Hi.
Welcome to the fe2 Women’s Mentoring Network.
Welcome to the fe2 Women’s Mentoring Network.
A significant key in learning to read the Bible for understanding is to slow down! Perhaps instead of approaching Scripture with a cursory reading of a verse or two for a quick devotional we need to allow time to meditate and to ponder specific questions about what we are reading. These questions would include: what is it saying, to whom is it written, where and when in history did this take place, why was this message necessary and how do I apply it to my life. You will notice there are 5 W’s and 1 H listed above. These are questions to ask as we read through a passage, chapter or entire book to observe God’s intended message, to make an accurate interpretation and personal application. So let’s start asking questions!
We will begin by looking at Scripture that validates the author, authority and purpose of the Bible.
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Who is the author of Scripture? What are the 4 areas listed that God intended to equip us through His Word? How do these 4 different ways equip us for every good work?
Read 2 Peter 1:20-21 Although Scripture is not written based on the will of man who did God inspire to write His Word? How/By Whom?
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” In what way is the light of God’s Word giving you direction at this particular time or in the past?
Jeremiah 15:16 “Your words were found and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart” To whom or what do you look to for joy and delight? Would you consider feasting on God’s Word and finding out how it can nourish your soul?
Read John 14:26 and 1 John 2:27. Who has God given us to teach us all things? He longs for us to know Him and His will for our lives so much that He gave us exactly what we need to understand Him and His ways. Have you tapped into that resource enough or have you relied on others too much?
We know from the above verses that the Holy Spirit will teach us and guide us to understanding. But, we need the Body of Christ as well to share the truths we are learning and to dig deeper together (Just as iron sharpens iron). And, as we study, we will continue to enhance our understanding from teachers and preachers and those who have written commentaries to help understand and explain the history, setting and intended meaning of Scripture.
God has put within us a longing to know Him and to be in relationship with the Creator and Savior of the world and of our very own soul. When you read God’s Word, does your mind wander? Does it seem confusing or irrelevant?
How can studying the Bible ignite your relationship with God and show you His will and direction for daily living as promised in Psalm 119?
Explain how slowing down to ask the 5W’s and H questions allows the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) to give you understanding of the intended meaning of a passage of Scripture through teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16.
In utilizing the 5W’s and H question format you have intentionally slowed down your reading to think through what the verse(s) are saying. This is referred to as an inductive approach to Bible study and using the Bible as the primary source of information for observing the setting and context of a passage in order to accurately interpret and apply the command or biblical principle.
Let’s practice the format together. But first, start with prayer as we observe for:
· Key words/phrases which are often repeated and needful for specific meaning of passage
· Contrasts and comparisons to illustrate a principle
· Expressions of time and place in context of the author’s message, to whom it was written and why it was relevant to this audience at this time and if it is it still relevant for the church today
Read Galatians 1 and then answer the following questions.
Author and purpose for writing: Who is identified and how does he establish his credibility? What might be his purpose for writing based on what he has seen or heard, 1:6-10.
Expressions of time: Although a specific time in the history of the church is not cited, how much time expired between Paul giving the gospel and the church embracing another gospel?
Contrasts and comparisons: What two gospels are being contrasted? Which gospel is true gospel and what is the consequence of those following a different gospel?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 This is such a familiar passage which has the element of reading over quickly without pausing to observe the details of what love is and is not. Note the contrasts. To understand the context of this passage we have to look beyond 1 Corinthians 13. If we do not know who is writing the book and why then we are limited in our ability to make accurate interpretation and application. (And that is the purpose of why we observe the details of scripture!)
1 Corinthians 1:1-2 Who is the author and how is he described? Refer to 1:10-11 and explain what the conduct of believers seems to be. Note 1 Corinthians 12-14 is written in the framework of spiritual gifts and the concern about the church at Corinth misunderstanding and misusing spiritual gifts. Sandwiched between these three chapters is the passage in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. How does this added information help you to better understand this passage on love and how believers are to conduct themselves?
What gospel do you embrace and who do you listen to and follow? What areas of love do you need to pray about and live out in a way that is honoring to the Lord? How has this study clarified for you that your time in the Bible can go from being historical, boring or difficult to the delight of your heart?
Suggested Reading: “How to Study Your Bible” by Kay Arthur, David Arthur, Pete De Lacy