Lesson Eight - Bible Study in Worship
Introduction to the Lesson
One of the five acts of worship recorded in the New Testament is Bible Study. We have it not only commanded but examples of where the early Christians met for study in connection with their worship to the Lord.
Bible Study may be engaged in at any time by one individual or more, but just here we are thinking of it in the sense that it is to specially be engaged in on the first day of the week as a part of the worship services. In so doing, the Lord speaks to us through his word.
This part of worship may be entered into through reading and studying the scripture themselves or by hearing someone preach from God's word. In Acts 20:7, we have Paul preaching to his brethren in Troas on the occasion of their coming together for worship. In Acts 17: 10-12, we read, |Acts 17:10 - 13 (KJV) 10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11hese were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12Therefore many of them believed;also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. | Christ taught, |John 5:39 (KJV) 39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. |John 5:39 (KJV) 39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.|
Paul exhorted the young preacher Timothy, |2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 15Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.| Christ said, |Matthew 5:6 (KJV) 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.| Again he said, |Matthew 4:4 (KJV) 4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.|
It is very important that we not only study but that we study the right thing. The same goes for the preaching or teaching that we hear. The Apostle Paul says, |Romans 10:17 (KJV) 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.| That means then that if we hear error that we will believ e error, and especially so if we do not investigate it. But if we hear truth then we will naturally come to believe the truth.
God has spoken today and he has spoken to us through his Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). On the mount of transfiguration, God himself said concerning Jesus, |Matthew 17:5b (KJV) 5 "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."| Christ howevere, spoke the word of God. |John 14:23 - 24 (KJV) 23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.| Then the word was recorded: |John 20:30 - 31 (KJV) 30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.| Furthermore, all scriptures are given by the inspiration of God and completely furnish man unto every good work, being perfect law of liberty (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:25).
Seeing the foregoing is true, then there are many reasons why we should assemble on the Lord's Day to study God's word:
1. We should do it because it is God's word. (Hebrews 13:7, 1 Peter 1:23; Ephesians 6:17). How wonderful it is that the Lord has not left us in darkness but revealed his will to us.
2. We should want to know God's will more perfectly. (Acts 13:7). Therefore, it is up to us to study to learn. The Lord has given us intelligent minds and we can all read and study to know the will of the Lord for ourselves.
3. We should want to study lest we be deceived, (Ephesians 4:14; Ephesians 5:6; James 1:22). There is so much being taught in the name of Christianity. How may we know whether it is the truth or not? By comparing that which we hear with the word of God. John exhorted that we should try the spirits or preachers to see if they are of God or not. (1st John 4:1). There is no need for anyone to be deceived provided he will continue to investigate God's word.
4. We should want to study so we can learn God's will to the extent that we can teach others. Paul said, |1 Timothy 4:16 (KJV) 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.| Concerning the early Christians, the record says, |Acts 8:4 (KJV) 4Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.|
In continuing with our study, I would like for us to go back now to 2nd Timothy 2:15 where Paul says that we should study to rightly divide the word of truth. Now in our studies we should learn to do just that. That is, we will find that the Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament. We will also learn that the Old Testament contains the Patriarchal and Mosaical laws, both of which are no longer binding, and the New Testament contains the law of Christ. Another way of putting it, the Old Testament section deals with people before the death of Christ. That is why then one is old and one is new. But where are we? Quite naturally, since we live on this side of the cross, then we live under the law of Christ as recorded in the New Testament. (Hebrews 9:16,17; Hebrews 10:9).
Then the question comes if we believe the Old Testament to be the word of God. The answer would be definitely yes. However, as a law it is no longer binding on us or anyone else. Then why study the Old Testament? For several reasons:
1. To learn of the creation and the beginning of things.
2. To learn of the history of man and how God dealt with him.
3. Because Paul says that it was written for our example (1st **Corinthians 10:6). As a matter of fact, it contains many examples.
4. Inasmuch as there are many principles in it that are as true today as *they were when they were given, but they have nothing to do with a *law.
5. That we might see that we live under a better law and have greater
hope. (John 1:17).
Now to help us study God's word more effectively, and to properly divide the word, then here are some rules for our Bible study:
1. Read the text several times.
2. Read also the context.
3. Who is the speaker?
4. To whom is he speaking?
5. When was it spoken?
6. Is it figurative or literal language?
7. Is it a command?
8. Does it pertain to our salvation?
Also, these tools may help you with your Bible study: Different translations, a Bible dictionary, a Bible concordance, commentaries, etc. But above all, read and study the Bible itself with prayer. Many people know a great deal about the Bible but very little of its contents.
When you and I do as the Lord has asked us to do and we assemble with the saints each first day of the week to study, then we are going to gain a Bible knowledge that will help us to grow and to develop as Christians. If all would do this then the church would be stronger and perhaps we could convince our religious friends that it is God's word that saves us and unites us.
NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP
LESSON 8 "BIBLE STUDY"
QUESTIONS
1. Who may engage in Bible Study?
2. How may we hear God's word?
3. Why were the Bereans more noble than those of Thessalonica?
4. What did Christ say in John 5:39?
5. Quote 2nd Timothy 2:15.
6. Who did Christ say would be blessed and filled?
7. Can man live by bread alone?
8. How does faith come?
9. What will happen if we hear error?
10. In what manner does God speak to mankind today?
11. Why have the teachings of Jesus been written down?
12. Read 2nd Timothy 3:16,17 and James 1:25.
13. List some reasons why we are to assemble to study.
14. What does it mean to rightly divide the word?
15. List the three laws recorded in the Bible.
16. Which law do we live under?
17. Does the Old Testament contain the word of God?
18. Why are we to study the Old Testament?
19. Give some rules for Bible Study.
20. What are some other tools for Bible Study?
21. How will a Bible knowldge help us?
One of the five acts of worship recorded in the New Testament is Bible Study. We have it not only commanded but examples of where the early Christians met for study in connection with their worship to the Lord.
