Vine Resources

Explore Sherwood’s Vine Resources, a curated collection of handouts to deepen your understanding of God’s character, foster spiritual growth, and guide your study of the Word. Physical copies of these resources are available for free at the Connection Center. For those looking for a complete set, Vine Resource binders, pre-packed with handouts, can be purchased at the Source Bookstore.

Interpretational Principles for Scripture

When studying the Bible, you always move from general to specific.

You begin with a general understanding of Scripture.
- The Bible is God’s Word.
- The Bible is true.
- The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to humanity.
- The Bible gives God’s guidance for our lives.
You move to an overall understanding of the book.
- Who is the author?
- Who is the audience?
- Where was it written (setting)?
- Why was it written (purpose)?
- What is the style of writing (genre)?
You work into specific teachings from individual verses.
- Reading the verses before and after your section
- What is the writer talking about?

There is one interpretation; there are many applications.

Correct interpretation means that you interpret the text in the way that the original writer intended for the original audience.
When you interpret the text correctly, you can apply the text in multiple ways based on overall principles. A text on serving others can be applied in thousands of ways of service. A text on praying fervently can be applied in countless opportunities to pray.

Allow Scripture to be your text, not just your proof text.

Exegesis is reading out of the Scriptures what the Scriptures say.
Isogesis is reading into the Scriptures what you think it says.
Instead of coming to the Bible with a preconceived idea, allow the Bible to shape your ideas.

You must be born again.

The Holy Spirit quickens the spirit and brings you into fellowship with God. (John 3:1-8)
The Holy Spirit guides you into all truth. (John 16:13)
God’s Word is truth. (John 17:17)
Non-Christians do not accept the things of the Spirit and cannot understand the things of the Spirit. They must be spiritually assessed. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Scripture interprets Scripture.

Interpret difficult passages in light of clear passages.
No Scripture stands alone.

Interpret Scripture literally.

To interpret Scripture literally means to interpret in the literal sense in which it was written. Look at the context.
The context includes: Author, Audience, Purpose, Setting and Genre.
The genre is the style of the writing.
Scripture includes several primary genres: Historical narrative, Poetry, Wisdom literature, Epistles, Prophesy, Apocalyptic writings.
You do not interpret every genre the same way. You must interpret it in the literal sense in which it was written.

The Bible does not contradict itself.

If two texts seem to contradict each other, that means one of two things:
- You do not fully understand the purpose or meaning of the text and/or
- You have encountered an antinomy.
Antinomy is when two statements appear contradictory, they cannot be logically resolved, yet both are held to be true because God’s Word declares them true.
- Examples: The Trinitarian nature of God, sovereignty and free will in salvation, the omnipresence of God and Him arriving in certain areas, the omniscience of God, and Jesus learning as a boy, etc.

Sound theology is not developed on a single verse.

When one verse is pulled out of context, and an entire belief system is built upon it—that’s usually the beginning of a cult.
A cult is a group that rejects the fundamental teachings of a religion.
In Christianity, some of the fundamental teachings are: (1) salvation by grace through faith, (2) the Trinitarian nature of God, (3) Jesus’ physical death on the cross and His bodily resurrection, (4) the virgin birth, (5) the deity of Christ, (6) the depravity of humanity, (7) the second coming of Christ, etc.

Biblical Manhood | Embracing God’s Unique Design for Men

What is God’s Design for Men in General?

A godly man is to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, sound in love, and steadfast. (Titus 2:1-15)

What is God’s Design for Husbands?

A husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. (Ephesians 5:25)
A husband is to remain faithful to his wife. (1 Corinthians 7:1-40)
A husband is to leave his father and mother and join to his wife. (Ephesians 5:31)
A husband is to honor his wife. (1 Peter 3:7)
A husband is to be kind to his wife. (Colossians 3:19)
A husband is to fulfill his role as spiritual leader and protector. (Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 11:3)
A husband is to provide for his home and family. (1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 13:22a)
A husband is to live joyfully with his wife. (Ecclesiastes 9:9)

What is God’s Design for Fathers?

