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Looking at the Bible Theologically
A Theological Definition of the Bible
-The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is a divinely inspired narrative that unfolds God’s grand
plan for humanity.
-God’s Plan: The Bible reveals God’s overarching purpose:
oto rescue, redeem, and restore what was lost due to the fall of humanity (when sin entered the
world through Adam and Eve).
-While reading different genres (history, parables, laws), remember the overarching storyline that ties
everything together.
oThe Bible is primarily God’s story, not ours avoid adopting a “life verse” mentality that places our
desires above God’s purposes.
-Through every person, law, psalm, or prophecy, God reveals Himself and His plan.
-The Bible is both a unified story and God’s story, emphasizing His central role in the narrative.
About His Plan
-The Bible reveals God’s intentional plan unfolding through the lives of its characters.
oNothing in scripture is random; each word serves God’s purpose and points to Christ.
-God’s actions are not surprises; they move His plan forward gloriously.
-With human experience we often face unexpected twists in our plans. Unlike us, God’s sovereignty ensures
His purpose prevails.
oHis purpose: restoring creation to a proper relationship with Him.
To Rescue, Redeem, and Restore What Was Lost in the Fall of Humanity
***What is the basic purpose of God’s plan as it is revealed in his story? God’s plan is to fix what was broken when
Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s instructions. His plan is to rescue, redeem, and restore all that was lost through this
rebellious act.
-God’s purpose and plan: to restore what was broken due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience. His purpose
includes rescuing, redeeming, and restoring all that was lost.
-Rescue Plan: Humanity is spiritually lost due to sin.
oOur self-efforts fail; we need help from outside ourselves.
oGod’s rescue involves Him doing the saving.
-Redemption Plan: Redemption is through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death.
-Ephesians 1:7 emphasizes redemption through His blood.
-God pays the price to set us free from sin’s captivity.
Through the Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ
-God’s Plan through Jesus: Christ unfolds through Jesus Christ’s life and work.
oChristmas and Easter highlight His birth, death, and resurrection. These events hold deep
theological significance.
-Limited Reflection on Christ’s Life: Many Christians focus on Christmas and Easter but overlook Christ’s
sinless life.
oWe often mine His teachings, miracles, and parables for practical application. The theological
importance of His sinlessness is sometimes missed.
-Jesus Christ’s life and work are central to God’s plan, yet we should also appreciate His sinless nature.
The Relationship between God and Humanity Has Been Restored
-God’s Intended Outcome: aims to restore the relationship between Him and humanity.
oThe severed relationship from the Garden of Eden is restored through Jesus Christ’s life and work.
-God’s Faithfulness despite human covenant-breaking,
oGod remains faithful.
oHis love for believers is not based on our performance but on Christ’s perfect work.
-Result for Believers: Through Christ, we are loved, adopted, and declared heirs of God.
oGod’s plan restores our relationship with Him through Christ’s work.
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Looking at the Bible Contextually
-. Understanding the historical context of events and people provides valuable insights.
oKnowing the history of a person or event enhances our understanding.
-Daniel in the Lion’s Den:
oThe Bible story of Daniel exemplifies trust in God during perilous times. However, understanding
its historical background enriches our appreciation. Daniel, an Israelite, faced adversity in
Babylon. His choice to honor God in a hostile environment becomes more profound when we
grasp the historical circumstances.
-Bible Study and Historical Context:
oBible study necessitates understanding the entire Bible. The Pentateuch (first five books)
establishes a chronology, providing context for each biblical book.
oBy recognizing where a book fits in the biblical storyline, we connect the sixty-six Old and New
Testament books. This deepens our grasp of their themes and emphases.
*** historical context enriches our understanding of events, people, and biblical narratives, allowing us to
appreciate their significance in a broader context.
Old Testament History
-Chronological Charts:
oThe text refers to two chronological charts—one for the Old Testament and another for the New
Testament.
oThe charts illustrate the order of events and books within each testament.
-Composition of the Bible:
oEach testament (Old and New) consists of specific narrative books.
oPrimary Layer: These books cover the historical timeline and form the foundational layer.
oSecondary Layer: Other books occur within this historical timeline but focus on specific events
or individuals.
Genesis (and Job):
Genesis: The name means “beginnings.” It is the first book of the Bible.
oDivided into two sections:
Chapters 1–11: Covers creation, humanity’s fall, the flood, and the tower of Babel.
