Bible's Treasures

PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY (PBS)

I. What is PBS??

It is the personal study and analysis of Bible by self with the aid of different sources but always sticking to the truth with the use of universal Standards for “TRUTH”.

It is the in-depth study of scripture to understand the content of study completely, to grow in the Lord Personally, to know the Lord, to love the lord, to fear the lord, to know ourselves, to correct ourselves and attain spiritual maturity. 

Our God is a Personal God, he speaks to each one of us personally and reveals his purpose to everyone who seeks him and asks him. The closest way we would be able to enjoy the nature of God, Check out the teachings of others and Know His purpose in our lives is through Personal Bible Study.

Personal Bible Study is the personal analysis of Bible for its personal and more standard solutions regarding the topics and issues which is hesitated to be shared to others because of our weaknesses.

II. Why do we need PBS??

Ø  The Scripture is written that we should believe Jesus is the Son of God and have life in his name. John 20:31

Ø  The Scripture helps us to grow in our Salvation. 1 Peter 2:2

Ø  Holding on to the teaching of Jesus will make the believers, His Disciples. It reveals the Truth and the truth sets us free. John 8:31, 32

Ø  The Scripture helps to keep ourselves pure and away from sin. Psalms 119:9-11

Ø  The Lord’s Commands could make us wiser. Psalm 119:98

Ø  The Book of Law could help our ways to be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:1-3

Ø  Devoting ourselves to Study and Observance of Law could lead us to teach others. Ezra 7:10

Ø  If we love the Lord, we need to obey Jesus’s command. John 14:15. For Obeying Lord’s command, we should study it and know it.

Ø  We should study the Word of God to be a workman approved by God, and for correctly handling the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Ø  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

III. Who can do PBS??

Ø  Anybody who wants to know or believe the Lord Jesus can do Personal Bible study. John 20:31. The man without the Spirit i.e. an unbeliever cannot accept the Scripture, as it is from the Spirit of God and it will be foolishness to him. He cannot understand it as it is spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Ø  Like New Born babies craving for Milk, one who craves for the Scriptures can do it. 1 Peter 2:2

Ø  One who considers the precepts to be as sweet as honey. Psalms 119:103, 104

Ø  One who considers it to be a light to the Path. Psalms 119:105,106

Ø  One who teaches/want to teach others. Ezra 7:10, Isaiah 50:4

Ø  One who believes and experiences that All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Ø  One who believes and experiences that the bible contains the good news of great joy for all. Luke 2:10

Ø  One who wants to be nobler by receiving the Word of God with eagerness and examine the Scripture. Acts 17:11

Ø  One who doesn’t want to add or delete to what the Bible tells. Revelation 22:18, 19 can do the Personal Bible Study.

IV. Where we can do PBS??

Ø  It is a Personal Bible Study, so a quiet and a Lonely place is much Preferable

Ø  The place is preferably well ventilated, lighted

Ø  The place shouldn’t be disturbing with various diverters

Ø  The place should be pleasant and clean

Ø  Whatever, it is a room in a home or a grassland, make sure it provides a peaceful environment and the place don’t take much of your attention.

V. When we can do PBS??

Ø  The Personal Bible Study involves much of your time, at least an hour to do and goes beyond it as the Lord teaches and the person puts interest.

Ø  If you are busy, it is necessary to have a schedule like weekly once, Two weeks once or monthly once and stick to it.

Ø  Weekend is preferable as it would be stress-free and thoughts will be fresh, you can continue for extra time without any hurry.

Ø  Whenever certain doubt arises or when some preacher speaks contradictorily to the theme of the bible.

Ø  When we need to lead Group Bible Study or teach others, we shall do Personal bible study.

VI. How to do PBS??

Ø  We need not worry much; The Spirit of God guides us into all truth. (John 16:13, 14:26) and every Believer is sealed with the Spirit of God. (Ephesians 1:13) So seek God and Depend on him first and foremost.

Ø  Plan your study - Book, Chapter, Time, preferably collecting the resource materials. 

Ø  Glance through the content two to three times.

Ø  Let the overall biblical message be in your mind always and Let the Bible Interpret bible. 

Ø  Have Knowledge about Books of Bible, Author, Theme, Literary pattern, Language differences, Translations, Versions, Extra-Biblical books, History, etc.

