How Can We Understand This Holy Book?

Ever felt like the eunuch? Acts 8:26-31 Must come to know and live by its teachings. James 1:21-25 Abide by the new covenant. Heb. 8:8-13 “Hermeneutics” are not really that complicated.

Two Fundamental Concepts Approach it as God’s word. 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thes. 2:13; Rev. 1:1a Come with a commitment to obedience. o 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Thes. 1:8; Matt. 7:21-27

Being Inspired Means… Every part is important. o 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Psalm 119:160 It will not contradict itself. o Not so in men’s writings. o Romans 4:5; James 2:21 o Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:33

Being Inspired Means… Every part is important. It will not contradict itself. Scripture will interpret Scripture. o “This is what….” Acts 2:16 o Do comparative studies. Eph. 5:18, 19; Col. 3:16 o Cf. John 13:14 to remainder of Scripture.

It Is to Be Obeyed Read seeking God’s will. o Matthew 7:24, 25, 21 o You can find it. John 7:16, 17 o Ephesians 3:3-5 He communicates in a simple way. o “Clean your room.” o Show them how to clean.

It Is to Be Obeyed Read seeking God’s will. He communicates in a simple way. o “Clean your room.” o Show them how to clean. o “If this room is not clean….” o That’s command, example, and necessary inference (inescapable conclusion).

It Is to Be Obeyed Read seeking God’s will. He communicates in a simple way. o “That’s command, example, and necessary inference (inescapable conclusion). o God “issues orders.” 1 Cor. 14:37, 34, 35; Acts 17:30, 31; Col. 3:9 o Study the approved examples. 1 Cor. 11:1 o Watch for implications. Matt. 19:3-6 Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 18:8; Rom. 6:4

Use Common Sense Define the words. Pay attention to context. o “The parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning.” “The interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs.” o What does “baby” mean?

Use Common Sense Pay attention to context. o Who said it? o To whom was it said? o Under what circumstances? o Subject under discussion? Knowing the context.

Use Common Sense Pay attention to context. Knowing the context. o Read the surrounding material in the Bible. o Commentaries, encyclopedias, etc. can be helpful, especially with historical and political settings. o But Bible study is the key.

Conclusion With effort the Bible can be read and understood. 2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 3:4; John 7:17 o Know that it is inspired and to be obeyed. o Allow God to teach you by command, example, and inference. o Approach context as you would in everyday life. Do you understand your need to be baptized?