“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Milk and Strong Meat
Are there scriptures that are more easily understood than others?
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God: and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:12).
Observation: In Paul’s time, there were some Christians who were immature and should have been capable of teaching others. However they had not applied the basics to their own lives. They were slow to move beyond age-old traditions.
What comparison did Paul use to explain this condition?
“For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13–14).
Observation: If we are to grow from being a “baby” Christian to a mature Christian, we must learn discernment. As we grow in the Lord putting into practice what we have learned, our capacity to comprehend the deeper things of God will grow even greater.
Are some scriptures difficult to comprehend?
“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:15–16).
Observation: Many scriptures are easily understood, while the comprehension of others cannot be so easily discerned. By comparing scripture to scripture with careful research and prayerful reflection we will gain comprehension and our study will be richly rewarded.
What comment did Christ make about the book of Daniel?
“When ye therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)” (Matthew 24:15).
Observation: Any event, object, or person who deliberately attempts to mock God or destroy God’s presence can be seen as an abomination. Daniel’s prediction came true when Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig to Zeus on the sacred Temple alter in 168 B.C. (Daniel 9:27; 11:30–31). The words of Jesus were remembered in A.D. 70, when Titus placed an idol on the site of the burned Temple after destroying Jerusalem. In the end-times the Antichrist will set up a statue to himself and order everyone to worship it (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:14–15). We can see that these are all abominations that mock God!
Is there a book in the Bible that is especially recommended for our attention?
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).
Observation: As you read this book you realize that Christ is walking with you and there is nothing to fear. The book of Revelation is prediction and proclamation. Behind the predictions are insights of important principles about God’s character, His promises, and what He will do.
GOD’S SPIRIT AND HIS WORD, THE BIBLE
Who alone comprehends the things of God?
“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God” (1Corinthians 2:11).
Does the Spirit of God search out thoroughly the hidden treasures of truth?
“But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).
Observation: Jesus’ resurrection and God’s plan of salvation will be understood by only those who believe that what God says is true, and when we believe in the resurrection and put our faith in Christ we will know all we need to know for salvation.
Is there one special purpose for which the Holy Spirit was sent?
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
What stops the natural man from receiving the things of the Spirit?
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Observation: Those who do not believe God will be unable to comprehend the concept of God’s Spirit living in believers. Those who reject God will be unable to understand God’s beautiful message. They have broken the lines of communication.
THE PLACE OF PRAYER IN THE STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES
Should we pray for special spiritual enlightenment?
“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law” (Psalms 119:18).
Observation: The laws of God will free us so that we can be all that God wants us to be. They only restrict us from those things that will in the end cripple us. To follow God’s guidelines is to be spiritually enlightened.
Are there conditions to fulfill if we are to understand divine things?
“Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:3–5).
Observation: As we study God’s Word we will find that wisdom is both a God-given gift and the fruit of an energetic search. These gifts are given only to those who earnestly seek it. God’s wisdom is hidden away from the rebellious and foolish.
A FURTHER CONDITION OF RECEIVING LIGHT
What is promised him who wills to do God’s will?
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17).
Observation: Those who attempt to know God’s will and do it will know intuitively that Jesus was telling the truth about Himself. When listening to others listen carefully to see if their words agree with the Scriptures and that their words point to God and doing His will or to themselves. If we search the Word of God for light, with a heart fully submitted to do the will of God as it is revealed to him, that person will receive light.
What did Jesus say when a rich young man asked Him the way to eternal life?
“He said unto him, What is written in the Law? How readest thou?” (Luke 10:26).
What will sincere Bible study do for us?
“And that from a child thou hast know the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
Observation: It is the responsibility of parents to lead their children to Christ as well as the Church.
In what way did Jesus bless His disciples after His resurrection?
“Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45).
Who did Jesus say were blessed?
“But He said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28).
