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How To Pray, Part 1 | Clothing, Location And Posture

We’re living and working in Indonesia, a nation that puts great emphasis on prayer. We are reminded of it six times a day when we hear the “call to prayer” sounded from loud speakers all around the city. In this country how, when and where one prays is important.

Prayer on Knees

In American “church” culture we can see some interesting traditions as well. Some groups pray to crucifixes, statues of Mary or other saints and kneel for certain prayers. Others seem to think praying in a ‘church’ building is more special than other places.

The Bible says that, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). Prayer is definitely a good work, so lets see what the Bible has to say about it.

Obviously, this will not be a complete list, it is a blog post not a doctoral dissertation, so please add your comments in the comment section.

Proper clothing for prayer. We can observe some religious groups prescribing certain clothes for men and/or women to wear when they come to God in prayer. But, in the Bible we see people wearing a variety of clothing types when praying.

  • Dirty bloody clothing and chains (Acts 16:25)
  • Work clothes (Neh 2:4-5)
  • Sweaty military clothing (1 Chr 5:20)
  • Probably everyday clothes (Luke 6:12-13)

For a thorough study of the head covering see Kevin Moore’s five part series titled Female Head-coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.

While there is no prescribed special clothing that we must wear in prayer there are, of course, other principles found in Scripture that would govern the clothing we wear in prayer. For example, the principle of modesty should tell us that we should dress appropriate for the location we are at.

Location for prayer. For some groups a certain location and/or direction is important when praying. However, when we look at the Bible we see just about any location conceivable being used as a place of prayer. We see people praying in the following locations just to name a few.

  • Outside in a garden (Mat 26:36)
  • On the beach (Acts 21:5)
  • In a house (Acts 12:12)
  • On the battlefield (1 Chr 5:20)
  • At work (Neh 2:4-5)
  • In jail (Acts 16:25)

If we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17) then any place we find ourselves is an appropriate place to pray.

Body posture in prayer. For some groups body position is very important. They even have prescribed postures at certain points of their prayers. Others may seem to think that raising their hands is more spiritual than other body positions. In the Bible we see the following body positions used in prayer.

  • Standing (1 Sam 1:26; Matt 6:5; Mark 11:25; Luke 18:11,13)
  • Standing bowing the head, while striking the breast (Luke 18:13)
  • Hands spread out and/or lifted heavenward (1 Kings 8:22-23; Neh 8:6)
  • Bowing the head (Neh 8:6)
  • Bowing the head, with face between the knees (1 Kings 18:42)
  • Lifting eyes heavenward (John 11:41; 17:1)
  • Kneeling (Dan 6:10; Luke 22:41; Acts 9:40, 20:36, 21:5; Eph 3:14)
  • Face on ground (Matt 26:39; Mark 14:35)

Hendriksen and Kistemaker have done an interesting job of interpreting the significance of some of the various body positions found in the Bible. Get their commentary here.

Brother Kevin Moore also has an excellent article on the subject of raising hands. Read it here.

When we read the Bible and use it as our only guide, it becomes clear that there is no prescribed special clothing, location, or posture that a New Testament Christian must follow when praying.

If you found this post helpful please spread the love by sharing it!

Question: What other examples from Scripture would you include for clothing, location and posture in prayer? Leave a comment by clicking here.

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Identifying the Church: Musical Praise

Lesson 3b in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
Most denominational people assume that instrumental music in Christian worship is acceptable. Some will be convinced otherwise after lesson 3a, but many will need further instruction.

The main purposes of this study are to illustrate another difference between man-made religious groups and the New Testament church, and to stress the importance of worshipping God acceptably (if or when the student decides to obey the gospel).

If the student is still not convinced, use other supplementary studies to test his/her attitude. For many people it just takes time to sink in.

Lesson 3b: Identifying the Church: Musical Praise (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

 

1. 2 Corinthians 3:12-16

Does the Old Testament serve as today’s model and guide for Christian life and worship?

Which part of the Bible, the Old or New Testament, is our final authority today?

[Refer to Lessons 1 and 1b if necessary]

How can we find out about the kind of musical praise God desires in Christian worship?

