“And om My servants and on My handmaids, I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:18
There is a very simple formula for studying the Bible. The formula itself is nothing unless one comes to God in faith, with an undivided heart, made clean and pure by the blood of Christ. It is also of little use unless one is actively trusting the Spirit of God, that Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ, to speak, teach, and lead in God’s ways. So, if the spiritual prerequsites are met in one’s seeking of the Lord, then the formula will be of great importance and usefulness in the study of the Word of God.
The first principle is that of seeking and knowing “the definition of the terms.” Words are very important in the Bible, and a knowledge of their meaning is foundational to all else. To fully understand the meaning of the words is almost impossible, as there are aspects of truth that are so great and marvelous that our minds cannot fully grasp them. However, God does give us what we need to know at the time that we need to know it, if we are in earnest in seeking Him.
Secondly, there is the “exposition of the text.” This means that we look at a passage, and these individual words, in their context and arrangement so as to discover what God intends for us to understand. The true disciple of Christ comes to God to learn the truth of what He is communicating to us through Scripture. It is not a question of man’s opinion, or assessment, of the text. The issue is, “What is God saying?” Again, we are limited in our full understanding of Scripture. This is so easily seen in the believer’s life who has read and studied the Bible for many years, and yet, with a renewed interest in a passage, the Spirit of God opens up another aspect of its meaning.
Thirdly, there is the “application of the truth.” This is a very important, and essential, part of study, as it is that act by which the believer seeks to understand how the revealed truth of God applies to a certain circumstance of everyday living. The issue is here is how does the truth apply practically to the life. An example of this is found in Paul’s prayer for the Philippian believers. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent.” (1:9,10) Here is a prayer for a greater grasp and experience of the love of God, but one where knowledge and judement are so important in its application to the life. It is not enough to just have love in abundance. It must be channeled, used, applied according to the knoweldge and wisdom that God gives.
Lastly, there is the “appropriation of the blessing.” We are familiar with the historical statement, “All roads lead to Rome.” In the spiritual realm where Christ is God, the Beginning and the Ending, all “roads” lead to Him. The whole purpose of Scripture, the study and grasp of it, has its meaning in this, to know Christ. All study should lead us to Christ, and leave us with Him. He is the essence and means of all study, and of every manifestation of His glory in the life of the one who truly follows Him. Thus, the end goal of the earnest and Spirit-led search and study of the Scriptures is, as the Apostle Paul put it, “…that I might know Him (Christ).” (3:10)
On the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit of God was poured out, Peter stood up and quoted the prophet, Joel: “…I will pour out in those days of My Spirit.” (2:18) Those days are the last days before Christ comes again. Those days are now, and the promise is presently certain. The disciple of Christ is now equipped to declare Christ’s glory.
Dear Father, Fill us now with Thy strength and Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.