Why are there so many different churches, denominations and different ideas as regards to what is truth? One of the reasons is that the method of bible study is different for different people and different churches hence they arrive at different conclusions.
Is there a correct method of bible study or can any work? Let’s see what the scriptures say:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Let’s read it in the Living Bible Translation
Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means. 2 Timothy 2:15 (TLB)
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: Isaiah 28:9-10 (KJV)
Let’s read this verse in other translations
“Who does Isaiah think he is,” the people say, “to speak to us like this! Are we little children, barely old enough to talk? He tells us everything over and over again, a line at a time and in such simple words!” Isaiah 28:9-10 (TLB)
They complain about me. They say, “Who does that man think he's teaching? Who needs his message? It's only good for babies that have just stopped nursing! He is trying to teach us letter by letter, line by line, lesson by lesson.” Isaiah 28:9-10 (GNT)
It is clear then that in order to correctly discover truth the bible must interpret itself. That is, bible students must compare one verse of scripture to another to find what the bible says. In addition, the bible must be read as a whole where the teachings of the text are read in the larger context of the passage which are read in the larger context of the book which are read in the larger context of the theme of scripture.
It can also be seen that bible study is not a rushed activity. Through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit the bible student is to be led into all truth. Jesus said:
“If you love me, obey me; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another Comforter, and he will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads into all truth...” John 14:15-17 (TLB)
How do you know that you are being led into all truth? The Spirit and the word of God always agree. The Holy Spirit leads to the word of God. If it is not according to the word of God then it is not a safe guide whatever it may be. Whether impressions, feelings, dreams etc. all must be tested by the word of God.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20 (KJV)
“Check these witches’ words against the Word of God!” he says. “If their messages are different than mine, it is because I have not sent them; for they have no light or truth in them. Isaiah 8:20 (TLB)
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 (KJV)
For correct bible study then it is important that all things are compared to the word of God and also that the student of scripture learns to read it as a whole comparing its parts to the central theme of scripture which is a controversy over the character and government of God.
Is there a correct method of bible study or can any work? Let’s see what the scriptures say:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Let’s read it in the Living Bible Translation
Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means. 2 Timothy 2:15 (TLB)
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: Isaiah 28:9-10 (KJV)
Let’s read this verse in other translations
“Who does Isaiah think he is,” the people say, “to speak to us like this! Are we little children, barely old enough to talk? He tells us everything over and over again, a line at a time and in such simple words!” Isaiah 28:9-10 (TLB)
They complain about me. They say, “Who does that man think he's teaching? Who needs his message? It's only good for babies that have just stopped nursing! He is trying to teach us letter by letter, line by line, lesson by lesson.” Isaiah 28:9-10 (GNT)
It is clear then that in order to correctly discover truth the bible must interpret itself. That is, bible students must compare one verse of scripture to another to find what the bible says. In addition, the bible must be read as a whole where the teachings of the text are read in the larger context of the passage which are read in the larger context of the book which are read in the larger context of the theme of scripture.
It can also be seen that bible study is not a rushed activity. Through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit the bible student is to be led into all truth. Jesus said:
“If you love me, obey me; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another Comforter, and he will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads into all truth...” John 14:15-17 (TLB)
How do you know that you are being led into all truth? The Spirit and the word of God always agree. The Holy Spirit leads to the word of God. If it is not according to the word of God then it is not a safe guide whatever it may be. Whether impressions, feelings, dreams etc. all must be tested by the word of God.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20 (KJV)
“Check these witches’ words against the Word of God!” he says. “If their messages are different than mine, it is because I have not sent them; for they have no light or truth in them. Isaiah 8:20 (TLB)
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 (KJV)
For correct bible study then it is important that all things are compared to the word of God and also that the student of scripture learns to read it as a whole comparing its parts to the central theme of scripture which is a controversy over the character and government of God.