2. After reading each passage that relates to the kind of musical praise sanctioned in the NT, mark the appropriate column.

Vocal? Instrumental? Both?
  Matthew 26:30
  Mark 14:26
  Acts 16:25
  Romans 15:9
  1 Corinthians 14:15
  Ephesians 5:19
  Colossians 3:16
  Hebrews 2:12
  James 5:13

 

3. Galatians 3:10-11; 5:1-4 [Note: “the law” = the old covenant, Heb. 9:18-22]

If a person adopts an Old Testament religious practice that is not authorized in the NT, is that person obliged to keep the whole OT law?

What is the spiritual condition of those who attempt to go back under the old law?

Which of the following OT practices should be adopted into Christianity today

Old Testament Practice                     New Testament Teaching

□ Musical Instruments Psa. 150              Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16

□ Dancing Ex. 15:20; Psa. 149:3            1 Corinthians 14:40; James 5:13

□ Animal Sacrifices Lev. 1:1-17              Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 9:28

□ Burning Incense Mal. 1:11                   Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4

□ 7th-day Sabbath Ex. 20:8-11              1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7

□ Circumcision Gen. 17:10-14                Romans 2:28-29; 1 Corinthians 7:19

□ Jewish feasts Ex. 23:14-19                  Colossians 2:14-17; 1 Cor. 11:26

□ Killing the disobedient Deut. 21:21       2 Thessalonians 3:6, 13-15

□ Food restrictions Deut. 14:8-10            1 Timothy 4:1-5; Acts 10:12-16

□ Tithing Num. 18:26; Mal. 3:10               1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7

□ Levitical priesthood Ex. 40:15               Hebrews 7:12; 1 Peter 2:5-9

□ Polygamy Ex. 21:10; 2 Sam. 5:13         1 Corinthians 7:2; Ephesians 5:23

□ Jerusalem temple Isa. 44:28                 Acts 17:24; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

□ Jew/Gentile distinction Eph. 2:11-12    Galatians 3:26-28; Eph. 2:13-19

 Why or why not?

 4. Matthew 26:17, 26-30

The Lord has specified what two elements for the Lord’s supper?

 Which of the following ingredients would be permissible to substitute for or add to the Lord’s supper?

□ potatoes

□ cake

□ lemonade

□ jelly beans

□ peanut butter

□ coffee

□ water

□other?

Why or why not?

What verse in the New Testament authorizes any of the above?

Since the New Testament specifies heart-based singing as the form of musical praise in Christian worship, which of the following would bempermissible to substitute for or add to it?

□ piano

□ guitar

□ bagpipes

□ dancing

□ organ

□ drums

□ fireworks

□ other?

Why or why not?

What verse in the New Testament authorizes any of the above?

5. In the absence of any NT authority, the modern-day practice of worshipping God with man-made musical instruments is based on whose authority?

□ OT worship (1 Chron. 15:16) □ Roman Catholic innovation (Rev. 22:18)

□ Ancient paganism (Dan. 3:5, 15) □ Personal preference (Jer. 10:23)

If you are still unsure, would you have an objection to singing praises to God in worship without the accompaniment of musical instruments?

 

Additional Scripture References and Information

  1. Rom. 7:1-7; Gal. 3:19-25; Eph. 2:11-16; Col. 2:13-17; Hebrews 7:12; 8:6-13; 9:1-15
  2. John 4:23-24; Heb. 13:15. Note: All NT references to musical instruments (e.g. Luke 7:32; 1 Cor. 14:7; Rev. 14:2) are used for illustrative purposes or to symbolize things other than Christian worship.
  3. Heb. 7:12; 8:6-13; 10:1-10; James 2:10. Note: In John 10:34 and 15:25 Jesus quoted Psalms 82:6 and 69:4, attributing both of these passages to the Jewish “law.”
  4. 1 Co. 4:6; 11:23-26; Rv. 22:18-19; cf. Gen. 4:3-5 (He. 11:4); Lev. 10:1-3; He. 7:12-16
  5. Prov. 3:5; 14:12; Acts 17:24-25. Note: While instrumental music in ancient times was common among infidels (Gen. 4:21; Job 21:12; Dan. 3:5-15), it was adopted in Jewish celebrations only after the Israelites had spent over two centuries with the Egyptians (Ex. 15:20; Judg. 11:34). It was David who introduced musical instruments into Israel’s corporate worship (1 Chron. 15:16; Ezra 3:10), but whether or not this ever had divine sanction is a matter of dispute (cf. Amos 6:1-5). Nevertheless, singing from the heart is the only kind of worship-music authorized in the new covenant of Jesus Christ, and church history attests to a cappella singing as the only form of musical praise in Christian worship for several hundred years after the time of Christ. It was not until the mid-7th century AD that the organ was first introduced into Roman Catholic worship, although it did not become commonplace until after the 8th century. Early Reformation leaders strongly opposed mechanical instruments in worship as a Roman Catholic innovation, but by the 1800s most Protestant denominations had gradually adopted the practice. Those committed to the restoration of NT Christianity, however, have rejected all unauthorized additions or alterations to the simple NT pattern.

