Bible Study Priorities

Bible Study Priorities Based on Level of Spiritual Growth

The following are suggested priority doctrines or categories that the believer should know well as an indicator of their level of spiritual growth. Understand that knowing these doctrines academically is not an indicator of your spiritual growth. The Bible doctrine must be believed and applied under the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.

Priorities for the Babe or New Believer

Essence of God including the Trinity.

Essence of Man - Body, Soul, Spirit. Old Sin Nature - human good, sin, trends, lust patterns.

Salvation – Barrier, Redemption Col. 1:14, Sin, Unlimited atonement, Expiation Col. 2:14, Penalty, Regeneration John 3:3, Birth, Propitiation 1 John 2:2, Character of God, Justification Rοm. 3:24, Righteousness of man, Imputation Rom. 3:22, Positional Truth 1 John 5:11-12, Life, 40 things God does for man at the point of salvation.

“in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:14, NASB)

“having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14, NASB)

“Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."” (John 3:3, NASB)

“and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, NASB)

“being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;” (Romans 3:24, NASB)

“even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;” (Romans 3:22, NASB)

“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” (1 John 5:11-12, NASB)

Relationship and Fellowship - Retroactive positional truth, Current Positional Truth, Baptisms, Spirituality, Confession of sin, old sin nature, Lord’s Supper.

Use of Techniques - Confession of sin, Claiming promises, Faith-rest, Grace apparatus for perception, Living in the Word (Bible Study Systems), Spirituality, Occupation with Christ.

Dispensations - Time line (Broad), Chronology (Detailed), Prophecy

Concept of Grace, Legalism.

Four Divine Institutions.

Judgment (Hell) - Divine discipline for the Believer, Resultant scar tissue, Punishment for the Unbeliever, Hell, Lake of Fire.

Resurrection - Lord Jesus Christ, Church, Old Testament and Tribulation, Millennium

Doctrines pertaining to the dangers of spiritual babyhood.

Priorities for the Adolescent or Growing Believer

Angelic Conflict

Angels are divided into two categories: Unfallen: Holy and Elect: 1 Tim. 5:21; Mark 8:38, Fallen: Headed by Satan.

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.” (1 Timothy 5:21, NASB)

“"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."” (Mark 8:38, NASB)

Operational (demons) 1 Tim. 4:1, Imprisoned 2 Peter 2:4, those of Genesis 6.

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,” (1 Timothy 4:1, NASB)

“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;” (2 Peter 2:4, NASB)

Fallen angels, plus Satan, are sentenced to the Lake of Fire. Matt 25:41. This sentence took place in the past.

“"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;” (Matthew 25:41, NASB)

Satan objected to the judgment and, in objecting, he charged the character of God. “How can a loving God cast His creatures into the Lake of Fire?” No specific Scripture is worded in this way. Rather, a Scriptural deduction is made from many, many passages.

Satan’s negative volition being the pattern for man’s negative volition. Isaiah 14:12-14.

“"How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! "But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'” (Isaiah 14:12-14, NASB)

To resolve the Angelic Conflict, an inferior creature was created and placed on one planet - Earth. Heb. 2:7.

“"YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS;” (Hebrews 2:7, NASB)

Man’s volition is tested under two systems: Before the fall: in innocence he was ignorant of sin, he had no sin nature. Man had volition (free will). After the fall: in sinfulness he had an old sin nature and volition (free will) and a new tree - the Cross. Man could exercise positive volition--non-meritorious faith.

Man’s faith in Christ resolves the Angelic Conflict. Issue: Will mankind (inferior to angels by birth) choose the work of Christ? If so, this resolves the Angelic Conflict. Heb. 1 and Heb. 2.

Jesus Christ became a man through physical birth (virgin birth). By birth, Jesus Christ was lower than the angels. Humanity of Christ is now higher than angels as He sits at the right hand of God. In Christ we are positionally at the right hand of God; therefore, we are positionally higher than angels: therefore, we have a servant - a guardian angel. Heb. 1:4.

“having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews 1:4, NASB)

Mankind is under angelic observation. The angels learn divine judgment of God by watching the human race. Luke 15:7; Luke 15:10; Eph. 3:10, 1 Tim. 5:21; 1 Peter 1:12; 1 Cor. 4:9; 1 Cor.6:3; 1 Cor. 11:10.

“"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7, NASB)

“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:12, NASB)

“Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” (1 Corinthians 11:10, NASB)

Through the fall of man, Satan gained control of this planet. Faith in Jesus Christ frees man from Satan's domination. 2 Cor. 4:4; John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11; Eph. 2:2.

“in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4, NASB)

“and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” (John 16:11, NASB)

Military Commitment, Doctrine of Leadership

War will always exist in history in spite of man is efforts for peace. Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; Eccl. 3:8; Matt. 24: 6-7.

