7 Principles of Bible Study

A most pleasant Sabbath to all. As we have been considering
the basics of our walk as Christians, prayer and Bible study, it
was recommended we provide additional input on various
Biblical verses which will serve to edify the congregation.
The short presentations will supply a verse or short passage
along with an exposition of that verse or passage. I hope you
find these Biblical presentations helpful.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

Jude calls for returning to "the faith which was once for all
delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). We have a chance to do that
now, and once we have submitted to the Bible's authority, we
can teach it to others (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 5:12-14).
But in our zeal to contend for the truth, we cannot forget a few
basic principles of Bible study.

1) Here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9-13): God did not
organize the Bible so that all information on a given subject
falls in one chapter or book. The whole Bible must concur
before we can truly call a theological concept "truth."

2) A positive approach (Acts 17:11-12): God left us a
wonderful example of a people who sought to prove the truths
of God rather than disprove them. He can work with those
who have submissive minds, receptive to His revelation.

3) A desire to please God (II Timothy 2:15): Our study should
be intended to merit God's approval of our lives. He is not
impressed with scholarship or intelligence, but He does
respect godly living and spiritual growth (Psalm 111:10; II
Peter 3:18; I John 3:22).

4) No private interpretation (II Peter 1:20-21): The Word of
God and the understanding of it are revealed by the Holy
Spirit (I Corinthians 2:6-16). Any personal understanding or
interpretation must agree in all points with the Bible, or spring
without violence from its principles (cf. II Peter 3:16) -
otherwise an idea is nothing more than an opinion and maybe
a dangerous one.

5) Humility (I Corinthians 8:1-3): It is a good idea to
remember that many others, probably wiser, have faced the
same questions before us. The history of the true church of
God through the centuries should be considered and the
decisions of its leaders taken seriously.

6) Seek counsel (Proverbs 24:6): Not only should one bring
vexing questions to the ministry, but one should also seek wise
advice from brethren, both inside and outside one's normal
circle of friends. After mentioning it to others, give them time
to study the subject thoroughly themselves and reply before
drawing any conclusions.

7) Prayer and meditation (Psalm 119:33-40, 97-99): Seeking
God's will and considering the ramifications of our ideas are
absolutely vital to proper Bible study. Others, weaker in the
faith, may not be able to survive our "spirituality" (I
Corinthians 8:9, 11-13).

If we apply these principles to our Bible study, we will be
heeding the advice of our Elder Brother, "Take heed that no
one deceives you" (Matthew 24:4).

Gary Smith