Bible Study Explained
The news this week, like any week, can leave us in a distracted and anxious frame of mind. The more you hear about the events of this world and our human reaction to them and attempt to make sense of them, the more you realise how scarce truth is. We need truth - we crave it - but how can we know it, when even the Bible gets distorted and abused by unreliable human influence. The Scripture shows us what it is and how to study it, when we do what it teaches us, we have truth, love, joy and peace.
Scripture
Luke 24:25-32 ESV And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. [28] So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, [29] but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. [30] When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. [31] And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. [32] They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
Through the Scripture
Foolish and slow to believe
The disciples walking with Jesus were kept from recognising Him, but nobody was keeping them from believing in Him except themselves. We are wonderful and complex creations but sin has marred us and left our minds and emotions in an unreliable state. We need someone to show us where we are right and wrong because we can’t do so on our own. What we know and believe must constantly be checked against the truth, but where can we find the truth? Scripture reveals us to ourselves.
Luke 24:25-26 ESV And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
Jeremiah 17:9 ESV The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Psalms 139:23-24 ESV Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! [24] And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
All the Scriptures concerning Himself
Jesus read and taught from the Old Testament. The New Testament was being lived and spoken out during His ministry. So is the Old Testament still relevant, now that we have the New? Jesus showed that “all the Scriptures” were about Him. All Scripture reveals Jesus Christ. If the all the Old Testament is about Jesus and was used by Him to change peoples hearts and reveal the truth, especially Himself, then how should we read the Old Testament?
Luke 24:27 ESV And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
John 5:46-47 ESV For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. [47] But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
John 2:22 ESV When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Carried along by the Holy Spirit
If all of the Old Testament is about Jesus - when it was written long before His birth, then it must have been given to us by God. If God gave it to us and it reveals Him, then Scripture is God revealing Himself. What does the Bible say about the nature of Scripture and how God gave it to us?
2 Peter 1:20-21 ESV knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. [21] For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 27:14-15 ESV But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. [15] And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.
Breathed out by God for training
The nature and source of Scripture is confirmed in 2 Timothy, but also what it’s here for. Scripture teaches, corrects and trains us in righteousness, that is how to live the right way with God. When we know the truth about God, ourselves and Jesus Christ and what He’s done for us, then we’re able to make sound decisions and changes based on the actual truth - not our perceptions of it.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Psalms 33:6 ESV By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
Genesis 1:14-19 ESV And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, [15] and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. [16] And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. [17] And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, [18] to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. [19] And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
Their eyes opened afterwards
It’s amazing to realise that Jesus first revealed Himself from the Scriptures before He did so in person. He could have just showed them His scars and proved His resurrection, but He chose to first reveal Himself in the Bible, and then in the flesh. Why did He do this? The Bible authenticates any and every experience. If it confirms to Scripture we can trust it. This way of discerning the truth also glorifies God and reminds us of His power, wisdom and love.
Luke 24:28-30 ESV So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, [29] but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. [30] When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. [31] And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
Burning hearts
The world can make our hearts cold, numb and distraught with anxiety. We need our hearts reset, cleaned and filled with love, joy and peace. This happens when Jesus speaks to us through the Bible. It’s the primary way that we hear His voice and grown in faith in Him.
Luke 24:32 ESV They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
Romans 10:17 ESV So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Being with the God of peace
Philippians reminds us that the right thoughts lead to the right actions and put us in a place of intimacy with God. The right thoughts come from filling our minds with the truth. Where can we get life changing truth at any time and in any place? We’re so blessed to have free access to the Word of God, how are we going to make the most of that privilege? Reading the Bible and finding answers from it to Who God is, who we are and Who Jesus is and What He’s done for us, will change our lives daily and continually.
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Daily Devotions : Monday - Our Foolishness and Slowness to Believe
Today's Verse And He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Luke 24:25 ESV
Reflection Jesus directly confronts the disciples, calling them "foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe". This description also applies to us as human beings. When we ask, "What does this passage tell me about me as a human being?", we see our natural tendency towards doubt and self-deception. Our minds and emotions are often unreliable due to sin, making us slow to grasp and accept truth. Our hearts can be deceitful above all things and desperately sick, often refusing to admit what is truly going on within us. "What does this passage tell me about God?" is revealed in His patient, direct confrontation, desiring to lead us to truth rather than leaving us in our blindness. Ultimately, "What does this passage tell me about Jesus and what He's done?" shows us that He comes alongside hurting people, listens to their pain, and then tenderly, yet firmly, corrects their unbelief by pointing them to what has already been spoken about Him.
