Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life

One basic guideline to follow during the interpretation step of Inductive Bible study is to “use Scripture to Interpret Scripture.” This practice of better understanding one passage by comparing it to one or more other passages is also known as “interpretation correlation.” (Also see “Biblical Interpretation: How to Understand the Bible” and “What is Inductive Bible Study.”)

This interpretation guideline relies on the “harmony principle.” Since we believe the Bible is inspired by God, we also believe that the Bible cannot and will not contradict itself. This means every individual piece will “harmonize” with every other piece. (Also see the short video “What does it mean that the Bible is inspired?” If you check it out, I’d be honored if you’d subscribe to my You Tube channel!)

Therefore, if we think we see a conflict between two Bible passages, we can assume we have misunderstood one or both. Also, if we are struggling to understand the one eternal meaning of a passage, we can refer to other passages in the Bible for help. Because Scripture interprets Scripture.

A Few Benefits of Using Scripture to Interpret Scripture

As faithful students of God’s Word we want to handle Scripture correctly. We long to understand God’s one, true meaning so we can apply it to our lives. We want our thinking to align properly with God’s truth. Using Scripture to interpret Scripture is a helpful tool. This Bible study tool can help us:

Better understand a difficult or obscure passage – For more help on difficult passages see “ 4 Tips for Handling Difficult Passages .”Develop a comprehensive doctrine – We should not develop doctrine from just one verse or small passage, but rather consider everything the Bible teaches about that topic.Understand the deeper spiritual significance – The book of Hebrews tells us that the aspects of the Old Covenant – like the priesthood and sacrificial system – were but shadows of the greater spiritual reality revealed in Christ. Paul teaches something similar about the physical rite of circumcision (Romans 2:25-28). In these cases and others, the New Testament interprets the Old Testament.Look for a Relationship Between Passages

How can we know what other passages might be helpful as we seek to better understand a passage we are studying? Start by looking up passages with direct connection to your study passage. Below are a few common connecting relationships. Your study passage may:

Directly quote another passage – This is common in the New Testament. Jesus repeatedly quoted the Old Testament Scriptures (Matthew 5:21/Exodus 20:13). Other biblical characters like Peter (Acts 2:17-21/Joel 2:28-32) and Paul (Acts 13:33/Psalm 2:7) directly quoted Scripture. Still other times the biblical author included Old Testament passages in his writing (Mark 1:2-3/Malachi 3:1 and 1 Peter 5:5/Proverbs 3:34).Clearly allude to an Old Testament event – Although it may not be a direct quote sometimes passages include unmistakable references to other passages or biblical events. For instance, during Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus compared His coming crucifixion to the bronze snake Moses lifted up in the wilderness (John 3:14/Numbers 21:9-8). Jesus used the event in the wilderness as a word picture for His work on the cross. Paul used Eve’s example from the fall in his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:13-14/Genesis 3:1-6).Discuss or refer to a person from the Old Testament – Although there are many examples of this in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, one prime example is the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. Biblical authors used biblical characters as good examples, cautionary tales, or teaching points. Use key words or phrases used by another passage – Biblical authors often taught through repetition. They emphasized important points and truths by using the same words or phrases over and over. The author intentionally used this repetition to draw the reader’s attention. (Also see  “Look for Key Words When You Study the Bible .”) These key words often show up as key words in other places in Scripture. Sometimes the same author uses them in another section of the same book or in another of his books. Sometimes these key words are found throughout Scripture because they reflect running themes in the Bible. My favorite example is “light.” John used it repeatedly in his Gospel (John 1:4-9, 3:19, 8:12, 9:5, 12:35-36) and in his first epistle (1 John 1:5-7, 2:8-11). Light is also a running theme throughout the whole Bible (Genesis 1:3, Exodus 11:21-23 Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 49:6, Revelation 21:23).Highlight a theme that runs throughout Scripture – The Bible tells one big story from beginning to end. Therefore, important themes run like a thread throughout Scripture. A few examples include sin, righteousness, salvation, redemption, covenant, Kingdom of God, and forgiveness.Center on a topic also taught by another passage – Perhaps you read in John 2:13 that Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. You can refer to other passages to find out more about that festival’s establishment and rules for observation (Exodus 13 and 14). Some Resources to Help

The following list is not comprehensive, but these resources will be very helpful in helping you use Scripture to interpret Scripture. 

Cross-references –These appear in the footnotes or margin or Bibles that include them. These small notations connect verses in the text you’re reading to other related verses. These relationships include many of the things mentioned in the section above.Concordance – This is an alphabetized index of words found in the Bible along with a list of passages/verses in which it is found. Concordances are based on a specific translation of the Bible like the NIV or ESV. Some Bibles have small concordances in the back.Topical Study Bible – This resource organizes Bible verses by topic. For instance, if you want to learn more about humility, find “humility” in the topical Bible to see all the verses/passages printed that talk about humility. Try the “ Nave’s Topical Bible .”

Have you intentionally used Scripture to interpret Scripture in the past or is this new for you?

How to Use Scripture to Interpret Scripture by Kathy Howard.

One of my favorite things to do is to equip others with the tools and confidence they need to better study God’s Word. When I have that opportunity, people often ask about recommended Bible study resources. The ones I share in this post are the same ones I share when I teach a Bible study workshop and the same ones I use myself.

