INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STUDENT

My Study Plan:

The book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ and shows how God’s final Gospel Day is understood through spiritual prophecy. Preparing a Study Plan before starting this Study Guide will assist you in completing it within a designated timeframe. It also helps in developing the discipline required for studying God’s Word effectively.

Proverbs 16:3:

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

My Study Guide Journal

Keep a record as you progress through your Study Guide, including the “Personal Responses”, for each section for future reference and goal setting.

Content

• INTRODUCTION
• YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN
• YOU MUST BE LIKE THE BEREAN
• YOU HAVE AN UNCTION
• IT IS CRITICAL YOU UNDERSTAND SCRIPTURE
• YOU MUST RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE TRUTH
• YOU NEED TOOLS
• SUMMARY

Important Points:

• COGMA does not claim to be infallible or the authority.
• Infallibility and authority belong only to God and His Word.

COGMA therefore strongly advises that you prayerfully study the content of each Study Guide with the heart of a Berean: “Acts 17:10-12”.

Contact and Links

INTRODUCTION

Building on the Foundation of Study

This Study Guide expands on the ‘How to Study’ Study Guide by showing how key study techniques are applied in practice. These techniques are used for personal study and for preparing messages. Using these techniques will guide you and help you accurately interpret God’s Word.

The Importance of Studying Scripture

2 Timothy 2:15 says:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Paul makes it clear that studying the Scriptures is not merely an option but a necessity for every believer and follower of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 119:105 says:

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

David reminds us that following Jesus — the Word made flesh — is the only way home. Your ultimate aim should be to finish life’s journey like Paul, having completed your course and kept your faith.

COGMA’s Approach to Study

At COGMA, we do not encourage a purely humanistic study approach that relies solely on human effort and intellect. While intellect and discipline are important, the following literal rendering of 2 Timothy 2:15 captures what is required:

2 Timothy 2:15 (LITV) says:

Give diligence to present yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

In this Study Guide, you will learn key study methods and the importance of dependence on the Holy Spirit — both of which lead to confidence and growth. COGMA’s main goal is to give you the confidence and ability to interpret your Bible independently of human interpretations. This frees you from denominational beliefs and doctrines, allowing you to trust solely in God’s Word.

This does not diminish the importance of teaching ministries, where teachers explain and open up the Scriptures. Teachers help keep your focus on Christ through His Word. The teaching role complements, but does not replace, Christ the Teacher.

The First Step

The first step to understanding your Bible is a genuine born-again experience.

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YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

The Bible is a spiritual book. It can only be truly understood if you are born again and spiritually alive. You must be both a child and a servant of God.

Revelation 1:1 says:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Who Are God’s Servants?

Romans 6:22 says:

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

In John chapter 3, Jesus explains to Nicodemus that to ‘see the kingdom’ — or understand God’s kingdom — one must ‘enter the kingdom’ through being born again.

The Heart of Christ: Servanthood

Do you have the heart of Christ, which is servanthood? Jesus showed His heart and spirit when He washed His disciples’ feet as their Lord. Jesus came to show the way.

Philippians 2:7 says:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Proverbs 11:25 says:

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

God knows your heart’s intention and why you study His Word. Is it for status, power, or financial gain — or is it to serve and give to God’s children?

A true disciple of Jesus Christ is like a servant, sharing with others what God has given them. Never withhold what God gives you, but share it so that God continues to bless you. As God reveals truths to you, share them with others. Don’t make others rely on you — always direct them to Christ and His Word.

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YOU MUST BE LIKE THE BEREANS

Even though Paul — a chosen apostle of God — preached and taught the Bereans, they wouldn’t accept his message without checking the Scriptures themselves.

Acts 17:10-11 says:

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Understanding “More Noble”

The term “more noble” doesn’t refer to a higher social rank but to the character of the Bereans. Their nobility came from having a ‘ready mind’ — a mind prepared to accept Paul’s words but also eager to verify them against the Scriptures.

