Introduction We are continuing a series of lessons on “How to Study the Bible” as 2 weeks ago we studied “How to Handle the Bible Accurately” and last week, “How to Interpret Prophecy.” “go thou & do likewise” & “what thou doest, do quickly!” There is an illustration of a person wanting to do what the Bible said. He opened his Bible and read, “Judas hung himself…“go thou & do likewise” & “what thou doest, do quickly!” Obviously, Jesus doesn’t want his followers to commit suicide. Context is important.

Introduction Context means “joined or woven together”. The authors of the Bible were infallibly inspired by God to write in such a way that the truth is joined or woven together so that we can understand it, obey it, and be saved through Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 3:14-17) If a passage is torn from its context so that it doesn’t harmonize with the rest of the Bible but to justify a preconceived idea, it will lead to destruction. (2 Peter 3:16-18)

Introduction The Bible must be preached, examined, and studied so that it will be understood, applied, and not compromised. (2 Timothy 4:2-5) This morning we will study some principles that will help guide us in the truth and not be deceived by error. (Ephesians 4:11-16) First, we must learn the facts of the passage. It will help if we ask questions such as who, what, when, why, and where.

Who Made the Statement? Is it an inspired statement? Command from Jesus or apostles. (Mt. 28:18f; 1 Cor. 14:37) Is the devil speaking? (Matthew 4:3, 6, 9) Jesus exposed the devil as being the father of lies from the beginning (John 8:44) and gives us an approved example of quoting Scripture to overcome error. (1 Peter 4:11) Is it an inspired record of an uninspired statement? (Acts 17:29; Titus 1:12-13)

Who Made the Statement? Jesus gave us an example of quoting what God said in contrast with what man said and then made the application. (Matt. 15:4-5) Is the passage from the old or new covenant? If a man says that we must keep the Old Law today, we can say that it is not in force since Jesus nailed it to the cross? (Eph. 2:15) The blood of Christ sanctified the new covenant. (Matthew 26:28; Heb. 9:15ff)

To Whom was the Statement Made? Was it limited to a person, was it a custom, or was it for all people? Jesus teaching on marriage was for all people- not limited to Jews or Christians. (Mt. 19:9) The baptism of John was limited (Matt 3:1-6) while the baptism of Christ was for all people. (Matt 28:19; Acts 19:1-5) Jesus telling the disciples to wash one another’s feet was a custom- Limited (John 15:13)

To Whom was the Statement Made? Was it a promise to some individuals or for all? The promise of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit was only given to the apostles, not all men. (Matthew 10:10; John 14:26; 16:13) They were only given through the laying on of the apostles hands and ended when the Bible was completed. (Acts 8:18; 1 Cor. 13:8-10) The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit (salvation) was for all people. (Acts 2:38-39)

For What Purpose was it Written? Since Matthew was written to convert Jews to Christ many Old Testament passages are quoted as being fulfilled by Jesus. John was written so that people might believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have eternal life. (John 20:30-31) The book of Acts was written to show how the apostles preached the gospel, souls were saved, the church was established, and the growth of the kingdom through adversity.

For What Purpose was it Written? 1 & 2 Peter were written to encourage Christians to stand fast while enduring persecution and overcoming the danger of false teachers. 1 & 2 Thessalonians were written to encourage brethren to remain faithful & teach them the truth about the 2nd coming of Christ. If we understand why the book is written and know its context, we will have confidence to stand for the truth and expose error rather than be deceived by it.

Examine the Meaning of the Words If you don’t understand the meaning of the words in the text, look it up but be careful! The Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek before being translated into our language. If you look up the English word “baptism” in our dictionaries today you will likely find that it says sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. But in the original language, baptism is immersion. It’s a burial. (Ro. 6:4; Acts 8:38)

Examine the Meaning of the Words False teachers redefine the term “adultery” to mean covenant breaking. But it still means “one who has unlawful sexual intercourse with another” (Vine’s) Even without that, it is defined in the context of John 8 when the Pharisees said, “this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act” (John 8:4)

Examine the Meaning of the Words There are many who have married, divorced, and remarried. (Matthew 19:9) False teachers will try to comfort them in their sins and not tell them the truth about their spiritual condition. (1 Cor. 6:9-10) Repentance demands that they not commit adultery any longer. (1 Cor. 6:11) Jesus said that some would have to be eunuchs to go to heaven. (Matt. 19:12)

Conclusion “A text without its context becomes a pretext!” False teachers are doing violence to the text of the Bible and many are following them into torment. (2 Peter 2:1-3; Matt. 7:13-14) We must be like the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily to see whether what is preached is the truth. (Acts 17:11) We are all going to stand before God one day and be judged by His word. (John 12:48)

Conclusion Whatever text we are studying must harmonize with the context and the rest of the Bible. If we understand who made the statement, who it was written to, why it was written, and examine the meaning of the words we will likely not be deceived and be condemned. Do you have a hunger and thirst for truth or do you have an itching ear for error? God wants everyone to be saved and Jesus died for you! Will you obey Him today?