Each book Application
Applications for each Book of the Bible
GENESIS
What have you learned from the lives of those mentioned in Genesis-from Adam and Eve through Joseph?
Remember the things which were written in the Old Testament were written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of Scripture we might have hope (Romans 15:4). What are the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience?
What have you learned about God-His character, His attributes, and the ways He moves in the lives of men and nations?
Since God never changes, can you trust Him?
Can you rely on what the Word of God reveals about Him even though you may not understand His ways?
Jesus took the book of Genesis at face value. As you study the Gospels you’ll see Jesus referred to the creation of Adam and Eve, to the flood, to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. He even referred to Satan as a murderer from the beginning. Jesus never contradicted the teaching of Genesis; He only affirmed them. Are you going to take God’s World at face value and believe as Jesus did, or are you going to listen to the philosophies of men?
Are you going to follow men with finite minds who critique God and His Word, or are you going to accept the Bible as the Word of God and then think and then think and live accordingly?
EXODUS
Daniel 11:32b says, “The people who know their God will display strength and take action.” What have you learned about God, His character, and His ways? What have you seen of His power and sovereignty? When we speak of God as being sovereign, we mean He rules over all. How do you see God’s sovereignty and power manifested in Exodus? Meditate on what you have learned and then make it a matter of prayer and application.
Since the Bible is a progressive revelation of truth, keep in mind what you have observed about redemption and the Passover. These are Old Testament pictures of the salvation to be offered through the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, they are picture of truths to be applied to your life (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).Are you a slave to sin? Jesus Chris has provided for your redemption from sin through His blood. Have you been redeemed?
What have you learned from Moses’ life? How did he deal with difficult situation and people? What was his overriding passion? What did you learn about Moses’ relationship with God that you can apply to your own life today?
LEVITICUS
What have you learned about God and His attitude toward sin? What happens when sin goes unpunished?
What have you learned about the occult and about the types of sexual sin? How severely were these sins to be deal with? What does this tell you about how God feels regarding these sins and their consequences? What do you think would happen in your country if these sins were dealt with according to God’s law? Read 1 Timothy 1:8-11.
Jesus told the Jews that the Scripture-the Old Testament-testified of Him. Think about how Jesus Christ and His work are foreshadowed in Leviticus.
What have you learned about holiness from Leviticus? If you want to be holy, how will you live your life? Are there any changes you need to make? Are you willing? If not, why not?
NUMBERS
Review all you learned from Moses’ life and then pray about how it applies to your own life.
Remember, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His character did not change between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Think about what you have learned about God from the book of Number. Are you living accordingly?
Are you jealous because the children of Israel had a cloud to guide them? Have you realized that God’s presence in the from of the indwelling Spirit is there to guide you? Do you seek and ask for His Spirit to lead and guide you just as surely as He led the children of Israel? What can you learn from the children of Israel so you won’t make the same mistakes?
DEUTERONOMY
Since we are under the new covenant of grace, what is our relationship to the commands of God? Do you think grace allows us to continue in sin and disobedience without any consequences or chastening from the Father?
What kind of allegiance does God call from Israel? Do you think He expects anything less from the church, the body of the Lord Jesus Christ?
What have you learned regarding the long-suffering of God and His gracious ways with His covenant people?
How does a child of God demonstrate his love for the Lord?
JOSHUA
Do you consult the Lord and His Word and then walk in obedience to what He says?
Joshua was admonished to be strong and courageous. What do you think this means?
Read Revelation 21:8 and note what is said about the cowardly.
Have you decided whom you are going to follow? Have you counted the cost?
What would cause you to compromise? Could you get away with compromise?
What would it cost you? Will it be worth it?
JUDGES
What have you learned from Judges about carefully listening to and obeying the commands of the Lord?
What have you seen about the consequences of doing what is right in your own eyes?
What parallels do you see between the sins committed in Judges 17 through 21 and today? What does it tell you?
Why wasn't the cycle of sin broken in the days of the judges? Are you caught in a cycle of sin in your own life? What will it take to break it?
What have you learned by studying the lives of the judges? Carefully review your chart on the judges and meditate on the lessons you can apply to your own life.
RUTH
What have you learned about loyalty from the story of Ruth? What does it mean to be loyal to God, to His people, to His precepts, and to trust God to do what He says He will do?
As you think of Boaz redeeming Ruth, remember that you have a kinsman redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Think of how the Lord has acted on your behalf as your kinsman redeemer by becoming a man so He could break death’s hold by paying for your sin (Hebrews 2:14, 15). Remember that you were not redeemed from your empty way of life with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of the Lamb of God, a Lamb without spot or blemish (1 Peter 1:18,19).
