-
How would you prioritize the three reasons given in this lesson for studying the Bible for yourself: “It is essential to knowing and loving God;” “It is essential for growing up in God;” and “It is essential to serving God”? What is the basis for how you prioritize them? Are any of the three reasons more or less important for you than the others? Do you have other reasons than these?
-
[Why are these simple one-word questions helpful in discovering the meaning of a passage: Who? Why? When? Where? How? Wherefore?] To fully understand the message of the text
-
[Why are these simple one-word questions helpful in discovering the meaning of a passage: Who? Why? When? Where? How? Wherefore?] I find that you must answer these one word questions to truly depict the understanding of the passage. You must know who wrote it, where they were, why they decided to write it, and how passage was helpful then and how it can be helpful now.
These are the foundational blocks of biblical understanding. -
[Why are these simple one-word questions helpful in discovering the meaning of a passage: Who? Why? When? Where? How? Wherefore?] (I will add a “What?” to these questions because this makes the list seem more complete.)
The first six questions help us understand each passage in its historical and literary contexts:
(1) “Who?” is an attempt to determine who wrote and who received the original document and who is named or described in its narrative or exposition.
(2) “What?” is an attempt to determine any actions (stated or implied) on the part of the author, recipients of his work, or individual or group mentioned in it.
(3) “Why?” is an attempt to clarify the motives (stated or implied) by any of those involved at any of the levels indicated above.
(4) “When?” is an attempt to determine as accurately as possible any relevant time elements.
(5) “Where?” is an attempt to determine any relevant places.
(6) “How?” is an attempt to determine any methods used in the document’s production or in descriptions given in its contents.The last question, “Wherefore?” is an attempt to see the parallels and principles that apply to us in the context of understanding the human situation, generally, and living in light of this understanding.
-
[Why are these simple one-word questions helpful in discovering the meaning of a passage: Who? Why? When? Where? How? Wherefore?] They make you stop, think and open your heart and mind up to God to show you the message and meaning He is trying to teach you.
