Purkey's Bible Study Outlines

(Read: Proverbs 13:1-25)

"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded" (Proverbs 13:13).

First, as believing Christians, we have the Holy Spirit of God in us. But the responsibility is ours to keep sin out of our lives so that the Holy Spirit can produce His fruit in us. Become grounded in the Bible. As Christians, we have only one authority, one compass: The Bible (the Word of God). Begin the day with the Book; and as the day comes to a close, let the Word of God speak its wisdom to your soul. Let it be the firm foundation upon which your hope is built. Let it be the Staff of Life upon which your spirit is nourished. Let it be the Sword of the Spirit which cuts away the evil of your life and fashions you in His image and likeness.

Second, here are some suggestions for reading and understanding the Bible: (1) Read one chapter from the Gospel of John each day. This will help you understand the basics of the Gospel. (Books of the Bible are typically listed in the front of the Bible.) (2) Read Acts, the exciting story of how Jesus Christ’s first disciples told others about how He died and rose again. (3) Read the letters that Christ’s apostles wrote to His first followers—all who were new in their faith. These letters are the book of Romans through the book of 3 John. (4) Go back and read one of the other three gospels: Matthew, Mark or Luke. You might not understand everything you read in the Bible, but don’t let that discourage you. The Bible tells us what God is like and offers us wisdom. 

Third, as you read it, ask yourself: (1) What does this passage mean? (2) What is God saying to me in this passage? (3) How can I apply this to my own life? (4) As you read your Bible regularly, you will begin to understand more of it.

Fourth., the following are four more ways to get more out of your reading: (1) Read the Psalms, the Old Testament book of worship, to enrich your devotion to God. (2) Read Proverbs to gain wisdom and strengthen your relationship with others. Pray for understanding. The Holy Spirit can help you, and you will begin to see life from God’s perspective. (3) Talk to others about what you are learning. (4) Try to attend a small group Bible study or Sunday School class.

Insight: Abraham Lincoln in a letter to a friend said, “I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of this Book upon reason that you can, and the balance upon faith. You will live and die a better man.”