Introduction
We have a few days “off” before we start the book of Philippians next week. To help us all grow in reading the Word on a daily basis and to help us better study and apply the Bible, we’re taking the next three days to share a few tools for reading, understanding, and applying the Bible more effectively. For each of the next three days, we’ve picked three different Bible study methods and three key passages from Hebrews to help be more effective in studying and living out God’s Word.
Day Three
Remember, the best method to study the Bible is the method that you will use. Keep engaging and studying scripture. His Word is a light, it is eternal, it stands firm (Psalm 119). Today’s method is the APPLE method. Using A-P-P-L-E, we’ll dig into Hebrews 12:1-2. Grab a journal, Bible, and pen to get started.
A- List any ATTRIBUTES about God you learn or observe from the passage. (Describe His character. What is He like?)
P- List any PROMISES from God you learn or observe from the passage . (What has He done? What will He do?)
P- List any life PRINCIPLES hidden in the text. (Are there commands? What is God asking of His people?)
L- List any LESSONS learned. (Any sins to avoid? Are there examples of ungodliness? What is God trying to teach His people? What is God trying to teach me?)
E- List any EXAMPLES to follow. (In what practical way can I implement this truth? What action needs to be taken?)
Practice
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
In Summary:
A – Attributes of God
P – Promises of God
P – Principles to live by
L – Lessons to learn
E – Examples to follow
What did you learn from Hebrews 12:1-2 today using the APPLE method?
2 thoughts on “Bible Study Methods: Day 3”
A-Jesus demonstrated joy, endurance & humility to bring us to faith.
P-Christ is permanently seated at the right hand of God.
P-Our focus must constantly remain on Jesus, instead of being distracted by the world. Persevere as Jesus did.
L-Sin entangles and sucks the life out of us. Flee sin!
S-Follow the examples of heroes of faith both past and present.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
A – Attributes of God: God is the Alpha and Omega, the same yesterday, today and forever. Unlike us, he is not fickle, but steadfast. Jesus came on a mission, and he followed through on it unto death, enduring the cross’ enormity. But that is not where He left it. On the third day, He rose again, and now sits at the right hand of the father. Hallelujah!
P – Promises of God: He is our perfecter too. By His grace, we too will finish the race, arriving at the same glorious existence.
P – Principles to live by: Persevere. Look to Jesus!
L – Lessons to learn: I need to ask daily that God may reveal through His Word my eternal reality. I am currently in the throes of a marathon. My legs ache and my will may flag. But the prize lies ahead!!
E – Examples to follow: These were the verses with which my parents were sent out onto the mission field in 1964. They clung to these promises in the jungles of Colombia for over 50 years. I love to reread their accounts of God’s faithfulness (Richard and Rotraut Dugdale, Letters from the Jungle). Now my father has reached the finish line, and is surrounded by “the great cloud of witnesses,” while my mother continues to run the race in England. Missionary biographies are among my favorite genre of literature, as the accounts of running the race take me around the world!