“Study” Part 2

Temple Baptist Church - 11-24-2013

2 Timothy 2:15

Introduction:

A.  Last week, we looked at the command, commendation, and benefits of Bible study.  This week, I want to give a quick overview as to who can study and how to study.

B.  There are several things that you need and also need to realize before you begin to study God’s Word.

1.  First of all, you need to realize that this is a supernatural Book.  This Book is a God made Book; this Book contains the mind of a thrice holy God; this Book is a living Book; this Book will feed you, guide you, warn you, admonish you, comfort you, reprove you, correct you, exhort you, and fill your heart and mind with the will and way of God.

2.  Secondly, you need to make sure that you have the right Bible!  There is only one that is correct.  Things that are different are not the same.  You need the Authorized King James Bible.  The question may be asked by some, “What is the big deal about only one Bible?”  If every word that God inspires is important, and it is, then you do not want verses left out, words left out, words changed, etc.  Start with the right Bible and you will end with the right message.

3.  Thirdly, you need some good tools to work with.  I am not saying that you cannot study your Bible by itself because you can but good men have provided us with good tools.  You can chop wood with an axe or you can use a chain saw.  You can plow with a mule or you can use a John Deere Tractor. 

a)  You need a good concordance.  This allows you to quickly find verses and subject matter.  I prefer Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. 

b)  You need a good dictionary.  Though our English language is evolving, the wording of the King James Bible is not archaic!  It is English at the height of its beauty.  I use a Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.  It is also available online for free.

c)  There are several good bible programs available online or for download that are free.  I use Esword.  It has many different aspects that make bible study both efficient and accurate.  It has

d)  A good Bible Atlas.  It is important that we be able to perceive the geography and topography of the land as it brings to life the stories of the Bible.

e)  Commentaries should be used both sparingly and LAST!  They are men’s thoughts and commentaries on the Bible, not God’s  You are studying to find out what God says and thinks, not what man says about what God says and thinks.

C.  M. R. DeHaan set forth some good rules for Bible Study that I want to use.  I will not use all of his rules but most of them.

1.  RULE #1 IS THE RULE OF REGENERATION - You need to know that you are saved!  The natural or unsaved man cannot understand the things of God.  The Bible says that they are spiritually discerned!  An unsaved person may be able to quote Scripture but they will never fully understand what they quote until they are saved and have the Author of the Bible, the Holy Spirit, living in their hearts.

1 Corinthians 2:9-16  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  (10)  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  (11)  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  (12)  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  (13)  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  (14)  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  (15)  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  (16)  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:18-19  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  (19)  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

2.  RULE #2 IS THE RULE OF AUTHORITY (OR DIVINE AUTHORSHIP) - Unless we believe that this Book is infallible, inerrant Word of God, it is useless for us to try to study it.  We must get to the point in our Christian life that the Bible is the final authority on every subject.  In fact the Bible claims itself claims authority.       

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Peter 1:23-25  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  (24)  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  (25)  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

2 Peter 1:19-21  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  (20)  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  (21)  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

3.  RULE #3 IS THE RULE OF SELECTIVE READING – The Bible should be our textbook concerning the interpretation or application of itself.  Many people ask what Bible study helps should they have or need in order to understand the Bible better.  One preacher stated Bible commentaries are like sheep; they all go astray.  Let me give you a few items that you can get and are very inexpensive in themselves.  Really they are an investment in your Christian life.  Once again:

1.  A King James Bible.  A study Bible is fine but it is to be remembered that the notes and cross references are the work of fallible, sinful man.  I like a Bible with no notes in it.  One preacher said that commentaries are like sheep: they all go astray!

2. A CONCORDANCE - An exhaustible is the best but if affordability is a consideration then abridged is helpful.  There are three excellent ones that are the most commonly used: Strong’s; Young’s and Cruden’s.  We used to say, “Cruden’s for the Crude, Young’s for the Young, and Strong’s for the Strong.”  I recommend Strong’s.

3.  A GOOD BIBLE DICTIONARY OR AN OLD WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY - Some books are good to have but not necessary.  But you should be careful what you read or who you read.  There is a lot of “Christian” authors who distort the truths of God’s Word.  A good book for you to read is a book by C. I. Scofield called “Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth.”  Oliver Greene has many great commentaries.  One preacher made this observation:  “Isn’t it amazing that the Lord knows more about the Bible than Matthew Henry.”

