Bible Study Exercise
We will demonstrate a form of Bible study using an easy-to-follow word study technique. Our goal is to apply the fifth rule of Bible study, which is to look at what the text actually says on a topic. The topic in this exercise is Bible study itself.
While many verses allude to it, it appears that only one verse directly tells us to study the scriptures. Paul told Timothy and all Christians, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15).
One explicit verse on the subject of Bible study may not seem like much. However, the Bible is God’s living Word. It is “quick,” meaning alive (Heb. 4:12). Similar to meeting a person for the first time, there is often much more to learn about a verse than meets the eye. We cannot simply “judge a verse by its cover.”
Therefore, an important tip for studying and understanding the Bible is to go beyond the surface text. Taking steps such as reviewing the context of the verse (Rule 6) or doing a word study by looking up the definitions of key words can be very helpful.
Remember, the Bible we use today is a translation from ancient languages. In some cases, the original intent of the text has been obscured or missed. This is where looking up definitions of Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic words can offer a more accurate description.
(This can be done using a tool such as Strong’s concordance, which is available in hard copy, online via Blue Letter Bible, or the application e-Sword.)
For example, look at the word “study” in II Timothy 2:15. It is translated from the Greek word spoudazo which means “to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest.”
Expanding one word in the verse provides several paths to pursue. We can focus on the phrase “to use speed,” which alludes to having a sense of urgency. We could also choose to focus on “to make effort,” which points to physical or mental exertion. We could even focus on “be prompt” or “earnest,” which reflects sincere desire. This is all just from digging into one word in the verse!
Next we can look into phrases such as “showing yourself approved unto God.” This speaks to understanding that God, not those around us, is the ultimate judge of our Bible study. He knows the amount of effort we are putting into the task based on the time we make available. Studying our Bibles simply to impress others is a fruitless exercise.
We can also meditate on the fact that seeking to be approved of God means we do not have to “be ashamed” even if we are not as skilled at studying as the ministry or others. As long as we are putting forth our best effort, we can find true contentment (I Tim. 6:6). God, more than anyone, knows of what we are truly capable.
The verse even shows that consistently putting forth the right effort will help us “rightly divide the word of truth.” Rightly divide means “to make a straight cut” or “to dissect correctly.” Correct understanding is the ultimate reason for our Bible study. It does us no good to read if we do not comprehend what we are reading. The ability to “rightly divide”—to discern God’s intended message to His people or to mankind—is a precious ability.
You are no doubt seeing how mining the priceless information in just one verse can make study more rewarding. Next we will take a detailed look at “to make an effort” by combining it with Paul’s use of the word “workman.”
Become a “Workman”
The word “workman” is translated from the Greek word ergates, which means “a toiler; figuratively a teacher.” To be a toiler, which simply means worker, requires effort. This ties in well with the term “study.”
This clearly shows God’s mind on Bible study: that it requires us to be workers. We have to put forth effort on a consistent basis—employ diligence—to be successful.
The word spoudazo from earlier is translated diligence in II Timothy 4:9 and verse 21. Using the Word of God to interpret itself (Rule 8), we can pursue more meaning of effective Bible study through a study of the word diligence.
What does the Bible say about being diligent? A lot. The word is found in the book of Proverbs seven times. Here are a few examples:
- 10:4 – “He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
- 12:24 – “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
- 13:4 – “The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
- 21:5 – “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.”
In summary, God says the diligent will be made rich, will rule, will be satisfied, and that their thoughts lead to abundance. Now, using the skills covered earlier, we should dig deeper.
In all four verses, the word diligent is translated from the Hebrew word charuts, which means “incised or (active) incisive…a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp teeth); (figuratively) determination; also eager.”
Look at the English definition of the word incisive. According to Collins Dictionary, it means “cutting into.” The words incision, meaning “to cut,” and incisors, which describe sharp teeth, come from this word.
The word can also mean to be “sharp, keen; penetrating or acute.” When applied to speech or writing, it can mean to penetrate directly to the heart of the matter, resulting in clarity and eliminating ambiguity. “Rightly divide” from II Timothy 2:15 should come to mind. See how God’s living Word connects and builds upon itself?
Oxford Dictionary defines incisive as “(of a person or mental process) intelligently analytical and clear-thinking.”
A diligent person makes efforts to process, think about, and ponder matters, rather than coming to quick decisions or conclusions. Diligent Bible study requires this kind of effort. It takes work—the kind done by a “workman” as defined in the second book of Timothy.
What is also most fascinating in the definition of charuts is the connection to digging a trench to mine gold. What a wonderful way to describe the work that goes into Bible study and, most importantly, the value we obtain from the precious nuggets of information we discover. We may have to dig through large amounts of material to get to our gold, but the lifelong profit we gain from the effort is well worth it.
Tying this brief study together, we as disciples of Christ should apply diligence in Bible study, putting in incisive effort and thinking to rightly divide the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15) as though we were digging a trench to mine for gold.
Once we realize how to find the gold in God’s Word, our Bible study will become richer and more rewarding.