Before we jump into the specific recommendations, just a word about resources in general. As long as we handle God’s Word correctly and faithfully we don’t typically need them to read, understand, enjoy, and apply Scripture. (Also see “Do you Read the Bible all Wrong?) Believers have the indwelling Holy Spirit as our teacher. However, there are certain times when resources are helpful and perhaps even vital. (For more on this, check out “When Should I use Bible Study Resources to Aid My Study.“)

Unless I am researching the background of a Bible book I am about to dive into, I don’t turn to resources for help until after I’ve read and fully observed a Bible passage. Here’s my daily Bible study approach: “How I Read and Study the Bible.”

Physical Bible Study Resources

Online resources are great, but I often prefer to have the physical page in front of me. Plus, The wifi in our rural area is not super dependable and it seems to go out at the most inconvenient times.

I’ve been collecting printed Bible study resources for a while and have a decent little library, but you can do a lot with just a handful of books. The resources I share below will be helpful no matter the Bible book or topic you choose to study. The information they provide will always be relevant. So, they are well worth the small financial investment. (Note: The Amazon links I share of my favorite resources below are affiliate links.)

Study Bible – Can include things like things like background information on each Bible book, concordance, maps, and cross-references. Pick one out in your favorite translation! Bible Dictionary – Includes definitions of people, places, objects, and more found in the Bible. Also includes maps, charts, and background information on Bible books. A good one to try is the  Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary  Bible Handbook – This type of resource can include historical, cultural, and archeological information as well as background information on the Bible books. Here are two to try:  Zondervan Handbook to the Bible  and  The Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook Exhaustive Concordance – This alphabetical index of words lists the main references where each word occurs in the Bible. Very helpful for a word, character, or topical study. Will be specific to a particular English translation like the NIV or ESV Bible Background Commentary – This resource provides cultural and historical information on every passage in the Bible to help us bridge the gap of time and culture. I love the two-volume IVP Bible Background Commentary. Check out the Old Testament volume and the New Testament volume.Online Bible Study Resources

The internet can be both dangerous and wonderful. It’s filled with many things that are not emotionally or spiritually healthy for us. BUT, it also provides us with some great online Bible study resources and tools. And many of them are FREE! Keep in mind that everything you find on the internet will not necessarily be biblical. Check everything you find against the truth of God’s Word.

Gospel Coalition (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/courses/) – Bible book background, theology, church historyBible Project (https://bibleproject.com) – Video-driven, book overviews Precept Austin (https://www.preceptaustin.org/bybook) – Commentaries, word studies, Bible book background  Blue Letter Bible (https://www.blueletterbible.org) – Strong’s, Lexicons, Interlinear Bible, Outlines, charts, maps, Strong’s, Commentaries, Lots of misc.Bible Hub (https://www.biblehub.com) – Treasury of Scripture and commentaries plus access to topical studies, interlinears, sermons, Strong’s and many more resourcesStudy Light (https://www.studylight.org/?ref=forallthingsbible) – Commentaries, encyclopedias, dictionaries, lexicons, original language Bible History (https://bible-history.com) – Photos, archeology, timelines, calendars  Word Study Resources

Students of God’s Word don’t have to know Hebrew and Greek to look up the original language in order to gain deeper understanding and insight. Lots of resources exist to help those of us who can only read our English translations. (For more about the different types of resources available see “Resources to Study the Bible’s Greek and Hebrew Words.”) Several of the online resources above offer original language tools. However, I also love having the following printed Bible study resources on my home library shelf.

Complete Word Study – These resources include the Strong’s numbers over the KJV translation of the Scripture. Definitions are included in the back. It comes in two volumes:The Complete Word Study Old Testament   See on AmazonThe Complete Word Study New Testament   See on AmazonVine’s Complete Expository Dictionary – This has sections on both the Old and New Testaments plus an index. See it on Amazon.Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary– This resource includes the Hebrew and Greek dictionaries and a Scripture index. See it on ChristianBookCom.

If you are a church or women’s ministry leader, I’d love to talk to you about working together to equip the women in your church for better Bible study. I’ve done live and virtual workshops! Email me at [email protected] to get a conversations started.

Let’s share! What did I miss? What are your favorite Bible study resources ?

Updated List of Recommended Bible Study Resources by Kathy Howard.

Most of us avoid it as much as we can. But, with just a little help, we can better understand the law in the Old Testament. This post will define “law,” describe three categories of the law, and give tips for understanding and applying the Old Testament law. (Also see “Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Genres.”)

What is the Law?

If you’ve been confused by the phrase “the law,” you’re not alone. Confusion is understandable since the term “law” is used in several different ways in Scripture. Here are quick descriptions of the primary ways it’s used:

The Law – Used by ancient Jews to refer to either the whole Old Testament or the “Pentateuch.” The first five books of the Old Testament, which are attributed to Moses, comprise the Pentateuch.The Law – Sometimes the term indicates God’s covenant with Israel and the religious system it established. Ancient covenants were primarily granted by a generous but powerful individual to a weaker, dependent person or group of people. The powerful guaranteed protection and benefits to the weaker. The weaker committed themselves to certain stipulations. The powerful honored the covenant as long as the weaker kept the stipulations.The laws – Finally, the term also refers to the more than 600 specific commands found in the Pentateuch. ( Specifically in Exodus 20 through Deuteronomy 33.) For our purpose, when we refer to the law, we mean the actual 600 plus commands God gave to the Israelites as His covenant people. What are the different kinds of laws in the Old Testament?

