Bible Way Ministries                               Lonnie Green III, Senior Pastor

Biblical Study Methods

Lesson Three

Facilitator: Lonnie R. Green

2 Timothy 2:15

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

VI.    5 Modes of Expression

1)      Allegory – a simple story in which the people, places, and happenings have  

                         another meaning, often instructive. 

·        Often written in figurative speech so that literal interpretation is difficult

·        Either short or Long

·        (Eph 6:11-17) Put on the whole armor of God that you can stand against the wiles of the devil.  

·        Take on the whole armor of God

*Loins with truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Feet with Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation

         * Other examples: Isaiah 5: 1-7, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, John 6: 51-65

2)      Symbols- is a visible or natural, object which serves to represent a spiritual truth or concept. 

·        We use symbols all the time (Ran like a turtle , Heart is black

·        Bible uses symbolic acts such a baptism to symbolize the union with Christ Death, Burial, Resurrection

         ·        Lion – King of Jungle  (strength)

              Blind – Unbelief, in darkness                        

              Lamp – Light

              Eagle – Power, Soaring

3)      Parable – is a kind of allegory in short story form, illustrating an important truth

·        A earthly story with a heavenly message

·          Jesus was a master parable teller and always used them while teaching his     disciple of His enemies, who not being sure of the interpretation could not use it against them.  (Matt 13: 34-35)

·        Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisee (Not about Bread)

·         Jesus often explained some parables behind close doors (Parable of the Sower and the Seed , and the Parable of the Tares

 Three Keys to remember when studying parables

1)      Seek out the object of the parable.  What is being illustrated? 

* Parable about Wheat & Tares (Matt 13: 24 ) is explained in v. 36  

2)      Don’t try to make every detail of the parable apply exactly.  Rather apply the main features and points.  Keep you out of error. 

3)      Serves as an illustration of a truth and is not doctrine

4) Proverb – a short saying expressing wisdom for everyday living

·        Things to live by  

·        Happy is the man who finds wisdom and gains understanding (Prov 3:13 )

    * Don’t mistake a song for a proverb or popular saying

            Ex) To thine own self be true –Poetry

                    Amazing grace how sweet the sound that save a wretch like me - Song

5) Paradox – a statement or saying which is contrary to appearance, and seems 

                      impossible or absurd. 

*Pharisee who pay tithes and forget faith & mercy

* Not that rich people cannot be saved.  People who put there things before God. God wants obedience