Additional Scripture
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 ESV
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalms 139:23-24 ESV
Life Application Acknowledge that we, like the disciples, can be foolish and slow to believe. Commit to constantly checking what we know and believe against the truth found in Scripture, rather than our own perceptions or the world's distractions. Regularly examine our hearts and thoughts, asking God to expose any areas where we are resisting or doubting His truth, just as David prayed. Prioritise filling our minds with God's Word over the constant stream of news and social media, which often leaves us distressed and anxious.
Prayer points
To ask Him to reveal our own foolishness and slowness of heart to believe.
To confess any areas where our hearts are deceitful or desperately sick.
To trust in His sovereignty and plan, even when circumstances cause worry.
To dedicate more time to reading and meditating on His Word each day.
Tuesday - All Scripture Concerning Jesus
Today's Verse And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:27 ESV
Reflection Jesus, the resurrected Messiah, chose to reveal Himself to the disciples by interpreting "all the Scriptures"—specifically, the Old Testament—as pointing to Himself. When we ask, "What does this passage tell me about Jesus and what He's done?", we understand that He is the central theme of the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. "What does this passage tell me about God?" is that He has a unified, unfolding plan for salvation, all centred on His Son, and He has inspired every part of His Word to testify of Him. As for "What does this passage tell me about me as a human being?", it challenges our tendency to dismiss parts of Scripture and highlights the importance of believing all that God has revealed, as our belief in Jesus's words is tied to our belief in Moses's writings.
Additional Scripture
For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words? John 5:46-47 ESV
When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. John 2:22 ESV
Life Application Approach all of Scripture with the understanding that it is ultimately about Jesus. When reading any passage, ask, "How does this tell me about Jesus and what He has done?". Trust the historical and prophetic truth of the Old Testament, knowing that Jesus validated it as testifying about Himself. Commit to a systematic reading of the entire Bible to gain a comprehensive understanding of God's revelation of His Son. Learn how to use Scripture to check what you are being taught.
Prayer points
To ask Him to open our eyes to see Him in every part of Scripture.
To believe and trust the entire Word of God, Old and New Testaments.
To diligently study Scripture to know Him more deeply.
For His Holy Spirit to guide our understanding and reveal His truth.
Wednesday - Carried Along by the Holy Spirit
Today's Verse knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21 ESV
Reflection This passage directly addresses the nature of Scripture. When we ask, "What does this passage tell me about God?", we learn that He is the ultimate author of Scripture, not human will or interpretation. He actively "carried along" men by His Holy Spirit, ensuring His divine message was accurately recorded. This reveals God as sovereign and trustworthy in His revelation. "What does this passage tell me about me as a human being?" is that our interpretations are fallible and that we need to rely on the Spirit's work, acknowledging our limitations in fully grasping divine truth without His guidance. And "What does this passage tell me about Jesus and what He's done?" is that He is the fulfilment of these divinely inspired prophecies, showing that the Holy Spirit's work in inspiring the prophets was always directed towards revealing Him. The analogy of a ship being driven by a tempestuous wind illustrates the powerful, irresistible control of the Holy Spirit in this process.
Additional Scripture
But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. Acts 27:14-15 ESV
Life Application Trust the divine origin and authority of Scripture, understanding that it is God's own revelation, not merely human opinion. Approach the Bible with confidence in its truth, knowing it was supernaturally inspired. Rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance for understanding, rather than solely on human interpretation. Recognise that this powerful intervention of the Holy Spirit makes the Bible a unique and infallible source of truth about God and His will.
Prayer points
To deepen our trust in Scripture's divine origin and authority.
To ask the Holy Spirit to carry us along in understanding God's Word.
To recognise Scripture as God revealing Himself, trustworthy and true.
To submit to the authority of God's Word in all areas of life.
Thursday - Breathed Out by God for Training
Today's Verse 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 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Reflection This passage reveals both the origin and purpose of Scripture. When we ask, "What does this passage tell me about God?", we see Him as the one who "breathed out" all Scripture, just as He spoke the universe into existence, demonstrating His creative power and His desire to communicate with humanity. All of it, not just the comfortable parts, comes from Him. "What does this passage tell me about me as a human being?" is that we need constant teaching, reproof, correction, and training to live righteously and be complete. We are not self-sufficient but require God's Word to equip us for every good work. "What does this passage tell me about Jesus and what He's done?" is that He perfectly embodies this righteousness, and through His work, we are enabled to receive this training and become equipped, reflecting His character and purpose for us.
Additional Scripture
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Psalms 33:6 ESV
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. Genesis 1:14-19 ESV
Life Application Commit to using Scripture daily for teaching, reproof, correction, and training. Allow God's Word to shape our lives and decision-making, distinguishing truth from our own perceptions or worldly lies. Actively seek to understand what a passage teaches about God, about ourselves, and about Jesus and what He has done. This intentional engagement will make us complete and fully equipped for every good work that God has prepared for us.
