How to Study the Bible - Made Simple!

Context

Here is Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”

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This is a great verse, and the reason why is clear—it can be very encouraging, especially in times when we need to know that the power of God is behind us and ready to strengthen and embolden us! But there’s a catch. Is Paul saying that we can do “all things” in Christ, or is he speaking about something more specific? If we read the verse by itself, as many people do, we can misinterpret what Paul is saying. This is where understanding the context becomes so important.

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In order to understand the context of what Paul is saying in Philippians 4:13, we have to go back a couple of verses to verses 11 and 12.

 

This is what verses 11 and 12 say:

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

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After reading the context of verse 13 in verses 11 and 12, we can better understand verse 13. We just had to backtrack a little. When Paul says that he can do “all things” in Christ, he is speaking of how, in Christ, he has learned to be “abased, and I know how to abound… to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

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Notice the repeat of “all things.” We see when Paul says, “I can do all things in Christ,” but we see it first in verse 12 when Paul says, “Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” The context of verse 13 is Paul’s ability to be content in Christ no matter what his present circumstances are, whether he has more or less than what his bodily needs are.

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We recommend studying a book from the beginning. That way, if you’re mindful, you will naturally pick up the context of the verses that follow. But if you choose to jump into the middle of a text, you can often find the context for a chapter of the Bible at the beginning of the chapter or maybe a little ways back. Because the books of the Bible often follow a natural flow of thought and conversation, the best way to study any book of the Bible is from the beginning. As we’ve seen, being able to interpret the Bible correctly is well worth it.

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How to Study the Original Language of the Bible?

No matter what book of the Bible you are studying, and whether it is in the New or Old Testament, we should consider the language the text was written in. Seeing the words as they were originally written can really bring the Scripture alive! One way that the Bible comes alive through the original language is that we get to see the full meaning behind each word, which often has many meanings and ways those meanings are expressed. Also, we must consider that God rewards us spiritually for the diligence of our study! So let’s not be afraid of putting in the extra work!

Keep in mind: It isn’t necessary to look up the original language for each word of the verse. Typically, the words that hold the most meaning for understanding the verse are enough, and we have made it easy for you to find the original language of the Bible by providing a search tool that can find any verse in its original language! Let’s begin!

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Let’s give it a try with two key words in the original Greek language of Philippians 4:13. You’ll see the key words chosen are underlined.

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“I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”

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• “all things” is translated from one Greek word, “πάντα” (English pronunciation: panta)
  Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural.
  Meaning: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

• “strengthens me” is also translated from one Greek word: “ἐνδυναμοῦντί” (English pronunciation: endynamounti)
  Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
  Meaning: To fill with power, strengthen, make strong. From en and dunamoo; to empower.

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What really makes learning the original words interesting is when you begin to translate the verse using the other applicable words provided in the definition of the original language! Below is Philippians 4:13 as translated by the English Standard Version we’ve been reading from. The key words are still underlined. What we will do now is use other words from the meaning of each Greek word to see how differently we can understand the verse.

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English Standard Version:
“I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”

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Our first translation example:
I can do everything in Christ who empowers me.

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Our second translation example:
I can do anything in Christ who fills me with power.

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Exploring the different ways a verse can be expressed is a fun way to learn and remember the intent of the writer, and more importantly, what God is trying to say to us. Now that we have thoroughly studied what God wanted to say to us in Philippians 4:13, we are ready to finish our study of it and apply it to our lives.

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Applying What We’ve Learned to Our Lives!​

The best part of anything we study in the Bible is when we understand how it applies to us. No Bible study is complete without giving God the opportunity to change us through it! God wants us to learn about Him, but more importantly, He is wanting to renew us and reshape us into the image of His Son, Jesus. Therefore, finishing every Bible study with a strong application and finding in it how God wants to change us is the best part because it’s there that we know and experience Him in our lives.

To develop your application, first list what you learned from the verse you studied. Then, add a commitment to remember and practice what God has shown you.

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From Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything in Christ who empowers me,” we learned:

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1. First, God doesn’t promise that life will be perfect. But what He does promise is that He will help us to be content in our times of poverty or prosperity if we place our trust in Him and His goodness towards us. I am committing to remember that the next time I am not content with my finances and what God has provided. God is my joy and my hope. Nothing else.

2. The second thing we learned is that there is much more to God’s Word than meets the eye. This reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 13:44, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” God’s Word is filled with treasure beneath the surface, just waiting for someone to uncover it and find the joy within. I am committing to spending more time seeking out the treasures of God in His Word.

3. The third thing we’ve learned is that there is a wonderful blessing and spiritual joy that comes from studying God’s Word when we use a proven method to do so. And I am so thankful to God that He has given us this study method so we can know Him more, and that we can now share it with you.

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CONGRADULATIONS! 

You have successfully completed CRY OUT Ministry’s “How to Study the Bible - Made Simple!” Course! Now you are well on your way to mastering the Inductive study method and uncovering the riches of God’s Word in every study!

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Using this method of studying the Bible will fill your life and heart with joy in the Lord for years and years to come, as it has for us. If you’ve been blessed by this “How to Study the Bible - Made Simple!” then commit to using it and exploring God's love, grace, and Person in His Word. We are praying that you do so! But there's still more! Preparing for ministry? If so, you're journey continues with 

Next Level Bible Studies! Let's begin!

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Be blessed!

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Robert
Cry Out Ministries
Helping you know God more deeply through the study of His Word.