The final verses of Ruth show us that Ruth was included in the genealogy of David and therefore in the human lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only did a sovereign God include the harlot, Rahab, in the genealogy of His Son, but he also chose a Gentile, Ruth. Both of these women chose to believe God when those around them didn’t! Consider how their example might apply to your life.
In the book of Judges Israel forsook the true God and turned to idols, while in Ruth the opposite is seen. One Gentile woman turns from idols to serve the only true God. In which category do you find yourself?
1 SAMUEL
What lessons did you learn from Eli’s dealings with his sons? Do you see your accountability before God to discipline your children?
What do you learn from Samuel, Saul, and David’s lives regarding seeking God, listening to Him, and obeying Him? Are there consequences when you don’t?
Did you notice how much time has elapsed since David was anointed to be king? Still, as 1 Samuel comes to a close, David is not king over Israel. Think about all that transpired since Samuel anointed David. What can you learn from this about God’s promises, His purpose, and His timing? Are you waiting patiently on God for the fulfillment of His promises to you?
2 SAMUEL
What have you learned about sin and its consequences? Did you think that it God forgave you, you would never reap sin’s harvest? What do you think now?
In light of all you have learned, why do you think God referred to David as a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22)? Give this some serious thought. Then think about what such a statement about David, made after his death, would mean to you. If you wanted to be a man, a woman, a teen, a child after God’s own heart, what do you think it would require on your part?
Did you learn anything about inquiring or sitting before the Lord? Did you learn anything from marking “before the Lord”?
1 KINGS
Have you seen God’s graciousness and longsuffering? God doesn't retaliate, but rather brings us to repentance and obedience. What does this provoke in your heart? And how should you life if He is in control of your life?
Have you seen how a person can start well in his walk with the Lord and then turn away? What do you think causes this? What can you do to prevent this in your life? Go back and review what you have listed in the margin regarding the Kings and their relationship with the Lord. What lesson have you learned that you can apply to your life?
Did you notice the sovereignty of God – how He turns harts, directs spirits, raises up and puts down kings and others in order to accomplish His purpose and will? Are you living in the light of this truth about God?
Have you been thinking that you had to be absolutely perfect before God could use you? Did you see how Elijah was a man “of like passions” just likes you and yet God used him? What have you learned in 1 Kings? When David’s life was over, didn’t God call David a man after His own heart? Frailties and all, David was a man of God because he believed and obeyed God.
2 KINGS
As you consider the lives of Elijah and Elisha, what do you learn about faith and trusting God?
As you think about the captivity of Israel and Judah, and the reasons for their captivity, what do you learn about the necessity of living a righteous life? What practical applications can you make to your own life? Remember, walking your own way may be pleasurable for awhile, but a just God must hold you accountable?
As you studied 1 and 2 Kings you saw that what God says will happen eventually comes to pass. Since His Word stands and none can alter it, can you see how critical it is that you believe God and hold to His Word no matter what others say or do?
1 CHRONICLES
Second Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.” What have you seen of the faithfulness of God in the book of Chronicles? What assurance does this give you for life?
You marked the word heart in this last segment. God back over these references in chapter 29 and review what you observed about the heart. Also review what you observed as David blesses the Lord. Think about your own heart. What is your heart like in respect to the Lord? How can you turn what David did into a prayer to the Lord?
As you think about all you learned about the priests and their duties and you think of yourself and other Christians as a kingdom of priests unto God (Revelation 1 and 5), do you see any application you can make to yours responsibilities as a priest unto God?
2 CHRONICLES
Many lessons about prayer and seeking God can be learned from this book. Review what you have seen from marking the key words. Think about what you learned regarding sin, prayer, confession, and repentance in 2 Chronicles 6.
Second Chronicles is filled with illustrations of how people dealt with difficulties and testing. How did you relate to these people? What did you learn from their lives-men such as Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Uzziah? As you studied these did God prick your heart? With what warnings or cautions?
What did you learn about the sovereignty of God? How active or involved is God in the affairs of men? What were the different ways God afflicted those who disobeyed? Do you have a healthy fear of God?
EZRA
How did the people in Ezra’s time deal with their sin? What showed you whether their sorrow led to repentance or simply regret? How do you deal with sin in your own life? How is it dealt with within your church congregation?
What did you learn about prayer and fasting? Are either of these integral parts of your walk with the Lord? Why?
As you review what you have learned in Ezra, what have you learned about your God, His promises, and His ways? What difference can this knowledge make in your life?
NEHEMIAH
Read Nehemiah chapter 9 again and think about the character of God and how He dealt with Israel. What can you learn about God and also about Israel’s behavior that you can apply to your own life?
Have you thought about what could happen if the congregation of a church gathered together and publicly confessed their sins and then the sin of their nation?