Chapters 12–50: Focuses on the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
oJacob’s sons become the ancestors of the tribes of Israel.
oJoseph’s story (sold into slavery, rising to power in Egypt) is crucial.
oGenesis ends with Joseph and his family in Egypt, setting the stage for Exodus.
oJob: A famous book emphasizing the suffering of a righteous man.
Believed to take place during the time period covered by Genesis.
***Genesis introduces key biblical themes, while Job explores suffering and faith. Both contribute to the broader
narrative of God’s plan and redemption.
Exodus:
The first eighteen chapters ofCExodusCrecount the story of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery
in Egypt.
Key events include:
oMoses’s Birth: Moses, a central figure, is born during this time.
oTen Plagues: God sends ten plagues upon Egypt to secure the Israelites’ freedom.
oMount Sinai Covenant: Chapters 19–24 describe God’s covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai,
including the introduction of theCTen CommandmentsC(chapter 20).
oTabernacle Instructions: Chapters 25–40 detail God’s instructions to Moses for constructing
theCtabernacle, a sacred dwelling place for God among the people.
Golden Calf Rebellion: While Moses is on the mountain receiving instructions, the Israelites rebel by
creating a golden calf for worship.
Tabernacle Construction: After God’s judgment and covenant renewal, the tabernacle is built as God’s
dwelling place.
-Leviticus:
oOverall Purpose: Leviticus is not a historical narrative like Exodus but serves as a guide for
worship and ethical living.
oPriesthood and Atonement: It discusses fundamental categories such as priesthood and atonement
for sin.
oHoliness and Worship: Leviticus emphasizes holiness and how the people of God should worship
Him.
oBackground for Christ’s Sacrifice: While not a direct narrative, Leviticus sets the background for
understanding Christ’s sacrificial death.
*** Exodus focuses on deliverance, covenant, and the tabernacle, while Leviticus provides guidelines for worship
and ethical living. Both books contribute to the broader biblical narrative.
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Looking at the Bible Categorically (Part 1)
-The connections between sports, music, food, and studying the Bible:
oFood: Food is more than mere sustenance for you; it’s a love.
oYou appreciate a variety of cuisines, from premium steaks to authentic Italian meatballs.
oYour native Philadelphia cheesesteak holds a special place in your heart.
-Sports, Music, and Food in Relation to Studying the Bible:
oSports: Each sport has distinct rules, equipment, and strategies. These impact the game directly.
Imagine playing basketball in football pads and ice skates—an absurd combination!
oMusic: Different music genres exist. While fusion occurs, certain composers like Bach, Mozart,
and Beethoven stand uniquely apart. Classical music differs significantly.
oFood: Food types often align with ethnic categories, reflecting cultural diversity.
Gospels
-The Greek word for gospel, "euangelion," means "good news" and was used in ancient times to announce
military victories.
oPaul defined the gospel of Jesus Christ as the record of his death, burial, and resurrection.
othe first four books of the New Testament, describe Christ's life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
ostudying each account by itself is valuable. Studying an event across multiple Gospels is also
beneficial, as each writer may have different emphasis or details.
oGordon Fee and Douglas Stuart recommend reading individual accounts within their Gospel
context and studying across all records for a more comprehensive view.
-Interpreting the Gospels: Key Factors
oAvoid allegorizing parables; instead, understand the main idea.
oThe meaning of a parable is often revealed in the surrounding context.
oThe parable of the lost coin in Luke 15 is one of three about the joy of finding lost things and the
spiritual problem of those who are angry.
oPay attention to Jesus' miracles; they validate his message and ministry.
oJesus's visible authority to heal the paralytic validates his invisible authority to forgive sins.
oChrist's miracles are about his identity, not his ability.
-Understanding Gospel Teachings and Sermons
oGospels record Christ's teachings and sermons.
oReaders should discern whether Jesus is communicating to his disciples or a broader audience.
oJohn 17:6-19 shows Jesus praying for his disciples, while John 6:66 shows many disciples turning
away due to difficult teachings.
oAnalysis helps determine if a command, teaching, or promise is intended for a specific or broader
audience.
oThe same applies to the New Testament letters.
Learning Outcomes:
Define introduction concepts discussed in properly studying scripture.
Before diving into specific passages, start with anCoverview of the Bible and understand its basic
framework, major themes, and redemptive history.
Keep Christ as the center. Jesus Christ is the central figure in Scripture we are not the supporting
characters.