A father is to model what it means to fear the Lord. (Proverbs 14:26)
A father is to lead his family by keeping God at the center. (Joshua 24:15)
A father is to model and continually teach his children to love God completely. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
A father is to treat his children as a blessing from God. (Psalm 127:3-5)
A father is to walk with integrity. (Proverbs 20:7)
A father is to teach his children God’s way and provide a biblical worldview. (Proverbs 22:6)
A father is to discipline his children in love. (Proverbs 3:11-12)
A father is to show compassion to his children. (Psalm 103:13)
A father is to encourage and exhort his children. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
A father is not to provoke his children. (Ephesians 6:4)

Recommended Resources?

fatherhoodcommission.com
authenticmanhood.com
cbmw.org (Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood)
The Quest for Authentic Manhood, Robert Lewis
50 Crucial Questions: An Overview of Central Concerns about Manhood and Womanhood, John Piper & Wayne Grudem

Biblical Womanhood | Embracing God’s Unique Design for Women

What is God’s Design for Women in General?

A godly woman is to be strong and dignified, face the future with confidence, and teach wisdom and kindness in the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 31:25, 26, 30)

What is God’s Design for Wives?

A wife is to love her husband. (Titus 2:4)
A wife is to care for the home and be submissive to her husband. (Ephesians 5:22-24; Titus 2:5)
A wife is to respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:33)
A wife is to train the next generation of women in God’s design. (Titus 2:4-5)
A wife is to be trustworthy. (Proverbs 31:11)
A wife is to do her husband good and not harm. (Proverbs 31:12)

What is God’s Design for Mothers?

A mother is to comfort and nurture her children. (1 Thessalonians 2:7)
A mother is to continually teach her children the Bible. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
A mother is to teach her children a biblical worldview. (Proverbs 6:20-21)
A mother is to discipline her children with love and in love. (Proverbs 29:15)
A mother is to train the next generation of wives and mothers. (Titus 2:4-5)
A mother is to love her children. (Titus 2:4)

Recommended Resources?

True Woman 101: Divine Design, Mary A. Kassian & Nancy LeighDeMoss
The Feminist Mistake: The Radical Impact of Feminism on Church and Culture, Mary A. Kassian
Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism, John Piper & Wayne Grudem
God’s Design for Women in an Age of Gender Confusion, Sharon James

Book | Genre | Purpose

Genesis	Narrative/History	Theological history of Israel
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy	Narrative and Law/Legal	Theological history of Israel
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther	Narrative/History	Theological history of Israel
Psalms	Poetry/Songs	Emotional praises and cries to God
Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs	Wisdom	Wise Living
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi	Prophecy and Apocalyptic	Call Israel to repentance
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts	Narrative/History	Theological history of Christ
Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude	Epistle/Letters (personal and public)	Didactic and pastoral letters written to explain theological teaching for the Church
Revelation	Apocalyptic	Message of hope for the church

Hearing God’s Voice

God’s Voice

Stills you
Leads you
Reassures you
Enlightens you
Encourages you
Comforts you
Calms you
Convicts you

Satan’s Voice

Rushes you
Pushes you
Frightens you
Confuses you
Discourages you
Worries you
Obsesses you
Condemns you

