StAndrewsChurch

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:6: For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Preacher: Anthony Kowbeidu

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2010_0228_Christs_Light.mp3

Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

How to study the Bible:

Observation (discovering what the text says)

1. Begin with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply the text.
2. Ask who, what, why, when, where, how? These are the building blocks for observation which is essential for interpretation. For example, "Who wrote this book?" "What did they say?" "Why did they need to say what they said?", etc.
3. Note key words and phrases. Pay attention to names, places, synonyms, descriptions and "theological" words like "salvation", "justified". These key words and phrases are often repeated to communicate the author's point or purpose in writing.
4. Note any contrasts and comparisons. These are often vivid and striking using very descriptive language.
5. Note expressions of time. The relationship of events in time often gives meaning and understanding to the text. When you're reading Paul, for example, it is often helpful to look through the Book of Acts to discover background information on a particular Epistle. So, if you are reading Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Acts 18-20 will give you insight into the Church at Ephesus.
6. Identify chapter themes. The theme of a chapter will center on a main person, teaching or event. The theme is often revealed by key words and phrases.

Interpretation (discovering what the text means)

1. Remember the context. Scripture cannot mean what the author did not intend it to mean. Our personal opinions and interpretations have to be consistent with what the text says. 
2. Place your text within the context of the full Word of God (Bible). This takes familiarity with the Word of God. Sometimes it is tempting to find one or two verses that fit our circumstances and/or opinions. Step back and see if you can place these verses in the larger context of the chapter, particular book, and whole Bible. Many Bibles will offer a list of cross-references. Read them. These cross-references help you link together the various themes and teachings of the Bible.
3. Remember that Scripture will never contradict Scripture. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture, He will also inspire the reading of Scripture. Sometimes, there will be topics that are difficult to grasp and seem to contradict one another. Hold those texts humbly. Ask the Lord for insight. 
4. Recognize what literary genre is being employed. For instance, the Bible contains, history, poetry, wisdom literature, biography, apocalyptic and prophetic material. It employes simile, metaphor and allegory. Knowing what you are reading will help you understand and apply the text to your life. 
5. Look for the single meaning of the text. Unless the author indicates otherwise, there is a point being made. Don't twist verses to mean something they don't mean. Don't get lost in a secondary idea or an illustrative detail.

Application (discovering how the text works)

1. Accurate observation and interpretation will reveal the meaning of the text.
2. Fruitful application will apply the teaching of the Bible to your life and it will also lead you to change: change of thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and actions. 
3. Share what you have learned - and how this learning applies to your life - with others in your LifeGroup.

Watch the Sermon

Christ's Light Shines through the Believer from St. Andrew's Church on Vimeo.

Today’s Sermon Outline

• The Glory of God in the face of a believer is an arresting light.
• The light of Christ on the face of a believer brings incredible hope and gladness.
• The light on our Lord’s face is a glow of a redemptive mission and ministry.

Application

Christians without a sense of mission tend to bury the arresting light of Christ. Do we have a dream and vision of a new world as bearers of Christ’s light?
 

Questions?

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The outline and application question are intended for your further reflection and action upon the weekend message. They are also designed to facilitate discussion and accountability within your LifeGroup.