Understanding the Bible (Part 1 of 4)

Two-Edged Sword Ministries

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. This is an interactive study, so if you wish to receive the full benefit, please rather print these sections out and complete them in your own time.

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.

As the prophet says, "People are like grass that dies away; their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of wildflowers. The grass withers, and the flowers fall away. But the word of the Lord will last forever." And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. [1 Peter 1:24-26]

What is the word of God ? ___________________________________

How long does God’s word last ? ___________________________________

Peter then continues to explain ...

You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk. [1 Peter 2:2]

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 …

And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself. For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law--the law that sets you free--and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

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.

To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them. That is why I tell these stories, because people see what I do, but they don't really see. They hear what I say, but they don't really hear, and they don't understand. This fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah, which says:

`You will hear my words, but you will not understand; you will see what I do, but you will not perceive its meaning. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes--so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.

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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Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa

Understanding the Bible (Part 2 of 4)