WE CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE.

Eph. 5;17.

INTRO:

1. Consider these scriptures: Jno. 7:17; 8:31,32; 17:17; Eph. 3:3,4,8,9.

2. God is Almighty and is able to give us a book that we can understand. Titus 2:11-14; Jno. 6:44,45.

3. If He did not give us a book that we can understand, then He would be an unjust God because we are told to understand it and that we will be judged by it. Eph. 5:17; Jno. 12:48; Rev. 20:12; Rom. 3:21-26.

I. HOW TO USE THE BIBLE:

A. Much confusion in understanding the Bible comes because people do not know how to study it and rightly divide it. 2 Tim. 2:15.

1. The Bible is not to be changed in any way. Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18,19.

2. The Bible should be studied and not just lightly read. 2 Tim. 2:15; Neh. 8:1-13,18; Psa. 119:18; Jno. 5:39; Acts 17:11.

3. Those who know it should teach it to others. Deut. 31:12; Neh. 8:;8; 2 Tim. 2:2.

4. Parents should teach their children. Deut. 6:6-9; Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 1:5.

II. SOME BIBLE CHARACTERISTICS:

A. There are many characteristics of the Bible that we need to recognize. We will note only a few of them.

1. The Bible illuminates the mind. Psa. 119:105; Prov. 6:23; 2 Pet. 1:19.

2. The Bible is pure. Psa. 12:6; Prov. 30:5; Jno. 15:3; Rom. 7:12.

3. The Bible is perfect. 2 Sam. 22:31; Psa. 19:7.

4. The Bible is the only standard or measure of religious authority and truth. Isa. 8:20.

5. Speculations, opinions, and traditions of men are dangerous. Mk. 7:7-9,13; Col. 2:8.

6. In studying the Bible, we should always confine ourselves to what is revealed. Deut. 29:29.

III. THAT WHICH IS REVEALED CAN BE UNDERSTOOD, OR IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN REVEALED.

A. Consider some examples:

1. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Rom. 10:17.

2. Therefore, what is heard from the Word of God is authoritative and strong. We can understand it and believe it.

3. But that which is based upon the opinions and speculations of men is without authority and therefore weak.

a. Not to eat fruit. Gen. 3:1-6; 2:17;

a. What kind of fruit? An apple?

b. Cain had a wife. Gen. 4:1;7.

b. Where did he get her?

c. A burning bush. Exo. 3:2.

c. What kind of bush?

d. Nicodemus by night. Jno. 3:1-3.

d. Why by night?

e. Jesus wrote on the ground. Jno. 8:6,8.

e. What did He write?

f. Paul's thorn in the flesh. 2 Cor. 12:7.

f. What was it?

g. Name--Christian, Acts 11:26.

g. What about Catholic? Baptist? Methodist? etc.?

h. Must have faith. Heb. 11:6.

h. Faith only?

i. Be baptized. Acts 2:38. i. Baptism not essential?

j. By immersion. Rom. 6:3. j. Sprinkling? Pouring?, etc?

k. For remission of sins. Acts 2:38. k. Because already saved?

l. Give on Lord's Day. 1 Cor. 16:1,2. l. Any day?

m. Lord's Supper, every Lord's day. Acts 20:7. m. Any time of week, year, etc?

n. One church. Eph. 4:4. n. Many churches?

o. Worship in spirit and truth. Jno. 4:24. o. Any way as long as sincere?

p. Singing only in worship. Col. 3:16. p. Singing and playing?

CONCLUSION.

Many more things of this same nature could be presented, showing the differences in the teaching of the Bible and the teachings of men. But these should suffice to get you to thinking along this line and to add your own thoughts thereto.

By Jim Sasser

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