Types of Listeners

Typically, people who listen to preaching or teaching fall into two groups:

i.
Obligatory Attendees

• Attend out of obligation or for personal gain
• Seek to please themselves
• No open Bible, no notes taken
• Short attention span — often disengaged during the message

ii.
“More Noble” Listeners

• Keep their Bibles open
• Take notes diligently
• Pay close attention to the teaching

The “more noble” listeners follow Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:6:

Matthew 5:6 says:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Having a “Ready Mind”

What does having a “ready mind” — or a prepared mind — mean? It starts even before attending a meeting.

i.
Prayer

• Pray, asking God to guide the preacher or teacher
• Pray for an open heart to the truth and for the removal of any biases or past false teachings

ii.
Preparation

• Before the meeting, have your Bible open, ready to take notes, and pay full attention to the message

iii.
Post-Meeting Study

• After the meeting, use the information gathered to study further and verify the teachings with Scripture

This diligent approach ensures that you are not just a passive listener but an active seeker of truth, much like the Bereans. Their example encourages us to approach the Word of God with a noble and ready mind, always eager to learn and verify the truth.

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YOU HAVE AN UNCTION

There is often a clear divide between ministry teams and congregation members in many religious organisations. Many churches use raised platforms for the ministry, more comfortable seating, and a general atmosphere that suggests the ministry is more important than the congregation.

Such setups imply that all authority rests with the ministry, expecting the congregation to depend on and submit to their leadership. In some large Pentecostal organisations, leaders may even have armed guards, preventing congregation members from speaking to them or seeking counsel. This approach of “lording over God’s people” is driven by self-importance and financial gain — mirroring the Roman Catholic practice of ranks and titles within Christ’s body.

Jesus’ Teaching on Leadership

Jesus taught in Matthew 20 and 23 that there is no divide between those called to ministry and the congregation. He opposed titles and elevated positions, reminding His disciples that the greatest among them must be a servant. Jesus emphasised that all are one in His body and should be called brethren.

In Matthew chapter 20, when the mother of James and John sought an elevated position for her sons, Jesus responded:

Matthew 20:25-26 says:

Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Importantly, the Greek word for “minister” is DIAKONOS, which means servant. The true leaders called of God into a ministry position are actually called to serve God’s children. In many religious organisations today, the very opposite is evident — those who claim to be called of God are the ones who are being served.

Matthew 20:27-28 says:

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Key Points

• No Divide: There is no divide between ministry and congregation
• Servanthood: True leaders are called to serve, not to be served
• Equality: All members of Christ’s body are equal and should be called brethren
• Humility and Service: Leadership is marked by humility and service, not by seeking titles or positions

The Nicolaitan Spirit

Many religious groups today practise a form of leadership forbidden by God. Jesus identified this approach — similar to that of the Nicolaitans — which focuses on rank and title.

Revelation 2:6 says:

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

The word ‘Nicolaitan’ comes from two Greek words:

• ‘Nico’: To conquer or have victory over people
• ‘Laity’: Refers to the common people

The Nicolaitan spirit is seen when a few elevated individuals lord over the majority — the clergy ruling the laity. This represents ‘popery’ or human rule, intending to replace Christ as the head of His body by adding another level of authority between Christ and His body.

The Anointing of Believers

When questioned, those who challenge unbiblical governance are often silenced using Amos 3:7. While this was true in the Old Testament, the New Testament era brings a change. In the New Testament era, you have an ‘unction’ — an anointing — as John writes, to know all things.

1 John 2:20 says:

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

‘Unction’ comes from the Greek word ‘CHRISMA’, also meaning ‘anointing’. Consider what you have from the Holy One that enables you to know all things.

• ‘CHRISMA’ originates from ‘CHRIO’, meaning to anoint
• In the Old Testament, anointing with olive oil on the head signified divine selection and purpose

This is shown by Jesus at the start of His ministry:

Luke 4:18 says:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

The Role of the Anointing

What is this anointing? John explains:

1 John 2:27 says:

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

This anointing, unlike in the Old Testament, is not poured on you but is within you — it is truth Himself.

John 14:16-17 says:

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Divine Selection and Appointment

You were divinely chosen when you chose to be born again and added to God’s church, His body.

Acts 2:47 says:

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

You are also divinely appointed for a purpose.

1 Corinthians 12:18 says:

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Unity in the Body of Christ

The body of Christ is a living entity where each member has a purpose, no matter how small. Every born-again believer, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, is anointed to know the truth.

This doesn’t mean rejecting the ministerial gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. You cannot isolate yourself. The teaching ministry awakens through word and demonstration, but the Holy Spirit activates these words spiritually.

Two people hearing the same message may react differently: one may embrace the truth, while the other may not due to closed ears. The Biblical concept of anointing is straightforward. Unfortunately, it has been misconstrued by some in ministry — claiming they alone are anointed is an example of the Nicolaitan spirit, which God disapproves of.