The Bible itself does not break down or classify its collection of laws. However, scholars categorized them to help Christians recognize the different functions and thus understand what still applies to us today. Here are the three categories of laws: 

Ceremonial (ritual) – This larger category details how Israel was to worship and remain in right relationship with God. These include the sacrificial system, the priests’ duties, operation of the tabernacle, ceremonies and festivals, and more. Civil – These laws helped Israel function as a community/nation. They addressed legal issues like marriage, property, inheritance, and debt. They also included penalties for crimes. These kept their society functioning, maintained proper relationships, and protected the weak. Moral (ethical) – These laws reflect God’s holy character and thus deal with timeless truths and eternal principles. The Ten Commandments are the prime example of moral law. Does the Old Testament Law apply to Christians?

All Scripture – both New and Old Testaments – is inspired by God and useful for both our spiritual growth and our knowledge of Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 5:14). Its truths and principles are timeless and reflect the character and nature of God. However, not all the specifics are directly applicable to us in the same way they were for the ancient Israelites. (Also see “6 Reasons to Read and Study the Old Testament.” and “Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament Law?“)

Here are a few things to consider as we seek to determine how the law of the Old Testament applies to believers today:

The ceremonial or ritual law all pointed to Jesus – The New Testament book of Hebrews shows how Jesus fulfilled every element of Israel’s religious system. Jesus was the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26). He is also our High Priest who established a superior, eternal covenant making the “first one obsolete” (Hebrews 8:13). All the elements of the Old Covenant’s religious system were temporary, merely a shadow of God’s eternal covenant through Christ (Hebrews 8:4-7).  Also see “Look for Jesus in the Old Testament.“The civil law was grounded in the culture and history of ancient Israel – A quick glance through Leviticus or Deuteronomy yields plenty of examples of specific laws with no direct application for today’s world. For instance, “no one shall take a mill or an upper millstone in pledge, for that would be taking a life in pledge” (Deuteronomy 24:6). Few of us own mills or millstones today. However, the underlying principle can still be recognized and applied. Don’t secure a loan with anything the debtor needs to make a living. (Also see “ Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap in Scripture. “)The Old Covenant was an agreement between God and the nation of Israel – We are not bound by that covenant or obligated to its stipulations. However, those who are in Christ are saved into a new covenant. Christians are “not under the law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Paul describes those under the New Covenant as “slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:18) who are obligated to follow the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:16-18). Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant – Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). The Greek word translated “fulfill” in the ESV means “to fulfill, complete, carry out to the full.” Jesus did not simply “cancel” the Law and do something new. Instead, Jesus fulfilled it through His life, character, and work. Under the New Covenant we are obligated to the Spirit – Freedom from the law is not freedom to live as we please. Instead, believers are set free from the law to become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:15-16). As we follow the indwelling Holy Spirit, we will fulfill the “righteous requirement of the law” (Romans 8:4) and live lives that reflect God’s character and please and honor Him.  (Also see “ A Case for Continuity of the Moral Law. “)5 Tips to better understand the law in the Old Testament

You ready to start reading Leviticus or Numbers? With the right approach the law will encourage you and equip you with godly principles. Here are a few tips to help you better understand the law in the Old Testament:

Determine the type of law – Using the descriptions given above, decide whether the particular law you read is civil, ceremonial, or moral. This will help you know how directly to apply it.Recognize how it’s been fulfilled in Christ – This is particularly relevant for the ceremonial laws. Identify the underlying principle – All the Old Covenant laws were based in God’s character and His righteous expectations for His people. Strip away the historical and cultural trappings to find the eternal ethical, moral, and theological principles on which the law is based. That is still applicable for God’s people. Look for what it reveals about God – As mentioned above, the law of the Old Testament is grounded in God’s character, purposes, and ways. Understanding the intent of the law teaches us something about Him.Read through New Covenant glasses – Consider how the law helps us better understand God’s big story of redemption in Christ. Ask how following it will help us live like Kingdom citizens.

Have you avoided reading the law in the Old Testament? In what way does this post encourage you to try again?

Help to Better Understand the Law in the Old Testament by Kathy Howard.

Lately I’ve done some reading about how to understand the parables of Jesus. Since He used them often to teach deep, theological truth we don’t want to miss out!

I intentionally add illustrations and stories to my speaking and writing. They add “flesh” to the bones of my teaching, to help my audience grasp the abstract idea. 

Using story to teach is not new. It was a common and popular form of teaching in ancient Judaism. Stories are far easier to remember than simple statements of fact. Storytellers spark imagination by creating visuals that show rather than tells. Hearers connect emotionally with story.

What is a parable and why did Jesus use them?

You may have heard a parable defined as “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” In this extended metaphor, a teacher weaves a fictional narrative about common, ordinary things to explain spiritual doctrine and eternal truth. Parables show how an unfamiliar thing is like a familiar thing. This comparison helps the listener understand something new. 

Jesus knew the power of story to teach deep truth. Innocent-sounding narratives pull the listener in. Then when she is fully engaged and emotionally connected, the truth confronts her. Will she reject it or accept it?

Jesus used parables to both reveal and conceal. The spiritually sensitive heard, understood, and accepted the truth He taught through story. But the hard-hearted closed their ears and rejected it. For them, the parable was only a simple story. (See Matthew 13:10-17 and Mark 4:10-11.) Jesus also patiently explained His parables to those who struggled to understand but desired to know the truth (Mark 4:10). (Also see “4 Tips for Understanding the Gospels” and “How to Understand a Bible Passage.”)

The more we understand the parables of Jesus, the more we will understand the Kingdom of God. Jesus used these parables to teach God’s values and ways. God’s Kingdom runs counter-cultural to the kingdom of man. Jesus taught through parable to reshape how people think. He wants us to reject the kingdom of the world and live like citizens of the Kingdom of God. 

