One of the most effective tools of the devil is his ability to convince us that the bible is too difficult for the average person to understand. For, why bother to study it? if it is impossible to understand. Those so deceived never avail themselves of the words which are essential to build faith unto salvation (Rom. 10:17).
False teachers propagate this myth because it serves their purposes so well. The last thing that a false teacher wants is someone to ask him for book, chapter and verse. For, if the ordinary person cannot understand the bible, why should they expect scriptural references? Establishing truth becomes purely a matter of personal feelings.
Many feel that their religion is bible based. But: you cannot believe in something if you do not know what that something is. So we are commanded to "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). Study is essential!
The myth that the bible is too complex to understand was exploded by the Apostle Paul when he said in Ephesians 3:3-4: "... by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). "
In this issue we study the questions of bible complexity in an effort to provide information which will be useful in initiating a regular plan of personal bible study. Start now to build your life on a firm understanding of the word of God -- you can do it!
These bible study questions provide assistance to you in studying and teaching God's word. The answers are quite clear, and they prove that we can have the same understanding as the apostles had by reading what they wrote (Ephesians 3:4). We challenge you to open your bible and establish the truth.
Our Responsibility to Study the Bible
2 Tim. 3:14-18. How did Timothy become "wise unto salvation?"
2 Tim. 2:15. What was required if Timothy was to rightfully divide the word of truth?
Mt. 11:29. How can we find rest unto our souls?
Jn. 6:45. How are we "taught of God?"
Rom. 15:4. How can the Old Testament give us hope?
2 Pet. 3:16. Who is it that twists difficult scriptures?
Acts 17:11. Why were the citizens of Berea "more noble? "
John 8:32. How can we become free?
Mt. 7:24. Who did Jesus consider to be wise?
Mt. 7:15. Why would anyone discourage bible study?
Honest teachers of God's word will encourage independent bible study. They recognize that they do not have all of the answers, and they encourage their fellow Christians to add to their knowledge. They have absolutely nothing to fear from independent inquiry. On the other hand, teachers who cannot stand the light of the scriptures will teach that the bible is too difficult for the ordinary person to understand, or that we cannot possibly all understand it alike.
The bible is a large book, and it cannot be properly studied just by sequential reading. Our study must be organized, as Paul said, "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). This begins with understanding the organization of the bible. For example: the difference between the Old and New Testaments.
The divisions within the Old and New Testaments help us to put each of the "books" in their proper context. For example: the divisions of the New Testament into the life of Christ (Mt.-Jn.), the history of the early church (Acts), and the letters to the churches.
Another division which we should recognize is the difference between the milk and the meat of the word. The writer of Hebrews declared (Heb. 5:12): "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. "
Here the milk of the word is defined to be "the first principles " while the meat are those words which are more difficult to understand (see 2 Pet. 3:16). Clearly, the milk must be mastered before we can expect to digest the meat.
The writer of Hebrews goes on to define the elements of the first principles (Heb. 6:1-2), which include the plan of salvation. This can be obtained from a study of the gospels. As you study them, pay particular attention to the places where Jesus gives conditions of salvation (e.g., Mt. 7:21, Jn. 6:44-45, Jn. 3:16, Lk. 13:3, Mt. 10:32, Jn. 3:3-5, Mk. 16:16).
As you read through the book of Acts, pay particular attention to the examples of conversion (e.g., Acts 2:37-41, 8:26-39, 9:1-22, 16:12-15, 16:27-34). Approved by the apostles, these examples are as binding as commands (1 Cor. 11:1, 14:37).
The key to understanding is obedience. Rom. 6:16: "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? " Obedience to the first principles does not guarantee an understanding of the meat of God's word; but a refusal of the milk will surely prevent the spiritual growth which is essential to an understanding of the meat. See Mt.13:10-17.
I just don't have time to study ...
But the Apostle Paul stated (Eph. 5:15-17):
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].
We have time to do those things that we really want to do. For example, many of us take an entire day and dedicate it to getting to, attending, and then coming back from a football game. If we hunt, fish, golf, boat, etc., we make time for these things.
The reason is that we put them first. The blessed man described in Psalm 1 delights "in the law of the Lord and on his law doth he meditate day and night." What do you suppose he puts first?
Very few people engage in daily bible study. But the idea of " redeeming the time" is to take advantage of the opportunity as it arises. If we are going to be wise, and understanding of what the will of the Lord is, we need to schedule time for bible study, and put it first. Keep up with your bible classes, volunteer to teach, study with anyone who will listen -- these are ways that we can redeem the time and increase our understanding of the will of the Lord. It will also dramatically increase our faith (Rom. 10:17).