What have you learned from Nehemiah life? How are you going to apply it to your life in a practical way?
ESTHER
What can you learn from the lives of each of the main character of this historical event? Review what you've listed about Esther and Mordecai. Have you ever realized that you, too, have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? What are the good words God would have you do? Read John 15:16 and Ephesians 2:8-10.
Have you thought about why Mordecai was unwilling to bow before Haman? Have you “bowed” to someone or something and in doing so compromised your calling and position as a child of God? Read Galatians 1:10.
Esther and Mordecai relied heavily on fasting and prayer to turn the tide of events. What about you?
JOB
Think about Job’s end compared to his beginning and then ask yourself if Job’s suffering was worth it. What about your suffering? What can it produce if you will respond in you will respond in the proper way? What is the proper way? What did you learn from Job?
What have you learned about Satan and Satan’s relationship to God from this book? How can those insights comfort you?
Read Job 31 again and if you didn't mark it the first time, mark in a distinctive way every if and every if I have. Think about how Job appealed to his own integrity in various matters of life. Examine those areas carefully. How does your integrity measure up in those areas? What do you need to remember, do, hold onto, let go of, begin, or stop? Will you?
PSALMS
When you are distressed, confused, afraid, or hurt, or when you need to talk with Someone who will understand, turn to Psalms. With the psalmist, be still (cease striving) and know that He is God.
Think about the practical value of Psalms and let it serve as your primary counselor when you need wisdom and understanding. Remember, blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates in that law day and night (see Psalm 1).
Have you thought about ending each day as the book of Psalms ends-with psalms of praise? “Let the godly ones exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises the Lord be in their mouth…Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 149:5,6; Psalms 150:6). Try it and see what God does.
PROVERBS
Are you walking in the fear of the Lord? To fear God is to have an awesome respect of who He is and a reverential trust in His Word and His character, and to live accordingly.
Do you rely on your own understanding or do you seek God’s wisdom in the matters of everyday life?
What do you need to do or change in light of the insight and wisdom you have learned from these proverbs?
Since there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, some people read a chapter a day, month after month. This is good as long as you do not neglect other portions of the Word and as long as you give yourself adequate time to meditate on these proverbs.
After chapter 9 many proverbs are only two to four lines long. You may want to choose one or two proverbs a day, evaluating your life and relationships in the light of them.
Or you may want to select a theme you marked throughout Proverbs, list what you learned from the book as a whole, and then meditate on that theme. For example, you might meditate on what you learned about diligence versus laziness, or about the tongue.
ECCLESIASTES
Where have you been searching for the meaning of life? What have you been pursuing in order to find fulfillment or happiness?
Where can the meaning of life be found? Where can’t it be found?
The author of Ecclesiastes is Solomon, David’s son, who was the richest and wisest of men. What do you learn from his experience that can help you?
Review all you have learned about God from this book. Since God is going to bring every act to judgment, even those of Christians (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10), what are you doing that you should continue to do and what do you need to stop doing? Will you?
SONG OF SONGS
There are many different interpretations about the meaning of this book. Does Song of Solomon speak only about the emotional and physical relationship of love and marriage? Or does it symbolize something such as Israel relationship with God, or the church’s relationship to Jesus, their heavenly bridegroom, or the individual’s devotion to Christ? If it goes beyond the natural to the spiritual, what would you see that you might apply to your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ?
If this book speaks merely of the physical and emotional bonds of marriage, what do you learn from it that you might apply to your relationship with your mate? Think about the way the bride and bridegroom communicated with each other, what the shared, what their physical relationship was like, what caused problems, and how they solved them.
What can you learn from Song of Solomon that would help you prepare for marriage? For instance, what can you learn from this book about understanding yourself, your future mate, and the importance of intimacy, purity, and physical oneness?
What do you think an adulterous relationship would do to the intimacy between the bride and the bridegroom? James 4:4 tells us that when we become friends with the world (the world system) we are committing spiritual adultery. What does this do to our intimacy with God? Read 2 Corinthians 11:2,3 and think about it.
ISAIAH
God’s character never changes; therefore what distressed Him in the days of Isaiah still distresses Him today. And what He had to judge then, He cannot overlook now. Is there anything in your life you must confess and forsake? And what if you are not willing to do so? Will God be able to overlook it? Think about what you learned about God and His ways.
God sovereign. He ruled over the nations in the days of Israel. Does He do the same today? What then can you know? How will your nation fit into all this?
Amos says God doesn't do anything without first revealing it to His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7). Therefore from studying Isaiah what do you know with an absolute certainty is going to come to pass? If the prophecies regarding the first coming of Jesus Christ literally come to pass (and they did), won’t the prophecies regarding His second coming be literally fulfilled? How then are you going to live?
