Can We Understand The Bible?

INTRODUCTION:
1. It is a commonly accepted view today that the Bible cannot be  understood.
2. The present state of religious confusion both confirms this    misconception and promotes it (i.e., religious denominationalism).
3. The Bible affirms that it can be understood and/or known -   Ephesians 3:3-4, 8-9; 5:17; John 8:31-32; 2 Tim. 3:15-17

I. THE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE IS BASIC TO OUR CONCEPT OF GOD, OUR  VIEW OF INSPIRATION AND OUR APPROACH TO STUDY.
A. If we accept the Bible as a verbally inspired revelation from God for the good of   mankind, necessarily implied is the fact that it can be understood.

B. To disbelieve the Bible can be understood would cast a negative reflection on God; such   would, in effect, say "God was not able to give man an intelligent, understandable   revelation of His will (see Jere. 32:17; Isa. 40:12, 26).

C. As it concerns this primary aim of this study (How to study the Bible), who would ever   attempt a study if they believed the Bible couldn't be understood?
  1. No doubt, such delusion has promoted the widespread and general      illiteracy of the Bible today.
  2. And, the fact that so many people don't understand it, doesn't prove the Bible    itself is not understandable.  The problem is not the book but man's attitude and    approach to it.

II. SPECIFIC REASONS WHY MANY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE
A. Ignorance, an obvious reason - Rom. 10:1-3; Acts 26:9

B. Deception - 2 Cor. 11:3, 13-15

C. Conceit, the "know it all" attitude that cannot be reasoned with; pride that will   not admit when he/she's wrong - Rom. 1:22; Isa. 55:8-9

D. Prejudice, to "pre-judge"; making up of one's mind before all the evidence is   in.
  1. This was a major problem among first century Jews which caused them to reject    Jesus as the Christ and His teachings of His spiritual kingdom.  They had already    made up their minds that their Messiah would save them from Roman dominion    and rule as their king in Jerusalem (like David).
  2. The same prejudice toward God's word is manifested today when people make    up their minds on religious matters based on: 
   a. What their parents believed - cf. Lk. 14:26
   b. What their favorite preacher says - cf. Acts 4:19-20; 5:29
   c. What's the majority view - Matt. 7:13-14

E. Human traditions - Matt. 15:9; Col. 2:8
  1. When placed on an equivalent to God's Word, they become sin.
  2. To accept something because "it's always been done that way" or "I've always    believed that" doesn't make it truth. 
  3. Time may give these things a certain respectability, causing people to become    emotionally attached to them, but we need to study the Bible with humility and    open-mindedness - 2 Tim. 2:15

F. Over-emphasis of sincerity.
  1. Sincerity is good and necessary in our service to God - John 4:24
  2. But when our feelings become a replacement to God's truth, we are wrong - Prov.    14:12; Acts 22:4; 23:1

III. SOME AREAS OF THE BIBLE ARE DIFFICULT
A. After a consideration of the above, it should be observed that there are portions of   scripture that require greater diligence in study to gain a proper understanding than   others - see 2 Pet. 3:16
  1. Some of these areas will be consider more closely in lessons 5-6
  2. The Bible categorizes its teachings as "milk" and "solid food", with the need for    such depending on one's level of knowledge and spiritual development - Heb.    5:12-14; 1 Pet. 2:2

B. However, there is a great difference between saying something is "hard to understand"   and that it is "impossible to understand". 
  1. We hope this series of studies will equip one better to deal with the more difficult    scriptures by a thorough and methodical approach in Bible study.

QUESTIONS:
1. Does the Bible affirm that it can be understood?  Explain..


2. In what way does our belief that the Bible can or cannot be understood affect the following:
a. Our belief in Bible inspiration?

b. Our view of God and His ability?

c. Our desire to study the Bible?

3. List six specific reasons why many do not properly understand the Bible and be prepared to  comment on each in class.








4. State the meaning of each scripture and its application today:
a. Luke 14:26 -


b. Proverbs 14:16 -



5. What does 2 Peter 3:16 say about our approach to Bible study?