PGA Chaplain Bible Studies
Overview of the Bible - Study 1
Introduction - Principles on reading the bible.
- Try to understand what the author is saying. Try not to read into the text our thoughts or assumptions. (be open to learn, yet discerning)
- The bible is made up of 66 books that are linked through a story over many centuries. Try not to get bogged down in details and keep the main story or overview in view.
- Jesus is the important interpretive principle and person in understanding the whole bible from our standpoint. Each study will refer to him and the significance of the text for us.
- The bible is made up of different types of books and literature. Try to discern what type of literature it is you are reading as this helps in how we understand and respond to it. For eg, some is history, other poetry, some God is speaking, other human reflection, etc.
Topic covered in study 1 – An overview – To help us see how the bible is integrated. The beginning (Genesis Ch 1-3), the centre (Jesus) and the end of the bible (Revelation Ch 21 & 22).
We need to spend time in understanding Genesis Chapter 1 to 3 as much of what the rest of the bible is about develops from these 3 chapters.
The Beginning - Genesis Chapter 1 to 3 (structure of text).
Themes from the first three chapters.
- God precedes everything (Genesis Ch 1:1)
- God created everything with the world distinct from himself – all good.
- Human life is the peak of creation – made in God’s likeness (Genesis Ch 1:26).
- A special place – The Garden of Eden a special place where God dwells (Genesis Ch 2:15, 3:8).
- Human beings made to both rule and care for the world. (Gen Ch 1:26, 2:15).
- A companion – Man and woman and family (Genesis Ch 1:26-28).
- A relationship of trust and obedience with God is established – the goal of creation is to live in a relationship with God (Genesis Ch 2:16-17).
- Sabbath rest – the invitation to begin and enjoy life (Genesis Ch 2:2-3).
- The relationship spoilt by sin – the desire to be independent, to be God, to turn away from God.
- Punishment – death, relationships broken, earth cursed (Genesis Ch 3:14-19).
- God’s mercy and the promise and search for a restored life (Genesis Ch 3:15, 21).
- Life outside the garden – away from God and his blessing but not beyond reach (Genesis Ch 3:23-24).
Middle – Life and significance of Jesus – a new beginning a rescue package.
- A new creation – a new beginning for God and humanity together united in Jesus (nativity). Jesus is called the second Adam in the New Testament.
- A special place. (Where is God to be found? John Ch 1:14 – in Jesus)
- A relationship of trust and obedience. (how Jesus lived – Hebrews Ch 4:15-16)
- Jesus - showing the world God’s love in how he lived his life – his power, forgiveness, mercy, righteous, wisdom, justice, acceptance, compassion.
- Dealing with the problem of sin – the relationship restored (Romans Ch 4:25).
- Living a new life through following Jesus
- A promise of a better future – a new Sabbath (Hebrews Ch 4:9-11).
- Hope of a restored creation in all its fullness (2 Peter Ch 3:13).
End – Revelation Ch 21 and 22 (Jesus makes a new world possible).
- New heavens and earth (Rev Ch 21:1).
- A special place where God dwells (Rev Ch 21:3, 22-23, 22:4).
- A new people restored (Rev Ch 21:2).
- A relationship re-established (Rev Ch 21:7).
- The place of Jesus (Rev Ch 21:22-23, 22:1-3).
- Another wedding – God and his people united (Rev Ch 21:2).
- Righteousness (Rev Ch 21:8, 24, 27).
- Restored life (Rev Ch 21:4, 5, Ch 22:2-5).
We have touched on the beginning, the middle and end of the bible in our first study that helps us to understand the core themes of the bible. These will be developed in greater detail as we journey through the Old and New Testaments. The purpose of this study is to show how the bible from the beginning to the end is connected by the main character that is God who desires to live in a relationship with us and the themes of creation, mess up renewal and new creation.
Next Study No 2
Genesis Ch 4 to 11 – An assessment on the nature of humanity and the history of humanity from small beginnings to a large society and nations.
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