8 Tips to Understand the Parables of JesusDefine the larger context – Don’t just read the parable itself. The greater literary context provides the overall setting and serves as a guide to the meaning. Jesus often used parables to respond to questions, attitudes, or problems. Look for explanations, clues, and any direction from Jesus. (Also see “How Biblical Literary Context Aids Our Understanding.”)Discover the historical and cultural context – Jesus shared His audience’s culture and history. He didn’t have to explain the details. But we are far removed from what they naturally understood. Therefore, to properly understand much of Jesus’ parables we must do a little homework. For instance, to best understand the story of the prodigal son we need to learn how inheritance worked in first century Judaism. (Also see, “Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap.”)Enter into the story – Don’t just hear it, picture it. Watch the sower scatter the seed (Mark 4:1-9). Hear the great crash of the house built on sand (Matthew 7:24-27).Look for comparison and contrast – Many parables show dramatic differences between two or more people or things to show us the best choice. One good example of this is the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Five were prepared with extra oil for their lamps and five were not. Recognize the main theme and identify any sub-themes – Parables often present one overarching theme that’s supported with multiple points. Some scholars encourage readers to look for one main point associated with each character or group of characters in the parable.Be cautious with symbolism – Parables are symbolic to a degree, but they are not true allegories. And although Jesus interpreted some of His parables in a highly symbolic way (parable of the sower), we can’t take the same liberty. Jesus used lots of details to fill out and bring life to the story, but He did not necessarily mean those to be symbolic. The context of the parable offers clues. Chart the structure – Parables were carefully constructed. Noting this structure will help us understand what Jesus wanted us to learn. For instance, the climax of the parable usually comes in the middle. Look for that to find your central event, main character, or likely main theme/point. Often the “scenes” on either side of that central climax relate to one another. Also, take note of surprise details and unsuspecting plot twists. For example, the hated Samaritan turns out to be the hero of the story.Identify truths about the Kingdom of God – Why did Jesus tell this parable? What does He want us to learn about God’s values, ways, and purposes? Considering that, what must we change about the way we think, behave, and live?

The two books that have most impacted my understanding of parables recently are “Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes” by Kenneth E. Bailey and “Inductive Bible Study” by Kenneth Acha. Both books are fairly large and a bit on the academic side but if you like that sort of thing they are extremely helpful!

What’s your favorite parable of Jesus? Have these tips broadened your understanding in any way?

How to Understand the Parables of Jesus  by Kathy Howard.

It’s common knowledge that our diets directly affect the health and working of our bodies. And while we may not eat right 100% of the time, most of us try to do what’s best for our bodies overall. Unfortunately, we aren’t always as careful with what we feed our minds. And it shows – not only in our view of the world, but also in our spiritual health.

What we put into our minds shapes our thinking. The way we think directly affects our character and behavior. For instance, if we repeatedly and exclusively hear society’s view that God’s teaching on sexual relationships is outdated and waiting for marriage is ridiculous, then we are likely to have sex outside of marriage. But if we learn about God’s perfect design for sexuality and marriage and accept His Word as timeless truth, it’s more likely our behavior will line up with that thinking.

What We Think about Matters

What our culture considers “good, moral, and acceptable” is a far cry from the truth of God’s Word. When we watch, read, and participate in things out of line with God’s truth our thinking becomes desensitized. As our thinking shifts and conforms to the world our character and behavior will follow.

The Bible shows the direct correlation between the way we think – our worldview – and our spiritual well-being. (See also, Do you have a Christian Worldview?)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2, ESV

The Greek word translated as “renewal” in the ESV in Romans 12:2 means the “adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life.” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary.) Basically, as we study God’s Word, His truth reshapes the way we think, aligning it with God’s. As our thinking aligns with His, His Spirit shapes our attitudes, motivations, and behavior to match Christ’s.

A Challenge to Evaluate Your Brain Food

Only the Holy Spirit can transform us (Titus 3:5), but we can cooperate with His work by feeding our mind with truth. Let’s ask God to show us where our thinking is out of line with His truth. Let’s ask Him to renew our thinking and transform our spiritual health. And let’s cooperate with Him in practical ways.

God’s Word tells us to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Could these characteristics describe the things you’re allowing into your mind?

Want to be spiritually fit? Start by honestly evaluating what you’re allowing into your mind. Use this downloadable worksheet EVALUATE YOUR BRAIN FOOD to evaluate the “food” you’re feeding your mind and how it may be shaping your thinking. Be as honest and as comprehensive as possible.

If you long to breakdown a secular worldview and build a biblical one, respond to what you discovered when you filled out the BRAIN FOOD worksheet. Consider these questions:

What things on your list do you feel have the most negative impact on your thinking? Does God want you to reduce or eliminate any of these? How can you manage your time to include more time filling your mind with God’s truth Feeding Your Mind with Spiritual Health Food

 Ready to start “renewing your mind” but aren’t sure how to get started? There are countless ways to feed on the truth of God’s Word, but here are a few to get you started:

Read the Bible regularlyListen to God’s Word (sermons, podcasts, audio Bible, etc)Memorize ScriptureMeditate on ScriptureJoin a Bible study group – I lead one on Facebook I’d love for you to check out. “Reading the Bible Together.”Listen to worship and praise music while you work or drive

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of change? Be patient with yourself. Just like it takes time and determination to improve our physical condition, our spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight.  Ask God and other Christians for help and accountability.

