2024-11-21

Bible Study with Generative AI like ChatGPT (1) - Isaiah 41:10

This post is to encourage believers to make good use of Generative AI like ChatGPT, Germini etc for Bible Study with ease, speed, and depth. It traced the history of how we do bible study and use Isaiah 41:10 as an example. Hope you will try this new method of Bible Study.
Isaiah 41:10:  God's Ever Presence to Uphold You. So be at Peace.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
How do you do your Bible Study? What tools do you use?

The Era Book & Paper: I became a Christian in 1969. In those days in the 70's, we studied the Bible by reading the KJV version, which was rather difficult to understand. A friend suggested using the RSV version, which is better for understanding. But there were teachings that RSV is distorted and one should stick with KJV. Later, I discovered there is a Living Bible which I find is very good. It explains some very difficult-to-understand passages in the Bible, such as Romans. Then some others tell me there are commentaries to help us. However, my pastor warned me that some commentaries are biased and misleading. So I read commentaries with doubts. Then a leader told me about concordances, especially the Strong's concordance; it explains every word in the Bible. It was very tedious and time-consuming to look up words and study the Bible then.
The Rise of PCs in 80's: Then came computers in the 80's especially the micro-computer, the PC, which I could afford. There are good PC base Bibles and Bibles Study tools. It makes studying the Bible much easier.
The Internet of 90's
Then came the internet in the 90s, which allowed us to freely read multiple versions of the Bible and commentaries. But the internet then was slow, a 2400bps modem. It is still faster to buy PC Bible Study Tools.
Then some nice guys make PC Bible Software FOC. The one I commonly use and recommend is eSword. Old commentaries are free. Better Bible and Commentaries can be purchased at low prices. Later there is an even better one TheWord.
The New World of Generative AI in 2020's:
Then comes 2023 with the availability of ChatGPT, the Generative AI, that can answer any questions. It changed the way we study the Bible now. If you have not used it, please try it out. This is why I wrote this long history to encourage you to use it so that you can have more time thinking and meditating on the Bible rather than spending time flipping book pages, checking and comparing commentaries, and looking up concordances.
Generative AI enables us to have more time on meditating God's Words and on meaningful prayers.

Illustration:
I asked ChatGPT for a verse for devotion, and it gave me Isa 41:10. It even gives me the following:

A great verse for today’s devotion is Isaiah 41:10:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection:

This verse is a powerful reminder of God's presence, strength, and support in our lives. Whatever challenges or uncertainties you face, you can rest assured that God is with you, ready to provide strength and uphold you. Trusting in His promises can turn fear into faith and dismay into hope.

Application:

  • Reflect on areas of your life where you feel afraid or dismayed. Surrender them to God.
  • Remind yourself throughout the day of His strength and presence in your life.
  • Encourage someone else with this verse who may need a reminder of God's love and support.
But I am not sure what "uphold you with my righteous right hand." mean. I think it should mean important here. So I asked ChatGPT.
ChatGPT's answer:

The phrase "I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" from Isaiah 41:10 conveys profound assurance and divine strength. Here's the breakdown of its meaning:

1. "I will uphold you"

  • Support and Sustenance: God promises to sustain and support us in every situation, especially in times of weakness, struggle, or fear.
  • Unwavering Dependence: It assures us that we are not left to face life's challenges alone; God is actively holding us up so we will not fall.

2. "With my righteous right hand"

  • Symbol of Power: In Scripture, the "right hand" symbolizes strength, power, and authority (Exodus 15:6, Psalm 118:16). God's "righteous right hand" highlights His unmatched power to save and protect His people.
  • Righteousness: The inclusion of "righteous" emphasizes God's perfect justice, faithfulness, and moral perfection. His support is rooted in His holy character, ensuring His help is always good, just, and trustworthy.
  • Divine Favor: The right hand often symbolizes favor and blessing. This phrase reassures us that God’s upholding hand is a demonstration of His grace and love.

3. Practical Implications

  • God’s Commitment: This promise reveals God's personal involvement in our lives. He is actively upholding us, not passively watching from a distance.
  • Encouragement in Trials: No matter how overwhelming life may feel, we can trust in God's strength to carry us through.
  • Trustworthy Assurance: Because God's hand is "righteous," His help is perfect and unfailing.
You can even ask ChatGPT for a short prayer:

Here’s a prayer inspired by Isaiah 41:10:


Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your unfailing presence and love. In moments of fear and uncertainty, remind me that You are with me. Strengthen me when I feel weak, and help me to trust in Your power to uphold and guide me.

Lord, I surrender my worries and burdens to You. Replace my fear with faith and my dismay with peace. I know that You are my God, my refuge, and my strength, and I am grateful for Your righteous hand that sustains me.

Help me to walk confidently today, knowing that You are by my side. Fill my heart with courage, and use me to bring comfort and encouragement to others. Thank You for being my source of hope and strength.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.


May this prayer bring you comfort and encouragement!

In conclusion, with the help of ChatGPT, my study of Isa 41:10 is shown in the mindmap below:

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