LESSON PLAN

1st session – the subject and theme of the Bible

2nd – a deeper understanding of the subject and theme of the Bible

3rd – God's heart, the progressive nature of revelation and the Old Testament's relation to the New

4th – Types & Allegories; Christophanies; Messianic offices

5th – Christ in the Covenants

6th – the Kingdom; the Goal of the Gospel; the Story

THE KEY TO THE BIBLE, STUDENT - 1st SESSION

PROCEDURE & INSTRUCTIONS - Complete study sheets prior to meetings as homework assignments.  Do not read ahead or check your responses with the instructor's set.  Complete each exercise before moving on to the next.  Follow the directions and answer the questions that are asked.  Write down your questions, observations and thoughts.

GET ACQUAINTED - Everyone give name; where grew up; where live; and how long been in this area.

 

1. Write in one sentence your impression of what the Old Testament is about.

 

 

·                    METHOD OF STUDY: observe and comment on - focus and think through what you are reading by interacting with the passage: reorganize the wording; identify [label] what is being stated; describe; categorize; summarize; draw conclusions; question; follow leads; state implications.

2. Describe the situation (context, see appendix A) and summarize what the passages say about the theme of the Old Testament.

Mk.1:14-15 [What is the context?  Example - Jesus continues the message of John the Baptist after John's arrest by Herod the tetrarch]

 

 

Lk.24:44-47 [Context: ________________________________________

__________________________________________________________]

 

 

1 Cor.15:3-4

 

 

Jn.5:45-47

 

Acts 2:25-31 [Context: __________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

 

 

Acts 10:42-43 [Context: _________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

 

 

Acts 26:22-23 [Context: _______________________________________

___________________________________________________________

 

 

Heb.3:5-6

 

 

Why couldn't the disciples understand the Scriptures?  Why do I have so much trouble?

 

 

 

 

How or in what manner was the truth foretold?

Heb.9:8-12

 

 

Col.2:16-17

 

 

3. Now, having thought through the above passages, what is the Old Testament about?  Jn.5:39-40

 

Since Christ is also the subject of the New Testament, we must conclude that He is the subject of the Bible.  Why is He so central?  To answer this question, we must ask several others.

4. What are the two great works for which God is praised?  ______________ and ______________

Rev.4:9-11

 

[also Ps.148:1-6]

 

 

Rev.5:8-9

 

[also Ps.77:11-15]

 

 

The significance of the Sabbath (7th day) is depicted in the 10 Commandments as a reminder of the completion of ______ ___________ __________ (Ex.20:8-11).  Later, there is a shift in emphasis.  The Sabbath is spoken of in connection with God's _____________ ___ Israel from slavery in Egypt (Deut.5:12-15).  The Sabbath therefore depicts the great themes of ___________ and _____________.

 

5. What happened after God created all things?  Gen.3

 

6. The issue then becomes one of recovery.  How can sinners dwell with God in His perfection of holiness?  Acts 26:18

 

7. So, what is the pervading theme of the Bible?  Heb.2:14-15

 

 

Eph.1:7

 

Col.1:12-14

 

 

What struck you in this lesson?  [opportunity to share your discoveries and insights]

 

 

FURTHER STUDY

·                    TERM PROJECT - to be completed by the last session:  >> Explain Mt.2:13-15.

Look up the following passages

Theme: Christ as fulfillment

Mt. 5:17-18

Mk.14:49

Acts 13:23-33

Rom.1:1-4

1 Pt.1:10-12

Theme: Christ as creator/redeemer

Jn.1:1-13

Col.1:15-21

Heb.1:10

APPENDIX - A

Contexts, Categories, and Vocabulary http://pop.eradman.com/

Our minds are ordered by categories.  Both clearly defined classifications and their labels are necessary for understanding and communication.  Classification is the identification of groups based upon common features.  Each class or category functions as a descriptive label representing a particular grouping.  Theological terms are categories that carry the concepts.  They encapsulate the doctrines in a vocabulary so we may contemplate and communicate them.  So, it is necessary to correctly identify the subject matter, whether justification or sanctification for example, as we consider a passage.  Context has to do with the logical flow of thought and progression of story or argument - what situation is being described or subject talked about.