John 8:31-32 says:

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

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IT IS CRITICAL YOU UNDERSTAND SCRIPTURE

Without the true light on God’s Word, you will fall into error and fall prey to false teachers and their false doctrines. Jesus said to the Sadducees who sought to entrap Him:

Matthew 22:29 says:

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

The word ‘err’ is the Greek word PLANAO, which means to ‘go astray’ through deception. Because the Sadducees did not know or understand God’s Word, they could easily be led astray from the truth into deception, error, and sin.

It is critical that you understand the Scriptures — their importance, purpose, and how they are fulfilled in your own life. If not, you will fall into error, fall away, and possibly lose your salvation.

No matter what you have been taught in the past, the purpose of ALL Scripture is to reveal Jesus Himself. He is the fulfilment and purpose of all Scripture.

The Purpose of Scripture

John 5:39 says:

Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Despite Jesus’ words and warnings, many today claim to be Christians yet elevate the Bible to where the book itself almost becomes an object of worship. They engage in endless debates on which version is best, yet deviate from the very purpose of living the life found in the Bible.

Others go to the opposite extreme, belittling the importance of carefully respecting and obeying the written words found in the Bible. They assert that because Jesus is the Word of God, you only need to seek Him and be led by the Holy Spirit without reference to the Scriptures. This has led to an explosion of experiential religion.

Spirit and Truth

How, then, do the Scriptures and Jesus work together? John introduces Jesus in his Gospel as the “Word of God”:

John 1:1-3 says:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:14 says:

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

This Scripture is a reminder that the Scriptures are living and that through Jesus, we understand the purpose of the Scriptures. They, through Christ, show us how to live not only in the right way but in the way that is pleasing to God.

John 4:24 says:

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

To avoid treating the Bible merely as a sacred book and to ensure you are following the true Jesus Christ, you must both obey the Scriptures and be led by the Holy Spirit. This approach prevents errors. The true Spirit of God will never guide you contrary to the teachings of the Scriptures.

John 15:26 says:

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

While studying the Bible is crucial, it is not just a study book but a living book. Understanding the Scriptures is less about intellect and more about obedience to the Scriptures you study.

John 6:63 says:

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

The Word Made Flesh

John’s revelation of Jesus as “the Word made flesh” indicates that the Spirit was made flesh. The Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit, clothed Himself in human flesh. Jesus demonstrated the Word for three and a half years, not by writing a new book or starting a new movement, but by defining and demonstrating the Scriptures as a life to be lived.

2 Corinthians 3:6 says:

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Paul’s words shouldn’t be misunderstood to mean that the written word is dead or that Jesus brought a new truth. Jesus, as the Creator, was present before the literal creation.

John 1:3 says:

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

The Word of God, whether preached or read, represents eternity speaking. The Word becomes lifeless only when it is not applied in life.

Romans 12:2 says:

And be not conformed to this world (aion=age): but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The Greek word for ‘transformed’ is ‘METAMORPHOO’, from ‘Meta’ (change after) and ‘Morphoo’ (to change form or character). It signifies a complete transformation into a new person, embodying the image and life of Christ.

Romans 8:29 says:

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Colossians 3:10-11 says:

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Jesus, the living Word of God, ministered for 3.5 years before His crucifixion on Calvary’s cross. This event was not the end but a pivotal moment leading to Pentecost, when the ‘living Word’ returned to dwell in all who are born again. This mystery, revealed by Paul, is the essence of Christ within believers, offering hope and glory.

Colossians 1:27-28 says:

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

True belief is reflected in who you are and demonstrated by your actions.

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YOU MUST RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE TRUTH

Rightly dividing the Word of God involves understanding the principle of truth within its historical and cultural context — as it was spoken in its day and timeframe. Only then can that truth be applied to the present day.

The principles of God’s truth are immutable, but their application may vary based on different situations, cultures, congregations, and individuals.

Paul’s approach to different cultures in his ministry illustrates this adaptability:

1 Corinthians 9:20-21 says:

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

The Unchangeable Principles of the Gospel

Christianity is fundamentally built on unchangeable principles. A ‘PRINCIPLE’ is a fundamental truth or proposition that forms the foundation for a system of belief, behaviour, or reasoning. These foundational, unchangeable principles ensure the gospel’s relevance to every person, culture, and era.

Key unchangeable gospel principles include:

• God is Love: God’s immense love for everyone is demonstrated through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins
• God is Righteousness: Through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, God enables those He saves from sin to live free from sin
• God is Almighty and Sovereign: God exercises sovereignty over the entire world, particularly His church — determining the distribution of spiritual gifts, assigning responsibilities, and guiding how each individual ministers both locally and collectively

These principles remain constant because God Himself is unchanging.

