A ClASSrOOM WOrKSHOP eXPerIeNCe

A ClASSrOOM WOrKSHOP eXPerIeNCe
name
phone
email
BiLD Training Center
Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas
BiLD.fellowshipnwa.org
II
"Baseline" (a part of the BilD training Center)
provides a common pathway of leadership
development for emerging leaders at
Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas.
this is a foundational expectation for all of Fellowship.
Baseline is the starting point for discipleship
(as well as leadership development).
© 2014, Fellowship Bible Church Northwest Arkansas
BiLD Training Center
Scriptures taken from NIV unless otherwise noted THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW
INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by
Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide
Curriculum may be copied and used for personal and ministry purposes, as long as content remains unchanged.
Preface
For most, the Bible is a puzzle, but that is more the result of our own neglect
than the Lord’s intent. It is God’s desire to make Himself known. (He calls
to us through the creation, He has sent prophets and preachers.) He sent
His own Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, to reveal His person
and His purpose; all so that we might have life, eternal and abundant.
Further, and more specifically, for the purposes of this course, He has
given us His living Word recorded in the Scriptures; a revelation of
Himself that is beyond marvelous. He only asks (commands) that we be
diligent students who learn to rightly divide the Word of truth.
That brings us back to “the puzzle.” How do we rightly divide, or better, put this picture
of God and man back together in all of its fullness. Therein lies our purpose for this class.
Even as a puzzle reveals itself progressively via corner pieces, straight edged sides,
dominant color schemes and fine detail to complete the picture, so there are steps to
be taken to discover the full and clear picture of God and His plan for you and me.
This class will equip us with a process to master what is a puzzle for many.
Table of Contents
Session One___________________________________ page 5
Session Two___________________________________ page 17
Session Three__________________________________ page 23
Session Four___________________________________ page 29
Session Five___________________________________ page 37
Session Six____________________________________ page 51
Appendix 1 - Philippians _________________________ page 61
Appendix 2 - Mechanical Analysis__________________ page 71
Appendix 3 - Value of Verbs______________________
_ page 73
“O that God would grant that my commentaries and
those of all other teachings were destroyed, and that
every Christian took the Bible in his own hands, and
read God’s Word for himself. You would then see
that there is an infinite difference between the Word
of God and the word of man… So dig deeper, ever
deeper, my brethren. Let my explanations and those
of others serve merely as scaffolding to the real
building, in order that we may grasp the pure and sweet
Word of God, and feed on it, and stand by it.”
- Martin Luther
//// 4 ////
SESSION ONE
CORN ER P IEC ES
I.INTRODUCTION
A. The Value of the Word of God
"I hear
and I forget."
"I see
and I remember."
1. 2 Timothy 3:16
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness…"
"I do
and I understand."
Benefit: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
One who uses
the bible as his
guide never
loses his sense
of direction.
Adapted From: Navigators's 2:7
//// 5 ////
"Scripture is not in our power. It is not at the disposal
of our intellect and is not obliged to render up its
secrets to those who have theological training, merely
because they are learned. Scripture imposes it's own
meaning; it binds the soul to God through faith. Because
the initiative in the interpretation of Scripture remains
in the hands of God, we must humble ourselves in His
presence and pray that He will give understanding
and wisdom to us as we meditate on the sacred text.
While we may take courage from the thought that God
gives understanding of Scripture to the humble, we
should also heed the warning that the truth of God
can never coexist with human pride. Humility is the
hermeneutical precondition for authentic exegesis."
David C. Steinmetz
//// 6 ////
2. Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
"For the word of God is living and active and
sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as
far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints
and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and
intentions of the heart."
Benefit: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
3. Isaiah 66:2b
"These are the ones I look on with favor: those who
are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble
at my word."
"The Bible is the Word
of God in such a way
that when the Bible
speaks, God speaks."
–B.B. Warfield
"There is more to
Christian growth than
knowing what the
Bible says; nobody
is ever nourished by
memorizing menus."
–John Blanchard
Benefit: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
4. Joshua 1:8
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips;
meditate on it day and night, so that you may be
careful to do everything written in it. Then you will
be prosperous and successful."
Benefit: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
//// 7 ////
Surveying a book
FIRST
THEN
The Whole
The Parts
Skyscraper View
Ground Level View
Panoramic Sweep
Microscopic Focus
Survey
Analyze
//// 8 ////
II. REVIEW: PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY (First Hand Joy)
A. 5 LAWS OF BIBLE STUDY
5 LAWS OF BIBLE STUDY
1. Law of Observation :
"What Do I See?"
2. Law of Interpretation :
"What Does It Mean?"
3. Law of Application :
"How Does It Work?"
4. Law of Correlation :
"Where Does It Fit?"
5. Law of Communication :
"How Do I Share?"
"Knowledge that
is self-discovered
remains the longest in
memory. There is no
jewel more precious
than that which you
have mined yourself."
–Howard Hendricks
"…Discipline yourself
for the purpose
of Godliness…"
1 Timothy 4:7b (NASB)
B. Inductive Bible study
//// 9 ////
The Bible
Number of Verses – 31,039
Number of Chapters – 1,189
Number of Verses per Chapter – 26.1
“To whom will he teach knowledge,
and to whom will he explain the message?
Those who are weaned from the milk,
those taken from the breast?
For it is precept upon precept,
precept upon precept,
line upon line, line upon line,
here a little, there a little.”
Isaiah 28:9-10 (ESV)
//// 10 ////
III. SURVEY AND OBSERVATION OF A WHOLE BOOK
A. INTRODUCTION
You cannot study the whole Bible at once, but you can
begin by studying one of its 66 books. Each book has
a unique purpose in exposing us to God Himself and
His plan for our life. Each book bears many important
principles, and taken together gives a unified and
compelling message of God’s purposes from creation
to consummation. BUT, HOW DO YOU STUDY A
WHOLE BOOK? May I suggest, the same way you
would eat an elephant, one bite at a time. Perhaps, a
more appealing thought would be, “the same way you
would engage a jigsaw puzzle.” First, find the corner
pieces.
B. STEPS TO BE TAKEN (“To find the corner pieces”)
1.
Read and re-read the entire book in one sitting
(longer books, two sittings; longest books, three
sittings; remember, SURVEY)
2. First Survey Reading: Record Your First
Impressions (of mood, tone, message)
"I will not teach a
book of the Bible
until I have read
it fifty times."