I’d love to help! My website is packed with free Bible study material and discipleship tools like Bible reading plans, quiet time tips, Scripture memory helps, and prayer helps. Check out the Free Resources page.

What other ways you can think of to feed our minds with the truth of God’s Word and override the lies from our culture?

What are You Feeding Your Mind? by Kathy Howard.

Recently a Christian woman in my daily Bible reading group asked me about what to pray for before we study or read the Bible. Although several things came to mind right away, I felt challenged to search Scripture for what God says about how we should handle and respond to His Word.

As both a student and teacher of God’s Word, there is one passage I’ve been praying for myself for a while:

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

I do not take my calling as a Bible teacher lightly. I constantly feel the burden of correctly handling Scripture. It is THE truth. If I mishandled it, at best I would be distorting God’s truth. And at worst, I would be condoning lies and leading others astray.

After doing this small search of Scripture to write this post, I plan to expand the way I pray. Some of the following requests can be made before you read, some during, and some after.  

Click here for a downloadable printable of the 9 prayers below.

9 Suggestions about What to PrayUnderstanding of His Truth – The Bible is not just “God’s truth,” it is THE truth. Whether someone recognizes and accepts it or not, God’s Word is the one, eternal truth for all people of all time. However, we need the Spirit’s help to understand it. People without the Holy Spirit cannot understand spiritual things (See 1 Corinthians 2:12-14). But those who belong to Jesus have the Holy Spirit to give understanding. Ask God to teach you and open your spiritual eyes so you can understand His wonderful truth (Psalm 119:18, 34, 125, and 169). (Also see “ 4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use .”)Awareness of sin and true repentance – God’s Word is like the sharp scalpel of a skilled surgeon. It lays bare our thoughts, attitudes, and motivations (Hebrews 4:12), even things we aren’t aware of ourselves (Psalm 19:12). Ask God to expose all sinful thoughts and desires, convict you of sin, and bring you to repentance.Knowledge of His will – God calls us to serve Him and be productive for His Kingdom. There are general commands to follow in Scripture, but we also need His direction for how to specifically live out those commands. Ask God to give you knowledge of His will so you will “honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit” (Colossians 1:9 NLT).Desire and strength to obey – For me, obeying God’s will is often far more difficult than knowing it. The biblical author James reminds us that it’s not enough to know God’s Word, we must also do what it says (James 1:22). But we can also ask for His help. “Don’t let me wander from your commands” (Psalm 119:10).Alignment of thinking with His – What we see, hear, and read shapes our thinking and influences our behavior. We are constantly bombarded with messages from the world, much of which directly conflicts with God and His truth. Ask God to use His Word to change the way you think. Ask Him to align your thoughts about Him, yourself, and the world to His truth (Romans 12:2). (Also see “ Do You Have a Christian Worldview? “)Increased Knowledge of God Himself – Jesus defined eternal life like this: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).” Salvation is far more than a get-out-of-hell-free card. It’s about a personal relationship with the God of all creation. God wants us to know Him, so He revealed Himself to us in His Word. Ask God to help you know Him increasingly more (Colossians 1:10). Also ask God to help understand everything the whole Bible teaches about Jesus and His saving work (Luke 24:27).Equipping for God’s work and purposes – God also uses His Word to prepare us for usefulness in His Kingdom (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Ask God to equip, train, and ready you for the work He has prepared for you (Ephesians 2:10). (Also see “ 4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life .”)Spiritual growth and sanctification – On the night He was betrayed and arrested, Jesus asked the Father to sanctify His followers through His Word (John 17:17). God still uses His Word to make us holy and bring spiritual growth. Ask God to use the truth of His Word to purify your faith and grow your character to reflect Christ (Ephesians 4:12-14). Passion for His Word – The more we love God’s Word, the more we will read it and follow it (Psalm 119:97). Ask God to ignite a passion for His Word so you desire to know it more. However, sometimes we simply need to begin with discipline. The more we read God’s Word, the more we will love it. 

Do you pray for anything not on my list? I’d love for you to share!

What to Pray Before You Read the Bible by Kathy Howard.

Knowing how to do a Bible book survey is a powerful skill for any student of God’s Word. A survey falls under the first step of inductive Bible study because the focus of a survey is observation of the content and not interpretation.

A “survey” is a preliminary, big picture overview of an entire book of the Bible. Some people describe it as a “bird’s-eye” or “telescopic view.” This big picture look only skims the surface, noting the major points, primary themes, and running arguments. The reader does not slow down, go deep, or look for details. 

Why do a “Bible book survey?”

Each book of the Bible was written as a whole unit. The biblical author expected his book would be read as a unit and he structured it as such. Therefore, it’s easy to misunderstand a small passage when we disconnect it from the larger whole. (See “How Literary Context Aids Our Understanding.”) 

Note: There are exceptions to the individual Bible books being written as a unit. For instance, each individual psalm was written as a unit. However, each psalm was intentionally chosen to be part of the collection and the collection was organized into a cohesive unit with a specific structure.

It’s always helpful to do a book survey before digging deeper into the smaller pieces of a book. A survey establishes the overall context for the book as well as any and every smaller section you might want to study. 

Also, knowing the big picture of a book helps us better understand God’s big, overall story. The individual Bible books are pieces of the same divine puzzle. We best understand the whole when we understand the parts. The reverse is true as well, we best understand the parts when we know the whole. (Also see “What is the Metanarrative of the Bible?”)

What are the basic steps of a Bible book survey?

