Expository Bible Study Course : Lesson and Sermon Preparation (Expository Principles ed.)

Many books have been written on the subject of how to study the Bible. This method's value is that it teaches the expository method of studying Scripture, which ­focuses on an exegetical investigation of the Bible and shows the individual how to study the Word of God for himself.

In using this method of Bible study, you will be researching and gathering material about passages of Scripture. This method will help you to develop a systematic plan to follow in studying the Bible. It centers on completing a work sheet where the information is recorded. In completing the Work Sheet, you will be amass­ing much information about the passage you are studying.

The expository method of Bible study seeks to present truths, concepts and principles that are taught by a Scripture passage. God has given us His method of interpretation of His word. God method does not impose a meaning on a passage, but seeks the meaning from the words and gramma of the passage. The basis of true expository Bible study is a thorough "exegesis" of the passage.

At the heart of this study is the Biblical truth of the "verbal plenary inspiration" of Scripture. The doctrine of "verbal plenary inspiration" teaches that every word of Scripture is inspired by God. God used human writers who He directed through the Holy Spirit to record His Word. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they wrote what God wanted said without error. What they wrote, in the original manuscripts was exactly what God wanted to say.