–G. Campbell Morgan
"The literal
interpretation as
applied to any
document is that view
which adopts as the
sense of a sentence
the meaning of that
sentence in usual, or
ordinary, or normal
conversation or writing."
–Ramm
First Reading – First Impression (mood, message)
//// 11 ////
In the “skyscraper” view of the entire book, the primary task
of the student is to observe the main trend of thought. General
impressions are gathered in this cursory reading as the student
recognizes atmosphere or mood, relative emphasis placed upon
a subject, obvious compositional laws such as repetition and
contrast, ideological train of thought, and anything of the
unexpected (e.g. things that strike one for the first time).
- Irving Jensen, Independent Bible Study, 56
//// 12 ////
3. Second Survey Reading:
*Repeat observations of first reading (impressions
of mood, repeated themes, your thoughts, etc.)
Second Reading – Second Impression (mood, message)
RECORD!
RECORD!
RECORD!
The Word of God
works its way out over
the lips and through
the finger tips.
4. Third Survey "Reading":
*Record observations such as
1. Who is the author?
2. When did the author write the book and from
where?
3. Who were the recipients of the book’s message?
4. Can you find the purpose of the book? Often the
key is hanging at the “front door.”
5. Who are the key people mentioned?
6. What literary type is the book? (see Personal
Bible Study, Session Five, p.63)
7. Do you see some thematic divisions?
8. Can you find any historical or geographical
information in the book itself?
"What distinguishes
humans from all
other species is that
capacity to formulate
questions – and
to find answers
that lead to more
questions."
–Ronald Kotulak
//// 13 ////
Third "Reading" –
Survey Observations
Philippians
Author:_______________________________________
Recipients:_____________________________________
Key People:____________________________________
Possible Purpose(s):
1.____________________________________
____________________________________
2.____________________________________
____________________________________
Themes:
1.____________________________________
____________________________________
2.____________________________________
________________________
Historical/Geographical Info:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
_____________________________________________
(5 W's & H)
//// 14 ////
IV. WORKSHOP
"Millions of copies of the
A. FIRST READING OF PHILIPPIANS (Appendix A)
First Reading – Philippians
Bible are bought each
year. It has been the
number one best seller
for decades.
But the tragic paradox
is that the Bible is the
LEAST read bestseller of
all times."
preceptaustin.org
B. SECOND READING OF PHILIPPIANS
Second Reading – Philippians
If you want to have
a really bad reading
experience, read only
one page of your novel
a day, or only one
chapter of the Bible.
5W's & H
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
END SESSION ONE
//// 15 ////
Book: Philippians
Book title:
chapter titles
Thematic divisions
1
Notes:
2
3
4
SESSION TWO
B oundary or Edge P ieces
I. REVIEW AND FEEDBACK FROM SESSION ONE
"God's sacred Word...
that inestimable treasure
that excelleth all the
riches of the earth."
Preface, King James
Bible translation 1611
II. THE HORIZONTAL CHART
A.Introduction
The horizontal chart (note diagram) is a simple means
to capture the chapter titles (for larger books) and the
paragraph titles (for smaller books of 6 chapters or
less) on one page. This allows the student to see the
entire book at once.
(see preceding page)
B. Value of the Horizontal Chart
To more accurately understand the mind of God as
revealed in Scripture we must see His messages in
context. The horizontal chart aids us in doing just
this. Its very development compels the student to see
significant sections (chapters and/or paragraphs) in
relation to the whole.
One will also begin to see the whole in relation to
the parts. From this, the book’s theme will begin
to emerge. The relationship of the whole to the
parts, and the parts to the whole, will “establish the
boundaries” of the book being studied.
Akin to this is the aid given to the student in
emphasizing the primary over the subordinate. As the
study continues, the chart will “ask the student” to
keep each part in harmony with the whole.
"This book –[THE BIBLE]
the most valuable thing
that this world affords.
Here is wisdom; this is
the royal law; these are
lively Oracles of God."
-Words spoken at the
Coronation service of
each British Monarch.
//// 17 ////
acts
Author: Luke
Date Written: A.D. 61
Key Word: Witness
Key Verse: 1:8
the first three decades of the witness of the gospel
5
ANANIAS & SAPPHIRA
6
WIDOWS
7
STEPHEN
8:1b
PHILIP
9:1
SAUL
9:32
DORCAS
10:1
CORNELIUS
11
PETER EXPOUNDED
12
HEROD
13
CYPRUS
14
LYSTRA
15:1
CIRCUMCISED
15:36
PHILIPPI
17:1
ATHENS
18:1
CORINTH
18:23
EPHESUS
20:1
FAREWELL
21:1
GIRDLE
21:18
ARREST
22:1
STAIRWAY
23
CONSPIRACY
24
FELIX
25
FESTUS
26
AGRIPPA
27
SHIPWRECK
28
ROME
acts of paul
IN WARD
Acts of peter
4
(source of chart)
– Irving Jensen
Independent Bible Study
Church's Leader on Trial
GATE BEAUTIFUL
Church Extends Overseas
3
Church
Embraces
Gentiles
HOLY SPIRIT
Church
Is
Scattered
2
Church Grows
Through Testing
TAKEN UP
Church
Is
Born
1
TIP: Begin your work with a pencil. Initial observations
may change as you "see more and more"
throughout the observation process.
C. Chapter and Paragraph Titles
1. Assign a chapter/paragraph title to each segment. See the facing page for an example of
chapter titles in a longer book like Acts.
2. Make preliminary decisions regarding the topical
(theme) divisions that you have seen in your
reading and observations. Indicate these below the
main baseline you have drawn for your chart. Note
this in the chart below.
Keep in mind…
During this stage, the
value is in the PROCESS
not the product
• Process…
…Not Product
D. The Next Step… Outside Help
After you have completed your own survey of the
book, you should seek the help of others who have
gone before you. There will be some material that
you cannot find in the Biblical text itself. Background
material will be items such as author of the book and
the book’s recipients, date of writing, geographical and
cultural setting, historical circumstances of a biblical or
secular nature, theological themes, thoughts on type
of literature and structure.
