Things to consider when studying the Bible:

 (see other study below: 10 qualities of a good Bible 
      student)

 A. Who is doing the speaking, and to whom are the words 
    being spoken?
 B. What circumstances, in the context, might affect the  
    meaning?
 C. Is the language to be understood in a literal or 
    figurative sense?
 D. A better understanding of a Bible truth occurs when all 
    verses on a subject, and context, are considered.
 E. More-difficult passages must be understood in a way 
    that harmonizes/agrees with less-difficult passages.
 F. Bible study must be undertaken with an open mind, not 
    prejudiced by opinions or preconceived ideas.
 
           Key Questions to ask in a class
 
 To whom was Jesus speaking?
 What happened in this story?
 What new idea was brought to the people being spoken to?
 How can we apply this lesson in our lives?
 How can we imitate Christ and teach this lesson to those
 around us?

           10 Qualities of a good Bible student
 
 Intro:
  Every child of God should love and enjoy Bible study.  In
 Bible study, one partakes of the food that will help him
 grow into maturity (Heb 5:12,13; 1 Pet 2:2).  We are
 exceedingly blessed in the Lord's church with fine Bible
 classes for all ages.  The teachers spend many hours in
 preparation for each class.  For these classes, however,
 to accomplish the most good, each student must do his part,
 too.  This can be done in these three ways:  (1) Each 
 student should participate in class as much as possible.
 (2) The student must plan HIS personal carry-over in order
 to achieve the most out of the lesson. (3) The student must
 have the proper attitude toward the Bible and the things
 taught.  NOTE the following qualities of a good Bible
 student:
  First, he must have an open mind.  This attitude is 
 manifested throughout the Bible (Act 17:11; Dan 5:20, 2 Cor
 3:14).
  Second, he must be spiritually minded.  The Bible is a 
 spiritual book (Col 1:9; Titus 2:6; Jam 1:8; 1 Cor 3:1-4)
  Third, he must have a passion to know the truth (Ps 119:9,
 11,97-103).  He must also believe that he can know the
 truth (John 8:32; Eph 5:17)
  Recognize different types of scripture: narrative, law,
 prophecy, poetry, history, proverbs, parables, gospels,
 letters.
  Fourth, he must be a man of prayer, who asks for guidance
 and wisdom in his study (Jam 1:5; 3:15)
  Fifth, he must be persistent.  Some things can't be under-
 stood without constant study and effort (Prov 12:27; John 
 5:39; Ps 119:4-6; Heb 5:12-14)
  Sixth, he must be willing to accept revealed truth. 
 Finding the truth will not help the student unless he 
 accepts and applies it (Luke 8:18; Ps 49:4; Jn 6:60,66,
 Act 17:32)
  Seventh, he must rid himself of all preconceived ideas
 about the subject or text.  This was one of the problems
 the Jews had (Mark 12:10; 15:28; Matt 22:29; Lk 24:27,32,
 45)
  Eighth, he must be a man of courage.  To accept truths
 that have heretofore gone unoticed will, in many instances,
 take great courage.  It will also take courage to put them
 into practice in our everyday life (Prov 22:22; Ps 119:104)
  Ninth, he must be able to use reasoning skill (Act 17:2; 
 18:4; 28:19; 24:25)
  Tenth, he must believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration
 of the Bible (II Tim 2:16,17)
  Conclusion:
  A. Let's all TRY to become BETTER Bible students during 
 the coming year.  
  1. Outline a personal plan of study.
  2. Attend the classes.
  3. Encourage others.

 ==END==