2. We’re in an age of skepticism & religious division b/c people are not studying the Bible! Why are people not studying the Bible? Why are people not studying the Bible? – They are indifferent to the Bible, uninterested in it, could care less if it is true or not, and therefore utterly reject its teaching (cf. Matt. 13:15). – They do not realize its importance and see other things as more important (cf. Matt. 5:6). – They know the Bible condemns their spiritual condition and, rather than changing, they satisfy their conscience by avoiding Scripture (cf. Jas. 1:25; Prov. 5:12). – They have been told that the Bible cannot be understood.

3. Can the Bible Be Understood? Some say “No!” Some say “No!” – For centuries, it has been pressed on the minds of man that “Scriptures are not intended for the common people, and man must come to the church for an official interpretation and understanding.” What a disservice to mankind! Rendering people helpless! What a disservice to mankind! Rendering people helpless! – Some have found some Scriptures to be hard to understand and thereby lump every Scripture into the “cannot understand the Bible” mindset. Peter says, “…our beloved brother Paul…has written to you…in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist…” (2 Pet. 3:15-16). Peter says, “…our beloved brother Paul…has written to you…in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist…” (2 Pet. 3:15-16).

4. Can the Bible Be Understood? But, God says His Word was/is intended for ALL and can be understood by the common man! But, God says His Word was/is intended for ALL and can be understood by the common man! – “…how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Eph. 3:3-4).

5. Can the Bible Be Understood? What does the Old Testament teach? What does the Old Testament teach? – Josiah heard the Book of the Law read and understood that Judah had not been obeying the Lord (2 Kings 22-23, esp. 22:8-13; 23:1-3, 21-23). – The law was read by Ezra and understood by men, women & children (Neh. 8:1-3, 8, 12). – Ezra read the law and they understood (then restored) the Feast of Tabernacles (Neh. 8:13-18; cf. 10:28). – “The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple” (Psa. 119:130). – Proverbs uses word “understand -s -ing” 65 times.

6. Can the Bible Be Understood? What does Jesus teach? What does Jesus teach? – Jesus questioned numerous times, “Have you not read…” – indicating that if they had read, they would have known and understood already (see Matt. 12:1- 5; 19:3-4; 21:15-16; 21:41-45; 22:23-33). – Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not knowing the Scriptures (Matt. 22:29). – Jesus said the good soil “hears the word and understands it” (Matt. 13:23). – Jesus said that “anyone who wills to do His will…shall know…the doctrine” (John 7:17). – Jesus said that Scriptures (His words) would judge all men in the last day (John 12:48).

7. Can the Bible Be Understood? What does the apostle Paul teach? What does the apostle Paul teach? – Timothy understood the Scriptures from childhood (2 Tim. 3:15). – Whole books were to be read to all the brethren (Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27). – When Christians read the Scriptures, they would understand them (Eph. 3:4). – Parts of books were addressed to husbands, wives, children, slaves, etc. (Eph. 5:22-6:9). – Readers were expected to understand the will of God (Eph. 5:17). ?

8. Can the Bible Be Understood Again, man says, “No!” Again, man says, “No!” – “You understand one way and I another. Who’s to say who’s right and who’s wrong? Neither of us should condemn the other.” – “Well, that’s your interpretation and I have mine. There’s no way to know who’s right. Perhaps we’re both right.” – “You and I are never going to see the Bible alike. So, let’s just agree to disagree.” – “We cannot all understand the Bible alike!” ?

9. Can the Bible Be Understood Man can understand many matters alike Man can understand many matters alike – Sales ad – store, day, time, items, price, etc. – Recipe – Prescriptions – Simple math – Road signs – Blueprints for homes & buildings – Final scores of games – Food order at restaurant

10. Can the Bible Be Understood Man can understand many matters alike Man can understand many matters alike Understanding the Bible is not only possible, Understanding the Bible is not only possible, understanding the Bible IS EXPECTED! If we understand the Bible at all, If we understand the Bible at all, WE’LL UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE! – That’s the only way to understand it. – There’s no such thing as understanding differently. – Man can misunderstand differently, but not understand differently. There’s only one way to understand it! – We don’t “understand math differently.” God created the world, us & the Bible! God created the world, us & the Bible!