Don’t discount what the Holy Spirit has shown to
others, but, remember, this is your work and you want
to move forward with fresh eyes. DO NOT consult
commentaries on the scripture text until you have
completed the next step in the process (vertical
charts).
• At this stage, Bible
Study is messy.
• Use Pencil…
…Get Messy
//// 19 ////
Book: Philippians
Book title:
chapter titles
2
3
Thematic divisions
1
Notes:
//// 20 ////
4
E. Additional Help for This Stage
1. Hard Copy Resources
• Bible Handbooks, Dictionaries
• Bible Encyclopedia
• See PBS (First Hand Joy), P. 75
2.
Online Resources
• Soniclight.org
• Bible.org
• Preceptaustin.org
IV. Workshop
The survey reading(s) of Philippians took about 12 to 15
minutes. The Horizontal Chart reading(s) will take longer
as reflection and recording will be needed. This process
may be broken up into as many sessions as needed to
finish the chart. However, you are more likely to sense
and capture the flow of the author’s message if you push
through in one, and at most two, sittings for a smaller
book; three or four sittings for larger books.
Let’s practice the process…right now!
Begin by filling in the chart found on the preceding page.
You can see a lot
just by looking
Observation describes
the act of taking
notice, fixing the
mind upon, beholding
with attention, and
as used in science,
includes the idea of
marking and recording
ones findings…
– preceptaustin.org
END SESSION TWO
//// 21 ////
Philippians 1 (nasb)
1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4
always in every prayer of mine for you all
making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until
now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at
the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my
heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of
Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge
and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless
for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the
glory and praise of God.
12
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the
gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest
that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the
Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it
out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ
out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then?
Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus
Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not
be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body,
whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the
flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed
between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain
in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and
continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample
cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
27
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see
you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving
side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This
is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has
been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer
for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
SESSION THREE
I.Introduction
In this session let’s consider another technique that will
unveil still more of God’s mind and heart to us… as revealed
through His living Word. Using our jigsaw puzzle metaphor,
it would be akin to turning all the pieces right-side up
so we can see the many possibilities of the developing
picture. Note, however, that the tool being introduced
can be used from day one with the book survey.
II. THE MANUSCRIPT SURVEY:
Yes, this is another survey of the Book. BUT, it gets you more
into the fine details of the text. This survey can be done at a
book level for smaller books, but will later be most beneficial
when engaging a chapter or paragraph. This survey
utilizes the OBSERVATION skills you learned in Personal
Bible Study (First Hand Joy). Here, you move beyond
reading to observing; beyond seeing to, yes, observing.
The Manuscript survey is central to every part of Personal
Bible Study 2, because the biblical text is central to
Bible study. That may sound obvious, but too often Bible
students do not allow the text to speak for itself.
For increased effectiveness, the formatting of the text
is important. Fortunately, with the aid of computers and
online Bible sites, we can quickly format a scripture text
that will assist us in our own manuscript observations.
A. Formatting Steps
1. Select your preferred translation (not a
paraphrase)
2. Consider the following manuscript guidelines
GUIDELINE:
1. Unbound, front side only
YOUR BIBLE
"God breathed"
God Speaks
Through his word
Directly to you
then you are
equipped to study
other resources
preceptaustin.org
//// 23 ////
Philippians 2 (nasb)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any
participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by
being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of
one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count
others more significant than yourselves.
4
Let each of you look not only to
his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among
yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form
of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied
himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9
Therefore God has highly
exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and
under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.
12
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in
my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to
work for his good pleasure.
14
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless
and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and
COMMENT:
1. This manuscript will become the depository of
much of your work of observation, beginning with
your first survey reading. Continued study, with this
format, will allow you to see relationships between
words and, most importantly, relationships between
paragraphs (units of thought). You can begin to
see the flow of the author’s argument (epistles),
or his message (narratives). Unbound, front-sided
sheets will allow you to spread out entire books or
sections of a book for comparison of sub-themes.
GUIDELINE:
2. Double spaced with wide margins
"Never let good books
take the place of
the Bible. Drink from
the well not from the
streams that flow
from the well."
Amy Carmichael
COMMENT:
2. These two features will give you “elbow room” in
the text. You will have room to make comments
both above and below a line of text, or for longer
questions and observations, margins of about
1.5” will be helpful. Titles for each paragraph can
be recorded in the left hand margin, providing a
starting point for later outlining.
GUIDELINE:
3. Remove headings and notes
COMMENT:
3. All chapter and paragraph headings found in
a biblical text have been placed there by the
publisher. This is the editor’s ideas about divisions
and topics. You will want to remove all such
distractions. While helpful later, at this stage you
want to keep your own fresh and pure eyes on the
text.
GUIDELINE:
4. Title each sheet as you progress
//// 25 ////
twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding
fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did
not run in vain or labor in vain.
17
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink
offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with
you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
19
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be
cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely
concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those
of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with
a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him
just as soon as I see how it will go with me,
24
and I trust in the Lord that
shortly I myself will come also.
25
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and
fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my
need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because
you heard that he was ill.
27
Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had
mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow
upon sorrow.
28
I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may
rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him
in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work
of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
COMMENT:
4. Provide enough “header” space to note the book
being studied. Also, at appropriate points you will
want to provide space for a chapter and/or section
title. For smaller units being studied, be careful to
note the passage reference. A one-inch top margin
will be ample for each type of study.
GENERAL COMMENT:
Some inductive Bible study purist would also have you
remove all chapter and verse references. However, for
purposes of accessibility and communication of the
text, we would suggest that the chapter and verse
references be maintained. In some translations this
would also include paragraph indicators. Remember,
these aforementioned items are not part of the
inspired text. If different, your own conclusions about
these divisions should be carefully considered. More
stringent guidelines can be found in The Bible Study
Handbook, p. 183, Lindsay Olesberg.
"I study my Bible as
I gather apples. First
I shake the whole tree
that the ripest may
fall. Then I shake
each limb, and when I
have shaken each limb
I shake each branch
and every twig. Then I
look under every leaf."
Martin Luther
III.WORKSHOP
Now it's your turn. Let's practice with a type of
manuscript survey. Use text on page 24 and 26.
