Systematic Bible Study
by Dave Brown
Return to Understanding Page
Is reading the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation the best way to learn what God wants us to learn from the Bible? I hear people saying that they have read the Bible through -- sometime several times. And yet they still seem to have little knowledge of its purpose and principles.
The part of the Bible that applies to us is the New Testament. Does it make sense that we would spend close to a year reading (not necessarily studying) the entire Old Testament before even getting to what we need today for eternal salvation? The New Testament can be read by most people in one or two afternoons.
This article applies the biblical principle discussed in another article called The Milk and the Meat. To summarize this principle: it is impossible to start building complex biblical ideas (meat) without first laying a foundation (milk). In addition, certain things cannot be understood in their essential spiritual context by those who are outside of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 2). It is like trying to discover what the inside of an auditorium looks like by just looking in one of its windows. To really comprehend it you have to be inside. Similarly, to totally understand Christ you must first get into Christ (Romans 6:1-6). So getting into Christ has to come first!
So we are proposing an approach to Bible study that essentially takes the following learning path:
Of course, we are not trying to dictate a rigid course, and there is necessary overlap and reiteration in the process. But once you get onto this path you will enjoy knowing that you are moving from the milk basics to the much more complex meat of God's word. Be wary of the common ploy of false teachers to start at the bottom of this list in order to totally confuse and enslave their followers. The Bible teaches that we all have an individual responsibility to start with the basics and grow in the grace of God that comes from a knowledge of His truth (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18).
So, let's briefly discuss each of these and give some references to some helpful materials.
Some Basic Things About Jesus
To get a basic knowledge of Jesus we know of no better place to start than in the Gospel of John. It does not take long to read through John's version of the good news (gospel). Our salvation is John's only intent as stated in John 20:31: "...these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name." We also recommend the series of articles Introducing Jesus. Please be sure to check all scripture references to assure that only the truth about Jesus is being presented.
God's Plan of Salvation
The entire goal of the Bible is to save as many people as possible so they can live with God throughout eternity. Does it not make sense that once we understand who Jesus is that we should not turn our attention to his teaching regarding our salvation? To some extent you will already have learned much in this direction by a study of the Gospel of John. But recognized that all of God's word needs to be observed for us to obtain life (Matthew 4:4), and not just a part of it. However, to start with the commands of Jesus in this regard is to start with the milk of the word. These commands are summarized in the article on God's Plans of Salvation. Please feel free to ignore our comments and concentrate entirely on the passages that support these comments.
The Worship and Work of the Lord's Churches
Once you have "obeyed the gospel" (see Romans 1:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17) you will want to associate yourself with a local church that has the exact same goals as you do -- those goals that are set forth in the New Testament. Such local churches existed in the first century, and to learn about them God has given us the book of The Acts of the Apostles. Since these churches were guided directly by the miraculous revelation from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:3-8; John 14 and 16), we should do our best to pattern our worship and work after them. There are many local churches today that have this goal. Click for more information on the worship of the local churches. Click for more information on the work of the local churches.
The Letters to the Churches
Having at this point studied the book of John and perhaps one or more of the other gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), it is now time to increase maturity by studying the various letters to churches and individuals. This takes us through all of the letters of Paul, James, Peter, John and Jude, beginning with Romans and going through the first three chapters of Revelation. If something is hard to understand, seek out sound commentators, such as Barnes, Matthew Henry, Adam Clark and others. Test them to see that they have total respect for the Bible and that they appeal only to the bible for their authority. While not nearly the depth of these commentaries, we offer our thoughts on Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians.
Supporting Information from the Old Testament
Study of the Old Testament is important -- it is dictated by the New Testament in the following passages:
Romans 15:4
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope."
1 Corinthians 10:11
"Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come."
First and foremost, run the references that are found in the New Testament to Old Testament passages (e.g., fulfillment of prophecies). Most Bibles have references or footnotes to this effect, and we are familiar with the excellent footnotes provided in the American Standard Version (ASV). Many computerized Bibles also contain such references. Be sure to get the context and not just the single verse that might be quoted.
After that, a good method is to go through the Old Testament history books and at the same time reference the prophets who were active at the time. Remember that the Old Testament is truth and all truth is extremely valuable for our spiritual well-being (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The fact that we are no longer under the edicts of the Old Testament should in no way devalue it in this regard.
Apocalyptic Writings
The apocalyptic writings are by far the most advanced and a good background as given above is necessary for their understanding. Consider the following reference:
APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE
"The word apocalypse is a Greek word meaning "revelation." Therefore, apocalyptic literature is a special kind of writing that arose among the Jews and Christians to reveal certain mysteries about heaven and earth, humankind and God, angels and demons, the life of the world today, and the world to come."
... ...
"Two books in the Bible-the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament and the New Testament Book of Revelation-are good examples of the apocalyptic literary form."
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
We will give no other guidance here than the advice not to go beyond what is written. If the text does not state something explicitly or imply it necessarily, there there is nothing wrong with our leaving it as an open question -- perhaps to be resolved at a later time, and perhaps not (Deuteronomy 29:29). In no cases should doubtful interpretations be used to bind members of the church to any specific beliefs.
What are the conditions of salvation given by Jesus?