The Path of Wisdom | From the Book of Proverbs

Those on the Path of Wisdom

Express a healthy fear of the Lord (1:7; 9:10; 14:2; 15:33)
Live faithfully before God (2:6-12)
Trust God and not themselves (3:5-7)
Pursue wisdom, knowledge and discernment (3:13-18; 4:5-9; 10:14; 15:14; 17:24; 19:8; 19:20; 23:23)
Walk the path of righteousness (4:18; 8:20)
Listen to wise counsel (5:1; 8:1; 13:10; 15:31; 20:18; 22:17; 23:19; 24:6)
Accept correction and discipline (6:23; 10:17; 13:1; 15:5; 19:25; 21:11; 23:23)
Have good judgment and understanding (8:12; 16:21)
Hate pride, corruption and perverse speech (8:13)
Are joyful (8:32)
Are teachable (9:8-9; 10:8)
Act in an appropriate period of time (10:5)
Have integrity (10:9; 10:29)
Encourage others (10:21)
Are humble (11:2)
Stay calm when insulted (12:16)
Share words of healing (12:16)
Don’t show off their knowledge (12:23)
Live blamelessly (13:6)
Think before they act (13:16)
Walk with wise people and avoid fools (13:20; 14:7)
Speak wisely and give good advice (14:2; 15:2; 15:7)
Understand where they are going (14:8)
Are cautious and avoid danger (14:16)
Control their anger (14:29)
Stay on the right path (15:21)
Use few words (17:27)
Are innocent (21:8)
Have wealth and luxury (21:20)
Know when to quit (23:4)
Bring joy to their parents (23:24; 29:3)
Bring stability to a situation (28:2)
Obey the law (28:7)
Calm anger in others (29:8)
Hold back anger in themselves (29:11)

The Path of Wisdom

Will bring honor (3:35)
Will guard your heart (4:23)
Will bring common sense, success, insight and strength (8:14)
Will lead to life (12:28)
Will lead away from evil (16:17)
Is safe (16:17)

The Path of Foolishness | From the Book of Proverbs

Those on the Path of Wisdom

Despise wisdom (1:7)
Hang with the wrong crowd (1:10-19)
Hate knowledge and understanding (1:22; 17:16; 18:2)
Are complacent (1:32)
Take sinful, crooked ways (2:13-15; 4:14-17)
Ignore correction (10:17; 13:1)
Chase after immoral women (2:16-22; 5:3-23; 7:1-27)
Commit adultery (6:32)
Move towards violence (3:31; 16:29)
Bring shame (3:35)
Lack self-control (5:23)
Are simple-minded and lack good judgment (9:6; 14:18)
Don’t stop talking (10:14)
Slander others (10:18)
Lack common sense (10:21)
Enjoy doing wrong (10:23)
Are prideful (11:2; 14:3)
Think their way is right (12:15; 28:26)
Are quick tempered (12:16; 14:17; 14:29; 18:13; 29:11)
Broadcast their foolishness (12:23)
Brag about their foolishness (13:16; 15:2)
Refuse to turn from evil (13:19)
Associate with other fools (13:20)
Despise the Lord (14:2)
Cannot find wisdom (14:6; 14:33; 24:7; 26:7)
Deceive themselves (14:8)
Make fun of guilt (14:9)
Plunge into danger (14:16)
Despise discipline (1:7; 15:5; 16:22)
Will be severely disciplined (15:10)
Feed on mental trash (15:14)
Are lazy (15:19)
Despise their mother (15:20)
Bring joy to those with no sense (15:21)
Cause pain, grief, and bitterness to their parents (17:21; 17:25; 18:13; 19:13)
Get into constant quarrels (18:6;
18:7; 20:3)
Ruin their own lives (19:3)
Are led away by alcohol (20:1)
Are guilty (21:8)
Spend everything they get (21:20)
Involve themselves in sinful schemes (24:9)
Are not fit for honor (26:1; 26:8)
Need to be beaten (17:10; 19:29; 22:15; 26:3)
Should not be hired (26:10)
Return to their foolishness (26:11; 27:22)

The Path of Foolishness

Is the way of the wicked and it’s dark (4:19)
Calls to people minding their own business, who lack good judgment, and want something for nothing (9:13-18)

Prayerful Questions for Devotional Reading

For the Purpose of Knowing God

Reading the Bible devotionally is about spending time with God, in the Word of God, where the focus is on God. The goal is to know God deeply.

To help you focus, read smaller portions of Scripture (maybe 3-5 verses or a paragraph).

Start a journal and write the Bible reference at the top. After reading the text, pray through these questions, wait for God’s response, and write down what He shares.

