How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

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In Matthew 7, Jesus speaks of not judging others, of not giving away what is holy to dogs, and of seeking and asking the Father for help. These three points, when taken together, create a powerful message about how we should live our lives. This is the passage of scripture that liberates the church from experts. It’s not too hard to interpret, but it’s challenging to truly apply and live it out.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

First, Jesus speaks of not judging others. He says, “Do not judge so that you may not be judged, for with the judgment you make, you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get” (Matthew 7:1-2). This is a reversal of our natural tendency – to be lax on ourselves and critical of others. But Jesus wants us to believe the best in others. This is a reminder to us all that we should not be so quick to judge others. We should be careful to not be hypocrites, and instead, look at our own flaws before we point out those of others.

Second, Jesus speaks of not giving away what is holy to dogs. He says, “Do not give what is holy to dogs and do not throw your pearls before swine or they will trample them underfoot and turn and maul you” (Matthew 7:6). This is a reminder to us to be careful about how we share our faith with others. We should not be so quick to share our beliefs with those who may not understand or appreciate them.

Finally, Jesus speaks of seeking and asking the Father for help. He says, “Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives” (Matthew 7:7-8). This is a reminder to us that we should not be afraid to ask for help. We should not be afraid to turn to the Lord for guidance and strength.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

1. God wants to give good gifts, just full stop. When you come to Him in prayer, he wants to give you gifts. When you come to Him each day, He wants to give you gifts. Every day is ripe with the possibility of good gifts. What gifts is God giving you today?

We often approach God as if I'm trying to get my act together. I'm trying to clean myself up. And God's saying, listen you love your children no matter what state they're in. Don't you think I love you so much more than that?

2. Are you loving others the way you want others to love you? The golden rule: in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the law and the prophets. This might require some creativity. What do you want someone to do for you? And are you willing to do that thing?

ABOUT RACHEL:

Rev. Rachel Toone joined Montreat College in July 2018 as the Dean of Spiritual Formation. She holds a B.A. in Theology from Whitworth University, an MDiv. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and she is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Trinity School for Ministry. Rev. Toone is an ordained teaching elder by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. When she is not working, Rev. Toone enjoys traveling, hiking, and reading old books.

RESOURCES:

Nicole’s Book: Help My Bible Is Alive!

Ask Nicole a Bible study question: [email protected]

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Today, we're delving into the Old Testament, specifically Judges 6 through 8, to discuss the story of Gideon. This narrative is deeply personal to me, as it reflects my own experiences and the lessons I've learned about faith. What do we do when our faith falters, when we have questions? This story has so much to teach us.

The context of Judges reveals a cycle of rebellion among the Israelites, who have turned away from God and are suffering the consequences. Despite their struggles, God sends messengers and judges to guide them back, but they often ignore these figures. This backdrop sets the stage for Gideon's story, which unfolds during a particularly challenging time for Israel.

Gideon, the least in his family and from the weakest clan, is found by an angel of the Lord while secretly threshing wheat to avoid it being stolen by the Midianites. The angel greets him as a "mighty warrior," which is ironic given Gideon's humble circumstances. Gideon questions why they have been abandoned by God if He is truly with them. The angel responds by encouraging Gideon to go in the strength he has, assuring him that God will be with him to defeat the Midianites.

Gideon's faith is hesitant, but he engages with the angel, asking for a sign to confirm the message. After receiving a miraculous sign, Gideon is convinced and embarks on a mission to tear down an altar to a foreign god and build one for the Lord instead. Despite his fear, he follows through, and his father defends his actions when others question them.

As we conclude this episode, we see Gideon's faith beginning to grow, even from a place of doubt and weakness. Next week, we'll continue with Gideon's story, discussing the significance of asking for signs and what it means for our faith. I invite you to read Judges 6, 7, and 8 to prepare for our next discussion about Gideon and the concept of laying out a fleece before God.

Three questions we can always ask the Bible as we study:

1. What is this story teaching me about people?
2. What is this story teaching me about God?
3. What is this story teaching me about God's interactions with people?

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For

When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide!

Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It can be challenging to find time for rest and relaxation. We are often consumed with work, and the busyness of life makes it hard to slow down and connect with Jesus. However, it is essential to recognize that work and rest are complementary. They are not opposing forces, but rather two sides of the same coin that draw us back to the same source.

In his new book, Sacred Strides, speaker, musician and coach Justin McRoberts explores the idea of work and rest and how they can be transcendent experiences that connect us with the heart of the divine. McRoberts argues that work is not the enemy, but rather, can bring us closer to God. He suggests that rest is not about divorcing ourselves from the world, but about disconnecting from the machinery that keeps us from having transcendent experiences.

McRoberts' perspective is refreshing because it challenges the notion that work and rest are at odds with each other. It is not a matter of choosing one over the other, but rather finding congruence between the two. When we work from a place of rest, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from doing meaningful work. Conversely, when we rest from a place of work, we can recharge our batteries and reconnect with the divine.

Work and rest are intertwined.

There is a common belief that people are either good at resting or good at working, but this is a false dichotomy. Work and rest are complementary and that they are both necessary for a fulfilling life.

Rest is essential for wholeness.

It can be difficult to capture the balance. Many of us have been taught a narrative of being rescued from all the bad things in the world, including work. We have been conditioned by hustle culture to believe that our limitations are problematic and that we must constantly strive to do more. This narrative is not rooted in the biblical narrative of wholeness, which teaches that our limitations are actually part of what makes us human and that work can be a sacred and fulfilling practice.

Rest is a necessary gift.

The podcast emphasizes the importance of rest in our lives. It is not just a luxury but a necessary gift that we need to embrace to maintain our well-being. Rest is not just about taking a break from work, but it is also about finding joy in being present in the moment. It is about embracing our belovedness and allowing ourselves to be who we are.

Belovedness destroys our need for success.

Our belovedness annihilates the need for success. McRoberts argues that we live in a culture that glorifies success and achievement, which often leads to burnout and a sense of emptiness. He suggests that by embracing our belovedness, we can find a sense of wholeness that transcends the need for success.

ABOUT JUSTIN:

Justin McRoberts (born January 1, 1974) is an American author, speaker, retreat leader and songwriter from the San Francisco Bay area. McRoberts began his career writing and releasing two albums with 5 Minute Walk before the label disbanded in 2001. Since then, He has released eleven studio projects, several EPs, and three books.

Check Out Justin’s New Book:

Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest

RESOURCES:

Nicole’s Book: Help My Bible Is Alive!

Ask Nicole a Bible study question: [email protected]

FOLLOW NICOLE:

Website: https://nicoleunice.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, Nicole dives deep into John 14, particularly the profound statement made by Jesus in John 14:6, where He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This declaration is not merely a philosophical assertion; it serves as a foundational truth for those seeking direction and purpose in their lives.

What's The Backstory?

Right before this, Jesus made it clear that he was going to leave them. This must have been very discouraging and confusing. In the midst of this, Jesus offers them comfort and a path forward.

I Am The Way, The Truth, The Life

He is the way. Jesus is making incredible claims about himself. He gives them relationonal, directional, and intentional answers. Let's unpack what each of these mean, together.

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/

Help! My Bible is Alive!

Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For

When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide!

Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.