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

 

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Identifying the Church: Worship

Lesson 3a in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
Use this lesson if the student is (or has been)…

  • actively involved in a particular religious group
  • thinks all religious groups are the same
  • wants to know how to identify the church of the Bible.

This lesson ought to show a difference in the worship of the Lord’s church and of most other religious groups, in particular with regard to the Lord’s supper and/or Music.

If there are no questions or problems at the end of this study, you are ready to move on to Lesson 4.

Additional supplementary lessons should be used if questions arise or more information is needed.

Lesson 3a: Identifying the Church: Worship (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

 

HOW TO WORSHIP

1. John 4:23-24

Does it matter how you worship God?

What does it mean to worship “in spirit”? (cf. Psa. 77:6; 143:4; Rom. 1:9; Eph. 6:6)

What does it mean to worship “in truth”? (cf. John 8:31-32; 17:17)

2. Matthew 15:8-9

Is this the opposite of true worship?

What two things made this worship meaningless?

 

WHEN TO WORSHIP

3. Hebrews 10:24-25

Does God want Christians to assemble together?

4. Acts 20:6-7

Although Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem (v. 16),

does verse 7 indicate why he stayed in Troas for 7 days?

5. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

How often did these Christians assemble together?

 

WHAT TO DO IN WORSHIP

6. Acts 20:7

What did Paul do in this assembly? (cf. vs. 24-27, 32)

How is the spirit (or heart) involved in this aspect of worship? (cf. Rom. 6:17; 10:8)

7. Acts 2:42; 12:5, 12

What did early Christians regularly do when they assembled together?

Is the heart (or spirit) used in prayer? (cf. 1 Cor. 14:15)

8. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 

Christians are instructed to do what each Sunday?

Must one’s heart be in it? (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7)

9. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

What is being described here?

How is the heart involved?

If the Lord’s supper is to be observed when Christians assemble for worship, and early Christians assembled every Sunday (1 Cor. 16:2) and met on Sundays to observe the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7), how often should it be observed today?

10. Ephesians 5:19

What does this instruct Christians to do?

What kind of musical praise is specified here?

Must singing come from the heart?

TRUE WORSHIP
John 4:23-24		 VAIN WORSHIP
Matthew 15:8-9
“truth” “spirit” “teachings of men”
Teaching God’s word
Acts 2:42; 20:7		 Word in your heart
Rom. 6:17; 10:8		 Book of Mormon, philosophy, opinions
Prayers
Acts 2:42; 12:5		 Pray with spirit
1 Cor. 14:15		 Statues, incense, beads, vain repetitions
Free-will giving
1 Cor. 16:2		 Give cheerfully
2 Cor. 9:7		 Bingo, fund-raisers, tithing, indulgences
Lord’s supper
1 Cor. 11:23-29		 Examine/worthy
1 Cor. 11:27-29		 Transubstantiation, yearly, monthly, cake & coffee
Singing
1 Cor. 14:15		 In your heart
Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16		 Dancing, organs, guitars, clapping, etc.

11. Revelation 22:18-19

 Of those items listed in the far right column, which ones may

be added with God’s approval?

Why or why not?