4.  RULE #4 IS THE RULE OF LITERAL INTERPRETATION - This Bible is full of literal things and should be interpreted literally unless common sense indicates that this is figurative or not to be taken literally.

D.  Now, how to study your Bible. 

1.  Study your Bible prayerfully.  Ask the Lord to open the Scriptures as you open your heart and mind to the truth enfolded within its pages.  Wisdom and understand are the principle things.

Psalms 119:130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Proverbs 4:7  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

2.  Study your Bible systematically.  So many people just open their Bible to whatever page it happens to open to and read there.  Scripture must be interpreted with Scripture!  If you change one verse in this Bible, you must change it all because it is intricately tied together.

Isaiah 28:10  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Isaiah 28:13  But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

3.  Study your Bible contextually.  You can make the Bible say almost anything you want it to say by basing doctrine on one verse.  

2 Peter 1:20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

a.  D.A. Carson has been quoted as saying, "A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text." By "proof text," Carson means the abuse of a single verse or phrase taken out of context to "prove" a particular view.

b.  The word "text" is derived from the Latin word, which means to ―weave.  The context is that which accompanies the text. The Word of God is a perfect unit. The scriptures cannot be broken; they all stand together in perfect unity.

c.  Every text has its immediate context in the passage from which it comes, its broader context in the book to which it belongs, and its ultimate context in the Bible as a whole; and it needs to be rightly related to each of these contexts if its character, scope and significance is to be adequately understood.

d.  One caution concerning context, watch out for verse and chapter divisions, you may miss the context.

4.  Study your Bible verbally.  There are no unnecessary words in the Bible.  God wastes no words and, therefore, every word is of the utmost importance. 

Matthew 4:4  But 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.

John 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

5.  Study your Bible progressively.  One of the principles that I use most in Bible study is that of First Mention.  In the first mention of any subject, God will reveal His truth concerning that subject and never vary from it.  Throughout the rest of the Bible, that particular truth will be progressively enlightened until the whole truth is revealed.

Psalms 36:9  For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Proverbs 4:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

6.  Study your Bible prophetically.  The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed while the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.  In the Old, we find types, anti-types, and shadows of the New.  Learn to find Christ in every part and God’s perfect will for your life.  Paul revealed this truth to the Corinthian believers.

1 Corinthians 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

7.  Study your Bible and make personal application. 

Hebrews 4:12-13  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (13)  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

James 1:22-25  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  (23)  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  (24)  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  (25)  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Thanksgiving

Temple Baptist Church - 11-24-2013

Acts 28:1-15

Introduction:

A.  As a rule, when preaching the Sunday Morning before Thanksgiving Day, I use some of the more notable texts such as Psalm 103.  These are Psalms of worship and praise born out of both the goodness of God and the circumstances that they often times produce.  What a wonderful package of benefits we find in Psalm 103.  It is of no wonder that the Psalmist said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”

B.  I thank God that I can never lose sight of these blessings found in Psalm 103.

1.  The blessing of Forgiveness and I do thank God for my forgiveness!  I thank God that my past, present, and future sins are gone forever because of Calvary and the application of the blood of Christ by my High Priest, Jesus Christ!

2.  The blessing of Physical Health and I do thank God for my health!  God has blessed me with a strong immune system, physical strength, and endurance.  I thank God for my wife’s health.  Cancer gone, heart well, and with me still.

3.  The blessing of a Rescued Life and I do thank God for my life in Christ!  I thank God for the change of life that salvation wrought.  Salvation changes and I no longer suffer even the temporal consequences of my past sinfulness and lifestyle.

4.  The blessing of Loving Kindness and Gentleness!  I am thankful for that!  I thank God that He has been, is, and always be better to me than I have been, am, or ever will be to Him.  Gracious, gentle, longsuffering, caring, loving, and every present with and for me.  God is good.

5.  The blessing of Necessities of Life! I am thankful for that!  I can say with a right spirit that I have need of nothing.  A roof over my head, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, food on my table, and the freedom and blessing of living in the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

6.  The blessing of Abundant Grace and Renewal of Strength!  I am thankful for that!  When I get tired, grace refreshes me; when I give up, grace encourages me; when I am disappointed, grace lifts me from the ashes of this life and gives me beauty instead.

