Understanding the Bible Part 1 of 4

This study is interactive; that is it can either be answered as you read along on a separate piece of paper, or printed out as a stand alone.

What does the Bible say as to how it is to be interpreted; especially where there is some degree of subjectivity?

The Bible is the divine revelation by God of his love , grace, mercy and powers. It incorporates 66 books written by more than 50 authors and is our only reference to many big questions that we face on a daily basis. As many books of the Bible were written thousands of years ago, many people do not know how to read the Bible or why the Bible is still the most important book today. Considering that the majority of the Old testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek, this in itself can sometimes be challenging as with the old languages, the choice of words and the manner that they are written in, can convey different meanings or interpretations. This is partly what this study is about.

We investigate various scriptures and present principles that makes for ease of understanding as well as ensures that the Bible is interpreted the way God intended it to be.

God revealed himself to man through many prophets or apostles over a period of 2 000 or more years. Many questions regarding man’s fall into sin, man’s redemption from sin and the way to please God is conveyed to us through the bible.

Lets take a look at what the Apostles had to say as to the reason for studying and reading the bible.
The book of 1 Peter provides us with clear instructions of the necessity to read and rely on the word of God.
What is the word of God ? ___________________________________
How long does God’s word last ? ______________________________
             Peter then continues to explain ...
What does Peter tell us to crave for ?   _______________________________

In this context, what does the “spiritual milk” refer to ? ______________________________

What is the result if we satisfy this craving ?
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From what you have just read, what does it mean to grow into the fullness of your salvation ?

Pure spiritual milk is necessary to grow into the fullness of your salvation. You might hear many people ask or talk about spiritual growth or even desire for a closer relationship with God. We will never grow into the fullness of our salvation without reading the word of God. Simply put, this means that you will not receive your full blessings or promise that God has ordained for you as a child of God. The word of God once uttered will never return empty.
Now lets consider what the book of James provides us as to the word of God …

What happens to you if you keep looking into Gods law ?

You are _______________________

What does this imply if you do not listen and obey Gods laws ? ___________________________________
Circle the correct answer ...
   Does not reading Gods’ word condemn you ?        YES          NO
So what does God do, if you read and obey his word ? He will ____________________________________

Yes, it is only through reading and obeying the word of God in that you will be set free. Satan continues to attack us just as it was in the days of Adam & Eve. Everything sinful we accept is bondage on us. The word of God is the only thing that sets us free from all bondage; whether it is depression, lustful thoughts or any other sin imaginable. We are not condemned for not reading the bible, but we will not experience the joy of God in this life; as He intended for us to experience.
Whilst there are many other scriptures we can quote and use to illustrate the importance of reading, studying and obeying the word of God, lets consider some of the reasons why the Bible is either misunderstood or not read at all.

Take the next few minutes and jot down the reasons you think the bible is difficult for you to understand or perhaps areas of difficulty that you either don’t understand or are confused about? Reflect on your thoughts and pray to God for insight and understanding.

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Next Section - The first THREE Bible principles of interpretation
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Scripture quotations marked " NIV " are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version.