END SESSION THREE
//// 27 ////
WORKSHOP / WORK SPACE
SESSION FOUR
CO LOR SCHEMES and
PA RAGRAP H THE M ES
You are in the process of putting your biblical "jigsaw
puzzle" together. You have found the corner pieces (survey
readings) and the border or straight edged pieces (horizontal
chart). You have a framework within which you can work
with a measure of confidence (manuscript survey). You
have also turned all of your many pieces upright, and in
the process you are making multiple observations. As a
result you are beginning to understand the intent of the
author, which means you are beginning to engage the mind
(and heart) of God as given through this Scripture text.
"Be diligent to present
yourself approved to
God as a workman
who does not need
to be ashamed,
accurately handling
the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)
Now you want to complete the more difficult, inner
portions of the puzzle. For a real puzzle you would start
by separating the various dominant colors from one
another. Each color will suggest a general sub-theme
that will make up part of the finished picture.
Groups of paragraphs in the biblical text will provide the
sub-themes that will make up the final picture for a section,
and then sections connect to form the final message of the
book being studied. A paragraph is an important unit of
study, for each paragraph will convey one central thought;
a thought added to thought builds to form a message.
Paragraph divisions in our various translations are
not inspired. That is one reason Peter exhorts us to
“rightly divide the Word of truth.” While not inspired,
paragraphs are the key to discovering the original
author’s intent. This is a vital part of Biblical study.
//// 29 ////
Philippians 3 (nasb)
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me
and is safe for you.
2
Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
3
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and
put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also.
If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on
the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to
the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law,
blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count
everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his
sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain
Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,
but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on
faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings,
becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from
the dead.
12
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own,
because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
13
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made
it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies
ahead,
14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will
reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the
example you have in us.
18
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even
with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their
belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is
in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly
body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to
himself.
The Vertical Chart will aid you in identifying…
1. a chapter’s central subject
2. a section’s sub-theme, or
3. a book’s main theme.
II. THE VERTICAL CHART (The Analytical Chart)
A. Values of the Vertical Chart
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The value of letting the text speak for itself
The value of seeing with ‘fresh eyes’
The value of analyzing, then connecting, the parts
The value of a well-defined, limited area of study
The value of identifying the primary (over the
secondary)
6. The value of identifying the central themes
7. The value of memory, retention, and application
The paragraph is a
unit of thought.
A paragraph has
one and only one
central subject!!
"Parts have no meaning
apart from the whole."
–Grent Osborne
The Hermeneutical
Spiral
B. “Tools” Needed
1.Bible
2. Pencil or Pen
3. Paper (with layout of your own making)
IT IS THAT SIMPLE!!
C. The “Fit The Pieces” Process
As you know it is often tempting to the unexperienced
jigsaw puzzle maker to force pieces together. That
always leads to greater problems, with multiple pieces
out of sync later. Now is the time to let the text speak
for itself. Let the pieces fall into place during this
additional OBSERVATION PHASE.
There are several ways to approach this phase of the
study. The approaches given here are interchangeable,
but each method should be used to make sure the
pieces of this literary puzzle fit.
//// 31 ////
simple
(see full explanation in appendix)
But I say
Walk by the Spirit
And you will not carry out the desire of the flesh
17 for the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit
and the Spirit against the flesh;
for these are in opposition to one another,
so that you may not do the things that you please.
16
expanded
(Subject)
16
(Verbs)
(Objects)
(Modifiers: under
word they support)
But
I
say
Walk
by the Spirit
and
You
will not carry out the desires of the flesh
for
the flesh
sets its desire
and
the Spirit
against the Spirit
for
these
are in opposition
to one another
so that you may not do the things that you please.
//// 32 ////
OPTION #1: THE FULL GRAMMATICAL LAYOUT
STEP ONE:
*Select the portion to be studied
Remember, the paragraph is a unit of thought.
*Review the paragraph title given in the horizontal
chart, and transfer to vertical chart.
STEP TWO:
*Now, simply write the text revealing its grammatical
structure. Being careful to follow the textual flow, the
main statements of the paragraph are placed at the
left-hand margin. Therefore, the subjects of each main
sentence (nouns: persons, places, things) will be to
the left of your sheet. The verbs of each sentence will
fall more to the left-center; your objects to the right of
center; modifiers aligned under the word upon which
they depend. BUT, note from the examples below that
even a “full grammatical layout” can be expressed in a
‘simple’ or ‘expanded’ form. Sound complex? It is not.
Just jump in and start writing out the text.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Consider these
two examples.
Consider the two grammatical layouts of Galatians
5:16-17, one simple, the other expanded. (page 32)
The process of the
grammatical layout
“Consists of rewriting the
given text in such form
that the grammatical
components of the
paragraph are clearly
discernible.”
(M. Tenney, Galatians, 166)
The point to be made by the two examples is that
there is more than one way to represent the text in
writing. The goal is to clearly identify subjects, verbs,
objects and modifiers in such a manner that allows the
text to “speak for itself.” This exercise will help reveal
the main thought of the paragraph (and much more)
so that the flow of the author’s message might be
honored.
//// 33 ////
Now it's your turn… try a Philippians paragraph of your choice
//// 34 ////
Let us also be clear that perfection of product is
not our goal here. The PROCESS is of utmost value.
Therefore, do not be afraid to “be messy” and “get
your hands dirty.” A better product will come with
practice, but the end goal is clarity of understanding.
That clarity will come at multiple points during the
process.
OPTION #2: THE ABBREVIATED GRAMMATICAL
LAYOUT
This method is helpful for the contraction of a large
amount of text (often narrative) into a smaller frame so
that the relationship of the parts is more easily seen.
The approach will simply focus on the main subjects,
verbs, objects, etc. The text can expand or contract
based upon the following:
"One cannnot simply
read the Bible, like
other books. One must
be prepared really
to enquire of it"
– Dietrick Bonhoeffer
1. Goal of the study (to see the whole or execute the
parts)
2. Time available
3. Space available on your worksheet may necessitate
moving between ‘full’ and ‘abbreviated’ layout
4. Topic of the study, being a full theme or a
sub-theme of a section or chapter
III.WORKSHOP
Choose a paragraph of your liking out of Philippians and
use the preceeding page to practice.