I’ve done a lot of reading and study about how best to study the Bible, particularly about inductive Bible study. Although the various resources I’ve consulted suggest slightly different approaches to a book survey, they all teach the same basic method. The variation I offer below is based on both my research and Bible study experience. First, I will list the steps and then I’ll go back and expand on each one. And before you begin, set aside any preconceived ideas or previously-held understandings you have about the book. Start fresh.

Pre-read the whole bookGather background InformationRead the book multiple times Note the overall structure Observe the basic content Pre-read the Book

Before doing a complete read through of the book do a quick scan or skim. Kenneth Acha, author of “Inductive Bible Study: A Trusted Guide to Understanding and Applying the Word of God” recommends this and calls it “pre-reading.” Do read what appears to be the introduction and the conclusion. In a lengthier book this may be the first and last chapters. In a shorter book, it may be the first and last paragraphs.

The goal here is simply to get a feel for the book overall. You may notice some basic structure and main points. Also watch for key facts that will help you compile the background of the book like author, recipients, place, and other important people.

Gather information on the Book Background

The background of a book includes the specific circumstances surrounding its writing and the overall historical and cultural context of the time in which it was written. General knowledge of these are important so we can better understand what a book meant to the original audience. Some of these facts can be found within the book itself. You likely noticed some during your pre-read. But for other vital information you will need to consult outside resources. 

For instance, the reader should consider things like what was happening in world history, the political environment, and the culture. Although these things may seem disconnected from the Scripture, all of this and more helped shape the worldview of both the author and the recipients. These things impacted the environment in which the book was written and shaped the way the recipients would have understood it. The more we understand about their world at the time, the more likely we are to properly interpret the book. 

This research doesn’t have to be super lengthy or involved. Even the basics will improve your understanding. For specifics on the information to look for and where to find it see “First Steps to Study a Bible Book” and  “Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap.”

Read the book multiple times

Read the whole book through in one sitting. This may feel overwhelming with larger books, but it can be key to better understanding. After you read it all the way through word for word read it again in a different category of translation. (For help on this see “Why are There So Many Bible Translations.”) Ignore the chapter and verse divisions. These were not in the original manuscripts. Don’t slow down for details or notes. Repeat the read through as many times as possible. Mix it up by listening to the book one or more times. Listening and reading it aloud enhances our “hearing.” Watch for – or listen for – main arguments, large sections, shifts in topic.

The biblical authors crafted their books as a whole. There is intentional structure with all the parts relating to each other and to the whole. In fact, the authors usually expected their books to be read to the audience in one sitting. 

Note the overall structure

The multiple readings will give you a good feel for how the author organized his book. The goal for this step is to recognize the basic structure or “bones” of the book that hold it all together. You can do this in a variety of formats. For instance, you could do a traditional basic outline or create something more visual like a chart.

Start by noting the author’s main ideas, his primary points. If you’re doing an outline, those would be your Roman numerals I, II, III, etc. If you’re creating a chart those would be your column headings. Then, under each primary point list the subpoints the author used to support it. 

For instance, Paul divided the book of Ephesians into two big, primary sections. The first is a description of the incredible salvation we have in Christ (chapters 1-3). The second practically details how we should live in light of the salvation we have been given (chapters 4-6). Those would be my two primary points or Roman numerals I and II. Then I would fill in the subpoints that support those using A, B, C, and so on.

Observe the overall content

If the structure is the bones of the book, the content is the flesh. The structure supports the book, but the content gives it life and meaning. Here are some things to look for:

Author’s overall toneAuthor’s purposePatternsThemesKey words and phrasesRunning arguments

I’ll share a few quick examples of some of the above. For instance, the book of Judges contains an obvious pattern. Over and over we see God’s people turn away from God to worship idols. After God disciplines them for a time through enemy nations, they repent, and God raises up a judge to delivers them. But it’s not long before they once again fall into idolatry and the pattern begins again.

One running theme in Matthew’s Gospel is that as the Messiah Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant. Throughout his account Matthew shares example after example.

In his letter to the Galatian believers, Paul has one primary running argument. Trying to follow the Law brings slavery, but living by the Spirit brings freedom, purpose, and spiritual growth.

For more content examples see “7 Differences between the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels.”

This post was lengthier than usual so if you reached this point, thanks for sticking with it! I’d love to hear from you…

Have you ever done a Bible book survey? If so, of what book? If not, do you feel like you could do it?

How to Do a Bible Book Survey by Kathy Howard.

Last month we welcomed our seventh grandchild into the world. John Travis is a very healthy baby and flourishing on breast mile alone. But soon he will need more than milk. At the appropriate time, his parents will introduce a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables. Baby John won’t grow properly without them.

Likewise, we need a healthy spiritual diet of God’s Word to grow spiritually strong. Therefore, it’s important for us to regularly evaluate the quality of our Bible intake. First, let’s consider four unhealthy spiritual diets.

