Teach Yourself Bible Study Part II

USING THE TOOLS

In Part I we looked at a variety of different books which
constitute tools for studying the Bible These are especially
useful for those without a knowledge of Greek but who want to
improve their understanding of what the Bible actually says.
In Part II we shall be looking at how to use these tools. In the
first part we also noted that one can study the Bible at different
levels, so it will perhaps be most useful to use that categorisation
as the structure here.

LEVEL ONE

This level uses a study/student's bible and a popular type of
general Bible commentary. The procedure here is quite simple.
We choose a book, letter or section which acquires particular interest
for us. For the sake of argument, say, this is the eleventh chapter
of the Letter to the Hebrews. To study that chapter we might first read it
several times to digest what is being said. We could then divide it
into several sections, say, vv 1 - 3; 4 - 7; 8 - 11 and so forth.
We might then try to summarise in our own words what we think each
of these sections is saying to us.

Having thus completed the chapter, we can then consult the notes
in our study Bible and amend those we have made if needed. Similarly,
we can then consult our Bible commentary and go through a similar
process. Comparing our first set of notes with the last set might
reveal a quite clear progression in our understanding of Hebrews 11.

LEVEL TWO

At this level we are using a more scholarly Bible commentary which
goes into greater depth. Similarly, we have a special commentary
(e.g. on the Letter to the Hebrews). We can follow a similar approach
as in Level I but now the process will be more time consuming.

In addition, we have an inexpensive concordance and two
or three different translations of the Bible. The concordance will
be useful for looking-up various words of interest. Cruden's gives
a definition for a limited number of words which, where they occur,
can be quite useful. Thus Hebrews 11 is all about faith and Cruden's
gives a definition of, and a short discussion on faith. More generally,
such a concordance is useful because one can compare all the occurrences
of that word in the Bible to assess its (perhaps different) meanings.

The principle word (e.g. faith) is quoted in italics within the phrase
in which it occurs and in different contexts. (Related words will then
also be given e.g. faithful, faithless, etc.). Thus one can come to a
greater understanding of a word by considering the various contexts
and ways in which it is used.

Our understanding will be further increased by comparing two or three
(or more!) different translations of the Bible because it is often not
possible for a translator to give a word which precisely mirrors
the Greek (or Hebrew in the Old Testament). Choices will differ as between
translators and the differences can be very reveling. However, be sure
in this connection to use only those translations which seek to give as
precise as possible a translation. More colloquial translations
(such as the "Good News Bible") are fine for beginners seeking to
understand difficult part more easily but are not really suitable for our
present purpose. But if you have such a copy do, of course, consult it.
What it says can be quite surprising.

LEVEL THREE

In addition to the above, for this level one also needs a Parallel
New Testament In Greek and English; Strong's Concordance; one or
more Bible word studies.

These were explained in Part I, so here we need to see how they
can be used. Initially one might follow the general approach already
outlined above, making one's own notes on the passage being studied.
But leave a margin at either side of the page for any subsequent
notes that qualify or change what you have said. Then consult
the word study to see what is said about the passage. This can often
be very enlightening as to the proper understanding of words or phrases;
often they are not what one thought! "The Zondervan Parallel New Testament
In Greek And English" will also give an NIV and King James Version so it
is easier to see what the message is and how different translators render it.

"Strong's Concordance" will come in for heavy use. Every word in the Bible
is given a number. In its Main Concordance all these words are given in
English, along with the Scripture references. The word "faith", for example,
in Hebrews 11.1 is 4102. This can be compared to other places in which a
word occurs, so that one can see the context in which it is being used
in different instances. Moreover, one can then turn to the Dictionary for
either Hebrew or Greek. In, say, the Greek Dictionary, one uses the word's
number, such as 4102, to find the word. The Greek version of the word
is given first, then possibly another reference (e.g. to number 3982)
when the word is the derivative of another. This, of course, can
sometimes throw much additional light on its meaning. There will
then follow one or perhaps more possible definitions of the word.
Comparing these with information from word studies and/or commentaries,
one often comes to a much fuller understanding of what a scripture is
seeking to tell us.
CONCLUSIONS

Bible study is often quite demanding, but it is exciting and worthwhile.
If one has a pastor who has the requisite skills and knowledge, it will
often be worthwhile to consult him on what you have developed as an
understanding. One might also become keen to learn a little Greek. Jim
Found's self teaching book "Basic Greek in 30 Minutes a Day" is a
great and uncomplicated introduction. In any case, hopefully, once
you have started on your own Bible study, the enthusiasm will come
to keep it going.

Article Source: http://www.christiannotepad.com

AUTHOR: Anthony Keith Whitehead WEB SITE: www.christianword.co.uk This article is copyright but may be reproduced providing that all this information is included Over twenty-three years in Christian healing teaching writing ministries. Wide range of secular employments before being called by the Lord into full time independent ministry in 1987. With his wife Iris he has ministered both in the UK and USA. Has written several books on healing meditation and various aspects of spirituality. Formal qualifications include: B.A. M.Phil. Cambridge University Certificate in Religious Studies. Post Grad Cert. in Education.