PART I

The Bible; How to Study and Understand It

The Sacred Scriptures

By what name did Jesus refer to the sacred writings of the Old Testaments, the Bible of His Day?

          "Jesus saith unto them unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is became the head of the corner?"  Matthew 21:42.

What other title is given the revelation of God to man?

          "And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it,"  Luke8:21.

          Note: -- It is interesting to note that the word Bible does not occur in the Bible itself.  it is derived from the Latin biblia, which came from the Greek biblos, meaning "book."  The Greek word biblos in turn is derived from byblos, meaning "papyrus,"  the name of material upon which ancient books were written.  The Greeks called this writing material byblos because they obtained it from the Phoenician port of Byblos. 

          The Bible has sixty - six books and was written by thirty - five or forty men over a period of some fifteen hundred years.  The books are called the "Word of God," or the "Scriptures,"  Scriptures means "writings."

THE SCRIPTURES GIVEN

How were the Scriptures given?

          All scriptures is given by inspiration of God," 2 Timothy 3:16.

By whom were the men directed who thus spoke for God?

          "For the prophecy came not in old time bye the will of man:  but holy men of God speak as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," 2 Peter 1:21.

What specific instance is mentioned by Peter?

         "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost bye the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was to guide them the took Jesus."  Acts 1:16

Who, therefore, did the speaking through these men?

    "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past into the fathers by the prophets." Hebrews 1:1

THE PURPOSE OF THE SCRIPTURE

For the purpose were the Scriptures written?

     For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4

What was God's design in thus giving the Scriptures?

     "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16.

What was God's design in thus giving the Scriptures?

     "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Verse 17.

What does God design that His Word shall be to us in this world of darkness, sin, and death?

    "Thy words is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path." Psalm 119: 105.

THE DIVISIONS OF THE SCRIPTURES

What three general divisions did Jesus refer to the writings of the Old Testament?

          "And he said unto them, These are the words which I speak unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." Luke 24: 44.

          Note.--- "The Law of Moses" was a common Jewish term for the first five books of the Old Testaments.  In "the prophets" they included Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve Minor Prophets; also Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings. "The psalms" included all the remaining books. 

Upon what evidence did Jesus base His Messiaship?

         "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.:  Verse27.  

          Note. --- Jesus referred particularly to the Old Testament prophecies as proof of His Messiahship.  When Christ spoke of the Scriptures, He meant the Old Testament, for the New Testament had not yet been written.

THE CHARACTER OF GOD AND HIS WORD 

What is God called in the Scriptures?

        "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment:  a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.  Deuteronomy 32: 4.

What, therefore, must be the character of His word?

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy words is truth." john 17:17

          Note.--- A man's name stands for his character.  It is the same with God When god places His work above His name,  His character becomes the foundation of His world and the pledge that His word will be fulfilled (Hebrew 6:13, 14.)

THE TESTIMONY OF JOB AND ISAIAH

What estimate did Job place upon the words of God?

         "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12.

How firm was the faith of the great Isaiah in God's word?

        "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Isaiah 40: 8.

BIBLE APPROVAL OF PERSONAL STUDY

What did Christ say concerning the study of the Scripture?

          "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 5:39

           Note.--- Christ here refers to the Old Testament Scriptures, the "Bible" of His day.  However, His statement is equally true of the New Testament.  The same is generally true of the term "scriptures" throughout the New Testament.

For what were the Bereans commended ?

          "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.

          Note.-- "If God's Word were studied as it should be," says a modern Bible student," men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that is rarely seen in these times.  But there is but little profit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures.  one may read the whole Bible through, and ye fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning.  One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. 

EASY AND MORE DIFFICULT PORTIONS

By what comparison is it indicated that some portions of God's Word are more difficult to understand than others?

           "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. Hebrews 5:12.

In what way is this comparison further explained?

          "For every one that useth mild is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."  Verses 13, 14

What writings are specifically mentioned as containing some things difficult to understand?

          "And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned ad unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction," 2 Peter 3:15, 16.  

          Note.--  Some scriptures are too plain to be misunderstood, while the meaning of others cannot so readily be discerned.  To obtain a comprehensive knowledge of any Bible truth. scriptures must be compared with scripture, and there should be "careful research and prayerful reflection."  But all such study will be richly rewarded.  

What did Christ say concerning the book of Daniel?

          "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of bye Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place.  (whosoreadeth, let him understand)."  Matthew 24: 15.

What other book of the Bible is especially commended for our study?

          "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy the [Book of Revelation], and keep those things which are written therein:  for the time is a hand."  Revelation 1:3.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD AND THE BIBLE

Who alone comprehends the things of God?

          "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God." 1 Corinthians 2:11. 

How thoroughly does the Spirit search out the hidden reassures of truth?

          "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." Verse10. 

What is one purpose for which the Holy Spirit was sent?

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26.

Why cannot man receive the things of the Spirit?

          "But the natural man recieveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14

PLACE OF PRAYER IN BIBLES STUDY

For what enlightenment should everyone pray?

          "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. Ephesians 1:17

For what spiritual gift did the Apostle Paul pray?

        "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of  wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him." Ephesians 1:17

Upon what conditions is an understanding of divine things promised?

         "Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest  up thy voice for understanding;  if thou seekest her as silver, and searches for her as for hid treasures; then shalf thou understand the fear of the lord, and find the knowledge of God."  Proverbs 2:3 -5.

ANOTHER CONDITION FOR LIGHT

What is promised him who wills to do God's will?

          "If any man will [literally, "desires" of "wills"] do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself," John 7"17.

          Note. --- It is proper to repeat again and again the eternal truth that if any man will search the World of God for light, with a heart fully submitted to do the will for God as it is revealed to him, that man will receive light.  It is the seed of the World of God that fall into an honest heart that brings forth fruit unto everlasting life. (John 7: 17)

When is promised him who will to do God's will?

            "He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?"

            "Note.-- The Jew of Christ's day called the first five books for the Bible, which were wirtten by Moses, " the law"

RESULTS OF SINCERE BIBLE STUDY

What are the Scriptures able to do for one who believes them?

          "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, "  2 Timothy 3:15.

What great blessing did Christ confer upon His disciples after His resurrection? 

          "Then open he their understanding, that they might under stand the scriptures," Luke 24:29.

How did Christ reprove those who, though familiar with the letter of the Scripture, failed to understand them?

         "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." Matthew 22:29.

Whom did Jesus pronounce blessed?

          "But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Luke 11:28.