JEREMIAH
Judah played the harlot. How have you behaved as the bride of Christ? Do you relate to any of Judah’s sins? In James 4:4 God calls those who are friends with the world adulteresses. What would He call you?
How faithful are you to proclaim God’s Word to others? What can you learn from Jeremiah’s life in this respect? Do you hesitate to share God’s Word whit others because of fear or because you think they wouldn't listen? Are you dismayed by their faces? What should you do? Think about all the times you marked “listened” in Jeremiah. Judah didn’t listen to God-only to those prophets who tickled her ears. How carefully do you listen to God’s Word?
Would God have relented of the calamity He was about to bring on Judah? Why? What do you learn from this?
God uses nations as His rod of judgment and yet He holds them accountable for their actions. What does this tell you about God and about your accountability before Him?
LAMENTATIONS
Have you become more aware of the consequences of sin?
God’s judgment can take many forms. The sovereign God rules. None can stay His hand or say to Him, “What hast Thou done?” for He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth (Daniel 4:34,35). Do you think you can sin and go unchastened by God? Judgment must begin at the house of God. Look at 1 Corinthians 11:31, 32.
Why do you think God deals with sin as He does? How should you respond? Read chapter 3 on your knees, so your “dancing” need not be turned into “mourning.”
EZEKIEL
As you think about God’s call upon Ezekiel’s life, what do you see about Ezekiel’s responsibility as a watchman that you could apply to your own life? If the people wouldn't listen, was Ezekiel still to speak (Ezekiel 2,3,33)? Remember that the thing in the Old Testament were written for our example, encouragement, and perseverance (! Corinthians 10:6, 11 and Romans 15:4).
Before Ezekiel ever shared God’s message he was told to eat it, to take it to heart, and to listen closely to the Lord (Ezekiel 3). What lessons can you learn from his example? How would what you are doing in this inductive study Bible help you? What do you need to remember as you work your way through this Bible?
What have you learned about God and His ways from studying Ezekiel? God took Israel as His wife. Christians are espoused to Jesus Christ, their heavenly bridegroom (2 Corinthians 11:2-3). Have you, like Israel, played the harlot spiritually and hurt God’s heart (Ezekiel 6:9, James 4:4)? If so, what do you need to do? If not, what should you do so that you never do?
In Ezekiel 20:33 God tells Israel, “As I live, surely with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I shall be king over you.” Think about this verse in the light of the character and position of God and in the light of Philippians 2:5-11. Have you genuinely confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord, your King who has a right to rule over you?
Think about what you have observed from marking the word covenant. What have you learned about the heart of stone and the Spirit dwelling within (Ezekiel 36)? Read 2 Corinthians 3 and see how this parallels what Ezekiel says. Do you have a heart of stone or a heart of flesh? Where is the Spirit of God in relationship to you? Is He within? Read Ezekiel 36:26-27.
What have you learned about prophecy from Ezekiel that you could use in sharing God’s World with the Jews? What about the prophecies of Ezekiel 36 and 37 and the way they already are being fulfilled? And what do you learn about Israel’s future in respect to Ezekiel 28 through 39? This is of great interest to Jews.
What have you learned about the holiness of God? What effect will it have on your life?
DANIEL
Keeping in mind the meaning of Daniel’s name, “God is my prince” (or judge), think about how Daniel lived. Review what you observed of his life and character and determine to be a Daniel. You have His promise, “The people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Daniel 11:32b). You have God’s spirit; you have His grace (John 14:17, 1 Corinthians 15:10).
What did Daniel know about God that would help him accept what happened to him? How does this understanding of God help you deal with the situations and circumstances of your life?
How does your understanding of future events help you understand and deal with what is happening in history? Have you thought about using Daniel as a tool in sharing the gospel with others? Many times prophecy will open the door when nothing else will.
HOSEA
In 2 Corinthians 11:2 Paul wrote, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, that to Christ I might present you as pure virgin.”
Are there any similarities between your relationship to Jesus Christ and Israel’s relationship to God? How are you pleasing your heavenly Bridegroom? Are you breaking God’s heart in any way?
What do you need to do?
How do you think God will respond, and why?
JOEL
What do you see happening in the world, in your nation? Could it be the judgment of the Lord? What could you and others learn from Joel’s exhortations? What could you do?
Have you failed God any way? According to what you have seen in Joel, is there a chance to return to Him? What could you do? How can you apply the message of Joel to your life? What do you think would happen if your church collectively repented and returned to the Lord in this manner? Think about it and ask God what to do.
AMOS
Has wealth, the ease of life, the possession of things, the pursuit of happiness led to complacency in your worship? Are you worshiping God His way or your way?