 Additional Scripture References

  1. Acts 17:23-25; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Revelation 4:11
  2. Leviticus 10:1-2; Mark 7:6-13; Colossians 2:18; Hebrews 11:4
  3. Matthew 18:20; 1 Corinthians 11:33-34; 14:23, 26
  4. Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:24-26 (cf. Acts 21:4; 28:14)
  5. Mark 16:9 (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-20); 1 Corinthians 11:26
  6. Acts 2:42; 6:4; 8:25; 11:26; 15:32, 36; 18:11; 1 Corinthians 14:26
  7. Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1
  8. Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:1-15; Philippians 4:15-20
  9. Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:22-25; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
  10. Mark 14:26; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12
  11. Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; 1 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:8-9; 1 John 2:3-5; 2 John 9

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

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Contrasting the Old and New Covenants

Lesson 1b in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This lesson is for those who are reluctant to accept that the Old Covenant, including the 10 Commandments, is now obsolete (e.g. 7th-Day Adventists). If the student is still not convinced at the end of lesson 1b, this may indicate a closed mind. 

Lesson 1b: Contrasting the Old and New Covenants (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

1. Exodus 34:27-28

With whom did God make this covenant?

Did this covenant include the Ten Commandments?

2. Joshua 23:14-16

Were the promises of this covenant conditional?

3. Jeremiah 11:8-11

Was Israel faithful to God’s covenant?

4. Jeremiah 31:31-34

Did God promise to make a new covenant?

Was this covenant to be different from the previous one?

5. Hebrews 8:6-13

Did the new covenant of Christ replace the old covenant of the Jews?

DID THE OLD COVENANT CONSIST OF TWO SEPARATE LAWS: A PERMANENT “MORAL LAW” & A TEMPORARY “CEREMONIAL LAW”? OR WAS THERE A SINGLE LAW FOR ANCIENT ISRAEL CONTAINING MORAL & CEREMONIAL ASPECTS? LET’S CONSIDER WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS . . . .

6. Deuteronomy 5:1-2; Malachi 4:4

Is the covenant, which God made with Israel, also called “the Law of Moses”?

7. Nehemiah 8:1, 8, 14, 18

How is the old covenant law described?

 the Law of Moses

 the Law of God

 the Law

Is there a distinction made between a “Moral Law” and a “Ceremonial Law”?

8. Romans 2:17-18

How many “laws” did the Jews have? *

*Note: Jesus even considered the book of Psalms to be part of that law: John 10:34; 15:25 (cf. Psalm 82:6; 69:4).

9. Romans 2:21-25

Which of the following were contained in “the law”?

 Do not steal

 Do not commit adultery

 No idols

 Circumcision

Were the 10 commandments recorded in a “moral law” and circumcision in a separate “ceremonial law,” or did the one law contain both?

10. Romans 3:20-22

Are we, today, justified by that law?

11. Romans 7:4-7

What does Paul mean when he says that we have become dead to the law (v. 4) and have been delivered from the law (v. 6)?

Is this the same law that contains the Ten Commandments? (v. 7; cf. Exodus 20:17)

12. Galatians 3:10; 5:3

If a person wants to observe any part of the law, is he obliged to observe all of the law?

13. Which of the following are we to observe from the law today?

 7th-Day Sabbath Exodus 20:8-11

 Animal sacrifices Exodus 20:24

 Slavery Exodus 21:7

 Polygamy Exodus 21:10

 Stoning transgressors to death Exodus 21:29

 Three annual feasts Exodus 23:14-17

 Daily offerings Exodus 29:38-42

 Death for Sabbath-breaker Exodus 31:15; 35:2

 Forbidden foods Leviticus 11:4-47

 Circumcision Leviticus 12:3

 Death penalty for immorality Leviticus 19:20; 20:10

 Levitical priesthood Numbers 3:1-13

 Tithing Numbers 18:25-32

 Dancing/musical instruments Psalm 149:3; 150:4

 Daily incense Malachi 1:11

 If you chose any of the above, should you observe all of the above? Explain.

14. Galatians 5:1-4

What is the consequence of trying to follow the old law?