END SESSION FOUR
//// 35 ////
The Process takes time
Read entire book
Break into paragraphs and
summarize into thoughts
Focus on your passage
Observe, observe, observe
Pull out key words and
study their meaning
Compare possible meanings of
the word(s) within immediate
context (paragraph)
Compare paragraph to
context of passage
Compare context of passage
to rest of the book
Session five
One Sense
the big picture
I.Review
whole
parts
whole
Survey
(temporary)
Analyze
(paragraphs/words)
Summarize
(permanent)
II. A word about interpretation
A. The Golden Rule of Interpretation
When the plain sense of scripture makes common
sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word
at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless
the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light
of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental
truths, indicate clearly otherwise.
(D. L. Cooper)
"Thou shalt
understand, therefore,
that the Scripture
hath but one sense,
which is the literal
sense. And that literal
sense is the root and
ground of all, and
the anchor that never
faileth, whereunto if
thou cleave thou canst
never err nor go out of
the way. And if thou
leave the literal sense,
thou canst not but
go out of the way."
–William Tyndale
(1500's)
1. Definition: The Literal Method of Interpretation
The literal method of interpretation is that
method that gives to each word the same exact
basic meaning it would have in normal, ordinary,
customary usage, whether employed in writing,
speaking or thinking.
2. If the words are employed in their natural and
concrete meaning, the sense which they express is
//// 37 ////
"Bridging from the Biblical Context to the Present Day"
"Duvall and Hays, Grasping God's Word, 24)
PASSAGE
(Historical)
PRINCIPLE
(Timeless)
//// 38 ////
PRACTICE
(Timely)
the proper literal sense; whereas, if they are used
with a figurative and derived meaning, the sense,
though still literal, is usually called the metaphorical
or figurative sense. See examples comparing John
1:6 and 1:29, as given in the sidebar.
B. The Duvall and Hays Diagram, "Crossing of Bridge", as
seen on the previous page reminds us of the bigger
picture.
Exercise:
John 1:16 LITERAL
There came a man
sent from God, whose
name was John.
John 1:29 METAPHORICAL
The next day John saw
Jesus coming to Him and
said, "Behold, the Lamb
of God who takes away
the sin of the world!
What hermeneutical principle (principles of
interpretation) could be drawn from
the diagram?
1.
2.
3.
4.
//// 39 ////
WHAT WE REMEMBER / TRUE LEARNING
10%
of what we READ
20%
of what we HEAR
30%
of that DEMONSTRATED
50%
of HEARING with DEMONSTRATION
70%
of hearing and demonstration requiring
a WRITTEN RESPONSE
90%
all of the above plus personal APPLICATION and PRACTICE
//// 40 ////
Ill. A WORD ABOUT APPLICATION
Application is the process that leads to life transformation; the exercise of personal faith in living out the truth
of Scripture regardless of life's circumstances, emotions
or cultural trends. Application takes the truths learned
through scriptural observation and interpretation and
weaves them into the 'warp and woof' of everyday life in
such a way that the very fabric of daily life is changed.
A. The Biblical appeal
“Understanding
requires APPLICATION.
Application may
be the last phase,
but it certainly is
not the least."
–Lindsay Olesberg
The Bible Study
Handbook
The writer of Hebrews appeals to us…
Heb. 12:1-2 (ESV)
"…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so
closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set
before us, 2 1ooking to Jesus…"
James, the half-brother of Jesus exhorts us…
James 1:22-25 (ESV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not
a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural
face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away
and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one
who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and
perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who
acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Jesus Himself asks…
Luke 6:46-49 (ESV)
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell
you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words
and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is
like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the
//// 41 ////
Principles
Practice
TRANSFORMATION
//// 42 ////
foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the
stream broke against that house and could not shake it,
because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears
and does not do them is like a man who built a house on
the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke
against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house
was great."
Ultimately, application occurs when timely
biblical principles and life practices merge…
Bibli
cal P
rinci
ples
es
ractic
“Let your light shine
before others, so that
they may see your good
works and give glory
to your Father who
is in heaven." (ESV)
–Jesus Christ
Life
Transformation
Life P
//// 43 ////
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
MARRIAGE
AND FAMILY
PERSONAL
DEVELOPMENT
MISSION
FINANCIAL
•REACH
•REPRODUCE
•RELEASE
CHRIST
MY
LIFE
PROFESSIONAL/
CAREER
OTHER
SPIRITUAL
SOCIAL/
RELATIONAL
//// 44 ////
B. APPLICATION aids
Regarding application, someone once observed…
"We too often seek to apply
all the truth
to everyone
all the time.
But in doing so, we most often apply
none of the truth
to no one
none of the time."
In other words, we generalize truth to such an extent that it
applies to no one and, least of all, to ME!
"Faith is choosing
to live as though
the Bible is true
(because it is)
regardless of
CIRCUMSTANCES,
EMOTIONS,
OR
CULTURAL TRENDS"
–Ron Proctor
Mentoring One2One
Therefore, if I am going to let the Scriptures reach their final
destination (my personal life transformation). I need some
application aids that will help me avoid rationalization and
denial.
1. The Circle of Life
Life moves fast, at times so fast that we don't
seem to be making progress in the areas most
important to us personally. Too often we are
working off of someone else's agenda. The "Circle
of Life", as shown on page 44, is but one example
of how you might slice up your life to make biblical
applications absolutely relevant to the priorites of
your life in Christ. At this point life gets intentional.
//// 45 ////
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
//// 46 ////
2. The Principle Approach
See also the application aid found on page 49. This
approach is driven by biblical principles discovered
in your personal study.
As you engage in your reading or study of a book
or portions of Scripture, pause on a paragraphby-paragraph basis and ask yourself, "Is there a
principle here to be considered for my personal
spiritual growth?" Having stated the principle, work
out its application to your life.
HEAR
Romans (10:17)
READ
(Revelation 1:3)
C.WORKSHOP
Pause now for practice: Slicing up your life is a most
certainly a way to spice up your intimacy with God.
Get ready for a grand adventure.
Or, is there some theme or life principle that God's
Word is speaking to you about? Use the application
aid on page 49 for futher practice.
STUDY
(ACTS 17:11 )
MEMORIZE
(Psalm 119:9,11)
MEDITATE
(Psalm 1:2,3)
APPLY
//// 47 ////
SOW a thought,
reap and action.
Sow an action,
reap a habit.
Sow a habit,
reap a character.
Sow a character,
reap a destiny.