As you review the list of Israel’s sins, are you guilty of any of these? According to what you read in Amos, could Israel or the other nations sin and not reap the consequences? Can you?
What is the purpose of God’s judgments? When God decides to judge, what can we do? What can we expect?
OBADIAH
Sometimes when tragic and unjust things happen, we wonder where God is. If He is righteous, just, and omnipotent, why doesn't He intervene? What do you learn from Obadiah that helps answer these questions? What do you learn from this for your own life?
How should we respond to the tragedies of others, the dark hours of our enemies? What does God think when we use their tragedy to our advantage?
JONAH
What or who evokes compassion in you heart? How does you heart compare with God? Does it long for the same things? Why?
Is there something that you know God wants you to do that you haven’t done? What can you learn from Jonah’s life?
How did Jesus view the story of Jonah? Read Matthew 12:39-41; 16:4. Will you accept as truth what Jesus accepted as fact-or did Jesus compare His resurrection to a mythological tale?
MICAH
Review what you have learned about God the Father and the Son in this book. Meditate on these truths. Tell God you want to know Him more intimately and ask Him to open the eyes of your understanding. Ask Him to show you how to live in light of who He is.
Micah 4:12 says the nations do not know the thoughts of the Lord, nor do they understand His purpose. Yet the child of God can know these things through studying His Word. Amos said, “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets” (3:7). God’s secret counsel and His plan for the future is in the Word of God. Are you ordering your life in such a way that you take time to study His Word?
What have you learned about the unchanging love and compassion of God in pardoning your sins? Are you living accordingly?
Although you may not be able to trust in others, can you trust in God? Are you? Can He trust you? In Micah 6:6-8 God tells you how to approach Him and what He requires. Will you live accordingly?
NAHUM
What do you learn about the justice of God and the certainty of His Word from this book? Is this the kind of God you can trust? Why?
Is there anything that can stop God from doing what He says or plans?
Can compassionate people deliver this kind of a message? What if you were impressed by God to bring this kind of warning to others? Would you? What would motivate you or hinder you? By the way, remember the meaning of Nahum’s name.
HABAKKUK
What do you learn about God? His ways, His Word, His character? If He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, how would such insight into God influence you relationship to Him and to His Word? How would this affect your response to your circumstances?
What have you learned about the haughty or proud? God says in James 4 that He resists the proud. Can you understand why? Can you see any element of pride or haughtiness in your life which you need to deal with?
Review what you learned about the woes pronounced by God. Ask God to search your heart. Would these woes be applicable to you because of your lifestyle? Do you need to confess anything to God and receive His forgiveness and cleansing (see 1 John 1:9)?
As you look at how Habakkuk begins and ends, think about what produced the difference in Habakkuk and then apply it to your own life. Are you questioning, doubting God and His ways, and is it causing despair? What do you need to do?
ZEPHANIAH
The day of the Lord is also mentioned in the New Testament. One such reference is in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. If the day of the Lord is yet future, what should you be doing to prepare for the time of its approaching?
What do you learn about the nation of Israel and its future? Are you using these truths in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with God’s people, the Jews?
Think about what you have learned about God from Zephaniah and how such knowledge should affect the way you live.
HAGGAI
Have you given too much attention and time to your personal affairs and needs but neglected the things of God that are important for the spreading of the gospel or the gospel or the furtherance of His work?
What might God be trying to say when cataclysmic events take place? Do you take advantage of these things to turn people’s attention and thoughts God?
When discouraged in your service to God, do you quit, or do you courageously preserve, determined to be faithful and to leave the outcome to God?
ZECHARIAH
As you have studied Zechariah, have you been touched by the awesomeness of God’s sovereignty? What does it mean to you personally to realize that God reigns supreme over the nations? That He has declared things before they have come to pass, and that as He has purpose, so it shall be? If He can handle nations, can He handle your life?
Do you take time to listen-really listen- to what God says in His Word? If you have not listened, God’s invitation to return to Him is still there in Zechariah for you. Believe Him … and return.
How can you apply the truth of Zechariah 4:6, 7 to your own life? Remember the things that were written in the Old Testament were written for our encouragement and perseverance. They are not simply historical records; they are the bread of life by which we live.
God said, “The Lord is coming; He will dwell in our midst” Are you prepared? According to 1 John 3:2, 3 the coming of the Lord is a purifying hope. What do you need to do in order not to be ashamed at His coming?
MALACHI
What do you learn from God's word to the priests that you can apply to your own life? Read through the list you compiled on "the priests" and remember that if you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ you are part of a kingdom of priests unto God. What kind of a priest are you? In principle do you think God expects anything less of you as a Christian? For instance, what do you offer the Lord of your time and talents, your tithe and offering? Do you give others instructions according to the Word of the Lord or according to the current philosophy of the world? What about your covenant relationship with your mate?