Ø  Use the available methods, guidance’s and technics for a systemic and regular reading of the Bible for the complete observation and Interpretation.

Various Methods of Studying the Bible:

v  The Devotional Method of Bible Study

v  The Chapter Summary Method of Bible Study

v  The Character Quality Method of Bible Study

v  The Thematic Method of Bible Study

v  The Biographical Method of Bible Study

v  The Topical Method of Bible Study

v  The Word Study Method of Bible Study

v  The Book Background Method of Bible Study

v  The Book Survey Method of Bible Study

v  The Chapter Analysis Method of Bible Study

v  The Book Synthesis Method of Bible Study

v  The Verse by Verse Method of Bible Study

v  Swedish Method

v  SIPA (Scripture, Insight, Prayer, Action) Method

v  COMA (Context, Observation, Meaning, Application) Method

v  Inductive Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation, Application (OIA)) Method

Various Tools for PBS:

Essential tools

ü  Bible is the Ultimate source (It can be in the understandable language/mother tongue)

ü  A Notebook

ü  A pen

Other Preferable tools include:

ð  Bible(s) in second Language(s) (Versions should be carefully chosen) - Topical bible, Expository Bible

ð  Study Bible

ð  Bible Dictionary, Language Dictionary, Encyclopaedia

ð  Bible Commentary

ð  Bible Concordance

ð  Bible Atlas

ð  Bible Study handbook

ð  Lexicon,

ð  Cultural contextualization tools etc.

VII. Results of PBS (So What??)

Ø  PBS helps us to avoid Major Misinterpretations

Ø  We shall understand that the interpretation of the Bible does not merely depend on experts or even authoritative interpreters (such as the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church) once we start interpreting it rightly by ourselves. For instance, the notion held by Catholicism is that the church created the Bible; in Protestantism, we hold that it is the Bible that creates the church. 

Ø  The Personal Bible Study will help us to understand the bible ourselves and grow in maturity of Lord Jesus Christ.

Ø  We understand that, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16”

INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY METHOD (IBS)

v  IBS encapsulates all other methods in one way or the other.

v  It is a very detailed and wonderful method for the in-depth notice of scriptures without missing much valuable treasure that is usually less noticed in a verse.

v  It is a very detailed and wonderful method to interpret the scripture in its original essence with the valuable standards, without adding or deleting any of our own thoughts/traditional beliefs to the Word of God. 

v  IBS is a very detailed and wonderful method to make Reasonable, Practical and Godly decisions and applications.

v  IBS includes Observation, Interpretation, and Application which are essential and sufficient factors to study about anything.

Pro’s and Con’s

·         It is a very good method but initially, it seems to be much time consuming and many of them stop doing it because of that. Though, after some time of practicing it regularly, the principles and concepts will settle behind our heads and hearts to make our study complete and very valuable.

·         It is a systematic method of study and considers various standards for an in-depth understanding of Scriptures. 

·         In spite of all its pro’s and con’s, It is just a great method but useless, unless it is practiced. The Ultimate authority should not be the methodology that fusses after some time. The Ultimate authority should always be given to the Spirit of God for He alone can help us to hold on to the scripture forever, in the midst of all our limitations.

I. OBSERVATION

v  Observation refers to the careful notice of the verse/passage/book, word by word so that we will not miss anything.

v  It uses much of our eyes with the already known, existent and possible concepts

v  It is the first step of the Bible study as it is for every other thing and if the Observation is wrong, Interpretation may go wrong and there are a lot of chances to land in a wrong application.

Things to be considered while Observation

Literary form:

a.       Narrative- Mostly all the Historical books/passages.