//// 48 ////
MAKING BIBLE APPLICATIONS
Topic_________________________________
Name_________________________________
WHAT PRINCIPLE IS GOD SPEAKING TO ME ABOUT?
WHAT IS MY PROBLEM? ARE THERE INCONSISTANCIES IN…
trutH
relAtIONSHIPS
ACtIONS/ACCOuNtABIlItY
POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS
MAKE ALL APPLICATIONS
PerSONAl (CONVICteD)
PrACtICAl (DeePeNS MY WAlK)
POSSIBle (CAN Be DONe)
PLAN TO CORRECT MY PROBLEM IS…
HOW CAN I MEASURE MY PROGRESS
END SESSION five
SESSION six
The Importance of Words
The grammatical layout will bring to your attention key
words and parts of speech that you will want to explore
further. This session will point you to some resources that
will keep you moving toward adding the fine detail and
richness of meaning to be found in the biblical text.
I.introduction
"The treasures of the
Word of God are great
beyond compare; But
if we do not search
them out, we cannot
use what is there."
–Sper
A. Words Count... A definition of "Inerrancy"
"God's superintendence of human authors so
that, using their own individual personalities, they
composed and recorded without error His revelation to
man IN THE WORDS of the original autographs."
(Ryrie Study Bible, p. 1956, capitalization my own)
B. View of inspiration:
1. "Verbal" Inspiration: the inspiration extends to
THE VERY WORDS
2. "Plenary" Inspiration: the inspiration extends
equally to all parts of the Scriptures;
EVERY WORD.
WORDS ARE
IMPORTANT!
//// 51 ////
Broad Interpretive Context
Interpretive Context
To interpret (therefore, understand); first, look at the type of
literature…
(Historical? Prophetic? Poetic?)
Next, note the grammatical structure of the passage.
Understand that it is part of a wholistic look at the passage in its
much greater scripture-wide context.
//// 52 ////
II. WORD STUDIES: THE "DEVELOPING" PICTURE
A. Word Meanings and Relationship
1.
Word Meanings
a. Historical
b. Etymological
c. Comparative
(1) Synonyms
(2) Antonyms
(3) Cross References
Word Study Resources:
* preceptaustin.org
- Inductive Bible Study
- Greek Word Studies
(in english)
* Expository Dictionary
of NT Words, Vine, ed.
* New Unger's
Bible Dictionary,
Moody Press
* Word Study Resources
by Spiros Zodhiates
WORDS
//// 53 ////
TRANSLATION COMPARISON
more
paraphrase
More Literal
Less interpretative
more interpretative** more
more word for word
NAS
ESV
kjv
nkjv
NAS = New American Std.
ESV = English Standard Ver.
KJV = King James Version
NKJV = New KJV
thought for thought
nrsv
niv
icb
nlt
tlb
Msg
NRSV = New Revised
NLT = New Living Translation
NIV = New International Ver.
TLB = The Living Bible
ICB = International
Msg = The Message
Children's Bible
NOTE: For the most objective and "pure" inductive study, do not use
paraphrased versions as your primary resource. The more literal versions such
as NAS, ESV, KJV, NKJV more accurately render the words of the original
biblical authors and are therefore recommended for inductive Bible study.
//// 54 ////
2. Word Relations: Syntax
Note: The process is to move from the meaning of
words to the relation of words to one another.
a. Learn to diagram a sentence
b. Don't ignore little things (connectives)
c. Give special attention to verbs
"The Bible speaks
with the authority
of God. The Bible's
authority resides in
what God has to say
about subjects…"
Dr. Elliot Johnson
SYNTAX
//// 55 ////
Grammatical Context:
Interpretive Clues:
• Look for structure
• Look for central idea
(key words)
• Look before and after
(near context)
Word
Clause
Sentence Paragraph
Book Context:
Interpretive Clues:
• Look for themes
• Look for breadth or
development of main ideas
Chapter Section
• Look for "broad" structure
(far context)
Book
//// 56 ////
B. Context
The need to consider context:
The Bible is no mere collection of good texts or
verses put together without any relation to one
another. To interpret contrary to the context is
to teach falsehood for truth. Any Scripture text
without a context is a pretext.
2. There are four contexts of any text:
a. The immediate context [paragraph(s)]
b. The context of the book
c. The context of the Bible
d. The cultural context
?
Who is the
greatest Old
Testament
prophet
not named
in the Old
Testament?
CONTEXT
ANSWER: JOHN THE BAPTIST
1.
//// 57 ////
"HISTORICAL" TOOLBOX
1. The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook (Hays
and Duval, eds.), Baker [Recent, helpful]
2. Norm Geisler, A Popular Survey of the OT,
3. Robert Gromacki, New Testament Survey, Baker
4. Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 vols),
Walvoord and Zuck, (eds.), Victor
5. Soniclight.com (search for Tom Constable
notes on all the Bible - free download)
"GEOGRAPHICAL" TOOLBOX
1. Baker's Encyclopedia of the Bible
(2 vols), W. Elwell (ed.), Baker.
2. NIV Atlas of the Bible, C. Rasmussen, Zondervan.
3. Bible Maps (back of most Bibles)
"CULTURAL" TOOLBOX
1. Commentaries (books that explain the
meaning of the Bible by referring to
language, culture, history, theology,
et al. – from easy to read to highly technical)
2. IVP Bible Background Commentary
(Old and New Testament available),
Keener (ed), IV Press
//// 58 ////
C. Historical setting
"The true sense of the Bible cannot be found in an idea
of thought historically untrue." (Mass)
The books of the Bible were written in a specific
historical setting. We must carefully guard against
transferring the author to the present day and making
him speak today's language.
We have to first engage His thoughts expressed in His
words to His culture.
1.
Historically, where does the text fall in the progress
of revelation?
Where is the recipient in the history of God's
revelation?
Compare Matthew 10:5-7* with Matthew 28:16-20**
2. What is the prevailing culture? Secondary Culture?
a. Spatial background (geography)
"To try to interpret the Bible without a basic
geographical understanding of Bible land is
like trying to watch a drama with no scenery."
(Ramm)
b. Progress of history?
c. Social background (customs)?
Culture
* "These twelve Jesus
sent out with the
following instructions:
'Do not go among
the Gentiles or enter
any towns of the
samaritans. 6 Go
rather to the lost
sheep of Israel. 7 As
you go, proclaim
this message: 'The
kingdom of heaven
has come near.''"