Return to the Understanding page
The part of the Bible that applies to us is the New Testament. Does it make sense that we would spend close to a year reading (not necessarily studying) the entire Old Testament before even getting to what we need today for eternal salvation? The New Testament can be read by most people in one or two afternoons.
This article applies the biblical principle discussed in another article called The Milk and the Meat. To summarize this principle: it is impossible to start building complex biblical ideas (meat) without first laying a foundation (milk). In addition, certain things cannot be understood in their essential spiritual context by those who are outside of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 2). It is like trying to discover what the inside of an auditorium looks like by just looking in one of its windows. To really comprehend it you have to be inside. Similarly, to totally understand Christ you must first get into Christ (Romans 6:1-6). So getting into Christ has to come first!
So we are proposing an approach to Bible study that essentially takes the following learning path:
- Some basic things about Jesus
- God's plan of salvation
- The worship and work of the Lord's church
- The letters to the churches
- Supporting information from the Old Testament
- Apocalyptic writings
Of course, we are not trying to dictate a rigid course, and there is necessary overlap and reiteration in the process. But once you get onto this path you will enjoy knowing that you are moving from the milk basics to the much more complex meat of God's word. Be wary of the common ploy of false teachers to start at the bottom of this list in order to totally confuse and enslave their followers. The Bible teaches that we all have an individual responsibility to start with the basics and grow in the grace of God that comes from a knowledge of His truth (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18).
So, let's briefly discuss each of these and give some references to some helpful materials.
Some Basic Things About Jesus
To get a basic knowledge of Jesus we know of no better place to start than in the Gospel of John. It does not take long to read through John's version of the good news (gospel). Our salvation is John's only intent as stated in John 20:31: "...these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name." We also recommend the series of articles Introducing Jesus. Please be sure to check all scripture references to assure that only the truth about Jesus is being presented.
God's Plan of Salvation
The entire goal of the Bible is to save as many people as possible so they can live with God throughout eternity. Does it not make sense that once we understand who Jesus is that we should not turn our attention to his teaching regarding our salvation? To some extent you will already have learned much in this direction by a study of the Gospel of John. But recognized that all of God's word needs to be observed for us to obtain life (Matthew 4:4), and not just a part of it. However, to start with the commands of Jesus in this regard is to start with the milk of the word. These commands are summarized in the article on God's Plans of Salvation. Please feel free to ignore our comments and concentrate entirely on the passages that support these comments.
The Worship and Work of the Lord's Churches
Once you have "obeyed the gospel" (see Romans 1:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17) you will want to associate yourself with a local church that has the exact same goals as you do -- those goals that are set forth in the New Testament. Such local churches existed in the first century, and to learn about them God has given us the book of The Acts of the Apostles. Since these churches were guided directly by the miraculous revelation from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:3-8; John 14 and 16), we should do our best to pattern our worship and work after them. There are many local churches today that have this goal. Click for more information on the worship of the local churches. Click for more information on the work of the local churches.
The Letters to the Churches
Having at this point studied the book of John and perhaps one or more of the other gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), it is now time to increase maturity by studying the various letters to churches and individuals. This takes us through all of the letters of Paul, James, Peter, John and Jude, beginning with Romans and going through the first three chapters of Revelation. If something is hard to understand, seek out sound commentators, such as Barnes, Matthew Henry, Adam Clark and others. Test them to see that they have total respect for the Bible and that they appeal only to the bible for their authority. While not nearly the depth of these commentaries, we offer our thoughts on Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians.
Supporting Information from the Old Testament
Study of the Old Testament is important -- it is dictated by the New Testament in the following passages:
Romans 15:4
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope."
1 Corinthians 10:11
"Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come."
First and foremost, run the references that are found in the New Testament to Old Testament passages (e.g., fulfillment of prophecies). Most Bibles have references or footnotes to this effect, and we are familiar with the excellent footnotes provided in the American Standard Version (ASV). Many computerized Bibles also contain such references. Be sure to get the context and not just the single verse that might be quoted.
After that, a good method is to go through the Old Testament history books and at the same time reference the prophets who were active at the time. Remember that the Old Testament is truth and all truth is extremely valuable for our spiritual well-being (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The fact that we are no longer under the edicts of the Old Testament should in no way devalue it in this regard.
Apocalyptic Writings
The apocalyptic writings are by far the most advanced and a good background as given above is necessary for their understanding. Consider the following reference:
APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE
"The word apocalypse is a Greek word meaning "revelation." Therefore, apocalyptic literature is a special kind of writing that arose among the Jews and Christians to reveal certain mysteries about heaven and earth, humankind and God, angels and demons, the life of the world today, and the world to come."
... ...
"Two books in the Bible-the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament and the New Testament Book of Revelation-are good examples of the apocalyptic literary form."
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
We will give no other guidance here than the advice not to go beyond what is written. If the text does not state something explicitly or imply it necessarily, there there is nothing wrong with our leaving it as an open question -- perhaps to be resolved at a later time, and perhaps not (Deuteronomy 29:29). In no cases should doubtful interpretations be used to bind members of the church to any specific beliefs.
What are the conditions of salvation given by Jesus?
Return to the Understanding page