4 Unhealthy Spiritual DietsSpoon fed– Do you spend the bulk of your Bible study time in “secondhand” learning? Do you ingest God’s Word only after it’s filtered through someone else’s teaching? There’s nothing wrong with doing a published Bible study or listening to sermons and podcasts, but those things merely supplement our own personal study. I love to dig into a meaty study by a solid Bible teacher or listen to a great podcast. But there is no substitute for getting into God’s Word for ourselves. Everyone who has a saving relationship with Jesus has the indwelling Holy Spirit to help us understand everything God has given us in His Word (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Let us get into God’s Word for ourselves! He will give us understanding if we ask and rely on Him to do it!Baby food– When Jesus first drew us to Himself, the first truths we learned was that our gracious God offers forgiveness for our sin and eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s a glorious message! The most important truth we will ever hear. But so many of us don’t move much deeper than that (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). We repeatedly read about God’s love and grace, but hesitate to move on to God’s teaching about spiritual transformation and holy living. To grow spiritually, to be transformed into the image of Christ, we must add to those beautiful foundational truths. We must also explore the deep truths of God’s Word so He can use them to renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2) and train us in righteousness (Hebrews 5:11-14).Junk food– When we eat nothing but fast food, sweets, and processed foods our body will not be able to function properly. In fact, we are much more likely to develop things like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Our body needs real food for good health. The same is true spiritually. Some examples of spiritual junk food include shallow self-centered teaching, light-hearted devotional “fluff,” and even distortion of God’s truth (2 Peter 3:17). We must be responsible for what we feed our souls. Let it be healthy, deep, and true! (See “Spiritual Junk Food” for more examples.)Picky Eater– If we only eat a small variety of food we will deprive our bodies of many vital vitamins and minerals. We need a wide range of fruits, proteins, vegetables, and grains to get everything we need for a healthy body. The same is true with God’s Word. Sometimes we tend to read and study the same passages or books over and over and neglect others. Believers need the whole counsel of Scripture. All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for what He wants to accomplish in our lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We need it all. God’s story flows through every book, every chapter, every verse.A Diet that Promotes Spiritual Health

So, what does a healthy intake of God’s Word look like? The following tips will get us started on a healthy spiritual diet. For more helps check out some of the additional links at the end of this post.

Read and study the Bible regularly for yourself – The Bible tells us to train ourselves for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). This requires a commitment and discipline. Find a time that works for you and begin to develop a habit. (Also see “ Quiet Time Tips” and “ 4 R Bible Study Method .”)Mediate on what you read – Don’t stop with a cursory reading. Think on it, allow God’s truths to penetrate your heart and mind. Then God will use those truths to transform the way you think about Him, yourself, and the world (Psalm 1:1-3). If you’d like more information on biblical meditation see “5 Probing Questions to Help You Meditate on Scripture.”Respond to what God says – Maybe God wants you simply to sit and worship Him. Perhaps God wants you to stop a certain behavior or help someone in need. My prayer for you and for myself is that we will be doers of the Word and just hearers only (James 1:22). Also see “ 4 Ways to Apply Scripture to Your Life .”

So, what does your spiritual diet look like? What do you need to change?

Does Your “Diet” Promote Spiritual Health? by Kathy Howard.

Word pictures and figures of speech fill Scripture, but this post specifically focuses on metaphors and similes in the Bible. We will consider their benefit and how we can best understand them. But first, what are they?

Metaphors and similes are both word pictures that biblical authors use to help us understand deep spiritual truths. The authors present images of the familiar and concrete to explain the more unfamiliar and abstract. They compare two essentially different things to highlight one or more ways they are alike.

The difference between metaphors and similes is subtle. Similes use words such as “like” or “as” to soften the comparison. For instance, Jesus used this simile to teach about the nature of the kingdom of God: “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed” (Matthew 13:31). 

In contrast, metaphors don’t include words that clearly announce that a comparison is coming. Instead, metaphors boldly declare that “this is that.” For instance, Jesus used a metaphor when He told His followers, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13 ESV). However, the reader easily recognizes both simile and metaphor as word pictures.

Different Forms of Metaphors and Similes in the Bible

Metaphors and similes appear in Scripture in various forms. Sometimes they are small, simple images contained in just one sentence. For instance, we see a simple metaphor when Jesus called His first disciples. “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 5:19 ESV).

Sometimes we see pairs or strings of simple word pictures joined together for greater impact. For instance:

So, I am to them like a lion; like a leopard I will lurk beside the way. I will fall upon them like a bear robbed of her cubs; I will tear open their breast, and there I will devour them like a lion, as a wild beast would rip them open. Hosea 13:7-8 ESV

One more form is the extended metaphor or simile. The author paints a more detailed image for the reader then expands on it using commentary and explanation. My favorite example is Psalm 1:1-3:

Blessed is the man  who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like   a tree  planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

The simile proper is the image of the tree. But the author expands on it with commentary and explanation both before and after. He also compares the man who delights in God’s Word with the wicked. This simile teaches us the value of grounding our life in Scripture. We will be spiritually healthy and vital and we will be productive for God’s kingdom. 

The Effectiveness of Word Pictures in the Bible 

Word pictures are a very effective teaching tool. The rich images heighten our learning by sparking our imagination and engaging our emotions. Because of the familiarity of the visual painted for us, we can see, feel, smell, hear, and taste it. With all of our senses involved, the biblical author now invites us to impose or transfer the meaning of the familiar to something less familiar or unknow. In this way, he uses the metaphor or simile to communicate deep or complex spiritual truth.

Not only do we gain deeper understanding through word pictures, but the truth they teach sticks with us better than truth simply stated with words. For instance, Psalm 23 is probably the best-known and likely the most-loved psalm. Even many people not familiar with the Bible have heard and remember it. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. 

Tips for Understanding the Metaphors and Similes in the Bible

Although word pictures are heavily used in the Bible’s poetry, we also find them throughout Scripture. Jesus used them liberally because He knew their power to effectively communicate important spiritual truth. The following tips will help us recognize the truth they teach. (Also see “Poetic Metaphor” on the Bible Project.)