“And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war.” (Isaiah 2:4, NASB)

“A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:8, NASB)

But war is for adults (over 20 years old). Num. 1:3; Num. 26:2.

“from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel, you and Aaron shall number them by their armies.” (Numbers 1:3, NASB)

“"Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' households, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel."” (Numbers 26:2, NASB)

The objective of justified war is the annihilation of the enemy and thus his decisive defeat. This brings peace. Joshua 11:23; Joshua 14:15; Psalms 46:8-11.

“So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Thus the land had rest from war.” (Joshua 11:23, NASB)

“Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba; for Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. Then the land had rest from war.” (Joshua 14:15, NASB)

Justified war is from God. 1 Chron. 5:19-22.

“They made war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. They were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hand; for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him. They took away their cattle: their 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, 2,000 donkeys; and 100,000 men. For many fell slain, because the war was of God. And they settled in their place until the exile.” (1 Chronicles 5:19-22, NASB)

There comes a time when it is sinful not to go to war. Num. 32:5ff.

“They said, "If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession; do not take us across the Jordan."” (Numbers 32:5, NASB)

“'None of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob; for they did not follow Me fully,” (Numbers 32:11, NASB)

However, going to war demands training: Num. 31:3-5.

“Moses spoke to the people, saying, "Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD'S vengeance on Midian. "A thousand from each tribe of all the tribes of Israel you shall send to the war." So there were furnished from the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.” (Numbers 31:3-5, NASB)

But warfare demands a mental attitude of moral courage and battle courage. Deut. 20:1-20.

“"When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.” (Deuteronomy 20:1, NASB)

The believer in war. Psalms 27:3-4.

“Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.” (Psalms 27:3-4, NASB)

It is important that military leaders have divine viewpoint minus the mental attitude sins. Prov. 24:1-10.

“For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 24:6, NASB)

God prepares believers for training. 2 Sam. 22:35; Psalms 18:34; Psalms 144:1.

“"He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Samuel 22:35, NASB)

“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;” (Psalms 144:1, NASB)

Believers are protected in war by God. Job 5:20.

“"In famine He will redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword.” (Job 5:20, NASB)

There are always those who plot warfare. Psalms 55:20-23; Psalms 68:30; Psalms 120:6-7; Psalms 140:1-2.

“Rebuke the beasts in the reeds, The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples, Trampling under foot the pieces of silver; He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.” (Psalms 68:30, NASB)

“For the choir director. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men Who devise evil things in their hearts; They continually stir up wars.” (Psalms 140:1-2, NASB)

Peace propaganda is used as a weapon of warfare. Micah 3:5-7.

“Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray; When they have something to bite with their teeth, They cry, "Peace," But against him who puts nothing in their mouths They declare holy war. Therefore it will be night for you—without vision, And darkness for you—without divination. The sun will go down on the prophets, And the day will become dark over them. The seers will be ashamed And the diviners will be embarrassed. Indeed, they will all cover their mouths Because there is no answer from God.” (Micah 3:5-7, NASB)

War is used as a national discipline. Judges 5:8; 2 Chron. 16:9; Isaiah 16:3-26; Jer. 4:19-31.

“"New gods were chosen; Then war was in the gates. Not a shield or a spear was seen Among forty thousand in Israel.” (Judges 5:8, NASB)

“"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NASB)

War is used as personal discipline. Job 10:1; Job 10:17.

“"I loathe my own life; I will give full vent to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.” (Job 10:1, NASB)

“'You renew Your witnesses against me And increase Your anger toward me; Hardship after hardship is with me.” (Job 10:17, NASB)

The misnomer of war. Matt. 26:52.

“Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52, NASB)

Spiritual Gifts – Source, Definition, List, Temporary, Permanent, Use.

The Church – Definition, Day of Pentecost, Intercalation (Great Gap) Church, Members (Jew, Gentile), Doctrine of the Mystery, Team Concept (detail), Team Concept (principle), “Upon this rock” (construction), Consummation.

Evangelism - Doctrines you must know to witness, Principles of witnessing: Holy Spirit's work, Place of the Bible, Place of the believer, Make the issue clear, Don’t be pushy, Don't argue, Don't get side-tracked, Deal on a one-on-one principle or through mass meetings, Use common vocabulary--not flowery theological language or 1611 King James English.

Techniques of witnessing: (No canned stuff) - The pattern for personal witnessing: 1 Thess. 2:1-12, The response, The reward.

Giving - You should know 24 principles from 2 Cor. 8 - 9.

Verbal Inspiration (Including Hebrew and Greek), 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Definition, Modus Operandi: Inhale, exhale.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB)

Mental Attitudes (Control of thought life) and Application, Thought life Control, Communications, Negative communication: Gossip, maligning, badmouthing.

Emotional Revolt

Suffering - Six circumstances under which the human race suffers: Health, People, Privation, Weather, Mental, Justice.

