Como Estudiar La Biblia. #1 Jeff Adams

How to Study the Bible: Introduction and Goals

Purpose of the Conference

• The conference aims to enhance understanding and study of the Bible, emphasizing a shared interest among participants in deepening their knowledge of God's word.

• Participants have received materials titled "How to Study the Word of God," which include guidelines for biblical study.

Course Objectives

• The speaker emphasizes that the goal is not merely intellectual knowledge but rather a transformative experience that changes attitudes and hearts towards studying scripture.

• A distinction is made between acquiring information and experiencing life transformation through engagement with the Bible.

Challenges Faced by Pastors Today

Types of Pastoral Leadership

• Many pastors focus on managing church programs rather than nurturing personal relationships or engaging deeply with scripture, leading to a disconnect from biblical teachings.

• This administrative focus can result in pastors relying on secondary sources (commentaries, books) instead of developing their own understanding through direct engagement with the Bible.

Consequences of Program-Centric Ministry

• The reliance on external resources leads to sermons that lack personal conviction and authority, often described as "refried messages." This diminishes their impact on congregations.

• There is concern about young leaders who pursue formal education but still struggle to grasp biblical concepts due to inadequate teaching methods in many seminaries today.

The Need for Authentic Biblical Teaching

Current Educational Gaps

• Many seminaries prioritize administrative skills and leadership qualities over direct biblical instruction, leaving future pastors ill-equipped for effective ministry.

• As a result, there are numerous pastors who possess intellectual knowledge but fail to connect scriptural truths with real-life issues faced by congregants.

Emotional vs Intellectual Pastoring

• The speaker critiques various pastoral approaches: program-driven, intellect-focused, or emotion-based ministries do not adequately address spiritual needs; what is needed are men of God who truly understand and teach the Bible effectively.

Establishing a New Attitude Towards Ministry

Vision for Change

• The aim is to cultivate an attitude within ministry that prioritizes genuine understanding and teaching of scripture over mere program management or emotional appeal. This involves fostering a philosophy centered around God's word as foundational for effective ministry work.

Scriptural Reference

Understanding the Role of Pastors in Ministry

The Importance of Prioritizing Prayer and Scripture

• The early church leaders were tasked with selecting seven men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to handle certain responsibilities, allowing them to focus on prayer and ministry.

• Many pastors fall into the trap of trying to please everyone instead of fulfilling their primary responsibility: praying and ministering God's word with authority.

• It is crucial for pastors to return to their foundational duties—prayer and studying scripture—rather than getting lost in numerous church activities.

Evaluating Church Activities

• Churches often engage in many activities without producing real fruit; it's essential to assess whether these efforts lead to spiritual growth.

• A call is made for a return to intense dedication towards God’s word so that when preaching occurs, it reflects divine authority rather than personal opinions.

Personal Testimony and Commitment

• The speaker shares a personal journey emphasizing the necessity of immersing oneself in scripture daily as central to life.

• Meditating on God's word day and night leads to success, highlighting the importance of making scripture the heart of one's existence.

Transformation Through Biblical Understanding

• Leaders are encouraged not just to seek material for sermons but aim for transformation by centering their ministries around biblical teachings rather than personal ideas or needs.

• The goal is not merely intellectual knowledge but genuine transformation through understanding and applying biblical principles.

Ongoing Struggle for Spiritual Growth

• Maintaining a relationship with God requires constant effort; each step closer brings more challenges from within oneself.

• Teaching these principles serves as a reminder that true learning involves living out what one preaches, making it relevant and impactful.

Long-Term Commitment to Learning

• Attending this conference should be seen as an opportunity for long-term growth rather than immediate knowledge acquisition; true understanding takes time.

• The speaker acknowledges that grasping these principles can take years but aims to streamline this process for others through shared insights.

Building a Strong Foundation in Scripture

• A solid foundation in biblical study will enable future leaders to understand scripture better than those who came before them, fostering continuous growth in faith.

Monterrey: A Transformation of Lives

The Impact of Biblical Study

• The speaker reflects on witnessing significant transformations in the lives of individuals, families, and pastors involved in biblical study, describing it as a miracle.

• Although unsure of the exact number, the speaker estimates that around ten to fifteen people have grasped the message being conveyed.

• The speaker expresses gratitude for any individual who understands and applies the teachings, believing even one or two can spark a revival in Mexico.

Basic Understandings Before Diving Deeper

• Four key concepts will be clarified before introducing rules for studying the Bible; today’s focus is on learning approximately 15 simple rules.

• Tomorrow's session aims to cover essential concepts and keys to better understand God's word.

• Emphasis is placed on clarity and understanding as they explore these rules and principles over several days.

The Main Theme of the Bible

• Contrary to popular belief, salvation is not the main theme of the Bible; rather, it encompasses broader and deeper topics.

• The discussion will include key doctrines without delving into complex theological terms like eschatology or christology but focusing on God’s organized structure within scripture.