 

Additional Scripture References

  1. Deuteronomy 4:13; 5:1-22; 9:9-10; 1 Kings 8:9, 21
  2. Leviticus 26:14-39; Deut. 11:26-28; 28:15 ff.; 1 Kgs. 9:6-7; Jer. 22:5-9
  3. Josh 7:11; Judg 2:20; 2 Kgs. 17:22-23; Isa 42:24; 65:2; Jer. 31:32; Hosea 4:1; 8:1
  4. Zechariah 11:10; Hosea 2:11; Malachi 3:1; Hebrews 8:7-12
  5. Ephesians 2:15; Hebrews 7:12, 18-19, 22; 9:15; 10:9
  6. Deuteronomy 4:44-45; 33:4, 9; Joshua 23:6; Ezra 7:6; Heb. 9:18-22
  7. 2 Chronicles 31:3; Daniel 9:11; Luke 2:22-23
  8. John 1:17; 7:19; Romans 3:19; 4:13-16
  9. Genesis 17:10-14; Ex. 20:3-4, 14, 15, 23-24; Acts 15:1, 5; Phil. 3:3-9
  10. Acts 13:39; Romans 3:28-30; 8:3; Galatians 2:16; Hebrews 10:1
  11. Galatians 2:19-21; 3:22-25; 4:21-31; Col. 2:14-17; 2 Cor. 3:5-16
  12. Romans 2:21-25; James 2:10-11
  13.  Galatians 2:16, 21; 3:11-14; Hebrews 10:1, 8-10

 “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

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Final Authority of the Scriptures

Lesson 1a in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This lesson is to be used if the student is reluctant to accept the Bible as our sole standard of authority, whether he/she is inclined to consider other religious writings as authoritative, or is swayed by subjective feelings, or is heavily influenced by the Pentecostal idea of direct guidance from the Holy Spirit. In the latter case, you may want to share “The Work of the Holy Spirit” lessons in the Special Studies series (coming soon).

Lesson 1a: The Final Authority of Scripture (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

What does the Bible claim for itself?

How much of Scripture is inspired of God?

Is the word of God complete?

 

WHAT CONSTITUTES “SCRIPTURE”?

2. 1 Timothy 5:18

Does Paul quote from the Old Testament? (cf. Deut. 25:4)

Does he also quote from the New Testament? (cf. Luke 10:7)

Does he refer to both of them as “Scripture”?

3. Jude 3

What is “the faith”? (cf. Acts 6:7; Col. 1:23)

How often has this system of faith been delivered?

4. Galatians 1:6-9

Is any other religious message (“gospel”) acceptable to God?

5. 1 Peter 1:25

Is there a legitimate reason to believe that any part of God’s word, which He intended us to have, is not in the Bible?

 

THE WRITTEN WORD

6. 1 Corinthians 4:6

Is there an emphasis on the written word?

7. 2 Peter 3:1-2

Why is the written word important?

8. John 20:30-31

What is the purpose of the written word?

9. Matthew 7:15, 21-23

Why should we be cautious about those who claim to receive new revelations from God today?

10. Acts 17:11

What standard should be used to determine truth?

 

THE POWER OF THE WORD

11. Hebrews 4:12

Is the Bible a lifeless document?

12. Ephesians 6:17

Which of the following has given life & power to the Bible’s message?

 The paper and ink

 The human writers

 The Holy Spirit

 

THE ULTIMATE STANDARD

13. Matthew 28:18

Who has been given all authority?

14. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Who will judge you on the last day?

15. John 12:48

By what standard will Christ judge you?

 

CONCLUSION

A. Do you believe that the Bible is the complete, inspired word of God?

B. Are you willing to accept whatever the Bible says as truth?

 