Are you tired of serving God? Do you fear Him? If so, what is God's promise to you?
MATTHEW
Have you bowed your knee to Jesus as King in your life?
Read Matthew 7:21-27 and think about the difference between merely hearing something and hearing and living accordingly. Which best describes you?
Can you explain from Scripture to another person why Jesus is the King of the promised kingdom?
Do you realize that Jesus` final words to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 are your responsibility also?
What are you doing in order to fulfill His Great Commission?
As you go, are you making disciples?
Are you teaching them to observe all that He has commanded?
MARK
People often say that Mark shows the servant aspect of Jesus` ministry. Although the word servant is only used four times, Mark 10:45 says “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” How like your Lord are you in that respect? Would others regard you as a servant? Or do they see you as having to be “number one”? What is it to be “number one” in God’s eyes?
Jesus talks about discipleship in this Gospel. According to Jesus, what is required of disciples? Can you consider yourself a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Why? Think about Mark 8:34-36 and 10:28-31.
Can you say with Peter, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God?” And will you listen to Him, to Jesus, as the Father commands?
LUKE
Have you been slow of heart to believe all that Moses and the prophets wrote about Jesus Christ? Do you see Jesus as the Son of Man, the fulfillment of prophecy, the Christ, the Son of God? Have you bowed Him as Lord of your life?
Jesus reached out to the hurting, the sinners, and the outcasts. He visited in their homes. He was available, accessible. What about you? Do you have compassion on these people? Are you wasting your life on self or are you investing in others? What did you learn from watching His response to others that you can apply to your life?
If Jesus needed to withdraw often to a lonely place to pray, what about you? Is prayer a priority in your life? Do you understand and incorporate the principles of prayer that Jesus taught in the Gospel of Luke?
JOHN
Do you really believe Jesus is God? Do you live accordingly?
Do you know how to take another person through the Scripture to show them that Jesus is God?
Do all men know you are disciple of Jesus Christ because of your love for others and because you have continued in His Word?
Are you relying on the Spirit of God to comfort you, help you, bear witness through you, do the work of God through you, and guide you into all truth? Are you sharing Him with others?
Do you look at other Christians and wonder why God deals differently with you than He does with them? Do you need to hear His words to Peter in John 21:22, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”? Are you willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads, even if you have to do it alone? Are you telling others about Him?
ACTS
What have you learned from Acts about the Holy Spirit and your responsibility to be witness for the Lord Jesus Christ?
Based on what you saw in the sermons that were preached and the personal witnesses with were given, what would you include in your witness? Where would the emphasis be?
As you studied the lives of the early apostles and the commitment of the early church, how has God spoken to your heart? Stop and think about how they lived, and then think about how you are living? Do you have the Holy Spirit inside you? Isn't He the same today, yesterday, and forever? I you are filled with the Holy Spirit and are not quenching Him, what should be happening?
ROMANS
Suppose someone accused you of not being a Christian. What proof could you give of the fact that you are a true child of God?
Do you know how to share the gospel with someone? How?
From your study of Romans, how is a person saved?
How will your relationships to those in authority over you and to those who are your brothers and sisters in the faith change as you apply the truth of Romans to your life?
Are you ready to defend the gospel? Can you refute modern-day Judaizers and / or antinomians?
1 CORINTHIANS
Are you having any of the same problems in your own life or in you church that that Corinthians had? Do you think this letter has the answer for your problems or questions? How can you apply what you have learned?
According to the context of 1 Corinthians 3, what does it mean to be a carnal or fleshly Christian? Remember, context is king and rules over all accurate interpretation.
Are you untaught-ignorant-concerning spiritual gifts? Do you know about one or two of them but no the others? Have you believed or even taught others in accord with what the whole counsel of God has to say on the subject, or have you merely gone by your experience or reasoning? Do you appreciate others’ gifts even though they may be different from yours?
On what do you base your beliefs about marriage, divorce, and remarriage? What did you learn from 1 Corinthians about these topics? Did this change your belief?
Is the preaching of the cross foolishness to you, or is it a demonstration of the power of God?
2 CORINTHIANS
What is the purpose of affliction? When you need to be comforted, do you run to men or to God?
Is it wrong to feel sorrow, to be hurt, or to have a broken heart? Is it wrong to cause sorrow, to hurt, or to break another’s heart?
How do you deal with those who oppose you? How do you minister to those who are caught in the middle of a conflict and don’t know who to believe?
Paul was human just like us; he had feelings just like we do. What can we learn from him about how we are to live and respond in spite of our feelings? When is the time to give a defense of one’s self, of one’s ministry?