Identify the image – Recognize that the biblical author is intentionally using a word picture and identify what it is. Observe the image – Next, “see what it says.” Look for how the author describes the image. What components does he highlight? Look to see if the author compares or contrasts this image with something else. (Also see “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study.“)Consult resources for cultural and historical information if needed – The biblical authors painted word pictures grounded in their time and culture. Although they were familiar to their original readers, some may be unfamiliar to us. Therefore, for solid understanding we may need to consult resources. (Also see “ Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap. “)Identify the spiritual truth or concept – The abstract concept described by the word picture might be clearly stated by the author in the immediate context. If it’s not, back up and consider the larger literary context. Understand what the concrete word picture teaches about this abstract spiritual truth – Particularly note any commentary or explanation the author gives. Identify the main points the author makes. Write a brief statement summarizing the overall truth.Recognize where the comparison end – Word pictures have limits. Every analogy breaks down at some point. We must not try to go beyond the comparison the biblical author intended.

What is your favorite metaphor or simile in the Bible? What does it teach?

How to Understand the Metaphors and Similes in the Bible by Kathy Howard.

Have a love/hate relationship with the Proverbs 31 woman? Yes, we admire her energy and success. But frankly, the woman set the bar far too high for the rest of us. We read the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs and think, “That’s just impossible.” We feel defeated before we ever begin. But, perhaps we’ve misunderstood this woman all along.

The woman described in the last chapter of the book of Proverbs, also known as the “wife of noble character” is more than just a description of a godly woman. Throughout Proverbs, the wisdom writer often personifies wisdom. Since the Hebrew word for wisdom is feminine, it’s natural to portray her as a woman.

The wife of noble character then is the personification of wisdom, a composite of all the characteristics of wisdom we see in the collection of proverbs. This wise woman of virtue stands in contrast to all the adulterous and foolish women set forth throughout the book. She is an idealized wife, in an idealized home. And of course, she is set in the time and culture of an ancient Jewish household.

On commentator said it reads more like an ancient hymn, a musical poem to lady wisdom. Husbands and children even recited it in ancient Jewish homes at Sabbath dinner by. Structurally, it’s an acrostic. The first word of each line begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in sequence.

4 Tips to Help Us Understand

Many of us read Proverbs 31 but aren’t quite sure what to do with it. Are we supposed to follow her example? Is she our goal? Before we get overwhelmed by this “perfect,” godly woman, let’s step back and look at the passage through the lens of solid Bible study principles. The following tips will help us gain a proper perspective.

Consider the literary genre – Like every other genre in the Bible, proverbs/wisdom literature has its own principles for interpretation. By their nature, proverbs are principles for wise living that encapsulates broad observation about life. As applied to this wise woman, she is our example in an overall, broad way, but not necessarily in all the specifics of her life. (Also see “ 3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs .”)Check the literary context – Literary context includes the verses immediately surrounding the passage in question, but also the whole book and the entire Bible. To best understand the Proverbs 31 woman, we need to keep the whole of Proverbs in mind as discussed in the section above. The Proverbs 31 woman is wisdom personified for the whole book. (Also see “ How Biblical Literary Context Aids Our Understanding. “)Keep the historical and cultural context in mind – As you read through Proverbs 31:10-31, you’ll see a host of specific tasks carried out by this industrious woman. However, many of them – like planting a vineyard and spinning her own cloth (Proverbs 31:16, 19) – are closely tied to her time and culture. God does not intend for us to perform these specific tasks. (Also see “ Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap in Scripture .”)Identify the underlying truths and principles – When we seek to understand a Bible passage, we must first recognize what it meant to the original audience. That is the first and only meaning of the text. Sometimes this meaning is directly applicable to God’s people of all time. For instance, consider Jesus’ command to “Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12).” But, sometimes the specific meaning cannot be directly applied. Consider Paul’s command to the believers in Rome to help Phoebe in whatever she needs (Romans 16:1-2). Although Phoebe has long been with Jesus, we can apply the underlying principle by being quick to help our Christian leaders. The Proverbs 31 woman engaged in many tasks and enterprises rooted in her ancient culture. While we can’t duplicate those, we can identify things like character attributes, how she related to others, and the quality of her work in all areas of her life. Those we can emulate. What do we do with Proverbs 31 Woman?

By approaching this “super woman” with the right Bible study attitude, we can once and for all lay down any animosity or jealousy we’ve felt over the years. This woman is not smarter or more energetic than today’s Christian woman. She does not possess some secret, super power or run for days with no sleep. Here are a few ways we can respond instead:

Embrace the source of her wisdom – The “secret” of this amazing woman is the source of her wisdom. “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30 ESV). “The fear of the LORD” is a running theme in the book of Proverbs. God is the Source of true wisdom (Proverbs 8:22). If we want to live wisely and not work against the One who designed the universe we must submit to Him and His ways. We must acknowledge His authority and yield to His Lordship in our lives. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10).Identify her basic attitudes and motivations – We cannot copy her behavior, but we can identify those things that drive her behavior. By adopting those attitudes and motivations, our behavior will then be a model of godly living in our culture today.Ask God to instill the same wise, godly characteristics in us – I think the reason the Proverbs 31 woman often intimidates us is because we are looking at what all she does rather than who she is. For instance, this wise woman is hardworking, generous, a good steward of her resources, watches her words, and plans for the future. She yields to the God of wisdom in every area of her life. 

In what way have you previously misunderstood the Proverbs 31 woman?

4 Tips for Understanding the Proverbs 31 Woman by Kathy Howard.