2. Poetry- The poetical books and some poetical passages in other books
3. Discourse

Teaching/ Doctrine - Mostly teachings of Jesus, prophets and the Apostles

Epistles - Mostly the letters from the apostles

d.      Prophecy- Mostly the Prophetic Books and the Passages with prophecy. Apocalyptic- The Book that 's written as if the author is seeing the future during the present time. Example: Book of Revelation

Repeated Words and Phrases:

A word that comes again and again in a passage/chapter/book. Psalms 150ch (Praise him)

Location Words:

The words that denote the Locations. John 6:1 (Tiberias), John 4:4 (Samaria)

Time Words:

The Words that denote the time/season/year.  Luke 3:1 (In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar)

Grammar:

a.       Tense: The tense has significance and it should be noted in some passages. Ephesians 2Ch

b.      Conditional Clauses: There are a lot of verses that use the conditional clause ‘if‘, that should be observed. Luke 19:8

c.       Verbs: Important Action words should be noticed. Luke 10:25-37

d.      Interrogation: Rhetorical question- A question to which answer doesn’t need to be given. Genesis 18:14, Matthew 27:46

e.      Connective Words: Any word that acts as a bridge between two sentences and has a great impact on its meaning. Galatians 5:13

Figures of Speech:

a.       Hyperbole: an exaggeration for the purpose of emphasizing the stated point. Psalm 6:6

b.      Metaphor: A comparison between two dissimilar things. Psalm 94:22

c.       Metonymy: An idea that is deduced by the use of another associated idea. 2 Corinthians 3:15

d.      Simile: A comparison of two dissimilar things with the word of comparison. Job 41:24

e.      Anthropomorphism: Depicting God, in terms of Man. Exodus 33:23; Psalms 10:11

f.        Irony: Opposite of the intended meaning is stated. 2Sam 6:20

g.       Apostrophe: Addressing a person or thing that is either absent or imaginary. Joshua 10:12

h.      Personification: Giving a non-living or non- personal thing, human nature. Psalms 98: 7, 8

i.        Parable: A Story that is true to life and usually taught for teaching a single point. Matthew 13Ch; Luke 5:36-39

j.        Allegory: A story not true to life and it is an extended metaphor. John 15:1-8

k.       Pleonasm: The use of superfluous words. 2 Samuel 7:22

l.        Synecdoche: The use of Specific terms in place of a general term. Psalms 7:16

m.    Euphemism: The Substitution of more agreeable expression for one less accepted. Ruth 3:1-9, II Timothy 2:16

Contrasts and comparisons:

a.       Contrast: Words that are opposite in meaning. I John 3:10, Mathew 7:13, 14, Psalms 1Ch

b.      Comparison: It points out similarities between two or more things; there will be words such as like, as, etc. Ephesians 2:1,2

Unknown Words:

Any word for which the meaning is not clearly known, it differs between individuals.

Theme:

It’s the central core that the verse or passage tries to explain. For instance 1Corinthians 13Ch explains ‘Love’. The passage/chapter can also be divided into sub-topics under the theme

7 FFQ’s (5Wh questions, 1H question, and 1SW question)

QUESTION	ANSWER FROM VERSE/PASSAGE
What?	Central idea
Where?	Place where it occurred (wider& specific)
When?	Time of the event
Who?	People involved (direct & indirect)
Why?	Purpose/objective of the event
How?	Process/method/mode of happening
So What?	Consequence(s)

INTERPRETATION            

v  The Interpretation uses much of the mind than eyes

v  A synonym for Interpretation is Hermeneutics; Hermeneutics is the science of a correct interpretation of the Bible.

v  Many times we are deductive and use the scripture to point out what we want to convey, but the principles of the inductive study will help us to get and give the correct meaning deriving out of the scripture itself.

v  Every verse in the bible has only one right Interpretation, though many thoughts and literal comparisons are possible with the creative human minds. So it is always necessary to seek God’s guidance through His Spirit.

v  Accuracy of Interpretation ∞(directly proportional to) Effort taken in Observation

Things to be considered while Interpretation

1. Interpret according to the meaning:

Same words have a different meaning, Different words have same meaning and Words change in progress to time in verse to verse, so it is necessary to interpret the verse or passage in reference to its meaning. Also the usage of words differ from language to language, this is where the Lexicon helps us to know the actual word sense.

2. Interpret according to the Grammar:

The use of tenses (Galatians 2:20), verbs (Romans 1:3-4), prepositions (Romans 3:21, 22) and adjuncts (Matthew 2:1, 11) influence a lot on the meaning of the passage and It should be considered very carefully. The Connective words and the Conditional clauses are very helpful in deriving a concrete application.

