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STT: First Corinthians

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First Corinthians is an extremely relevant book for believers trying to live in culture that is contrary and hostile to faith. A careful reading of the two epistles leads many scholars to believe that we have two out of four letters. The letter is intensely personal and Paul's pastoral heart shows through each line.
 
Here are few ideas on how to approach a study of First Corinthians.
 
The book is roughly divided into three sections:
 
  • Paul encourages unity within the church. (1:10)
  • Paul admonishes the church to deal with sin. (5:1)
  • Paul answers a series of doctrinal and practical questions. (7:1) 
 
Perhaps the easiest way to study the book is to watch for each of these topics and keep track of what Paul says about each one. The key transition words to note are "now concerning" (Your translation may use "now regarding" or some similar expression.) Occasionally, Paul uses "I do not want you to be ignorant" (or unaware).
 
Second, the book is filled with quick encouragements and instructions that are worth listing. 
 
Third, some questions to consider:
What are believers' responsibilities to God and to each other?
Do Paul's answers/statements challenge your ideas?
 
 
What is your favorite verse or passage in First Corinthians?
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STT: Romans

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Romans is one of the cornerstones of the New Testament. In it, Paul lays out the key doctrines of Christianity in a logical progression. It's hardly a dry dissertation, though. Martin Luther touched off the Protestant Reformation when he grasped what Paul had written. The truths even make Paul stop and praise God. (See 11:33-36)
 
So how should you study Romans?
 
Slowly. Intentionally. Reverently. Just like any other study, right?
 
The book is roughly divided into three sections- Why we need salvation, how it's accomplished and how we should live as a result. A quick overview should answer those questions.
 
To go deeper, Romans lends itself to key word studies. Try tracking these words and recording what you learn about each of them:
  • Sin
  • Righteousness
  • Faith/ Believe
  • Hope
  • Grace
 
Another approach is to watch for all that GOD does.
 
Paul uses transition words like therefore frequently. Sometimes it's helpful to watch for the cause and effect on either side of the "therefore".
 
Finally, if you like to memorize Scripture, Romans is full of great material.
 
 
What's your favorite verse or passage in Romans?
 
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STT: 1 & 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles

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1 & 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles detail the history of Israel from the end of David's reign until the Babylonian captivity. If history isn't your thing, these may be difficult books to study. The unfamiliar (but often similar) names and different spellings for those names add an extra challenge. But don't get discouraged. We are used to names changes- When I was a kid the capital of China was Peking. Now it's Beijing. The names in Kings reflect that same cultural shift in spelling between the generations of historians.
 
These books form the framework for the rest of the Old Testament since the prophetic writings fit in between the narratives in these books. For instance, Lamentations is Jeremiah's poem written after he witnessed the devastation of Jerusalem's fall. Knowing the history gives a better insight into the prophets.
 
Details aside, there are three great threads that run through these books-
 
God's promise to David. Notice how God reiterates His covenant and preserves David's line.
God keeps His word - including the promises of judgment. The messages delivered by appointed prophets underscores this.
Obedience matters. Each king's reign includes an assessment of where he stood before God. Notice how the people responded to the king's obedience (or disobedience) and the consequences.
 
 
If you want a quick survey hitting some of the highlights and notable people, check out the following chapters in Kings and their Chronicles cross references.
 
 
 
Do you like reading the history books in the Bible?
 
Next week's study tip – Romans
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STT: 1&2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles

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I'm considering 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles together because they cover the same main subject – the life and times of David. Volumes have been written about David and I can't possibly cover him in one quick blog post. However, if you undertake this study there are a number of different ways to approach it.
 
Character study – David's life divides into three phases: Shepherd, Renegade and King. What kind of man is he? How does he grow and change through each phase? What is the dominant aspect of his relationship with God during each phase?
 
David's triumphs and failures – He had plenty of both. Note how he responds to God in each situation.
 
A who/what study – Who does David come in contact with? What happens? What does he take away from the encounter?
 
David's prayers – What prompts the prayer? What does he say about God? What does he ask for?
 
Consequences – None of these books shy away from portraying sin or its effects. Keep track of the sins – not only of David, but others like Eli, and Saul – and how the individual sins impact others and even the nation itself.
 
 
If you're really ambitious, follow your footnotes and read the Psalms that are cross-referenced to the events in David's life. This gives a uniquely intimate look at his relationship with God. I love being able to look at his "journal". Also the range of emotions he records is reassuring. 
 
David's walk with God wasn't all hearts and rainbows, and by allowing us to see his failures as plainly as his great victories, we see God's mercy and grace on full display.
 
What's your favorite story about David?
 
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STT: Resolved

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ResolutionsHappy 2012! 
 
One of the standard – almost required – resolutions believers make is some type of Bible reading plan or commitment. Unfortunately, those resolutions have no more success than any of the others, and somewhere around February or Leviticus, whichever comes first, those great intentions fall by the wayside. Here are some ideas to help you stick to your plan.
 
  1. Choose the right plan. A straight-through-the-Bible plan may not be your best fit. If the books of Moses or the prophets are especially difficult, try a New Testament plan, or maybe stick with Psalms. It may also help to have a new Bible or some other motivator. My daughter got a set of pens for Christmas that are especially suited for Bible study, so she's a little more excited about reading now. 
  2. Check your schedule. I study in the morning before my kids wake up. You may do better reading before bedtime, or at lunch or while you're waiting to pick up your kids. Find a good niche and make that reading time. Try writing it on your calendar like you would any other appointment.
  3. Change your perspective. Don't look at reading time as a chore, or something else on your to do list. Make it a break from all the others things pulling at you.
  4. Commit. Ten minutes. That's about all the time it takes to read through a chapter and pray. It may not sound like much, but if you're going from zero now to ten minutes, the impact will be life changing.
  5. Share your progress. Let your spouse, a friend or your small know how you're doing, and soak in that encouragement. You might even consider enlisting a buddy to read with you for mutual support.
 
Blessings on you as you read!
 
What is the hardest thing about getting in the habit of reading your Bible? What strategies have you used to help you stick to reading? What plan do you use?
 
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