:21 (test all); Jn.17:17 (God's word is truth); Isa.28:9-13 (here a little, there a little); 2Tim.3:16-17 (scripture inspired); Rev.1:1 (words of Christ); Rev.22:18-19 (add or subtract nothing).  Now consider some principles and logic of Bible study: You do not have to learn all these guidelines by heart!  Just quiz yourself occasionally during your studies with the list of questions and comments below.  And keep this handy Bible Study Guide nearby anytime you begin your study.  May God bless you as you study his glorious word.

 

Two points: (1) EXEGESIS is the use of interpretational principles whereby one derives information FROM a text.  (2)  EISEGESIS is reading one's own concepts and ideas INTO a text. Avoid EISEGESIS at all cost!  It is a sure road to error and false doctrine.  Dedication is Key!

 

There is little real difference between studying the Holy Bible on one hand, and, say, mathematics, on the other.  The disciplines differ in substance, but not in methodology or philosophy.  Just as we must carefully observe certain rules of math, so we must proceed systematically and with great care in the Bible by following rules of good exegesis.  Biblical knowledge is not so esoteric or elusive that only a few special enlightened souls are able to understand it.  You CAN get it.  But like all worthwhile ventures, Bible study takes dedication.  One needs a sincere desire to learn, a humble attitude, and a solid commitment to apply oneself to succeed. Make no mistake.  Without these attributes, constant failure and disappointment loom ahead.  Lazy, nominal Christians need not apply (Prov.1:20-33).

 

Remember: (1) Not all words found in our Bibles came from the original language or the original manuscripts. (2) Crosscheck translations.  (3) All Bibles are not the same.  (4) Do not make a point at the cost of proper interpretation. (5) Avoid superficial study leading to doctrinal conclusions and delusions.  (6) The Bible is a spiritual book; it contains the word of God.  (7) Basic theme: Always allow the Bible to interpret the Bible in context.

 

STANDARDS/SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS

 

1. Never create doctrine by vague, difficult, solitary scriptures.  Take care lest you fall.

2.  Search the scriptures diligently.  (Continued...)