Bible Study Guide

We have been given Scripture by God as a mean of understanding who He is, 

and also who we are.  What better way then to understand Scripture than to evaluate 

every passage with this is mind:    

What is man's fallen condition, 

and what is Christ's response to this fallen condition?

I. Instructions:  First read the passage, then follow the below outline.

                        *  We are aiming for the transforming power of the Gospel!

                               - This exposes our deepest needs (unity, peace, etc.)

                               - This exposes our deepest need of all, Christ!

II. Outline:

   A.  Scripture

        1.  Look for continuities and discontinuities within the passage

            a.  discontinuities = cultural or historical aspects that may no longer be a poignant 

            as they once were *What was relevant then, that's not relevant now? 

            b.  continuities = things that are always true:

                1.  God's Nature - what about God's nature is displayed in this passage

                2.  Human Nature - what about man's nature is displayed in this passage

                3.  Nature of Redemption - what about the nature of redemption is represented

                (how does Christ turn human nature into God nature)

        *write down these discontinuities and continuities and go on to the summary portion

        of the outline

   B.  Summarize *All Scripture teaches us about Christ and our need for Him!

        1.  Fallen Condition Focus - what is man's fallen condition and how does this manifest 

        itself in our behavior *How does sin manifest itself in this passage?

        2.  Christ's Response (Redemption) - this is Christ's response to our fallen condition,

        how does Christ respond to our fallen condition and how has He changed us?

        *How does Christ restore us to Himself?

    C.  Application (ask yourself these questions)

         1.  What do we believe more than what Scripture teaches?

         2.  What difference would it make if we truly believed and lived what this passage instructs?

            a.  It would change our mindset

            b.  It would change our purpose

         3.  Other Questions:

            a.  What are the misdirected longings of my heart?

            b.  Why do I not do what Scripture teaches?

            c.  What weaknesses does this passage reveal of my own life?

            d.  What good is GOD bringing in my life?

The purpose of this study is to not only understand the Gospel, but also to see the power that it can bring to our lives.  As Christians we have all been called to produce fruit¹, and tell others about the Hope to which we cling².  We must as Christians understand the incomparable love of Christ and the transformation that he brings to our lives.  I encourage all of you to try this method of exploring the power of the Gospel to transform your own life and the lives of those you come in contact with.