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I.
The Bible; How to Study and Understand It
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Chapter 2
:
The Study of the
Scriptures
1. WHAT did Christ say to
the Jews concerning the study of the Scriptures?
"Search the Scriptures;
for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are
they which testify of Me." John 5:39
2. For what were the
Bereans commended?
"These were more noble than
those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word
with all readiness of mind, and searched the
Scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Acts 17:11.
NOTE.-"If God's
Word were studied as it should be," says a modern
Bible student, "men would have a breadth of mind, a
nobility of character , and a stability of purpose
that are rarely seen in these times. But there is
little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the
Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through,
and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its
deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until
its significance is clear to the mind and its
relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of
more value than the perusal of many chapters with no
definite purpose in view, and no positive
instruction gained."
3. By what comparison is
it indicated that some portions of God's Word are more
difficult to understand than others?
"For when for the time ye
ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you
again which be the first principles of
the oracles of
God; and are become such as have need of
milk, and not of strong meat." Heb. 5:12.
4. In what way
is this comparison further explained?
"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in
the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,
even those who by reason of use have their senses
exercised to discern both good and evil." Verses 13,14.
5. What writings
are specifically mentioned as containing some things
difficult to understand?
"And account that the long-suffering of our Lord
is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul
also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written
unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking
in them of these things; in which are some things
hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned
and unstable wrest, as they do also the other
scriptures, unto their own destruction." 2 Peter
3:15,16.
NOTE.-Some
scriptures are too plain to be misunderstood, while
the meaning of others cannot so readily be
discerned. To obtain a comprehensive knowledge of
any Bible truth, scripture must be compared with
scripture, and there should be " careful research
and prayerful reflection." But all such study will
be richly rewarded.
6. Who alone comprehends
the things of God?
"For what man knoweth the
things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?
even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God." 1 Cor. 2:11.
7. How thoroughly does
the Spirit search out the. hidden treasures of truth?
"But God hath revealed them
unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all
things, yea, the deep things of God." Verse 10.
8. What is one purpose
for which the Holy Spirit was sent?
"But the Comforter, which is
the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name,
He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto
you."
John 14:26.
9. Why cannot the natural
man receive the things of the Spirit?
"But the natural man receiveth
not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor.
2:14.
10. For what spiritual
enlightenment should every one pray?
"Open Thou mine eyes,
that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Ps.
119:18.
11. For what spiritual
gift did the apostle Paul pray?
"That the God of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you
the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of
Him." Eph. 1:17.
12. Upon what
conditions is an understanding of divine things
promised?
"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and
liftest up thy voice f or understanding; if thou seekest
her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid
treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of
the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." Prov. 2:3-5.
13. What great
blessing did Christ confer upon His disciples after His
resurrection?
"Then opened He their understanding,
that they might
understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45.
14. What beings of a
higher order than man desire to study the truths
revealed in the gospel of Christ?
"Which things the angels
desire to look into." 1 Peter 1:12.
15. What is
promised him who wills to do God's will?
"lf
any man will [willeth to, R. V.] do His will, he
shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of Myself.'? John 7:17.
16. How did Christ
reprove those who, though familiar with the letter of
the Scriptures, failed to understand them?
"Jesus answered and said unto
them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the
power of God." Matt. 22:29.
17. What are the
Scriptures able to do for one who believes them?
"And
that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim.
3:15.
18. When asked by the
rich young man the conditions of eternal life, to what
did Jesus direct his attention?
"He said unto him, What is
written in the law? how readest thou?" Luke 10:26.
19. Whom did Jesus
pronounce blessed?
"But He said, Yea rather,
blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep
it." Luke 11:28.
20. What did Christ say concerning
the book of Daniel?
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination
of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in
the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)."
Matt. 24:15.
21. What other book of the Bible
is especially commended for our study?
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that
hear the words of this prophecy [the book of
Revelation], and keep those things which are written
therein: for the time is at hand." Rev. 1:3.
"How Readest Thou?"
It is one thing to read the Bible through,
Another thing to read to learn and do.
Some read it with design to learn to read,
But to the subject pay but little heed.
Some read it as their duty once a week,
But no instruction from the Bible seek;
While others read it with but little care,
With no regard to how they read, nor where.
Some read to bring themselves into repute,
By showing others how they can dispute;
While others read because their neighbors do,
To see how long 'twill take to read it through.
Some read it for the wonders that are there,–
How David killed a lion and a bear;
While others read it with uncommon care,
Hoping to find some contradictions there.
Some read as if it did not speak to them,
But to the people at Jerusalem.
One reads with father's specs upon his head,
And sees the thing just as his father said.
Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed,
Hence understand but little that they read;
For every passage in the book they bend.
To make it suit that all-important end.
Some people read as I have often thought,
To teach the book instead of being taught;
And some there are who read it out of spite.
I fear there are but few who read it right.
But read it prayerfully, and you will see,
Although men contradict, God's words agree;
For what the early Bible prophets wrote,
We find that Christ and His apostles quote.
So trust no creed that trembles to recall
What has been penned by one and verified by all.
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