1. Every class and private home study should be prefaced by following the instructions found in James 1:5
2. After asking for wisdom and understanding from God we should study His Word with a mind that is willing to receive and believe whatever we find there, even if we find some things we didn’t believe before, and don’t find some things we thought were true all of our lives.
3. We know that God’s Word can not contradict itself. When we find something that seems like a contradiction we must carefully search for the clue that will harmonize the apparent contradiction. We will always find this if we follow the Scriptures.
4. We must note with special care (1) who the passage was written to, (2) who the passage was written by, and (3) what period of time the passage refers to. A lot of confusion is caused by a failure to note these distinctions.
5. We must distinguish between plain statements and figurative sayings, parables, types, and symbols.
6. When we want proof, we must compare Scripture with Scripture, instead of comparing Scripture with the traditions of men.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that gives to all men liberally,
and reproaches not; and it will be given him."
that gives to all men liberally,
and reproaches not; and it will be given him."
2. After asking for wisdom and understanding from God we should study His Word with a mind that is willing to receive and believe whatever we find there, even if we find some things we didn’t believe before, and don’t find some things we thought were true all of our lives.
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them." (Isaiah 8:20)
it is because there is no light in them." (Isaiah 8:20)
3. We know that God’s Word can not contradict itself. When we find something that seems like a contradiction we must carefully search for the clue that will harmonize the apparent contradiction. We will always find this if we follow the Scriptures.
"Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD" (Isaiah 1:18)
"Comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (1 Corinthians 2:13)
"Rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
4. We must note with special care (1) who the passage was written to, (2) who the passage was written by, and (3) what period of time the passage refers to. A lot of confusion is caused by a failure to note these distinctions.
5. We must distinguish between plain statements and figurative sayings, parables, types, and symbols.
6. When we want proof, we must compare Scripture with Scripture, instead of comparing Scripture with the traditions of men.
