I Know the Secret (an Expository Study)
Bible sales are up 22% the last three months of 2024 compared to the last three months of 2023. That's a good thing. However, reading the Bible may be a bit overwhelming if you just start reading at the beginning. While there are many reading guides and other resources available to help study the Bible, I thought it would be helpful to take a look at different ways to approach your studies.
When studying the Bible there are several ways to approach it, some of which include the following:
Topical Study. Studying what is said about a specific topic throughout the Bible such as a study of prayer, or money.
Person Study. The study of the character, writings, and actions of a specific person such as Paul, Peter, or Jesus.
Word Study. Similar to a topical study but focused on a single word. This study focuses on the literal translation of the word taking into account the parts of speech, sentence structure, relational use, mood and tense of the verbs, etc.
Book Study. The study of a single book (letter) of the Bible in it’s entirety to understand all that the writer intended the recipients to learn or understand.
Inductive Study. Inductive involves making observations about the passage or passages then drawing conclusions or interpret those observations or lessons in order to apply them to your life.
Expository Study. An in-depth study of the Scripture which can include all of the previously noted methods. It involves interpreting the writer’s use of certain words, the study of people mentioned, the context in which the letter (book) was written, and taking all you learn and applying it to your life.
Each of these methods helps to bring the Bible to life as it draws you closer to the writer, personalizes the message, and in doing so, provides hope, encouragement, comfort, guidance, and so much more.
As an example, let’s take an expository look at Philippians 4:12.
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
I Know.
Greek word used is eidó pronounced “i-do”
This word is used to indicate both a physical and metaphorical meaning.
It is used here as a bridge from physically seeing to spiritually seeing
Low and Abound
Low: fully dependent on God
Abound: go beyond expected measure, to exceed
Any and Every
Very simply means: All
I have learned the secret
The original word for this phrase is Memyēmai, and it metaphorically means to shut the eyes and mouth to experience at a deeper level. The transliteration, closest Greek verb, is Mueó pronounced “moo-eh-o”
This is the only occurrence of its use in the Bible.
The phase has the concept of: learning or being taught, being initiated, disciplined in, experienced in the revelation of. It encapsulates the idea of being taught something that is not immediately obvious and requires a deeper understanding of spiritual truths..
Verb Tense / Mood
Perfect - Completed, permanent
Passive - Subject is being acted upon by an outside influence
Middle - Action reflected back on the subject
So, what does all that mean with regards to our understanding and application?
To better understand you simply have to read the expounded version of the verse by adding what we just learned.
I know [physically and spiritually] how to be brought low [such that I am completely dependent on God], and I know [physically and spiritually] how to abound, [to have exceedingly more than I need]. In any and every, [in all], circumstance, I have learned the secret, [God has shown me how to shut my eyes and mouth and permanently trust Him when] facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
In other words, if I want my relationship with Jesus to be deeper than it is today, then I need to…
Know him more
Experience him more
Trust him more
and
Be content in any, every, and all circumstances
James 4:8a (‘a’ referring to the first part of that verse) encapsulates this same truth…
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
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