Bible Study may be engaged in at any time by one individual or more, but just here we are thinking of it in the sense that it is to specially be engaged in on the first day of the week as a part of the worship services. In so doing, the Lord speaks to us through his word.
This part of worship may be entered into through reading and studying the scripture themselves or by hearing someone preach from God's word. In Acts 20:7, we have Paul preaching to his brethren in Troas on the occasion of their coming together for worship. In Acts 17: 10-12, we read, |Acts 17:10 - 13 (KJV) 10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11hese were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12Therefore many of them believed;also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. | Christ taught, |John 5:39 (KJV) 39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. |John 5:39 (KJV) 39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.|
Paul exhorted the young preacher Timothy, |2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 15Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.| Christ said, |Matthew 5:6 (KJV) 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.| Again he said, |Matthew 4:4 (KJV) 4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.|
It is very important that we not only study but that we study the right thing. The same goes for the preaching or teaching that we hear. The Apostle Paul says, |Romans 10:17 (KJV) 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.| That means then that if we hear error that we will believ e error, and especially so if we do not investigate it. But if we hear truth then we will naturally come to believe the truth.
God has spoken today and he has spoken to us through his Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). On the mount of transfiguration, God himself said concerning Jesus, |Matthew 17:5b (KJV) 5 "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."| Christ howevere, spoke the word of God. |John 14:23 - 24 (KJV) 23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.| Then the word was recorded: |John 20:30 - 31 (KJV) 30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.| Furthermore, all scriptures are given by the inspiration of God and completely furnish man unto every good work, being perfect law of liberty (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:25).
Seeing the foregoing is true, then there are many reasons why we should assemble on the Lord's Day to study God's word:
1. We should do it because it is God's word. (Hebrews 13:7, 1 Peter 1:23; Ephesians 6:17). How wonderful it is that the Lord has not left us in darkness but revealed his will to us.
2. We should want to know God's will more perfectly. (Acts 13:7). Therefore, it is up to us to study to learn. The Lord has given us intelligent minds and we can all read and study to know the will of the Lord for ourselves.
3. We should want to study lest we be deceived, (Ephesians 4:14; Ephesians 5:6; James 1:22). There is so much being taught in the name of Christianity. How may we know whether it is the truth or not? By comparing that which we hear with the word of God. John exhorted that we should try the spirits or preachers to see if they are of God or not. (1st John 4:1). There is no need for anyone to be deceived provided he will continue to investigate God's word.
4. We should want to study so we can learn God's will to the extent that we can teach others. Paul said, |1 Timothy 4:16 (KJV) 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.| Concerning the early Christians, the record says, |Acts 8:4 (KJV) 4Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.|
In continuing with our study, I would like for us to go back now to 2nd Timothy 2:15 where Paul says that we should study to rightly divide the word of truth. Now in our studies we should learn to do just that. That is, we will find that the Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament. We will also learn that the Old Testament contains the Patriarchal and Mosaical laws, both of which are no longer binding, and the New Testament contains the law of Christ. Another way of putting it, the Old Testament section deals with people before the death of Christ. That is why then one is old and one is new. But where are we? Quite naturally, since we live on this side of the cross, then we live under the law of Christ as recorded in the New Testament. (Hebrews 9:16,17; Hebrews 10:9).
Then the question comes if we believe the Old Testament to be the word of God. The answer would be definitely yes. However, as a law it is no longer binding on us or anyone else. Then why study the Old Testament? For several reasons:
1. To learn of the creation and the beginning of things.
2. To learn of the history of man and how God dealt with him.
3. Because Paul says that it was written for our example (1st **Corinthians 10:6). As a matter of fact, it contains many examples.
4. Inasmuch as there are many principles in it that are as true today as *they were when they were given, but they have nothing to do with a *law.
5. That we might see that we live under a better law and have greater
hope. (John 1:17).
Now to help us study God's word more effectively, and to properly divide the word, then here are some rules for our Bible study:
1. Read the text several times.
2. Read also the context.
3. Who is the speaker?
4. To whom is he speaking?
5. When was it spoken?
6. Is it figurative or literal language?
7. Is it a command?
8. Does it pertain to our salvation?
Also, these tools may help you with your Bible study: Different translations, a Bible dictionary, a Bible concordance, commentaries, etc. But above all, read and study the Bible itself with prayer. Many people know a great deal about the Bible but very little of its contents.
When you and I do as the Lord has asked us to do and we assemble with the saints each first day of the week to study, then we are going to gain a Bible knowledge that will help us to grow and to develop as Christians. If all would do this then the church would be stronger and perhaps we could convince our religious friends that it is God's word that saves us and unites us.
NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP
LESSON 8 "BIBLE STUDY"
QUESTIONS
1. Who may engage in Bible Study?
2. How may we hear God's word?
3. Why were the Bereans more noble than those of Thessalonica?
4. What did Christ say in John 5:39?
5. Quote 2nd Timothy 2:15.
6. Who did Christ say would be blessed and filled?
7. Can man live by bread alone?
8. How does faith come?
9. What will happen if we hear error?
10. In what manner does God speak to mankind today?
11. Why have the teachings of Jesus been written down?
12. Read 2nd Timothy 3:16,17 and James 1:25.
13. List some reasons why we are to assemble to study.
14. What does it mean to rightly divide the word?
15. List the three laws recorded in the Bible.
16. Which law do we live under?
17. Does the Old Testament contain the word of God?
18. Why are we to study the Old Testament?
19. Give some rules for Bible Study.
20. What are some other tools for Bible Study?
21. How will a Bible knowldge help us?
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