The expository method of Bible study seeks to present truths, concepts and principles that are taught by a Scripture passage. It does not impose a meaning on a passage, but seeks a meaning from the passage. The basis of true expository Bible study is a thorough "exegesis" of the passage. In exegesis one seeks to investigate the literal meaning of each word of Scripture. The definition of each word is considered with its relationship to the other words in its context. ("context," refers to the verses before and after a verse and involves the environment, situation, and background in which you find a word or verse)
In using this method of Bible study, you will be researching and gathering material about passages of Scripture. This method will help you to develop a systematic plan to follow in studying the Bible. It centers on completing a work sheet where the information is recorded. In completing the Work Sheet you will be amassing much information about the passage you are studying. All this accumulated information will help you to determine the correct meaning of a portion of Scripture. Knowing the meaning of a passage will enable you to discover the spiritual truths God wants revealed and their practical application in life.
At the heart of this study is the Biblical truth of the "verbal plenary inspiration" of Scripture. The doctrine of "verbal plenary inspiration" teaches that every word of Scripture is inspired by God. God used human writers who He directed through the Holy Spirit to record His Word. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they wrote what God wanted said without error. What they wrote, in the original manuscripts was exactly what God wanted to say.
The Bible proclaims this truth in these passages:
- "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect,thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:21)
Each child of God, in addition to being taught by others, should be able to study the Bible and learn its principles for himself. Modern disciples of the Lord Jesus should be able to go to God's Word and spiritually feed himself and be able to defend his convictions from Scripture.
We all should be students of the Bible, and hone our skills in the Word of God that we might be better instruments to reach others for Christ. God has commanded each of us to be Bible students and teachers. Our responsibility is to KNOW the Word ourselves, that we might be able to feed our own spiritual souls by feasting the on sincere meat of God's Word.
The love of God is the best motivation for the believer to follow Christ. This love comes from knowing God. We can only know Him from His Word, which is the Bible. This is the power of the expository method of Bible study. This method teaches the pure Word of God as the Holy Spirit guides, inspires and nourishes us as we study.
The emphasis of expository Bible study is in verse by verse examination of the Word of God. By using this method, after your study is complete, the correct interpretation and application of the verses will become clearer. You will be less likely to impose YOUR meaning on the Scripture or a meaning that is not correct. You will be letting God interpret His Word and you will understand what God truly said and meant.
As you read this material - pray, ask God for strength, and for wisdom. Then make a personal commitment to put the amount of time and dedication into this study that will allow God to shape you into a more useful servant.
Remember, this method is not easy or quick. It is not a short-cut to Bible training. It will require time. Before you begin, realize that this could be the turning point in your becoming a better, more skillful Bible student. It could have eternal benefit in the souls and lives of the ones God sends your way!
All Christians are teachers. We teach at home, work and in daily routines of life. Some Christians have the privilege to teach from pulpits; some in classes such as Sunday School and in Bible Study classes. No matter where you are teaching this method will be of help to you. (See II Timothy 4:2)
For those without formal college training this course can teach them how to study the Bible. It will help the pastor whose training has been limited to topical sermon preparation learn the expository method. The Sunday School teacher after learning this method of study will be better able to teach from the Bible and be less dependent on prepared lessons. It will teach the believer to feed himself from God's Word and become confident their knowledge of the Bible.
This book is divided into two sections. Chapter One will instruct you in use of the Expository Work Sheet that will guide you step by step toward learning the expository method of Bible study. Chapter Two, will deal with the literal method of interpreting Scripture. It will teach the principles which are the basis of the expository method of Bible study.
May God richly bless you as you study.
Cooper P. Abrams, III
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