The Importance Of A Proper Attitude
INTRODUCTION:
1. In the previous study we examined reasons why many misunderstand the Bible, leading to the present state of confusion in religious matters.
2. With this lesson we will consider some attitudes that are necessary for enabling the Bible student to discern properly what the Bible teaches.
I. THE BIBLE STUDENT MUST USE "COMMON SENSE"
A. Definition of "common sense"
1. Common sense "has its root-idea in the ability to discover harmony in the things which agree; and, conversely, to perceive unlikeness in opposites" (D.R. Dungan, Hermeneutics).
2. "Practical understanding; capacity to see and take things in their right light; sound judgment" (Webster's Comprehensive Dictionary).
B. Though each of us may have differing abilities and talents, we can serve the Lord with what we have and we are responsible for their increase - Matt. 25:14-30
1. It is a popular idea that the most qualified for Bible study are those who give less emphasis to real knowledge and more emphasis to dreamy speculations. Not so.
2. Remember! God gave His revelation to the "common man"; Bible writers appeal to human experience and the common surroundings of man, in a language all can understand.
II. THE BIBLE STUDENT MUST HAVE "MENTAL INDUSTRY"
A. This means one must be willing to put forth the effort in gaining a knowledge of scripture; studying is hard work.
B. Mary was as energetic as Martha was, but her energy was directed toward more important matters. She applied her head and heart to learning about Jesus - Luke 10:38-42
C. The investigation of Jesus' disciples to learn more about a parable they didn't understand made it possible for them to grasp the deep things their Master came to give them - Matt. 13:36
D. The Bereans were praised for a hard working spirit to examine the scripture daily - Acts 17:11
E. With the advantages of Timothy's upbringing, having a mother and grandmother who taught him the scriptures, as well as the apostle Paul later, he still was commanded to "study to show thyself approved unto God..." - 2 Tim. 2:15
1. When we stop and think about it, we see this is necessary to the study and understanding of any subject.
2. If we could see the need for this in our own personal study, and teach our children that their Bible is more important that their school work and play activities, there would be less indifference and ignorance toward the things of God.
III. THE BIBLE STUDENT MUST HAVE A DESIRE TO KNOW AND OBEY TRUTH
A. This is the test the Lord gives for us: "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whiether I speak on my own" (John 7:17, NIV).
1. "It is this willingness to do the will of God that prepares the mind for that effort which is necessary to understand the law of the Lord" (D.R. Dungan, Hermeneutics).
B. We must be honest in heart - Luke 8:15
1. Men can find what they look for, but if they don't want to see, it is difficult (impossible) to make them understand.
2. Many read the Bible with their minds already made up.
C. We must have a love for the truth - 2 Thess. 2:10-12
1. Without love for truth, people will not see the truth anymore than the priest and Levite didn't see the injured man who needed their help - Luke 10:30- 32
2. Love for the truth will cause one to accept it no matter how much it differs with what he formerly believed. Nothing will be more important than truth - Prov. 23:23; Rom. 3:4
D. Too many read the Bible for the wrong reasons:
1. Skeptics read it to find mistakes and inconsistencies, rather than to learn truth.
2. Some read it to "prove" what they already believe.
3. Others read it to justify a practice they already like to do. They didn't begin the practice because the Bible taught it, and now they try to justify it - i.e., dancing, drinking, unscriptural divorces/ remarriages, etc.
4. Some read it for the praise of men, quoting scripture to impress others with their great learning. They have their reward (cf. Matt. 6:1-3)
IV. HAVING A PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARD THE BIBLE WILL MOTIVATE US TO HAVE A DELIBERATE PLAN FOR ITS STUDY.
[At this point, in connection with our study of proper attitudes, we include this section regarding motivation for planning to study. A proper attitude toward scripture will be the motivation.]
A. Study every day: "Generally, people learn more and remember it better when studying is spread out over several sessions rather than being crammed into one session" (How To Study, James and Ellin Deese, Third edition, pg. 18)
1. For this reason it becomes obvious that hearing two sermons a week and attending a couple of Bible classes a week is not, by themselves, sufficient.
B. Be realistic in regard to the time allotted for study.
1. It is better to schedule thirty minutes of study a day and do it, than to plan an hour a day and do it once or twice a week.
2. Once the pace is set, study will be a joy and challenge rather than a chore. Remember, we're looking for quality time instead of quanity time.
C. Allow time to review, which is one of the most important parts of the learning process. This places knowledge in our long-term memory instead of that which will be easily forgotten.
D. What must be avoided is haphazardly dabbling in the books of the Bible - short, isolated readings or occasional glimpses at some familiar passages. The solution: a methodical Bible study.
1. "methodical" - orderly procedure; systematic
2. There are different methods one may use in his approach to Bible study, but none are "magic formulas" to escape the hard work that will be necessary.
QUESTIONS:
1. Explain in your own words what "common sense" is and how it helps in our Bible study.
2. What is "mental industry" and explain how its necessary in Bible study.
3. State the meaning of each scripture and discuss its application for us today:
a. 2 Timothy 2:15
b. John 7:17
c. Luke 8:15
d. Proverbs 23:23
4. Be prepared to discuss how some people can read the Bible for wrong reasons.
5. List and discuss the steps given in having a deliberate plan for Bible study.