Prayer points
To submit to Scripture for teaching, reproof, and correction in our lives.
To be trained in righteousness, living in a way that pleases Him.
For wisdom in making sound decisions based on the actual truth of His Word.
To be completely equipped for every good work, reflecting His character.
Friday - Eyes Opened to Recognise Jesus
Today's Verse So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if He were going farther, but they urged Him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. And He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:28-31 ESV
Reflection This passage describes the dramatic moment the disciples' "eyes were opened, and they recognized Him." When we ask, "What does this passage tell me about God?", we see His wise and intentional method of revelation; He chose to reveal Himself through the Scriptures first, before His physical presence was fully recognised. This glorifies Him and authenticates all experience by His Word. "What does this passage tell me about me as a human being?" is that we can be physically present with Jesus and still be spiritually blind, underscoring our need for His divine intervention to truly recognise Him. Finally, "What does this passage tell me about Jesus and what He's done?" highlights His sovereign love and grace where He must reveal Himself to us through the Word of God and by His Holy Spirit..
Life Application Actively seek spiritual discernment and the "opening of eyes" to truly recognise Jesus' presence and work in our daily lives. Trust God's Word as the primary means of authenticating all spiritual experiences and for discerning truth from falsehood. Understand that His revelation deepens our faith and transforms our understanding, allowing us to walk with Him by faith rather than by sight. Cultivate a life that conforms to Scripture, knowing that it is through His Word that He most authentically reveals Himself.
Prayer points
To ask Him to open our spiritual eyes to truly recognise Him.
To trust His Word as the authenticating truth for all experiences and perceptions.
To understand that His presence is real and active even when not physically seen.
For deeper revelation of Who He is, what He has done, and how He continues to work in our lives.
Saturday - Burning Hearts
Today's Verse They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32 ESV
Reflection The disciples exclaim, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?" This profound burning was not primarily about seeing the resurrected Christ in the flesh, but about the experience of Him speaking God's Word to them. When we ask, "What does this passage tell me about God?", we learn that He delights in speaking to us through His Word, and His Word has the power to ignite joy, truth, and transformation in our hearts, resetting them from worldly coldness and anxiety. "What does this passage tell me about me as a human being?" is that our hearts crave spiritual warmth and truth, and are often cold, numb, and anxious due to the world's influence, but are designed to respond with burning passion to God's voice. "What does this passage tell me about Jesus and what He's done?" is that He is the living Word, the one who opens the Scriptures, and through His speaking, He generates faith and profound spiritual experiences within us.
Additional Scripture
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 ESV
Life Application Prioritise daily, intentional engagement with God's Word, allowing Jesus to speak to us and ignite our hearts with truth and joy. Recognise that His Word is the ultimate antidote to the world's anxieties, hatred, and lies, offering us genuine love, joy, and peace. Commit to being part of a Bible study group where we can discuss, learn, and be challenged by His Word with others. Take advantage of the privilege to freely read His Word now, for it changes our lives daily and continually.
Prayer points
To ask Him to set our hearts on fire with joy and truth as He opens His Word to us.
To prioritise hearing His voice through Scripture above all other messages from the world.
For increased faith and deeper understanding through the Word of Christ.
To be transformed by the power of His living, breathing, and active Word, filling us with His peace.
Sunday - Being with the God of Peace
Today's Verse Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
Reflection This passage provides clear instruction for our thoughts and actions. When we ask, "What does this passage tell me about God?", we see Him as the "God of peace," Who desires an intimate relationship with us and promises His presence when we align our minds and lives with His truth. "What does this passage tell me about me as a human being?" is that our thoughts directly influence our actions and our spiritual well-being, and we are constantly bombarded by worldly lies that distract us from truth. It also reminds us of our blessed privilege to have free access to His life-changing truth. "What does this passage tell me about Jesus and what He's done?" is that He is the ultimate example of what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. His teachings and His life (what we "learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things") are the very things we are to practice to experience God's peace and walk in His presence.
Life Application Intentionally fill our minds with truth from Scripture, consciously choosing to think about things that are pure, lovely, and commendable. Practice the biblical principles and teachings we learn from God's Word. Recognise the precious privilege of free access to the Word of God and commit to making the most of it daily. Allow this disciplined focus to lead us into a deeper intimacy with God, experiencing His promised peace in our lives.
Prayer points
To ask for help to fill our minds with what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise from His Word.
To diligently practice the things we learn and receive from Scripture.
For God's promised peace to be with us as we focus our thoughts on Him.
To wisely use the privilege of freely reading and studying His Word each day.