Recognize recurring themes throughout the Bible. These themes connect various passages and reveal God’s
purposes. Examples - covenant, redemption, grace, and kingdom
Hear the Melodic Line melodic line.
oMelodic line is the overarching message of God’s love, salvation, and restoration. Focus on the
grand narrative.
Identify structural features of the Old Testament.
-The Old Testament (OT) is the first division of the Christian biblical canon, a diverse collection of ancient
texts.
oThe OT is not a single book but a library. It comprises various distinct books written by different
authors over centuries.
ocover a wide range of genres, including history, poetry, prophecy, and wisdom literature.
Four Main Sections:
oPentateuch (Torah): The first five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
form the Pentateuch. They contain foundational narratives, laws, and the covenant between God
and Israel.
oHistorical Books: These chronicle Israel’s history from the conquest of Canaan to their exile in
Babylon.
oPoetic and Wisdom Books: Explore questions of good, evil, and human experience.
oProphets: Warn of the consequences of turning away from God.
-Canonical Differences:
oThe OT canons vary among Christian branches: **Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox
Examine the events related to the seven days of creation in Genesis 1:1–2:3
-Day 1: Light:
oGod created light and separated it from darkness.
oHe called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”
-Day 2: Firmament (Sky):
oGod created an expanse (firmament) to separate the waters above from the waters below.
oHe called the firmament “sky.”
-3: Dry Land, Seas, and Vegetation:
oGod gathered the waters to form seas and allowed dry land to appear.
oHe created vegetation—plants, trees, and grass—each according to its kind.
-Day 4: Sun, Moon, and Stars:
oGod created lights in the sky—the greater light (sun) to govern the day and the lesser light (moon)
to govern the night.
oHe also made the stars.
oThese celestial bodies serve as signs and mark sacred times.
-Day 5: Birds and Sea Creatures:
oGod filled the waters with living creatures—fish, sea creatures, and birds.
oEach according to its kind.
-Day 6: Land Animals and Humans:
oGod created land animals—livestock, wild animals, and creatures that move along the ground.
oThen He made humans in His image, male and female, and blessed them.
oHumans were given dominion over the earth and all living creatures.
-Day 7: The Sabbath of Rest:
oGod rested on the seventh day, blessing it and making it holy.
oThis day became the Sabbath—a day of rest.
Explain the significance of specific events in the Pentateuch.
-The first five books of the Bible:CGenesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These
foundational texts hold immense significance in the biblical narrative.
1. The First Act in God’s Grand Story:
oThe Pentateuch serves as the opening act in the Bible’s overarching story. Just as missing the
initial scenes of a movie can hinder our understanding of the plot, a lack of familiarity with the
Pentateuch compromises our grasp of the Bible’s message.
oAs we delve into these books, we transition from a black-and-white understanding to a vivid
vision of the gospel. The Pentateuch sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative, spanning both
the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the book of Revelation. The Book of Moses:
2. The Book of Moses
oJesus Himself referred to the Pentateuch as “the book of Moses.” Moses, the greatest Old
Testament prophet, is traditionally considered the author of these books.
oAlthough the Pentateuch comprises five distinct books, they form a cohesive whole—the larger
“book of Moses.” Reading them together provides a comprehensive view of God’s redemptive
plan.
3. The Book of Redemption:
oThe Pentateuch narrates creation, the fall into sin, and God’s response to human rebellion. It
introduces us to God’s divine purposes and plans.
oFrom Genesis 3:15 onward, the Bible unfolds the story of God’s rescue of rebels—what we call
redemption. The Pentateuch lays the groundwork for this grand drama of redemption.
4. Creation as the Theater of Redemption:
oWhy does the Pentateuch begin with the creation account? It sets the stage for God’s redemptive
work.
oThe Pentateuch portrays creation as the backdrop against which God’s rescue plan unfolds. From
the garden of Eden to the covenant with Abraham, these events shape the narrative of
redemption1.
5. The Exodus: Greatest Act of Redemption:
oThe pinnacle of redemption in the Old Testament occurs during the exodus. YHWH liberates
Israel from Egypt, symbolizing deliverance from slavery and foreshadowing the ultimate
redemption through Christ.
oThe exodus event reverberates throughout the Bible, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and His
commitment to redeem His people.
-The Pentateuch lays the groundwork for God’s redemptive plan, weaving together creation, covenant, and
deliverance. Its significance extends far beyond historical accounts—it shapes our understanding of God’s
character and His relentless pursuit of humanity.
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