Take your time in this process. The goal is not to finish every question; the goal is to engage with God (to know Him more). Read for depth, not distance.

1) Who is Jesus?
Complete this statement based on what you see in the text: Jesus is ________________. (Example: Jesus is loving, gracious, Lord, Savior, Healer, God, with us, powerful, wise, etc.)

2) Heavenly Father, help me to know You more through Your Word.

How is Your heart revealed in this text? (Example: God loves people, seeks worshipers, hates sin, etc.)
What aspects of Your character do you want me to see? (Example: God is righteous, holy, all-knowing, ever-present, sovereign, loving, etc.)
How can I better understand Your mind, Your mission or Your actions in these verses? (Example: God knows everything. God’s mission is His glory. God’s ways are not our ways.)
Follow-Up Question: Where in my life do I need to receive these truths?

3) What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

What is Jesus teaching His disciples (through example or words)?
How is Jesus correcting His disciples?
Where is Jesus taking His disciples?
What were the disciples doing?
Follow-Up Question: Where in my life do I need to receive these truths?

4) Who am I in Christ?

5) Is there anything You’d like to say to me today?

Reflecting on the Sermon | Gospel Truths That Lead to Life Change

When possible, try to make any natural connections back to discipleship. Disciples pursue Jesus by loving God, uniting with believers, serving the world, and entrusting the gospel. Consider what you have heard in the sermon and prayerfully answer the questions below.

Love God

What principles from the sermon directly impact your obedience to the greatest commandment to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? (Mark 12:28-30)
As you walk in obedience, what does it look like to love God with all your heart? All your soul? All your mind? All your strength?
What did you learn about the character of God? How does that attribute of God’s character fuel your daily walk with Him?
Are there any idols standing in the way of your devotion to Christ? Identify them specifically and pinpoint biblical truth to replace the lies.

Unite with Believers

What is your responsibility to the body of Christ corporately considering what you’ve heard?
How can you “row together,” working with other believers to see God’s kingdom expanded?
How can you spur on other believers toward love and good deeds? (Hebrews 10:24)
Is there anything that God used in the sermon to give you new ideas or motivation for caring for other believers?

Serve the World

How can you love your neighbor as yourself? (Mark 12:31)
How is God promoting you to serve others? Where is a need that is going unmet?
What is standing in the way of you (individually) and the church (corporately) serving others in a deeper way?

Entrust the Gospel

Where can you entrust the gospel truths that God has shared with you through this sermon?
How do the truths from this sermon help you to build a platform for sharing Christ?
What biblical principle(s) can you share with a non-Christian?
During the sermon, did God prompt/convict you to entrust the gospel to someone? If so, who?

Love, Unite, Serve, Entrust

What gospel threads did you see throughout this sermon?

