How to study the Bible

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 Sola Scriptura
"Scripture Only"
Sola Scriptura is part of the five Solas of the Reformation. The Reformation is
a revolution period in Church History against the Roman Catholic Church due
to its abuse of power through religion. Wealth and power were obtained by the
church by denying access to Bibles and education; creating false doctrines like
Indulgence; persecuting, torturing, and murdering those who oppse the church;
and gaining the favor of multiple monarchies.

Reformers created the Solas to challenge the RCC's doctrines, canons and
power. Sola Scriptura serves by highlighting that scripture remains as the final
authority in deciding true and sound biblical doctrine the Church should follow.
Why study the Bible
Joshua 1:8 - Commandment
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate
on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is
written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have
success.

2 Timothy 3:16 - Authority

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Why study the Bible
Psalms 119:9-11 - Guidance
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your
word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands I
have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
How to study the Bible
Different Methods*:
SOAP - Beginner OIA - More advance
Scripture Scripture
Observation Observation
Application Interpretation
Prayer Application

*Not limited to these two, multiple other methods exists and work as well. All in the matter of preference, but the more advance, the better.
OIA
Scripture* - Different genres of literature
The Law: the last half of Exodus; also Leviticus, Deuteronomy
Wisdom literature: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
Psalms: Psalms, Song of Solomon, Lamentations
Prophecy: Isaiah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Apocalyptic literature: Daniel, Revelation
Gospel: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Acts of the Apostles (genre): Book of Acts
Epistle (letter): Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1
and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and
3 John, Jude

*the sacred writings of Christianity contained in the Bible; note that there should only be 66 books in the Bible
OIA
Observation/Context - 5Ws
What
Spesific Topic of the Passage
Literary device used
Grammar/Language used
When
Time the book was written or
being written about
Significant historical events
Where
Where the author is; or
Place being written about
Always take note of Culture
Why
Why is the book being written
Sin being addressed
Current situation or problem
of the author, the people or
the place
OIA
Observation/Context - 5Ws
Who
Who the author is and his
significance
Audience being written to*

*You do not fit in all contexts of the Bible. Always check whether the solution for the problem in the context is personally applicable or not,
OIA
Interpretation
Always consider the context
Knowing the context is key in interpreting how the author intends it to
be
It's about Christ, not you
Truly, Christ loves you, but the Bible is written to glorify Christ and His
work, not about man.
Where is Christ in this passage?
How is He glorified?
What is His work in this passage?
How does the passage point to Christ?
OIA
Application
It's still about Christ
What can I or we do to glorify Christ in the context of this passage?
What are the sins I or we personally need to address and repent of?
How do we repent of them?
Always point to the gospel. Always connect it to how...
God loves
Sinful we are
Christ died for us and rose on the third day
Salvation can only be found in Christ alone
How to study the Bible
Things to always consider for mastery
Read, read and read the Bible
Familiarity significantly helps in knowing the context
Never be afraid to ask for help
Leaders/mentors exists to guide you
Researching is encouraged
Listen to and read the works of sound preachers and interpreters
Sound books, catechisms, articles, etc. helps
“Visit many good books, but
live in the Bible.”
Charles Spurgeon