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THINGS TO OBSERVE IN BIBLE STUDY - (1)
This month we offer some suggestions that are timeless concerning profitable
Bible study. In previous articles we have noted the main division in the Bible
- that between the Old and New Testaments. We noted that the Old Testament was
removed as a standard for religious practice today (Col. 2:14), and that the New
Testament became the standard following the of Christ. Hence, we will not go into
that in detail here. But erroneous conclusions are reached by a failure to distinguish
between the two testaments. And so the difference in the two must always be observed.
OBSERVE WHO IS SPEAKING
Let us put it this way - "The Bible is the Word of God, but not all the words in the Bible are the words of God!" Here we note some examples that illustrate what we mean. In the Bible the words are recorded: "There is no God" (Psa. 14:1) - but look who said it. These are the words of a fool. We read: "All that a man has he will give for his life" (Job 2:4). These words are in the Bible, but they are the words of Satan. Or, "great is Diana of the Ephesians" (Acts 19:28). But these words are not those of God, but those of an idolatrous mob! Therefore, who says a thing in the Bible makes all the difference in the world. In your Bible study, always make this determination - "who said it?" A failure to do so will very possible find one obeying the words of Satan, a fool, or nearly anyone but God. We recognized this principle even in our conversations and dealings with others today. OBSERVE TO WHOM A THING IS SPOKEN
Again, erroneous conclusions are arrived at by failing to observe this. A common
example may help us. Many think they have received the "baptism of the Holy Spirit."
After all, God promised it, did he not (Acts 1:5)? But when we note to whom God promised it, we see immediataely that the aposstles - not all men - were
the recipients of that promise. Or, the observation of the Sabbath. The commandment
was given, "remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy" (Exo. 20:8). So - some conclude
that we must observe the Sabbath. But that commandment was given to the nation
of Israel - not to all men of all time (Deut. 4:1-3; 5:1). Failure to observe
this might cause one to go out and build a huge ark, for God gave commandment
to "build an ark." But when we observe to whom that commandment was given, we find it was to Noah and for a specific purpose.
KEEP PASSAGES IN CONTEXT
What is "context?" It means "to weave together," or "part of a discourse in which
a word or passage occurs and helps to explain the meaning of the word or passage"
(Webster). Note an example in Matthew 20:28. What was Jesus talking about here;
a "church assembly?" No, but of brethren being in agreement; united (vv. 15-20).
Or in First Corinthians 2:9 - is Paul speaking of heaven here? No, the context
will show that he is speaking of the things God had to reveal by inspiration that
man could not learn by his physical senses.
This line of thought will be continued in our study next month. - Bill Moseley |