C.  We always are blessed of God, no matter what our circumstances are but we are also human and our hearts are sometimes heavy with the burdens and cares of this world.  Yes, the Bible says, “Casting all your cares upon him for he careth for you.”  I am not demeaning the Scriptures, but sometimes it is just hard to “let go” when your world is rocked and wrong seems to get every advantage.

D.  I want to look at the Apostle Paul for a few minutes here in Acts 28. 

1.  In Acts 27, He is now a prisoner on the way to see Caesar.  He has been wronged, slandered, physically attacked, bound, and shipped out.  He finds himself in a safe haven and desires to stay there for a while to wait out the winter.  His advice is not listened to and he has to spend weeks at sea in a storm, is shipwrecked, and either swims to shore or comes floating in on broken pieces of the ship.

2.  In Acts 28, we find him among barbarians, wet and cold—trying to feed a fire out in the open in order to warm up his old bones.  While gathering sticks, a snake comes out of the fire and bites him on the hand!  He is then accused again of being a murderer under the judgment of God and, when he does not die of the snake bite, he becomes a god!

3.  He spends three months there with no Christian fellowship and then they set sail once again for Rome. 

E.  He eventually comes to a place called Three Taverns.  He found brethren in verse 14 and 15.  The Bible then declares that Paul, in verse 15, “thanked God, and took courage.”  I want to preach a little different Thanksgiving message this morning.  Here in verse 15, we find several things pertaining to Thanksgiving.

F.  You see, Thanksgiving is not to be dependent upon good circumstances.  It is a wonderful thing to be thankful when everything is “rosy” but we are commanded to give thanks in everything.  Not that we enjoy the trials of life.  I had rather be on the other side of trouble than in the middle of it personally.  We are to rejoice in the Lord alway.  It is a lot easier to rejoice in the Lord when everything is going right.  

1.  The Reflection Of Thanksgiving – “the brethren”

a.  When Paul saw the familiar faces of his brethren, it no doubt brought back wonderful memories.  Reflections of God’s past goodness bring about wonderful memories. 

b.  When Paul saw the familiar faces of his brethren, it no doubt caused Paul to rejoice.  Reflections of God’s past goodness bring about heartfelt rejoicing.

c.  When Paul saw these brethren, he THANKED GOD. There’s nothing like the sight of a Christian friend when you are facing a trial.  There have been times when, as a pastor, I have come to church a bit discouraged. But when I see God’s people come through the doors, it causes me to THANK GOD! And when I thank God, I’m no longer discouraged!

d.  I remember my childhood, family, town I was raised in, the girl I married, the children we had, the wonderful message of salvation that I received.  I thank God for the past.  Through valleys that we have all been through, the goodness of God has been evident.

2.  The Realization Of Thanksgiving - “whom when Paul saw”

a.  In trials, we need to open our eyes and look around!  The song, “Count Your Blessings” comes to mind at this point.  “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed” goes on to say, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessings see what God hath done.”  We often allow our trials to consume our thinking. We need to open our eyes to the blessings of the Lord.

b.  Upon Paul's approach to Rome, a "welcoming committee" of Roman Christians came out to greet and encourage him. They met up with Paul at Appii forum (about 43 miles south of Rome). An­other group of brethren from Rome met Paul at a place called "Three Taverns" (about ten miles closer to Rome).

c.  Paul did not know what he would face in Rome but he did know that the goodness and mercy of God would follow him all the days of his life.  He took courage.

d.  Paul did not know what he would face in Rome but he did know that God’s presence would go before him and God’s grace would sustain him.

e.  I thank God for what I have: my family here, my family at home, my church, my church family, my home, health.  Instead of looking at what we have not, we are to count the many blessings that we have.

3.  The Resolve Of Thanksgiving – “…he THANKED God, and took courage”

a.  Paul thanked God for what he had instead of what he lost.  He counted all things but dung because he knew the value of true peace.

b.  Paul thanked God for what he saw instead of what he did not see.  Life is truly hard and this world is wicked but I can see wonderful things all around that I can thank the Lord for.

c.  This next week, let us truly look around us and count our blessings, then thank God.

