Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

order: he prepared himself to study God’s perfect Law, to do it, and then to teach it. This kind of careful consideration and heart preparation is the veritable stuff of which saints, Christian workers, prophets, and apostles are made of. The focus is not upon the mission, or the work, or the blessing, or the gifts. The focus is upon the Word of God–on studying it, mastering it, putting it into practice, and then, once known and obeyed, sharing it with passion and clarity. This is precisely what occurred in the ministry of Ezra to the people; because of his heart priorities, God used him mightily to bring revival and renewal to God’s people, and lay a foundation for a movement that would eventually prepare the nation for the coming of Messiah. And all this, because a single person in love with God prepared his heart for the Word. Is your heart set before God to study, do, and teach his Word to his people, for his glory? Do you focus on yourself – your gifts, your blessing, your opportunities, or are you clear in your desire simply to master the Word of God so you can put it into practice in your life, and be released of the Holy Spirit then to teach his Word to the people of God? Let’s learn from the example of this humble and brave preacher of the Word of God whose ministry began not with grand plans of influence, but the humility of a heart set to know and do God’s will as he learned it from the Word of God. Truly, this is the pattern for all fruitful ministry in the name of the Lord. After reciting and/or singing the Nicene Creed (located in the Appendix), pray the following prayer: OGod Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Grant us, we pray, to be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming down of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. That which we know not, reveal; that which is wanting in us, fill up; that which we know, confirm; and keep us blameless in your service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Nicene Creed and Prayer

~ Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Theology and Worship Ministry Unit. Book of Common Worship . Louisville: Westminister/John Knox Press, 1993. p 26.