Who I Am in Christ

Matthew 5:13	I am the salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:14	I am the light of the world.
John 1:12	I am a child of God (part of His family). (Romans 8:16)
John 15:1, 5	I am part of the true vine, a channel (branch) of His (Christ’s) life.
John 15:15	I am Christ’s friend.
John 15:16	I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit.
Acts 1:8	I am a personal witness of Christ for Christ.
Romans 6:18	I am a slave of righteousness.
Romans 6:22	I am enslaved to God.
Romans 8:14, 15	I am a son of God (God is my Father). (Galatians 3:26, 4:6)
Romans 8:17	I am a joint-heir with Christ sharing His inheritance with Him.
1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19	I am a temple (home) of God. His Spirit (His life) dwells in me.
1 Corinthians 6:17	I am joined (united) to the Lord and am one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 12:27	I am a member (part) of Christ’s body. (Ephesians 5:30)
2 Corinthians 5:17	I am a new creation (new person).
2 Corinthians 5:18-19	I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation.
Galatians 3:26, 28	I am a son of God and one in Christ.
Galatians 4:6-7	I am an heir of God since I am a son of God.
Ephesians 1:1	I am a saint. (1 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2)
Ephesians 2:10	I am God’s workmanship (handiwork) created (born anew) in Christ to do His work that He planned beforehand that I should do.
Ephesians 2:19	I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God’s people in His family.
Ephesians 3:1-4:1	I am a prisoner of Christ.
Ephesians 4:24	I am righteous and holy.
Philippians 3:20	I am a citizen of heaven and seated in heaven right now (Ephesians 2:6).
Colossians 3:3	I am hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:4	I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is my life.
Colossians 3:12	I am chosen of God, holy, and dearly loved.
1 Thessalonians 1:4	I am chosen and dearly loved by God.
1 Thessalonians 5:5	I am a son of light and not of darkness.
Hebrews 3:1	I am a holy brother, partaker of a heavenly calling.
Hebrews 3:14	I am a partaker of Christ. I share in His life.
1 Peter 2:5	I am one of God’s living stones and am being built up (in Christ) as a spiritual house.
1 Peter 2:9,10	I am a chosen race. a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession to proclaim the excellencies of Him.
1 Peter 2:11	I am an alien and stranger to this world I temporarily live in.
1 Peter 5:8	I am an enemy of the devil.
1 John 3:1,2	I am now a child of God. I will resemble Christ when He returns.
1 John 5:18	I am born of God and the evil one (the devil) can’t touch me.
Psalm 23 & 100	I am a sheep of His pasture. Therefore, I have everything I need.

Who is the Holy Spirit

His Attributes

He is God (third Person of the Trinity) (Acts 5:3-4)
He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14)
He is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10)
He is omnipotent (Luke 1:35)
He thinks and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10)
He speaks (2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 8:29, 10:19, 11:12, 13:2; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:7-8)
He loves (Romans 15:30)
He has a mind and will (Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Acts 15:28)
He can be lied to (Acts 5:3)
He can be a witness (Romans 8:16; Hebrews 2:4, 10:15; Acts 5:3)
He can be grieved (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30)

His Symbols

Dove (Matthew 3:16)
Wind (Acts 2:1-4)
Fire (Acts 2:3)

His Names

He is God (Acts 5:3-4)
He is Helper, Teacher, Comforter, Counselor, and Advocate (Isaiah 11:2; John 14:16, 15:26, 16:7)
He is Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18)
He is Spirit in all the variations that come with that word (1 Corinthians 2:10)
Spirit of God (Matthew 3:16; 1 Corinthians 3:16)
Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Spirit of Christ (1 Peter 1:11)
Spirit of Truth (John 15:26, 16:13)
Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2)
Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)

The Holy Spirit…

Anointed Jesus to preach the gospel (Luke 4:18)
Assures believers of salvation (Romans 8:15-16)
Authored Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21)
Baptizes believers into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13)
Calls and commissions the believer (Acts 13:2-4)
Cleanses the believer (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)
Convicts of sin (John 16:8-10)
Descended upon Jesus at His baptism (Matthew 3:16)
Empowers the believer (Acts 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 1:5)
Fills the believer (Acts 2:4, 4:29-31, 6:3-5)
Gives gifts to the believer (1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
Gives joy to the believer (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
Glorifies Christ (John 16:14)
Guides us into all truth (John 16:13)
Helps our weaknesses (Romans 8:26)
Indwells the believer (John 14:17; Romans 8:9-14)
Intercedes for the believer (Romans 8:26)
Led Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1)
Leads the believer (Romans 8:14)
Liberates the believer (Romans 8:2)
Molds the character of the believer (Galatians 5:22-23)
Produces fruit in the believer (Galatians 5:22-23)
Provides victory over the flesh for the believer (Romans 8:2-4)
Raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11)
Regenerates the believer (Titus 3:5)
Sanctifies the believer (Romans 15:16)
Seals the believer (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Strengthened Jesus after the temptation (Luke 4:14)
Strengthens the believer (Ephesians 3:16)
Teaches the believer (John 14:26)
Testifies of Jesus (John 15:26)
Helps in worship (Philippians 3:3)