FEBRUARY 28, 2016

HOW TO STUDY THE SCRIPTURES 1

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”

It is very important as Christians to be properly schooled in doctrine. There is only one doctrine. There isn’t any such thing as diverse doctrines. If you study the word “doctrine” in scripture you will find that there is one “doctrine of Christ” and several “doctrines” of men.

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son 2 John 1:9

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 1 Timothy 6:3

The doctrine of Christ is usually referred to in singular because it is one doctrine.

But there are several doctrines of men.

(Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men. Colossians 2:21

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:1

So there is one doctrine of Christ and several doctrines of men or of devils.

To know what the doctrine of Christ really is you must interpret scriptures rightly.

The first and simplest of all the steps in bible interpretation is contextual reading of scriptures.

What does that mean?

It means that every verse, chapter or book must be read in the context of the complete revelation of the scriptures.

It is wrong to take one verse and take a position on that verse alone.

So in trying to understand a verse or chapter of the scriptures you must read the pre-text (verses before), post text (verses after) and bring into context.

Contextual reading of scriptures should also take into account grammar and the meaning in the context of the audience of the time.

For example, when Jesus used the expression the “eye of a needle” he meant something only the Jews could understand properly as it was part of their culture.

And again I say unto you, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” Matthew 19:24

The eye of a needle was the pedestrian gate to the city in Jerusalem. Camels could only pass through when the traveler disembarked and all loads removed and the camel had to get on all fours to pass.

You would not know that if you don’t read in context.

Being able to correctly interpret scriptures is taught. As you submit to a good bible teacher you will become a good bible student.

CONFESSION: I am a student of the word. I submit to a good bible teacher and therefore I am able to correctly interpret the scriptures.

FURTHER BIBLE READING: Daniel 6, Matthew 8, Jude 1

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