Are you prepared to stand before the judgment seat of Christ?
What place does the ministry of giving play in your life?
If you were to examine yourself, would you find your Christianity genuine?
GALATIANS
Are you living under grace or law? Have you accepted the grace of God for you salvation but still put yourself under the law?
According to Galatians 5:16-21, if you life under grace, under the control of the Spirit of God, you will not be able to live a life habitually controlled by the flesh, producing the words of the flesh. Evaluate you walk according to these verses.
What do you boast in?
As you look at Paul’s life, what do you learn for your own life?
PHILIPPIANS
What have you learned from Philippians about your relationship to suffering as a Christian? How is it going to affect the way you respond?
Can you say with Paul, “For me, to lives is Christ, and die is gain”? If you can't, think about what has replaced Christ’s rightful place your life.
What have you learned from Jesus’ example for you own life? Do you have the attitude of Christ in respect to God and others? Do you regard others as more important than yourself?
Do you allow your circumstances to affect you peace? What is keeping you from His peace? After reading Philippians 4 do you see any way to handle life’s anxieties?
What have you learned about your own needs and sharing with others in need?
COLOSSIANS
What are you pursuing? Does it have eternal value? Is it drawing you to God or keeping you from time alone with God in prayer and in studying the Word? Are you seeking things above or earthly things?
Are you being deluded with any modern-day philosophies or traditions which contradict the Word or aren't in the Word? Any legalistic rules which are not clearly taught in the New Testament? Any mystical teaching or prophesies that can’t be supported in the Word of God or that have a tendency to add something which isn't there or which seem to be only for an elite group of people?
Inductive Bible study is not easy. The enemy will do all he can to keep you from knowing God and His Word intimately for it is your mayor defense and offense in spiritual warfare. Are you going to make it your goal to let the World of Christ richly dwell within you and to walk in this precepts?
Are you proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ and holding to all He is and all that you have in Him as He is presented in Colossians?
As you have studied Colossians, have you seen any areas in your life in which you are falling short or simply walking in disobedience to God’s Word? What are you going to do (no-matter what happens)?
1 THESSALONIANS
In this book Paul pours his life into other men who could carry on the work of the gospel. Are you spending time imparting the things God has done in your life to another who can, in turn, minister to others?
It is sometimes hard to give thanks in all things, yet that is the will of God. Go back over the last few days and think of the things that have happened in your life for which you have not give thanks. Determine in your heart to obey this command.
Are the circumstances in your life difficult? How are you responding? What will others say about your response? Can people imitate your walk with God?
Are you abstaining from sexual immorality? Are you defrauding others sexually in any way at all? Do you realize that if you’re acting on your sexual passions in a way contrary to God’s Word that God will act as the avenger against you?
Do you pray without ceasing (5:17) for those in your life, who don't know our Lord? Do you storm the throne for answer to your problems? Do you pray consistently for others? It’s a convicting command, isn't it?
2 THESSALONIANS
How do you react in trials? How do you respond to persecution? Does your response glorify God? Do people see your faith? Is His love evident?
Do you lead a disciplined life? Does your lifestyle encourage laziness in others? Or can you say, “Follow my example”? Are you doing your share for the furtherance of the kingdom, or are you just waiting for Jesus to come back?
When the good you do doesn't seem appreciated –or even noticed- how do you feel? For whom are you doing it? Will you persevere?
Does what you believe about prophecy or any other doctrine come from a careful, personal study of God’s Word or is it from what others teach you? Are you holding fast to what you know of the Word of God- or are you easily persuaded by “faddish” teaching?
1 TIMOTHY
Do I operate in my own church according to these principles?
How do I esteem my local church leadership?
Do I pray on behalf of all men, including those in authority?
2 TIMOTHY
What is your responsibility toward the gospel? To what lengths will you go in order to carry out this responsibility?
What are you doing to make sure you handle the Word of God accurately? Do you simply repeat what you have been taught or are you carefully studying the Word systematically?
Are you willing to suffer for the sake of those who would come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and receive salvation?
What kind of men and women do you need to beware of in these last days?
How are you living? Are you a coward or have you fought the good fight of faith?
Are you ready to die? How will you feel when you see Jesus Christ face to face?
TITUS
The world’s lifestyle denies God. By your lifestyle and attitudes, do you deny ungodliness and worldly desires, or do you indulge the desires of your flesh?
It’s difficult always to be considerate to everyone, isn't it? When did you last fail in this area? Have you determined afresh to be gentle and uncontentious even in the most difficult situation with the most difficult person? Your actions often will speak louder then your words ever can.
Your salvation was not based on performance but upon the mercy and grace of God. What has your heavenly Father saved you from? Think on His goodness that brought you from death into life and brought you out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His glorious light. Have you thanked Him lately for His mercy and grace? Why not do it now? Pray for those close to you who have yet to experience the saving grace of God.
