Understanding and Applying God’s Word

Session Purpose

In this session, we will study Scripture’s God-given authority and its sufficiency to equip us for faithful living. Building on Sessions 4–5, we will practice observing a passage, interpreting it in context, and responding through a MAP application. Our memory passage is 2 Timothy 3:16–17.

Opening Prayer

Father, thank you for giving us your written Word. Help us understand what you have spoken, receive correction humbly, grow in righteousness, and become equipped for every good work. Amen.

Memory Passage

“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16–17 NET2

Memorize the passage in phrases:

• Every scripture is inspired by God
• and useful for teaching,
• for reproof,
• for correction,
• and for training in righteousness,
• that the person dedicated to God
• may be capable
• and equipped for every good work.

Understanding the Passage

Read 2 Timothy 3:10–17.

1. Amid the difficulties described in verses 10–13, what is Timothy told to continue in?
2. What part had Timothy’s upbringing played in his knowledge of the sacred writings?
3. According to verse 15, how do the Scriptures make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ?
4. What does “inspired by God” teach us about Scripture’s ultimate source?
5. What four uses of Scripture does Paul identify?
6. What kind of person does Scripture progressively form?
7. For what purpose does Scripture equip the person dedicated to God?

Interpretive Summary

As Paul prepared Timothy to remain faithful amid false teaching, persecution, and suffering, he directed him to continue in the sacred writings and the apostolic teaching he had received. Scripture comes from God and is therefore trustworthy and authoritative.

Scripture makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ and continues to form us through teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. God uses his Word not merely to increase our knowledge but to mature his people and equip them for every good work.

Four Ways Scripture Forms Us

Teaching

Scripture shows us what is true about God, his works, humanity, salvation, and faithful living.

Reproof

Scripture exposes false beliefs, sinful desires, and wrong behavior.

Correction

Scripture directs us away from error and back toward truth, faith, and obedience.

Training in Righteousness

Through repeated instruction and practice, Scripture develops patterns of thinking and living that increasingly reflect Christ.

When reading a passage, ask:

• What is this passage teaching me?
• What error or sin is it exposing?
• What correction is it giving?
• What new pattern is it training me to practice?

A Simple Bible Study Process

Observe–Interpret–Apply deepens the 5Rs and 3EQ: first attend to the text, then understand its meaning in context, and finally respond in faith and obedience.

Observe: What Does the Passage Say?

Read the passage slowly and look for:

• Repeated words and ideas
• Commands and promises
• Comparisons and contrasts
• Causes and results
• Important connecting words
• Statements about God and people
• The flow of the author’s thought

Begin with what the biblical author wrote rather than immediately asking what the passage means to you.

Interpret: What Does the Passage Mean?

Ask:

1. What is the author’s main subject?
2. What is the author saying about that subject?
3. How does the surrounding context clarify the meaning?
4. How does the passage fit within the Bible’s unfolding story?
5. How does it relate to Christ and the gospel?

Express the main truth in one sentence. Observe–Interpret–Apply develops the same careful reading and response already practiced through the 5Rs and 3EQ:

The author teaches that:

Apply: How Should We Respond?

Ask:

• What truth should I believe?
• What promise should I trust?
• What sin or false belief should I reject?
• What attitude should change?
• What command should I obey?
• Whom should I love, encourage, or serve?
• What truth could I share with someone else?

A faithful application arises from the passage’s meaning and depends upon God’s grace. Use MAP to make it measurable, attainable, and personal: identify one response you can practice and review. Do not force an action the passage does not teach; your response may involve trusting a promise, changing a belief, or persevering in an existing responsibility.

Practice Understanding and Applying Scripture

Read 2 Timothy 3:14–17.

Observe

Identify three important details from the passage.

Interpret

Complete this sentence: Paul teaches Timothy that Scripture:

Apply

Which function of Scripture do you most need today?

• Teaching
• Reproof
• Correction
• Training in righteousness

Why do you need it, and what one response will you make?

With Christ’s help, I will:

Fourteen Daily Quiet Time Passages on God’s Word

These optional passages support ongoing Daily Quiet Times. Choose a manageable passage for each time with God; you do not need to finish this list before the next meeting. Continue the 5Rs, letting the passage guide your prayer and one MAP response.

1. Week 1

   • Deuteronomy 6:4–9 — Keeping God’s words upon our hearts

   • Psalm 1:1–6 — Delighting and meditating in God’s instruction

   • Psalm 19:7–14 — The character and effects of God’s Word

   • Psalm 119:9–16 — Treasuring God’s Word

   • Isaiah 55:8–11 — God’s Word accomplishing his purpose

   • Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus answering temptation with Scripture

   • Luke 24:25–35 — Christ opening the Scriptures

2. Week 2

   • John 5:36–47 — Scripture bearing witness to Christ

   • John 17:13–19 — Sanctified by God’s truth

   • Acts 17:10–12 — Examining the Scriptures carefully

   • Romans 12:1–2 — Renewed thinking and transformed living

   • Colossians 3:12–17 — Letting Christ’s word dwell richly

   • Hebrews 4:12–13 — God’s living and penetrating Word

   • James 1:19–27 — Hearing and doing the Word

Training Another Christian

Help another Christian study a short passage:

1. Read the passage aloud together.

2. Ask what the person notices.

3. Discuss what the author is teaching in context.

4. Consider how the passage relates to Christ and the gospel.

5. Identify one faithful response.

6. Pray together and follow up later.

Your goal is not to provide every answer. Help the other person learn how to observe, understand, and respond to Scripture.

Preparing for Session 7

Before the next meeting:

1. Learn 2 Timothy 3:16–17 at a manageable pace, including the reference. Review a small selection of earlier passages, rotating them through the week.

2. Use Observe–Interpret–Apply within one Daily Quiet Time. Record the passage’s main truth and one MAP response.

3. If possible, practice reading and interpreting that passage with another Christian; this may be the same passage you studied yourself.

4. Bring one insight or question and one experience of applying the passage. Share only what you choose.