Malachi 3:6 says:

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

God has not granted anyone the authority to disregard or alter the unchangeable principles He has established and conveyed through Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:8 says:

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.

This verse underscores the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. However, the preceding verse is equally important but frequently overlooked:

Hebrews 13:7-8 says:

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

The term “conversation” here, translated from the Greek ‘ANASTROPHE’, refers to conduct or behaviour. This indicates that leadership within a church should embody the unchangeable principles of God in their behaviour and ministry — principles that are a direct reflection of Jesus Christ, the living Word.

Differences of Administration and Operation

While the fundamental principles of the gospel are immutable, their application can vary.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 says:

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

In this passage, “administrations” is translated from the Greek word ‘DIAKONIA’, which means service or ministry. This term paints the picture of a waiter who delivers the meal prepared in the kitchen to the table.

“Operations,” from the Greek ‘ENERGEMA’, refers to workings or effects. This implies that while the Spirit is the same, the way in which He works (administrations) and the effects of His work (operations) can vary according to the needs of different people, cultures, and situations. This diversity is essential for the Spirit’s manifestation to be beneficial to everyone.

If you are a leader serving God’s people, remember that each situation is unique. You must be guided by the Spirit of God. Let Him guide each situation and minister in His way. You are a vessel for the Holy Spirit’s work.

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Creeds, Traditionalism, and the Dangers of Man-Made Rules

Today, most religious groups have some form of faith statement or practical living guide. At first, this might seem helpful for congregation members to know what to believe and how to live. But these creeds can create divisions within the body of Christ and become ingrained traditions. Human-made rules can become as revered as the Bible itself.

H. M. Riggle said in 1913: ‘Any creed larger than the Bible is too large, just as any creed smaller than the Bible is too small.’ He believed that God’s revealed Word is sufficient. The New Testament provides all we need for life, godliness, and Christian practice.

The Birth of a Reformation

In the late 1800s, a significant movement of God’s Spirit began, urging people towards genuine holiness and unity. This movement called God’s followers to abandon the divisive teachings of various Christian groups and return to the original love and unity practised by Jesus Christ’s disciples.

In 1921, Andrew Byers published a book titled ‘Birth of a Reformation’. Here are some of Byers’ key messages for the Church of God:

• The Church Reformation must be based on the essential gospel principles
• The Church should spend more effort being who the Church is supposed to be rather than focusing on protecting against sectarianism
• How we minister to the needs of the past is not the only way to move forward into the future
• Do not focus on “we are it” or “we are the standard for the world”, but rather make room for God to reveal further truth in the way He would choose
• Refusing fellowship with anyone who is saved is sectarian
• Any attempt to “corner” all the truth within ourselves will ultimately make us a sect, and the truth will continue on without us

The Danger of Traditionalism

Traditionalism often manifests in religious contexts, where long-established practices can become as binding as divine law. H. M. Riggle highlights that once these traditional practices are established, they can rival or even replace the core principles of God’s Word.

Jesus Himself addressed this problem during His ministry. He confronted the religious leaders of His time about their adherence to hand-washing traditions, which they prioritised over God’s commandments:

Mark 7:5-9 says:

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Jesus warned that prioritising tradition over God’s Word renders the Word ineffective:

Mark 7:13 says:

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Colossians 2:8 says:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Clothing and Cultural Applications

One significant area where traditionalism exerts control is in clothing and adornment. Some Church of God groups insist on adherence to dress codes from the 1880s, expecting members in other countries to follow suit regardless of cultural differences. The Apostle Paul provides the fundamental principle:

1 Timothy 2:9 says:

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.

The principles are:

• Modesty: Covering nakedness
• Shamefacedness and Sobriety: Reverence, respect, and self-control
• Avoiding Costly Array: Not using clothing to appear superior to others

These fundamental principles do not dictate the exact type, style, or colour of clothing. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should uphold the core principles of the gospel. These principles are meant to be relevant for everyone, regardless of their nationality, race, or culture.

Women in Leadership

The topic of women in leadership will be discussed in detail in a later Study Guide. However, it is important to note that there is no Biblical barrier to women leading in the church of God.

The role of women in the church involves showing respect to authority (as should men) and to their husbands. This respect is not about being subservient or under dictatorship — it is about partnership in love, not in wrongdoing or disobedience to God.