Understanding Biblical Mysteries

• Many believers are unaware of seven mysteries mentioned in scripture; this lack of knowledge extends even to some pastors present during discussions.

• These mysteries encompass various theological aspects that need clarification for better comprehension among congregants.

Personal Experiences with Biblical Education

• A personal anecdote about a well-prepared brother from Lima who sought quality biblical education but found European seminaries lacking in teaching actual scripture.

• This brother's experience highlights a common issue where seminaries focus more on critical studies than on instilling confidence in biblical texts.

Learning the Bible: A Personal Journey

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding Scripture

• The speaker emphasizes that one can learn the Bible solely through personal study and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, without needing extensive resources or formal education.

• An example is given of a brother who teaches the Bible to pastors and indigenous people in Peru, demonstrating how lives can be transformed through direct engagement with scripture.

Simplifying Biblical Understanding

• The speaker asserts that while some parts of the Bible may be complex, it is generally not difficult to understand if taken literally.

• He highlights that often, it's our disbelief that complicates understanding rather than the text itself; simplifying scripture should be a priority for pastors and leaders.

Faithfulness to Scripture

• Referring to 2 Corinthians 11, Paul expresses concern about maintaining sincere fidelity to Christ amidst deception.

• The speaker connects this idea with presenting God's word simply and faithfully, avoiding human wisdom's complexities.

Historical Context and Deception

• The discussion shifts to Genesis 3, where Eve was deceived by questioning God's words. This tactic remains relevant today as people still doubt scriptural accuracy.

• The speaker notes that humanity has not learned from history; similar deceptive tactics are used in modern contexts like seminars and institutions.

Accessibility of Scripture

• Despite its depth, the Bible is portrayed as accessible for everyone—ordinary individuals can grasp its teachings without being part of an elite group.

• Emphasizing inclusivity, he argues that anyone—from carpenters to children—can understand biblical truths if they desire to engage with them actively.

Desire for Knowledge

• While many express a desire to know the Bible better, there’s an acknowledgment that true commitment requires effort beyond just attending lectures or classes.

• The speaker reflects on his experiences teaching globally, noting a universal human nature regarding eagerness but also reluctance towards deep study.

Understanding the Sacrifice of Studying the Bible

The Importance of Sacrifice in Biblical Knowledge

• The speaker emphasizes that understanding God's word requires effort and sacrifice, particularly in studying the Bible.

• Many people hesitate to invest time and energy into learning the Bible due to perceived difficulties or lack of formal education.

• Interestingly, those with less formal education often learn faster because they are free from preconceived notions that can hinder understanding.

• A formal education may help but is not essential; anyone can gain practical knowledge of the Bible if they desire it.

Insights on Biblical Interpretation

• The speaker references Revelation 2, where Jesus addresses the church in Ephesus, highlighting a specific doctrine He abhors: that of the Nicolaitans.

• Nicolaitans represent a sect from early Christianity whose teachings suggested that only scholars could interpret scripture for laypeople.

• This doctrine creates a barrier between God and ordinary believers by implying there must be mediators other than Christ for understanding scripture.

Historical Context and Its Implications

• The Nicolaitan doctrine is criticized for promoting an elitist view of biblical interpretation, which contradicts the belief that all believers can access God's word directly.

• The speaker discusses how historical practices within the Roman Catholic Church restricted laypeople's access to the Bible, leading to centuries of spiritual darkness.

• This restriction was based on a philosophy suggesting that only clergy could accurately interpret scripture, further alienating lay Christians from direct engagement with their faith.

Encouraging Lay Understanding

• Pastors and leaders are urged to foster an environment where every believer feels capable of reading and interpreting the Bible independently.

• Many church members lack systematic approaches to studying scripture because their pastors also may not have such training or methods themselves.

Empowering Believers Through Education

• The goal is for every member to confidently engage with any part of Scripture without needing pre-prepared messages or interpretations from others.

• Over 1,000 adults in one church community are highlighted as capable individuals who can explain biblical passages effectively due to proper teaching methods being employed.

• The pastor's mission focuses on equipping congregants with skills for personal biblical study rather than merely delivering weekly sermons.

Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding Scripture

• Emphasizing reliance on the Holy Spirit as a teacher is crucial; true understanding comes through dependence on Him.

Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit in Biblical Study

The Guidance of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit will communicate truths and future events, clarifying God's messages to believers.

• Reference to John 17:17 emphasizes that God's word is truth, and the Holy Spirit teaches biblical principles.

Importance of Rules in Bible Study

• Just as sports have rules for order, so does biblical study require established guidelines to avoid chaos.

• God is described as a God of order, not confusion; this principle applies to all disciplines including medicine and aviation.

Avoiding Emotional Interpretation

• There is a caution against relying solely on feelings or emotions when interpreting scripture; intelligence should guide understanding.

• Emphasizes that there exists a structured approach to studying the Bible which is often overlooked in modern times.

Learning Structure and Principles

• A systematic method akin to learning a profession (like piloting or medicine) is necessary for proper biblical interpretation.