PHILEMON
Are you willing to appeal to someone on behalf of another-to assume the role of an advocate?
What can you learn from Paul’s example in the way he appealed to Philemon?
Is there someone whom you need to forgive and offer restoration?
Can someone appeal to you to do the right thing on the basis of your character, or do they have to force your hand through rules, regulations, or some sort of “bribe”?
HEBREWS
Meditate on the truths you learned about Jesus. Do you see Him as “better than…”? How supreme is He in your life?
As you press on to Christian maturity, are you noticing a new sense of confidence in your God? Is your faith being strengthened? Are you drawing near God? Do you think Jesus understands what you're going through? Can He really help?
Are you laying aside every encumbrance (every weighty thing that is slowing you down) and every sin, and running with endurance the race set before you? If not, what is holding you back?
How are your morals? Do you believe and live in the light of the fact that God will judge fornicators and adulterers?
Are you continually offering up the sacrifice of praise? What are some things you can thank God for today?
JAMES
How are you handling the trails in your life?
Are you a doer of the World or a hearer only?
Do you show partiality in dealing with people? Are you a respecter of persons?
Is your faith seen by your works?
Are you a friend of the world?
1 PETER
What have you learned about the way you are to live? How are you to respond to others, even when they are not living properly or treating you properly? What is Jesus’ example in 1 Peter 2:21-25? Will you follow it?
As you think about those believers were suffering, should you be surprised if you undergo the same? What will suffering accomplish in your life?
Even if you don't have a Nero in your life, is your adversary the devil still prowling about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour? What are you to do, according to 1 Peter?
When our Lord Jesus Christ returns, will you be found standing firm in the true grace that has been provided you? What must you do or change in order to be prepared to see Him face-to face?
2 PETER
What would it take to live your life so that you may be found spotless and blameless at His coming?
Is there a danger today that false teachers will arise among the brethren as in Peter’s day? What do you need to know to be able to detect them?
How can you keep from falling from your own steadfastness? Practically, what do you need to do in order to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ?
1 JOHN
Based on the criteria given in this book, how can you know whether or not you have eternal life?
What have you learned about sin from 1 John? Do you practice sin or righteousness?
Do you love the things of the world? Are you caught up in the pride of life, in boasting, on in desiring whatever your eyes see?
2 JOHN
What does this book say about someone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ? Do you know someone who could fit that description? What should you do?
You probably noted that verse 4 says “some” of your children are walking in truth. Are you careful to walk in all the truth you know? Do you realize that before God you are responsible to live out the truth that has been entrusted to you?
According to this little epistle, what does it mean to walk in love? Are you doing this?
3 JOHN
What is your testimony before others? Are you known for your love of others or for your love of yourself? Do you share what you have with others? Do you listen to others? Do you have to be first?
According to what John says in this epistle, what does the way you live have to do with your relationship to God?
Are you quick to love, to exhort, and to stand for truth? What do you need to do?
JUDE
Think about the promises to the “beloved in God.” Spend time in prayer, praising God for what He will do on your behalf. Then think of the responsibilities that are yours and talk with God about how your are to fulfill these within the sphere of your life.
Review the characteristics of the ungodly. Do you know of anyone who fits this description? How did God tell you to respond to these ungodly persons in verse 22 and 23? Are you willing to do so? Talk with God about it?
REVELATION
Chapter 1-3
As you look at the Lord’s message to each church, do you think the massage could be for the church today? Look back through Jesus’ messages to the churches in chapters 2 and 3 and note what the Spirit is saying to him who has “an ear.” To whom is the Spirit speaking? What does He want you to hear? To do?
Think about what you have learned about Jesus Christ from these three chapters and then spend some time worshiping Him for who and what He is?
Are you an overcomer? How does it show? Is there anything you need to do that you're not doing so that when Jesus appears you won’t be ashamed?
Chapter 4-22
Revelation gives insight into the judgment of God upon the wicked because of what they worship. It also gives a glimpse of the way the righteous worship. How would you compare your worship with the worship described in Revelation? You might want to go back through Revelation and look at the scenes where God is worshiped and use them as pattern for worship.
Now that you have a better understanding of the wrath to come upon the unbeliever, what priority needs to be placed on sharing the gospel? Is witnessing a priority in your church? Is witnessing a priority in your personal life?
Are you sure that you are a child of God? If not, will you acknowledges the Lord Jesus Christ as God, receive His forgiveness for your sins, and let Him take full control of your life? Surely you have seen that He is worthy-and trustworthy.
What have you learned about your God? In the light of this, are you living in anticipation of Jesus’ coming?