Ephesians 5:33 (LITV) says:

However, you also, everyone, let each one love his wife as himself, and the wife, that she give deference to the husband.

Notice that the concept of ‘respect and submission’ is directly linked to how the husband treats and loves his wife. Paul’s teachings indicate that all submission is rooted in mutual love and service.

1 Peter 5:5 says:

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

The New Testament also provides examples of women who played instructive roles:

• Philip the evangelist’s daughters: They prophesied (Acts 21:9)
• Priscilla: She expounded the way of God to Apollos (Acts 18:26)
• Phoebe: A deaconess who was commended by Paul (Romans 16:1-2)
• Junia: An apostle who was noted among the apostles (Romans 16:7)

These examples demonstrate that women played significant roles in the early church, contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the edification of the body of Christ.

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YOU NEED TOOLS

The most crucial tool for studying God’s Word is, of course, a Bible. Without it, studying God’s Word is not possible. The primary Bible version used in your Study Guides is the King James Version (KJV). We choose this version as it is freely available and is a reliable translation of the original texts. However, it is important to note that it is not without errors.

Another essential resource is a Strong’s Concordance, which is critical for studying the original Hebrew and Greek words — especially in relation to beliefs and doctrines. Properly dividing God’s Word without a concordance would be extremely difficult.

Both the KJV and Strong’s Concordance are available for free in Bible programs like E-Sword and Olive Tree. These programs also include Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) and the Literal Version (LITV), which are occasionally referenced in your Study Guides.

The English language has its limitations, and sometimes an English word may correspond to multiple meanings in Greek or Hebrew. It is also important to be aware that translations of the original text can reflect the biases of the translators. For instance, the KJV was translated for use in the Church of England and may carry biases towards their beliefs. A useful resource for studying words in the KJV is available online at Bible Hub (biblehub.com/strongs.htm).

Even Paul referred to additional books as aids in studying Scriptures:

2 Timothy 4:13 says:

The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

Summary of Study Tools

To effectively study and understand God’s Word, you need:

• A Bible: Preferably the KJV for its availability and reliability
• Strong’s Concordance: Essential for understanding the original Hebrew and Greek words
• Bible Programs: Such as E-Sword and Olive Tree, which provide access to multiple translations and concordances
• Awareness of Translation Biases: Recognise that translations may carry the biases of the translators
• Additional Study Resources: Online tools like Bible Hub and other books that aid in understanding the Scriptures

By using these tools, you can deepen your understanding of the Bible and ensure a more accurate interpretation of its teachings.

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SUMMARY

This Study Guide has built on the foundational principles of effective Bible study by exploring how to approach God’s Word correctly and what is required of a true student of Scripture.

Understanding the Bible

• Begins with a genuine born-again experience, as the Bible is a spiritual book best understood by those who are spiritually alive
• Romans 6:22 and Revelation 1:1 highlight the importance of being a servant of God
• A true disciple shares what God reveals, following Jesus’ example of servanthood in Philippians 2:7

The Bereans’ Example

• The Bereans, noted in Acts 17:10-11, exemplify noble character by verifying all teachings against the Scriptures
• Diligent study, prayer, and preparation ensure an active pursuit of truth
• This method prevents reliance on human authority and promotes personal understanding of the Scriptures

Leadership and Servanthood

• Many religious organisations create a divide between ministry teams and congregations, which is contrary to Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 20 and 23
• True leaders serve others — there should be no elevated status within the body of Christ
• The anointing — the ‘unction’ from 1 John 2:20 — signifies divine selection and purpose, empowering all believers to know the truth

Importance of Understanding Scripture

• Understanding Scripture is critical to avoid falling into error and deception, as Jesus warned in Matthew 22:29
• The Scriptures reveal Jesus and are meant for practical application in life, not just intellectual understanding

Challenges of Traditionalism

• Traditionalism can mislead believers, as seen in Mark 7:5-9 and Colossians 2:8
• Creeds and faith statements, while seemingly helpful, often become divisive and overshadow Biblical teachings
• The gospel’s unchangeable principles — like God’s love and righteousness — remain constant, but their application may vary based on cultural and individual contexts, as shown in 1 Corinthians 9:20-21 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Effective Bible Study

• To effectively study God’s Word, one needs a reliable Bible such as the KJV, and tools like Strong’s Concordance
• Awareness of translation biases and additional study resources like Bible Hub enhances understanding
• Paul’s reference to additional books in 2 Timothy 4:13 underscores the importance of study aids

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