Submission To Biblical Authority

Temple Baptist Church - 11-20-2013

Colossians 3:22

Introduction:  

A.  For the past few weeks, we have dealt with the authority or “pecking order” in the home.  Every member of the home is to be subject to God’s commands concerning their place in the home.  No one is without biblical authority or responsibility. 

B.  In our text verse for tonight, the Lord deals with the employer-employee relationship.  Without submission to God given authority, there can be no submission to God!  When we “buck” the system, “buck” authority in the home, “buck” the authority at work or school, we are “bucking” the God who ordained these authorities.

C.  From birth to death, each of us are under many kinds of authority.  It would do us well to recognize these authorities that the Lord had created and submit to them as unto the Lord.  Let us look at some of these authorities.

1.  There is the authority of God.  Genesis 2:16-17  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.  (The first commandment to be followed was given by God.)

2.   There is the authority of Christ.  Ephesians 1:20-22  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

3. There is the authority of Scripture.  2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

4. There is home authority.  Colossians 3 and Ephesians 6.  There is the authority of the Lord over the father, the authority of the husband over both the wife and the children, and the authority of both husband and wife over the children.

5. There is pastoral authority.   Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

6.   There is governmental authority.  Romans 13:1  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

1 Peter 2:13-14  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;  Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

7.    There is employer authority.  Ephesians 6:5-9  Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;  (6)  Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;  (7)  With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:  (8)  Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.  (9)  And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Study

Temple Baptist Church - 11-17-2013

2 Timothy 2:15

A.  Study – a command.  “Endeavor or diligence” One of the most important aspects of practical Christianity is found in this verse.  The average believer never studies the bible.  They may read the bible through in a systematic manner but never systematically study it.  Reading programs are good; reading the bible through each year is good; but with all thy getting, get understanding!  We also grow through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word but even this does not take the place of personal endeavor in the area of bible study.

Ecclesiastes 12:12  And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Hosea 4:6  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

One of the five warning sections of Hebrews deals with perpetual “spiritual babes” who “useth” milk instead of desiring meat.

Hebrews 5:11-14  Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.  (12)  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  (13)  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  (14)  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

B.  Study – an important part of our spiritual well-being.  “Approved unto God.”  Babies must be fed by others but, as our children begin to grow, we eventually allow them to begin to feed themselves.  They make a mess and we take pictures of them with food all over their faces.  We are proud of them. 

1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

C.  Study – a labor spiritually rewarded.  “A workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” 

1 Timothy 4:6  If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Psalms 119:104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Proverbs 4:5  Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 4:7  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 16:16  How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

D.  I want to begin by giving several good reasons for personal bible study:

1.  Bible study gives us a better understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This may sound simplistic to many but one of the problems with professing believers is a lack of understand of who Jesus is, what He did for us, and what He expects from us.  Most people have a worldly view of the Saviour which is the “another Jesus” of 2 Corinthians 11:4.  Rightly dividing the Word of Truth will keep your perspective of the Lord right.

Philippians 3:7-10  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  (8)  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  (9)  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  (10)  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

2 Peter 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2.  Bible study provides for us a firm, unshakable foundation.  Today, almost everything is shaking including the faith of those who have come to Christ by faith.  It is a shaking that is not of God.  Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 2 said for the believers to be not soon shaken.  The bible will keep you from drifting spiritually and doctrinally.  Rightly dividing the Word of Truth will keep you from shaking.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  (3)  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;  (Those who know and study the bible understand the times and look forward to the coming of the Lord with anticipation and excitement.)

3.  Bible study amplifies the effectiveness of the soul winner.  Too many of God’s people do not know how to witness to the Lost.  They have confidence in the Saviour and what He has done for them but are nervous or shy about witnessing boldly to others.  Rightly dividing the Word of Truth will keep you from doubting.

Romans 10:14-17  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  (15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  (16)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  (17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 Peter 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

4.  Bible study will give the believer a blessed assurance in salvation.  So many people have actually been saved and then begin to doubt their salvation.  They do not doubt God for virtually every one of them will tell you that God cannot lie and that He will do what He says He will do.  Rightly dividing the Word of Truth will keep you from doubting.

1 John 5:13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.