Lesson 3: Would Someone Tell Me Where I'm Going?

Youth Development Studies on Personal Values, Goal Setting and Decision-Making

By Gary Petty

God's way is the only way of life that works in the long run. It only makes sense that the Creator of life knows how life is supposed to be lived. God wants us to have adventure, fun, romance and love, but every time we take a wrong turn in the maze of life, no matter how good it seems at the time, there is a painful dead end.

1. How much do you really know about the Bible? Where would you find these sayings or events in the Bible? (Just the book is sufficient).

"Cleanliness is next to godliness."

God tells a man to marry a prostitute.

"All men are created equal."

Water is turned into wine.

A donkey talks to a man.

Timothy: a young person who knew the Scriptures

The Bible records many stories of young people who responded to God's calling. Joseph, as a young person, suffered at the hands of his own brothers but was trained by God to eventually save his family. Josiah became a righteous king at a young age. Esther changed the course of an empire. Timothy became a minister in the early Church because of what he learned as a child.

The Bible contains two letters written by the apostle Paul to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 3:14–15 Paul writes: "But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Timothy was a good minister because he learned the Scriptures early in life. What makes Timothy's story unique is that his father was a pagan and his training came entirely from his mother and grandmother (Acts 16:1). Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:5: "When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also."

Most people throughout history haven't been able to own a Bible. Others owned them only at great expense. Some died trying to hide a copy of the Bible from those who would destroy it. You are privileged! You have a Bible, the inspired Word of God, available to read anytime. Dust it off and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!

2. 2 Timothy 3:16–17: What were Paul's instructions to Timothy concerning the Scriptures?

What is "doctrine"?

What is "reproof"?

What is "correction"?

What is "instruction in righteousness?"

Verse 17: What should be the result of studying and applying the Scriptures?

3. Hebrews 4:12: How is the Word of God "living and powerful?" How is the Word of God like "a two-edged sword?"

4. 2 Peter 1:20–21: What principles can we apply to Bible study that will help us avoid creating private interpretations?

Principles of Bible study

Talk to 10 different people and you'll get 10 different interpretations of what the Bible teaches. How can we study the Bible so that we can better understand what God is telling us?

1. Approach the Bible as the Word of God.
We must be receptive to God's Word even though it may not be what we want to hear. Pray for understanding and guidance.

2. Have an overview of Bible history and customs.
The Bible was written by dozens of people over a 1,500-year period. Knowing the local customs and its overall history can help the Bible come alive. Study a passage to discover what it meant to the original audience first. Example: Knowing that during the time of Jesus people wore sandals and it was a custom for a servant to provide water so that guests could wash their feet helps us understand why Peter was reluctant to have Jesus wash his feet in John 13:1–9.

3. Know the type of literature of the book you're reading.
Colossians is a letter written by Paul to a specific congregation. Matthew is a biography, a record of the life of Jesus. The books of 1 and 2 Kings are historical books. Psalms is a collection of poems and lyrics. Revelation is a book of prophecy containing many visions and symbols. Knowing what type of literature each book is will help us know how we should approach its content.

4. Study verses in context.
The numbering of chapters and verses we have in our modern Bibles isn't part of the original writings. The numbers were added to help readers find passages quickly, but sometimes actually break the flow of thought. Sometimes you must read the entire chapter, or even the entire book, to understand the context of a verse.

5. Study what the entire Bible says about a subject.
Since God inspired the Bible, it is consistent in what it teaches. If some verses seem to contradict each other, study every passage on the subject(s) of the verses to discover the complete understanding.

6. Let the Bible interpret itself.
There is much poetry in the Bible, as well as prophetic visions. It can be exciting to discover the meanings of their seemingly strange imagery by searching the Bible itself for understanding. Example: In Daniel 8 the prophet Daniel recorded a vision of two animals that fought with each other. Guessing at the meaning will result in all kinds of interpretations, but if we read a little further in the chapter, the Bible gives the true interpretation. The two animals represent the kingdoms of Persia and Greece .

7. Obedience brings understanding.
Sometimes God's instructions may seem confusing. We must trust that He knows best and follow Him. When we live by His instructions, He helps our understanding through His Spirit. Read Psalm 119:9–16, 33–40, 73–80.

Wrap-up

Most people have a little knowledge about the Bible, but don't know what it really says about many subjects.

The Bible is God's instruction book of life.