Understanding the Bible Job 32:8 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

This sermon is on understanding the Bible.  When we read our Bibles we want to understand them.  But we don’t always “get it,” as the kids say.  So, here are some helpful hints.

Rely upon inspiration – Job 32:8; 2Tim 3:16 – The Holy Spirit is the one who will give you the scripture by inspiration and He will give you the understanding you need at the time.  Pray for God to show you what He wants you to see Ps 119:18.  Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth, Jn 16:13.  When He teaches you, everything fits together perfectly; it does not have to be forced to fit into the presumptuous doctrines of men.  Leave the commentaries for another day.  Let God show you what he said.

Read it like a child – Is 28:9-10 – When children are learning their lessons, they have to go over them again and again.  This is teaching be repetition.  When you read a passage you don’t understand, don’t give up on it.  Read it again.  Look at it over and over again.  Look up the words you don’t understand.  Look at the context.  Look at the cross references.  Remember that children are humble, unlike the scholars.  And children believe what they are taught.  So, read with a humble mind and a believing heart so that God can teach you.  Jesus said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes,” Lk 10:21.  God wrote the Bible and He wants you to “get it.”  Trust Him, He’ll show you.

Savor it in trouble – Ps 119:71-72 – There are some passages that don’t mean that much to you when you first read them.  But when you are suffering through some hardship, trial or affliction, those verses that seemed to mean nothing to you on the bed of ease become your greatest treasures with the deepest meaning!!  You found out the Lord was indeed your buckler, shield, fortress, high tower, and refuge.

Study it with friends – Acts 17:11 – During our men’s Thursday night Bible Study we searched the scriptures together and God showed us remarkable things in the Bible.  We gain interesting insights into the words of God in morning devotions.  We discovered tremendous truths in answering Bible questions raised by radio listeners and internet visitors.  The very wording of their questions opened insights into passages formerly passed over.

Conclusion:  These are just some ideas that you can add to other things you already know that will really help your Bible study.