第33・３４回 The Christian Home（english)

２０２５年６月１日～約１年間かけ、キリスト教入門・神学コースで学んでいきたいと思います。只毎回集いたいのに集えない学びたいけど１年間を通すとなれば～？？？と思う方朗報です！この度HPから見る・学ぶことが可能になりました。数年後あ！こんな話してたよねって振り返えり誰かの力になることもあると思います。

33・34 How to study the Bible

33-34 How to study the Bible

Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Bible is God's love letter to us. It is God's autobiography. If we will read with an open heart and with much prayer and help from the Holy Spirit, we can know God by reading His Word.

The Bible has also been called the “Bread of Life” it is very important that we “eat” of this bread daily.

Some tips of how to study and read the Bible.

1. The Bible is a Living Book, a spiritual book. Some of the smartest men in the world have tried understanding the Bible with only their mind and have failed. Here are some keys to spiritually understanding of the truths of Scripture.

• Pray for understanding before reading. The Holy Spirit will open the Word to you.

• Ask God to show you how the passage you are reading applies to you and your current situation.

• Pray after you have read the Word. Ask God to apply it to your heart.

• Meditate on small sections. For example, if you are in Proverbs each verse introduces a new thought. Meditate on only one or two of those. If you are in the Gospels, mediate on one story such as “The Prodigal Son” or “Jesus healing Jairus's daughter.” In difficult books such as the Old Testament prophets or Revelation, it may be good to read one chapter several times.

2. Some practical ways to read the Bible

• Start by reading the easiest books. Genesis, The Gospels, Psalms, Proverbs, I John.

• After reading the easier books, try to read through the whole New Testament.

• Next read through the whole Bible. Maybe read one chapter each from the OT and NT or read one chapter plus a short section from Proverbs or Psalms.

• If you have trouble getting sleepy, read aloud.

• Some people like to listen to the Bible on audio while they read. Or while they drive to work.

3. Memorize God's Word Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

• Repeat a verse or short passage every day for a month with your family. Children memorize quickly. Examples. Psalm 1, 23, 100 Matt 5:1-16, I Cor 13, Romans 12,

• Memorize a few key verses for when discouraged or tempted. Examples. Heb 13:5 b, I Cor 10:13, Rom 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matt 6:33 etc.

• Memorize a few keys verses for evangelism. Examples. John 3:16, Rom 3:23, 6:23, 10:9,

I John 1:9

4. How to study a verse or passage. Let's try these techiniques on Rom 12:17-21

(1) Context.

• What do the verses and chapters around this verse say?

• Who was this written to? Look at 12:1, Romans 1:7

• What is the historical or cultural context? (what was Rome like for Christians? Were Christians well thought of or persecuted? Research Roman Claudius Acts 18:2, Nero )

(2) Comparison

• Is there another passage with this story, lesson or wording? (loving your enemies)

• Search key words and phrases ( live peaceably, enemy, feed, give drink)

• Is this a quote from the Old Testament? (it is written) Isaiah 59:17-19

▪ If so, what is the context and meaning of the original passage?

(3) Application

• What truth can I receive from this passage?

◦ Is there a promise to believe?

◦ Is there a command to obey?

◦ Is there a prophecy to anticipate?

• What truth can I apply to my life today?

• What truth can I apply to my life in the long-term?

Let's apply these same principles to John 4:1-43

(1) Context.

• What do the verses and chapters around this verse say?

• Who was this written to?

• What is the historical or cultural context? ( research Samaritans, status of women, wells )

(2) Comparison

▪ Is there another passage with this story or wording? (some stories are in multiple Gospels but John brings out many unique stories)

▪ Search key words and phrases (Samaria, living waters, Jacob's well, worship )

▪ Is this a quote from the Old Testament? (it is written)