Studying and understanding
What should we do with the Scriptures?
Matthew 21:42 – Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Remark: see also Mark 12:10
How can we read or study the Scriptures?
Luke 24:27 – And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Remark: Bible study involves looking at all the different passages in the whole Bible (including the Old Testament) and searching for explanations and connections in different passages.
How often should we study the Scriptures?
Acts 17:11 – 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.
Can we understand what the Scripture means ourselves?
2 Peter 1:20 – Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Remark: This verse does not mean that people cannot be the ones interpreting the Scriptures (using other Scriptures with the help of the Holy Spirit), but rather it should be understood that no one should create private (personal) interpretations without biblical substantiation. The interpretation of Scripture is supported by Scripture.
What do we need in order to understand?
Acts 8:29-31 – Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Remark: Although ‘no prophecy of the scripture’ is of private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20) and God ultimately reveals everything to us, he still uses human instruments to communicate His will.
Who is that Spirit that can guide us in understanding the Scriptures?
Luke 24:45 – Then opened he {Jesus} their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures…
Benefiting from Scriptures
Will those who know the Scriptures easily fall into error?
Matthew 22:29 – Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
Remark: See also Mark 12:24.
Will those who know the Scriptures be easily confused?
1 Peter 2:6 – Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Should those, who trust in the Scriptures be ashamed?
Romans 10:11 – For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
What other benefits do the Scriptures confer?
Romans 15:4 – For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
What is the ultimate promise for those, who occupy themselves with the Scriptures?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – 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.
How can the Scripture be used practically in our lives?
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…
James 2:8 – If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well…
Remark: The Scriptures contain guidelines and laws that provide for justice and protection in a society as a whole, as well as within Christian communities.
What should be used to settle differences in opinion?
Acts 17:2 – And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures…
Prophetic Scriptures
What claim does God make and what does he base this claim upon?
Isaiah 46:9-11 – Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
Remark: God claims that there is no one else like him, who knows the future in advance.
How does God reveal the future to us?
2 Peter 1:19-21 – We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Hebrews 1:1 – God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets …
Amos 3:7 – Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Remark: God doesn’t do anything, without revealing it to his prophets. See also Luke 24:27, 44 and Romans 1:1-2; 16:26.
What must happen to the Scriptures of the prophets?
Matthew 26:54, 56 – But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? / [56] But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
Remark: Remark: Parts of Scripture that need to be fulfilled are called ‘prophecies’. See also Mark 14:49; 15:28; Luke 4:21; John 13:18; 17:12; 19:24, 28, 36-37.
What is an example of a fulfilled prophecy?
Acts 1:16 – Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Wasn’t David a king? How is he considered a prophet?
2 Samuel 23:2 – The Spirit of the Lord spake by me {David}, and his word was in my tongue.
Acts 2:30 – Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him {David}, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne…
Remark: The definition of a prophet is broader than we often think. Jesus himself, apart from being Messiah, was a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:18; Mark 6:4); as well as Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10) etc.
What did Jesus say about prophecies?
John 14:29 – And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
Remark: The reason why God uses prophets to reveal the future is so that we can believe him (and his Son) when it comes true. This also applies to past prophecies that have already been fulfilled and are described in the Bible. The past fulfillments of prophecies should give us hope and trust in God for the future.
How did this prediction of Jesus turn out?
John 2:22 – When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