Matthew 10:5-7 (NIV)
** "Then Jesus came
to them and said, 'All
authority in heaven
and on earth has
been given to me. 19
Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the
name of the Father
and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to
obey everything I have
commanded you.
20
And surely I am with
you always, to the
very end of the age."
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
//// 59 ////
PIECE BY PIECE…
word by word…
precept upon precept…
WE GET A PICTURE OF THE WHOLE
culture
CONTEXT
SYNTAX
WORDS
END SESSION six
//// 60 ////
Philippians
Chapter Title __________________
1
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and
deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
in my every prayer for you all,
5
4
always offering prayer with joy
in view of your participation in the gospel from
the first day until now. 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began
a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right
for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in
my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are
partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the
affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and
more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things
that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;
11
having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus
Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for
the greater progress of the gospel,
13
so that my imprisonment in the cause of
Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to
everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my
//// 61 ////
imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without
fear.
15
Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife,
but some also from good will;
16
the latter do it out of love, knowing that I
am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
17
the former proclaim Christ
out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me
distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether
in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice,
19
for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance
through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to
shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always,
be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the
flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.
23
But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart
and be with Christ, for that is very much better;
24
yet to remain on in the
flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will
remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so
that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my
coming to you again.
//// 62 ////
27
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so
that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you
are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith
of the gospel;
28
in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of
destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For
to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but
also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in
me, and now hear to be in me.
//// 63 ////
Chapter Title __________________
2
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any
consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any
affection and compassion,
2
make my joy complete by being of the same
mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do
nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard
one another as more important than yourselves;
4
do not merely look out
for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
6
5
Have
who, although
He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to
be grasped,
7
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and
being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He
humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on
a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him
the name which is above every name,
10
so that at the name of Jesus every
knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11
and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father.
12
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear
//// 64 ////
and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work
for His good pleasure.
14
Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
15
so that you will prove
yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in
the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear
as lights in the world,
16
holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of
Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
17
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and
service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge
you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
19
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also
may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
20
For I have no one
else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
22
21
But
you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance
of the gospel like a child serving his father.
23
Therefore I hope to send him
immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord
that I myself also will be coming shortly. 25 But I thought it necessary to send
to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who
is also your messenger and minister to my need; 26 because he was longing
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for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For
indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not
on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
28
Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him
again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. 29 Receive him
then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30 because
he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete
what was deficient in your service to me.
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Chapter Title __________________
3
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again
is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
2
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false
circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of
God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although
I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind
to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the
nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law,
a Pharisee;
6
as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness
which is in the Law, found blameless.
7
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss
for the sake of Christ.
8
More than that, I count all things to be loss in view
of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may
gain Christ,
9
and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my
own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the
righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know
Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings,
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being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection
from the dead.
12
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I
press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by
Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;
but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what
lies ahead,
14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of
God in Christ Jesus.
15
Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this
attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that
also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we
have attained.
17
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk
according to the pattern you have in us.
18
For many walk, of whom I often
told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross
of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose
glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
20
For our
citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the
Lord Jesus Christ;
21
who will transform the body of our humble state into
conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He
has even to subject all things to Himself.
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Chapter Title __________________
4
Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed,
true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my
struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest
of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be
known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is
any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The
things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice
these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived
your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked
opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in
whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means,
and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance
I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having
abundance and suffering need.
13
I can do all things through Him who
strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my
affliction.
15
You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the
gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of
giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift
more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for
the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything
in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from
Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice,
well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to
His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
APPENDIX two
MECHANIC A L A N A LYSI S
Involves a rewriting of the text in a form
that will reveal the grammatical structure.
1. Main statements of a paragraph (whether declarations,
questions, or commands should be placed in the extreme
left-hand margin of the page.
2. Each line contains one main statement and its modifiers
provided:
A. There is not more than one modifier in each class
B. A modifier is not of extraordinary length
3. Subordinate clauses and phrases are placed below the lines of
the main statement to which they refer.
4. Two or more modifiers including subordinate clauses or phrases
or plural objects, are usually written beneath that on which
they depend, unless they are so brief they can be retained
conveniently in the original order of the text.
5. Coordinate clauses connected by ‘and,’ ‘but, ‘either,’ ‘or,’ ‘neither,’
‘nor,’ and ‘for,’ are generally regarded as containing main
statements and, therefore, are placed to the extreme left.
6. Lists of names, qualities, or actions should be tabulated in
vertical columns for the sake of clarity.
The explanation above of a simple grammatical layout is
adapted from M. Tenney, Galatians, 165-185. He used the term
“mechanical analysis” for this process. Essentially, the point is
to start on the left-hand margin and put every main thought on
one line.
Appendix three
I. The Value of Verbs: "getting into the action"
A. TENSE, VOICE, AND MOOD OF GREEK VERBS
Because the verb expresses the action, it is often the
most significant element in the expression of thought.
Therefore, in doing Greek word studies, understanding
the Greek verb is frequently a key to correct interpretation and application of Scripture. The major features
of Greek verbs are tense, voice, and mood.
TENSE - primarily expresses the kind of action.
VOICE - expresses how the subject is related to the
action.
MOOD - expresses the relationship of the action to
reality.
Part of the beauty of the Greek language is that the
construction of the verb clearly shows who does the
action, whether the statement is a command or a
suggestion, and whether the passage is speaking of
reality or possibility.
By thinking through a simple, concise explanation of
tense, voice, and mood, new vistas of insight will be
opened to you. Keep in mind that the following is a
simplified summarization of a complex subject.
1. TENSE – shows the kind of action. Verb tenses in
the Greek language differ from English verb tenses
in the kind of action portrayed; time is a relatively
minor consideration.
There are three fundamental tenses in Greek:
PRESENT – representing continuous action
PERFECT – representing completed action
AORIST – representing indefinite action or point action
a. Action as continuous
1) Present tense-continuous action.
It is primarily linear progressive action in that it
shows action that is continuing.
Examples:
Jeff is studying the Bible.
John 15:4b – "'As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can
you, unless you abide in Me.'"
2) Imperfect tense – continuous action, usually in the
past.