Categories of suffering in time: The Person of Jesus Christ: suffering on the Cross. The unbeliever: to awaken to his need of the Lord Jesus. The believer: (19 reasons why he suffers).

Nineteen Reasons Why Believers Suffer

1. Suffering caused by the details of life: Ecclesiastes. With scar tissue on the soul, everything you touch turns to misery.

2. Suffering from guilt reaction to sin and the suppression of the sin in the self-conscious. 1 Tim. 1:5-6; 1 Tim. 1:19-20; 1 Tim. 3:9.

“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,” (1 Timothy 1:5-6, NASB)

“keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:19-20, NASB)

“but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” (1 Timothy 3:9, NASB)

3. Suffering from failure to isolate sin. Heb. 12:15. The doctrine of chain-sinning. Lighting a new sin off of a confessed sin.

“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;” (Hebrews 12:15, NASB)

4. Suffering from scar tissue of the soul. Eph. 4:17-19.

“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.” (Ephesians 4:17-19, NASB)

5. Suffering from the rejection of authority. Judges 19-21; Matt. 7:29 - Matt. 8:13; Jer. 7; Prov. 30.

6. Suffering from the rapid and accelerated construction of the edification complex of the soul. James 1:1-6.

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:1-6, NASB)

7. Suffering from interrelationship with those who suffer. 1 Cor. 12:26; Rom. 14:7; 1 Chron. 21.

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26, NASB)

“For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;” (Romans 14:7, NASB)

8. Suffering from the rejection of the right man or right woman. Ezekiel 16; Ezekiel 23.

9. Suffering from divine discipline: Heb. 12:6.

“FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."” (Hebrews 12:6, NASB)

10. Suffering from the rejection of the Word, therefore, rejection of the Lord as the right man. Jer. 13.

11. Suffering directly related to the Angelic Conflict. 1 Peter 1:12; 1 Peter 3:17; Eph. 3:9-13.

“For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.” (1 Peter 3:17, NASB)

12. Suffering to demonstrate the power and provision of grace. 2 Cor. 12:1-10.

“Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!” (2 Corinthians 12:7, NASB)

“Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9, NASB)

13. Suffering to learn the value of doctrine. Psalms 119. Especially Psalms:67-68 and Psalms 119:71.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. You are good and do good; Teach me Your statutes.” (Psalms 119:67-68, NASB)

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.” (Psalms 119:71, NASB)

14. Suffering from national disaster. Isaiah 59:15-21.

“Yes, truth is lacking; And he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey. Now the LORD saw, And it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice.” (Isaiah 59:15, NASB)

“According to their deeds, so He will repay, Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; To the coastlands He will make recompense.” (Isaiah 59:18, NASB)

15. Suffering from temporary loss of norms (right lobe). Jer. 2:24-25.

“A wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness, That sniffs the wind in her passion. In the time of her heat who can turn her away? All who seek her will not become weary; In her month they will find her. "Keep your feet from being unshod And your throat from thirst; But you said, 'It is hopeless! No! For I have loved strangers, And after them I will walk.'” (Jeremiah 2:24-25, NASB)

16. Suffering from war. Deut. 21; Deut. 24; Matt. 24:6-7.

“"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.” (Matthew 24:6-7, NASB)

17. Suffering from emotional short-circuit in time of tragedy or disaster. John 20:9-18.

“For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” (John 20:9, NASB)

“But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;” (John 20:11, NASB)

“When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.” (John 20:14, NASB)

“Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'"” (John 20:16-17, NASB)

18. Suffering in the process of dying. Psalms 23:4; 1 Corinthians 15:55.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4, NASB)

""O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"" (1 Corinthians 15:55, NASB)

19. Suffering because of a specific spiritual gift (as Paul suffered in many passages).

Doctrine of erecting the Edification Complex of the Soul.

Advanced Grace Apparatus For Perception.

Utilization of time.

Doctrine of Communication – Positive, Negative--Gossip, Maligning.

Doctrine of False Teachers and Content.

Doctrine of Right Man-Right Woman - Basic (Song of Solomon).

Doctrines pertaining to the dangers of adolescence! (Preventative Doctrine).

Priorities for the Mature Believer

Priesthood of the Believer.

How to maintain the Edification Complex of the Soul.

The Doctrine of Prosperity.

Ascension of Christ.

Divine Decrees (Predestination, Foreknowledge, Foreordination, Election).

Divine Guidance (Major decisions should be made after 20).

Doctrine of Right Man and Right Worn an applied.

Doctrine of Prime of Life Production (like woman winning husband--1 Peter 3).

Doctrine of Thorn in the Flesh. 2 Cor. 12.

Doctrine of Inheritance.

Incarnation of Christ (The Gospels).

Doctrine of Dangers in Maturity.