Additional Scripture References

  1. Ephesians 3:1-5; 2 Peter 1:3, 16-21; Hebrews 4:12; 10:15-17
  2. Luke 24:27; 2 Peter 3:15-16; Romans 16:25-26
  3. Acts 13:7-12; Galatians 1:23; 2:2; cf. Hebrews 9:27-28
  4. Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19
  5. Matthew 24:35; John 8:31-32; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 John 2
  6. Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 14:37; Rev. 1:10-11, 19; cf. Rom. 1:17; 3:4, 10; 4:23; 15:3, 9; 1 Cor. 15:54; 2 Cor. 4:13; Heb. 10:7
  7. Exodus 24:4, 7; Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Luke 1:1-4; 1 Cor. 10:11; 2 Cor. 13:10; 1 John 1:1-4; Revelation 1:3
  8. Romans 10:17; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 3:15-17
  9. Matthew 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; 2 Peter 2:1-2; 1 John 4:1; cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:20-22; 1 Kings 13:18
  10. John 8:31-32; 1 John 2:3-5; 2 John 9; 1 Thess. 5:21
  11. Romans 1:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:22-23
  12. John 14:25-26; 16:12-13; Ephesians 3:3-5; 2 Peter 1:19-21
  13. John 5:22-27; Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-11
  14. John 5:22; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 2:16; 14:10
  15. Romans 2:16; 1 Cor. 14:37; Gal. 1:11-12; Revelation 20:12-15

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

 

 

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Bible Authority and the Two Covenants

Lesson 1 in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
It is essential that the person you are studying with understands and accepts the fact that the Bible is our sole authority in religious matters. If he or she does not accept this, pause the study and share with them the study entitled “Scientific Test of the Bible” in the Special Studies series (coming soon, Lord willing).

Once the authority of the Bible is established, the rest of Lesson 1 deals with the Old and New Covenants. It is important to begin with this lesson for at least the following reasons:

  1. It is fundamental to understanding the Bible
  2. Few religious people have ever considered this important distinction and it might cause them to wonder about other things of which they are uninformed
  3. This may help to emphasize that they have been untaught or mistaught by denominational teachers
  4. It helps to alleviate or answer potential questions which may be raised in future studies (e.g. “Didn’t David use instruments?”).

The chart on the second page, which illustrates the information addressed in points 3 through 9, can either be referred to as each point is covered or be used to summarize what has just been taught.

Lesson 1: Bible Authority and the Two Covenants (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

OUR STANDARD

1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Where have the Scriptures come from?

Are the Scriptures the word of God?

Is Bible study profitable?

Is the Bible complete enough to guide us in all spiritual matters?

Do we need any book other than the Bible to show us how to be pleasing to God?

 2. 2 Timothy 2:15

Is it possible to use the Bible wrongly?

Should we make an effort to study the Bible correctly?

THE TWO MAIN DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE

3. Deuteronomy 5:1-3

What is a covenant?

God made this covenant with whom?

Did God make this covenant at some time prior to this?

4. Deuteronomy 4:13

What was the basis of this covenant?

5. Jeremiah 31:31-34

What did God promise to make?

Was it to be exactly like the first one?

6. Hebrews 8:6-13

What did Jesus establish?

What happened to the first covenant?

7. Hebrews 9:15-17

When did the new covenant come into effect?

8. Galatians 3:19

[Note: “the law” = the 1st covenant, Heb. 9:18-22]

What was the purpose of the law (first covenant)?

It was to last until when?

Who is the Seed that was to come? (v. 16)

9. Galatians 3:24-25

What was “our tutor”?

Are we still under it?

10. Romans 15:4

Does the Old Testament still serve a purpose today?

What?

CONCLUSION

A. Are the Scriptures our complete guide in spiritual matters?

B. What part of the Bible (Old or New Testament) is our final authority today?

C. Do you want to study further to see what the New Testament reveals for your life?

 Additional Scripture References

1. 2 Peter 1:3, 19-21; 3:15-16; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 22:18-19

2. 2 Cor. 4:2; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Pet. 3:15-16

3. Exodus 19:1-9; 31:12-18; Ezek. 20:5-13; Malachi 4:4

4. Exodus 20:1-17; Deut. 5:6-21; 2 Cor. 3:7-16

5. Jer. 32:40; Ezek. 16:60-62; 37:26; Rom. 11:27

6. Hebrews 7:12, 18; 10:1-9; Ephesians 2:11-22

7. Eph. 2:13-16; Col. 2:13-17; Mark 15:37-38; John 19:30

8. Galatians 5:1-4; 2 Cor. 3:2-18; Hebrews 10:1, 9

9. Romans 7:1-7; 2 Corinthians 3:3-16; Gal. 2:16

10. 1 Corinthians 10:6-11; Hebrews 11:1-40; 12:1

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).