Examples:
Jeff was studying the Bible.
John 15:19a – "If you were of the world, the world
would love its own." (Literally, "would have been
loving'' its own.)
b. Action as completed
1) Perfect tense – punctiliar action in the past with
the results continuing into the present.
Examples:
Jeff is being transformed by having studied the
Bible.
John 15:3 – "You are already clean because of the
word which I have spoken to you."
John 15:10b – "just as I have kept My Father's
commandments, and abide in His love."
2) Pluperfect tense - punctiliar action in the past with
the results continuing in the past.
Examples:
Jeff was transformed because he had studied the
Bible.
John 9:22 – "…for the Jews had already agreed…"
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GREEK VERB TENSES
CHART I
Greek Verb Tenses: The emphasis is on the kind of action, not the time of action.
TENSE
KIND OF ACTION
EXAMPLE
Present
Continuous action
Jeff is studying the Bible.
Imperfect
Continuous action in the past
Jeff was studying the Bible.
Perfect
Punctiliar action in the past with
the results continuing into the
present
Jeff is being transformed by having
studied the Bible.
Pluperfect
Punctiliar action in the past with
the results continuing in the past
Jeff was transformed because he
had studied the Bible.
Aorist
Punctiliar action (The time can be
past, present, or future but is
generally past)
Jeff studied the Bible.
Future
Generally continuous action in the
future – on occasion, it can be
punctiliar. This is the only tense
that reflects the time of action
Jeff will be studying his Bible.
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c. Action as occurring
1) Aorist tense – punctiliar point action. The aorist
tense states an action as completed without
regard to its duration; that is, it denotes the
fact of an action without any reference to the
length of that action. Compared to the present
tense, the aorist tense expresses the action like a
snapshot while the present tense action is like a
moving picture, continuing on.
Examples:
Jeff studied the Bible.
John 15:4a – "Abide in Me, and I in you."'
2) Future tense – indefinite action to occur in the
future. Indicates continuing or punctiliar action in
the future. This is the only tense that reflects the
time of the action.
Examples:
Jeff will be studying his Bible.
John 15:7 – "...it shall be done for you."
John 15:8 – "...so prove to be My disciples."
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GREEK VERB VOICES
CHART II
Greek Verb Voices: Expresses the relationship of the subject to the action.
VOICE
HOW THE SUBJECT IS
RELATED TO THE ACTION
EXAMPLE
Active
Indicates the subject produces the
action
Jeff hit the ball.
Passive
Indicates the subject is acted upon
Jeff was hit by the ball.
Middle
Indicates the subject initiates the
action and participates in the
results of the action
Jeff hit himself with the ball.
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2. Voice – shows how the subject is related to the action.
a. Active voice-indicates that the subject produces the
action.
Examples:
Jeff hit the ball.
John 15:2b – "and every branch that bears fruit, He
prunes it…"
b. Passive voice-indicates that the subject was acted
upon.
Examples:
Jeff was hit by the ball.
John 15:6 – "…and they are burned."
c. Middle voice - indicates that the subject initiates
the action and also participates in the results of the
action. (This voice is unique to Greek construction).
Examples:
Jeff hit himself with the ball.
John 15:26 – "…that is the Spirit of truth, who
proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness of
Me."
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GREEK VERB MOODS
CHART III
Greek Verb Moods: Expresses the relationship of the action to reality from the speaker's point of view.
MOOD
Indicative
Imperative
Subjunctive
Optative
RELATION TO REALITY
USAGE OR MEANING
EXAMPLE
Mood of certainty
–Reality–
Used to declare a
statement of fact as
something which is true.
Expresses that which is
actual, factual, or real
from the speaker's point
of view.
Bible study has
changed Jeff's life.
Mood of volition or will
–Potential reality–
Usually used to express a
command or entreaty.
Denotes intention,
authority, permission, or
prohibition.
Jeff, study your
homework.
Mood of probability
–Probable reality–
Used to express an action
which may happen but is
not necessarily true at the
present, from the
speaker's point of view.
Expresses conditional or
uncertain actions.
Jeff may have done
his homework.
Mood of possibility
–Possible reality–
Merely presents an action
as conceivable from the
speaker's point of view,
with no definite
anticipation of realization.
I wish my neighbor,
Jeff, would take
Personal Bible
Study.
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3. Mood – shows how the action is related to reality from
the speaker's point of view.
a. Indicative mood-the declarative mood or mood of
certainty. It is a statement of fact which assumes
reality from the speaker's point of view. This mood
simply states a thing as being a fact.
Examples:
Bible study has changed Jeff's life.
John 15:6 – "…he is thrown away as a branch, and
dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into
the fire, and they are burned."
b. Imperative mood - usually a command or entreaty.
The imperative mood in the Greek makes a demand
on the will of the reader to obey the command; it is
used to indicate prohibition and authority.
Examples:
Jeff, study your homework.
John 15:4 – "Abide in Me…"'
John 15:7 – "…ask whatever you wish…"
John 15:9 – "…abide in My love."
John 15:20 – "Remember the word that I said to
you…"
c. Subjunctive mood - the mood of probability.
It implies some doubt regarding the reality of
the action from the speaker's point of view. It
expresses an uncertainty or an action which may
or should happen. This is the mood used for strong
suggestions.
Examples:
Jeff may have done his homework.
John 15:2- '"…that it may bear more fruit.'"
John 15:7- '"If you abide in Me, and My words abide
in you…'"
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d. Optative mood-the mood of possibility. This
mood presents no definite anticipation of
realization but merely presents the action as
conceivable from the speaker's point of view.
(Used less frequently than the other moods.)
Examples:
II Thessalonians 3:5-"And may the Lord direct
your hearts…''
II.now connecting the dots: discovering the
meaning and value of words
A. Resources that bring the original biblical text, the
living Word, to life.
1. The Complete Word Study New Testament
The resource is several tools in one volume. Each
tool is designed to help you explore the root
meaning of New Testament words.
a. Words in the text are numerically coded to
Strong's Greek Dictionary.
b. Every significant word is given a grammatical
code that will expose the value of the word in a
deeper way.
c. Greek Dictionary aids, Greek Concordance, and
other helps are included.
2. Media Options:
a.bibletools.org
b.biblegateway.org
c.biblehub.org
d.preceptaustin.org
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