All Nations Leadership Institute 4501 West 127th Street Alsip, IL 60803 http://allnationsleadershipinstitute.org From Call and the Covenant: The Story of David

1. Learning
biblical truth
from the
characters we
read about.

2. To learn character from the characters of
scripture.

3. In the Biblical context, character study is the
study of a select character from the scripture
with the intent of learning important biblical
truths from them and the events concerning
their lives. These truths have a moral
application to our faith and our lives.

4. Let’s gather the facts!!
After selecting a character of interest, it is important that
we gather as much information about them from the
scripture as possible. What does the Bible say about them?
Sometimes, a lack of information can be information too
but not always. This is determined from the biblical
context itself and other passages addressing the same
character. This will require the use of Bible Concordances
and Bible Dictionaries to find those passages. Look at the
example on the following slide:

5. There was a priest in the Old Testament named Melchisedek, Genesis 14:18-
19, Psalm 110:4. He Lived during the time of Abraham and a few hundred
years before Moses and the giving of the Law. There is no record of his
ancestral descent in Genesis. He is only mentioned in 3 verses of the Old
Testament. This lack of information for someone who was a priest was
interesting. Under the Law of Moses, a priest proved his calling by showing
his decent from Aaron the first priest. The lack of this vital information was
interpreted by the writer of the book of Hebrews, in chapter 7 under the
inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to show that the Messiah would be a priest
but not a descendant of Aaron. Instead, he would be a priest having the
ranking of Melchisedek ‘s priesthood, who was both a king and a priest. The
priesthood of Jesus Christ would not only have intercessory ability by his
death and resurrection, but it would have kingly authority allowing him to
fulfill the Davidic Covenant. Jesus is both King and High Priest.
Note: We arrived at these conclusions about this character because of
what various biblical passages said about him and not by our own
choosing. This is how scripture should be interpreted.

6. Study the character in the context of the scriptural
passage(s). How is the character used in the account(s)?
Questions to ask: What part did they play in the
account? Where they the main characters, or what
relation did they have to the main characters.

7. Vital Stats?
Does the scripture give statistical information about the
character? This information is very helpful in determining
what kind of person they were or were not.
Who was their father, genealogy?
Who was their mother?
What tribe are they from?
What influences did they have in their life?
What was their vocation if given?
Where did they live?

8. Does the scripture mention this character
elsewhere? If so, what does it say about them?
Bible dictionaries and concordances can be helpful
here.

9. What characteristics do you observe in their life?
When reading about a person various traits will
begin to stand out. Are they good or are they bad?

10. What did I learn?
The ultimate goal of Bible study:
•Is my knowledge and understanding of God’s
word enhanced?
•Is what I learned applicable to life?
•Will I grow If I do it this way?
•Do I understand Jesus and the gospel better?

11. The best way to maximize your study is to meditate,
consider deeply, your new found knowledge. That is how
understanding and wisdom come. This is the way to
answer all questions and enhance your knowledge and
understanding of God’s word. This is diligence in study.

12. For whatsoever things were written
aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of
the scriptures might have hope .
Romans 15:4
But Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of
our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him
be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
II Peter 3:18