3. Interpret according to the Context:

The Context provides the actual meaning by helping us to picture the whole things of the verse/ passage/ chapter/ book. John 1:1-15(The meaning of ‘Word’ could be understood only in its context)

4. Interpret according to the Background:

The historical background (Matthew 2:1), geographical background (John 4:3-5), cultural background (Luke: 7:44-46), social background (Mark 1:40-44, Leviticus 13:45, 46) etc. are helpful to understand the correct meaning of most of the passages.

5. Interpret according to the Purpose:

The whole purpose of the bible should always be kept in mind while interpreting verses that are controversial in our perception. (Luke 14:26, Exodus 20:12, Matthew 10:37)

The purpose of the author of the book and the recipients to whom it is written should also be considered for a wealthier interpretation. (John 20:31, 1 John 5:1

Summary of InterpretationThe Meaning of the Bible lies in its Grammar, Background, & Purpose in accordance with its Context

APPLICATION

v The application uses much of our heart than the eyes and mind.

v  The Observation and Interpretation is more or less same to everyone as it is from the same and already obtained standards. But the last and most important part of the personal bible study is an application which varies diversely from person to person according to their need and exposure, through the Guidance of Spirit of God.  

v  Every verse/passage needn’t have a personal application for everyone. But in the end of the study, it will surely help everyone to gain knowledge and may be helpful to lead others spiritually.

Results of Application

Application helps in any of the things below or else we should check for the reliability of our Observation and Interpretation.

1. To firmly Believe in the Lord and the Values He had shown us, one study after the other
2. To Learn out new things and increase in all knowledge and wisdom; to rule out all the preconceived ideas due to the Influence of Socio-cultural-Educational-Linguistic backgrounds. 
3. To Obey the Commandments given by God, as we come to know that it doesn’t just have control over us but actually helps us to control all other things and the following consequences.
4. To Claim the promises that are very general to all the Children of God and that are very specific based on our own situations.
5. To kindle others to learn the Word of God by teaching it to them, because of the known values that couldn’t be got from any other sources.

Summary of Application The Application of the Personal Bible Study helps us to B(believe)L(learn)O(obey)C(Claim)K (Kindle) (all the misleading’s in life personally).

 

CONCLUSION

The Inductive Bible Study Method is a Magnificent Method to Study Bible, though many of us find hard to give more time for it in the midst of our busy schedule. We shall try to practice it regularly (Weekly once/Two weeks once/Monthly once) whenever possible for an in-depth study and for our personal spiritual growth. 

Bible is not a personal letter, but many personal values can be always obtained, Also it is not in chronological order, written by different people at different times for a different purpose. It is a double-edged sword. The Inductive Bible Study method helps us to deal with it rightly.

We shall try our best to do the Inductive Bible Study whenever we lead the Group Bible studies for a very clear, genuine and in-depth leading and try out the other simpler methods of Personal Bible study to participate in the Group Bible Studies.

As followers of Christ, we should be a learner always and Personally Develop ourselves by learning new skills day by day which needs more efforts & practice.

“Use all the God-given Resources and Gifts around us.”

GUIDELINES FOR STUDYING THE NARRATIVE/HISTORICAL PASSAGES/VERSES

Ø  Narrative/Historical Passages usually have the completed incidence/situation as it is. There are no allegory or Symbolic representations that a narrative passage as a whole represents. Though the principles could be overlapped with other incidences of the past or future to study or remember the characters/incidences, It is not right to be interpreted the missing things by one another unless there is a strong reference of verses.

Ø  The Time/location and the Tense of the passage/verse may be vital. Characters involved in the passage/verse who give structure to it are very important.

Ø  The Narrative passages should be understood in the Culture of the people involved in the event/incident and its least empirical to compare it with own Culture. 

Ø  The Context is very important while studying the historical/Narrative passages. The interconnected passages should not be interpreted by splitting and taken for application, as the entire essence of the incident will be lost.

Ø  The Intention of the Action needs to be analyzed in the narrative/historical passage than the action itself. The Actions can be something desirable and can also be something that is undesirable. There will be actions that are practically not possible but could be possible by the Power and Sovereignty of God.

Ø  All human beings (including prophets, kings, and leaders, etc.) wasn’t highly perfect throughout, so it is necessary to follow what is acceptable by the teachings of other Scriptures and deny what is not acceptable by the other teachings of the Scriptures.

