“How to Study the Bible” Series
Whenever you are given a charge to do something, it is always important to know why. Sometimes we don't have the luxury of knowing why other than “because I said so”. You'll find that your parents are not the only ones who do this; even Yahweh has given us commandments that only test our willingness to obey.
However, there is a true purpose to studying the scriptures. Actually, there are many reasons, but they all are part of one purpose. That purpose, and its many parts, are the subject of this lesson. The lesson is divided into three groups: Past, Present and Future.
The following are scriptures that relate to studying the scriptures.
Ephesians 4:11-16
2 Timothy 2:14-15
14 Of these things put them
in remembrance, charging them before the Master that they strive not
about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15
Study to shew thyself approved unto Yahweh, a workman that needeth
not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by
inspiration of Yahweh, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the
man of Yahweh may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works.
2 John 1:9-10
9 Whosoever transgresseth,
and abideth not in the doctrine of Messiah, hath not Yahweh. He that
abideth in the doctrine of Messiah, he hath both the Father and the
Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,
receive him not into your house, neither bid him Yah speed:
It is so easy to hear a nice religious story or bible-based story and accept it as it is because it teaches a good lesson. However, not all stories told are completely truthful and it may be very important that you know which parts are the truth and which are “artistic license”.
Did you ever hear someone tell a story that was based on the bible, but was not completely truthful?
What about a story that was 100% true, but left out important events?
So often, we have someone who walks up to us to tell us we are doing something incorrect in relation to scripture. They may say to a woman, “it is required that you wear something to cover your head during the service”. It is also likely someone may tell a man he must wear tassels or even a prayer shawl for “it is commanded”. Unless you study the scriptures, you cannot possibly know what you should and should not do. Many times, you'll find out that what some people take as commandments are really traditions now taught as law.
Mark 7:6-8
6 He answered and said unto
them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is
written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart
is far from me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching
for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the
commandment of Yahweh, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing
of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Have you ever heard of anyone telling another person to do something that was not in scripture?
How do you know the difference between a law and a tradition in scripture?
Sometimes, we hear of archaeological discoveries that prove that some person or city or object in scripture actually existed. If you have a greater understanding of scripture, these discoveries will also have a greater impact on your own faith.
What do you believe would be a biblical discovery that would impact the world?
Have you heard of any discoveries lately that prove something in the bible?
An important facet of studying the scriptures is knowing that every bit of it was directly written down for you and every other person. Yahweh gave many words and instructions to his people then that have significance now as well. Every chapter you read was written for you.
Psalm 19:7-11
Psalm 119:97-104
Are there parts of the bible that bore you completely? Is it because you feel it is not directly applied to you?
Finally, we have to be prepared for what is going to happen in the future. It may be in my lifetime, more likely in your lifetime, or even after we are all gone. However, we have no excuse to be lazy about it and not be ready just because we feel we have plenty of time left. So you must study to know what will happen and what signs you must watch for.
Mark 13:30-37
Matthew 24:42-51
So what do we need to watch for?
Does this mean you must deeply study prophecies and know exactly what will happen and when?
Lesson One – What is the Purpose of Study? Copyright ©2004 – Congregation of YHWH (www.yahsaves.org)