BIBLE STUDY – TYPING THE BOOK
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
2Timothy 2:15 Study
earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.
By now you see
that Bible study does not require a theological degree. Possibly for some of
you this is as surprising news as it was for the temple officers awakening
after many years of service under priests. (Jn.7:45-47)
The last part of
2Timothy 2:15 says we are to correctly dissect and expound the Word of Truth,
the Bible. This, as “a workman” involves all implements that thus far included
inthis Bible Study series.
(When toolset is available, it is foolishness to attempt
to build with only one tool.)
Rightly dividing
the Word of Truth should include determining the genus of a book, otherwise we
may miss much of its meaning.
Book types are
Historical, Biographical, Poetic, Proverbial, Prophetic, Personality, Letter (epistle
personal [i.e.to Timothy] or corporate [i.e. to Corinth, Ephesus, etc.), or a
combination.
Some are easily
typed. Proverbs is obviously proverbial. Revelation is prophetic. An example of
combination is Daniel, both historic and prophetic.
As previously
stated, we need not be learned masters of literature to type a book of the
Bible. One Sunday I shared “kinsman – redeemer” passage from the book of Ruth.
Reading 1:1 it is evidently a history book; “Now it came to pass in the days
when the judges ruled,”
Then there are
the helpful Bible Study introductions. Example: In my Scofield Reference Bible,
at the first book it tells “Genesis is the book of beginnings.” Walla, history!
But reading further in intro and text I see earliest bit of prophecy in
Scripture. “[God said] And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and
between your seed and her Seed; He will bruise your head, and you shall bruise
His heel.” (Gen.3:15) Oh, and did I mention the importance of paying attention
to capitalized nouns and pronouns?
The 4 Gospels
must be read together, but not as simply biographical, but as Personality of
Lord Jesus Christ.
Acquire the habit
of typing books of the Bible . . . you’ll be a better type for it. EBB4
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