A SCRIPTURAL PATTERN FOR BIBLE STUDY

ACTS 17:10-14

Adapted From Lehman Strauss by Pastor Rick Jackson

II Tm. 2:15 commands Christians to study the Bible. Most Christians do not read the Bible, let alone study it, but that does not change the command of God. In Acts 17 we have a simple pattern that may help us to know how to study the Bible.

I. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DEVOTIONALLY

That means we study it for our own edification & growth in grace. 17:11 “they received the word with all readiness of mind”. The result of devotional Bible study is THANKSGIVING.

II. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DILIGENTLY

“SEARCHED” 17:11. This type is not easy but it is rewarding. It is the result of TOIL.

III. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DOCTRINALLY

This means to study the great doctrines and the great themes of the Bible. This involves using some TOOLS to aid in your study to understand the Bible. Build your library [or at least your PC skills] II Tm. 4:13, Acts 17:11 “Searched the Scriptures… whether these things were so”

IV. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DAILY

“Read your Bible every day, praying as you read it. It will guide you all the way, if you’ll only heed it.” This, of course, necessitates TIME. Acts 17:11 “Daily”

V. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DEVOUTLY

Acts 17:11 “Received the word… ready mind… whether those things were so”. This indicates a deep TRUST in the Author of the Scriptures.

VI. WE NEED TO STUDY GOD’S WORD DEPENDENTLY

We need others to TEACH us. We can all learn from others but we must compare what they say to what we can read. Acts 17:11

Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

1 Corinthians 12:28 And ° God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.