Ø  No Doctrine or Concept can be derived from the Narrative or Historical Passage, until it is confirmed by some other verses of the Bible.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDYING THE PARABLES:

Ø  The Parables are narrative in form but it not what it is. It has a figurative meaning.

Ø  The parable may look like some practically possible event/occasion or impossible event/occasion. Whatever it is, the event is not much important but the Central Idea of Expression for which the event/occasion is told.

Ø  Usually, the Parable is an illustration for a Central Idea that the author wants to express. 

GUIDELINES FOR STUDYING THE TEACHINGS/EPISTLES:

Ø  The passages with Teachings usually roles around a central theme or set of themes.

Ø  The Author’s intention, purpose and the recipients are very important to be considered while studying the passage/verse in Teachings/Epistles.

Ø  There maybe illustrations/examples that need to be interpreted in the context and reference to the other scriptures.

Ø  There will be commands to obey, instructions to follow and warnings.

Ø  There may be blessings but on conditions. 

GUIDELINES FOR STUDYING THE POETIC PASSAGES/VERSES:

Ø  Poetic Verses are not only found in Poetic books, but it is also found in most of the books of the bible. More than 1/3 of the Old Testament Scripture contains Poetic Verses except for very few books (Leviticus, Esther, etc.).

Ø  The Whole or Major Portion of the books such as Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Songs of Solomon, Job and some prophetic books contains Poetic Verses. Jews were Music-Loving People and famous for their songs. Psalms, a big Poetic book is written/authored by many authors (kings, Priests, Prophets, Musicians, etc.) in which David wrote most of it.

Ø  The Poetic passages are also found in the New Testament in very few verses as Hymns (Phil 2:5-11), Songs (Luke 1 46-56), Psalms or Prophetic quotations (Gal 4:27), Emphasizing the point (1John 2:12-14).

Ø  Some of the poetic verses should be studied as couplets. Look for connecting words that may give the key to the relationship of the couplets. Look for figures of Speech, Analyse and Interpret.

Ø  Recognize harsh or violent language used in Poetry. It is not to be taken literally as such. Language may express the deep feelings of the writer towards God’s enemies, not necessarily his own attitude of thoughts.

Ø  The Speciality of the Poetic Verses is easy memorization compared to all other literary forms. It is easy to learn, remember and ruminate on stirring compositions.

Ø  The Authors/Writers of the Poetic books will be mostly Worshipper or Philosopher whose aim is to testify Personal experience with God, People or other things (Both Living or Non-living things).

GUIDELINES FOR STUDYING THE PROPHETIC PASSAGES/VERSES:

Ø  Prophecy is any direct Revelation from God. So the entire Scripture can be called Prophecy and Authors as Prophets. (The Hebrew word ‘Nabi’ means ‘to call and the word ‘Seer’ means ‘to see’).

Ø  Prophecy is mostly understood as Foretelling or Prediction but the New Testament teaches that it is also Forth telling (Speaking the right word at the right time without fear or Compromise)

Ø  The Messages from the Prophets are vigorous and Fearless at times because of the people’s nature and Clear authority as God’s Spokesman.

Ø  Refer the New Testament for how it interprets the Prophecy of Old Testament, wherever applicable.

Ø  Seek for near fulfillment and message of the Prophetic verses rather than going for future fulfillment.

Ø  Consider literal meaning and fulfillment. If it isn’t applicable, look for the figurative meaning. Consider the features of prophetic passages.

Ø  Prophets spoke at Specific times and places in history. The most common situations are Corruption, Social Justice, Gross Immorality, Religious hypocrisy, Economic disparity, etc. Therefore knowledge of the Historical, Social and Political Backgrounds are needed to understand and interpret it rightly (Kings and Chronicles provide much background for the 17 prophetic books.)

Ø  It is good to start with the short book for study. Scanning, Reading and Re-reading the entire Scripture at regular intervals will help to know the connectivity of the passages and understand prophecies better.

References: 1. “Old Testament Made Easy” by Rev Dr. J. Godwin Nickelson; 2. “The Bible Study Handbook” by Lindsay Olesberg; 3. Let the Bible Speak by Shirley Christopher, Prema Fenn, Vijaya Pramar

Note: 

Access the content, sample, and template files @ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10eM-FUDOUsFTqnEFXAfqbLbrQcKQEr-3?usp=drive_link