Editor’s note: Zach Windahl breaks down its entire storyline in The Bible, Simplified, making Scripture clear, accessible, and life-changing so you can gain confidence in your faith. But, did you know there’s also a separate Bible study (The Bible, Simplified Study Guide)? Here’s session one for you to enjoy during your devotional time with Jesus. It can also be used as a group Bible study.
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We have the Bible available to us at all times to learn about God, connect with Him, and understand what it means to live under His rule and reign, in His Kingdom, here and now.
Welcome [Read on Your Own]
What is the Bible? That’s a loaded question. Your answer depends on your relationship with it, how you were introduced to it, how much time you spend with it, what Christian tradition you come from, and what you’ve been taught about it.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the Bible. Some think it’s just a long list of rules. Others think it’s a bunch of old stories that have nothing to do with today. And others see it as simply another way to explain humanity and our history, like any other religious text. But the Bible is so much more.
The Bible, when you take a forty-thousand-foot view of it, is actually one beautiful, connected story about God, His Kingdom, and His relationship with His people. It’s a story of heartache and redemption, loss and gain, humility and strength. Within its pages are characters who reflect who we are today: people trying to do the right thing and follow God while falling short over and over again.
So, no matter what your relationship is with the Bible, know this study is for you. The Bible is for you.
The better you understand Scripture as a whole, the better you will understand its individual passages, helping you grasp God’s great love for you.
In this session, you will learn about the structure of the Bible, its authors, and its primary narrative. Having this framework in place is essential for understanding what the stories in the Bible have to do with your life, culture, and context. The more you learn about this intriguing literary work, the more you will want to return to its pages.
Connect [10 Minutes]
If you or any of your group members don’t know each other, take a few minutes to introduce yourselves. Then discuss one or both of the following questions:
Why did you decide to join this study? What do you hope to learn?
— or —
When is the first time you opened a Bible? What were your impressions of it?
Watch [25 Minutes]
Watch the video for this session. Record any key concepts that stand out to you.
Outline
I. What is in the Bible?
A. The Bible is more than just rules and wisdom. It’s a work of literary genius.
B. The Bible is a collection of sixty-six books divided into two sections: an Old Testament and a New Testament.
C. The Bible is written in three different literary styles: narrative, poetry, and prose discourse.
D. The Bible has forty different authors and was written over 1,500 years.
II. How should you read the Bible?
A. “Pray before opening.” Trust the Holy Spirit will guide you as you read.
B. Historical and cultural context is key when reading and understanding stories in the Bible.
C. Ask: Who wrote this book? Who was it written to? When was it written and why?
D. A Western mindset likes data and facts. An Eastern mindset likes stories and symbolism.
III. What is the story of the Old Testament?
A. Adam and Eve lived in perfect union with God until they chose sin over Him.
B. God works to restore His relationship with us through people like Noah, Abraham, and Jacob.
C. God frees His people through His servant Moses — and the promised land is established.
D. The Israelites cycle through leaders and kings, obeying and disobeying the Lord.
IV. What is the story of the New Testament?
A. Jesus showed up preaching a new way of life — a Kingdom lifestyle.
B. Jesus was executed on a Roman cross and then rose from the dead, restoring our relationship to God.
C. Now we are called to spread this good news to the world and live under the new covenant.
The Bible tells the story of God’s relationship with humanity and what our role on earth is.
Discuss [35 Minutes]
Discuss what you just watched by answering the following questions.
- The Bible is much more than a list of rules. What did you learn in this session about the Bible’s structure? How does this change the way you view the Bible?
- In the teaching segment you learned about the importance of context in the Bible. Why is context so important? What is an example of a time that you (or someone you know) read something from the Bible without context and misinterpreted it?
- What are some of the differences between a Western mindset and an Eastern mindset? How have you experienced these differences either when reading the Bible or interacting with people from different cultures?
- Ask someone to read Romans 5:12–14. What story is Paul referring to here? Why is it important to know about Adam and Eve and how sin entered into the world in the Old Testament in order to fully understand Jesus’ story in the New Testament?
- Ask someone to read aloud John 1:1–14. How does this story fit into the rest of Scripture? How is Jesus present in both the Old and New Testaments?
Respond [10 Minutes]
Remember: The Bible is not a long list of rules, nor is it a collection of separate books that have nothing to do with each other. Rather, the Bible is an incredible literary feat, written over a record amount of time, with all books working together under the arch of one big story:
God establishing His Kingdom on earth.
And the Bible is applicable to your life today. Read the following passage that reflects on this truth and answer the questions below.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:14–17
This is part of a letter that Paul wrote to a younger Jesus-follower named Timothy. Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, had raised him to know the Old Testament (see 2 Timothy 1:5). How does this context help you understand the passage?
According to Paul, what is Scripture? What can it do in you? How have you experienced this in your life?
Pray [10 Minutes]
When it is time to close this session, take a moment to pray with your group. Pray for your time together and individually in God’s Word. Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal new and deeper truths. Finally, pray that God would give you and your group a renewed passion for the Bible.
Excerpted with permission from The Bible, Simplified Study Guide by Zach Windahl, copyright Zach Windahl.
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Your Turn
What do you think about the Bible? Have you thought of it as a big Book of rules? Or does it feel relevant and crucial for your life today? ~ Devotionals Daily