How to Study the Bible -- Part 2

How to Study the Bible -- Part 2Following Jesus -- Course A, Lesson #3

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Introduction:
In this lesson we continue to learn about effective Bible study. Please review the previous lesson before beginning this lesson. We begin by considering some additional principles about Bible authority.

D. Only Divine Authority, not Human Authority, Is Acceptable in Religion.

When a practice is not included in what God has authorized, should we participate in it or not? Remember that the Scriptures provide us to every good work. What about works it does not provide? Consider:

The Bible teaching about wisdom

>>> Read Isaiah 55:8,9; Jeremiah 10:23.<<<
*1* How do God's thoughts and ways differ from ours? Answer: His thoughts and ways are ______ than ours.
*2* How limited is man's knowledge of his own ways? Answer: It is not in man who walks to direct his own ______.
Think: Can we know what God wants without revelation?
Ways that seem right to men may result in spiritual death (Proverbs 14:12). So we should not add to nor take from God's word (Rev. 22:18,19).
(Luke 16:15; 1 Cor. 1:21-24; 2:5; Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Pro. 30:6)

The Bible teaching about worship

We must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). But remember, all truth is revealed in God's word (John 17:17; 16:13).
>>> Read Matthew 15:9,13. <<<
*3* What kind of worship is vain? Answer: Worship is vain when we teach as doctrines the commandments of ______.
*4* What will happen to plants (doctrines) God did not plant? Answer: Plants God did not plant will be ______.
Think: When we follow human doctrines, do we honor God or man?

The Bible teaching about love

>>> Read Matthew 22:37; John 14:15. <<< (1 John 5:3)
*5* What does love lead us to do? Answer: If we love Jesus we keep His ______.
Think: When we follow human doctrines, are we showing love for God or for men? Does a man show love for his wife if he gets her a power tool for her birthday because he wants it? When people defend their practices by saying "I think it's beautiful," or "We're satisfied with it," who are they showing love for?

The Bible teaching about faith

We cannot please God without faith (Heb. 11:6; cf. 2 Cor. 5:7).
>>> Read Romans 10:17; Proverbs 3:5,6.<<<
*6&7* How does faith come? Answer: Faith comes by ______ the word of ______.
*8* How do we show trust in the Lord? Answer: Don't lean on our own ______ but let him direct our paths.
Think: If our practices are not in the Bible, are we placing our trust in God or in man?

The Bible teaching about authority

>>> Read 2 John 9; Galatians 1:8,9. <<<
*9&10* What must we do to have God? Answer: We must abide in the ______ of ______.
*11* What is said of a man who preaches a different gospel? Answer: One who teaches a different gospel is ______.
Remember that all Jesus' teachings are found in the Scriptures. God did not intend for His word to itemize everything we should not practice. Rather, if an act is not included in what He said to do, He expects us to not practice it. We should not ask, "Where does God forbid this act?" but rather "Where does God tell us to do this act?"
(Col. 3:17; 2:8; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Cor. 10:18; 1 Tim. 1:3)

E. God May Teach in General or Specific Terms.

Our practices must fit the definition of God's instructions. However, we must distinguish specific language from general language.

A statement of the principle

Specific authority: We must not practice things that do not fit the meaning of God's instructions. So when He wants us to do a thing in a particular way, He instructs us by choosing words that are specific or narrow (limited, restricted, exclusive) in their meaning. If we then do things differently, outside the limits of the meaning of the terms He uses, we displease Him.
General authority: When God wants to leave men free to choose from several alternative ways of doing a thing, He instructs us with words that are general or broad (inclusive, comprehensive) in their meaning. We still must do only what fits the instruction, but we are free to choose any of the various alternatives that fit. Any such choice would be acceptable because we would still be doing what God said.

Applications of the Principle

>>> Read Genesis 6:14. <<<
*12* What material was Noah told to use to make the ark? Answer: God told Noah to make an ark of ______.
Think: Could Noah have used metal, pine, or walnut? Did God expressly say not to use them? Suppose God had simply said to make an ark and named no specific material. Could Noah then have chosen any kind of material he wanted? Suppose Noah had used an ax or saw to cut the gopher wood to "make" the ark. Would he still have been doing what God said? Are these things specifically mentioned?
>>> Read Mark 16:15. <<<
*13&14* What did Jesus tell the disciples to do here? Answer: He said to ______ into the world and preach the ______.
Think: Do we obey Jesus if we preach man-made doctrines? But would we be "preaching the gospel" if we taught the Scriptures in the following ways: speak to people, write them a letter, divide them up into groups and teach them, speak over radio or TV, write on a blackboard? Do these fit the meaning of what God said to do?
Likewise, what are some methods of transportation a person might use to "go" into all the world? Are these things specifically mentioned in the verse? If we use them would they fit God's command?
Many practices are wrong in religion, though nowhere specifically forbidden, because they do not fit what God specifically said to do. Other things are acceptable, though nowhere specifically mentioned, because they do fit general instructions in God's word.
Study the chart below for other examples.

General and Specific Authority

Instruction	Unauthorized	Authorized
Make ark of gopher wood (Gen. 6:14)	Metal Pine, walnut	Hammer and saw Pegs and glue
Go preach the gospel (Mark 16:15)	Human Doctrine	Walk, ride Speak, write, TV
Believe, repent Buried in baptism (Acts 2:36-38; Rom. 6:4)	Baby, animal Sprinkle, pour	River, lake Baptistery
Collection on first day (1 Cor. 16:1,2)	Sale, business Week day	Container Time of day
Bread, fruit of the vine First day (Matt. 26:26ff; Acts 20:7)	Milk and lamb Week day	Containers Time of day
Sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)	Piano, organ	Songbook, parts

(Note: If you wish to study more about Divine authority vs. human authority in religion or about the specific topics listed in the chart above, please see the links at the end of this lesson.)

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Part III. Other Rules for Bible Study

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A. Consider Other Passages on the Same Subject.

Truth is determined by "adding up" all pertinent passages.

>>> Read Acts 3:22,23; John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 14:33. <<<
*15* How much of Jesus' teaching must we heed? (Cf. Matt. 4:4,7.) Answer: We must hear Jesus in ______ He says.
*16&17* Is God the author of confusion? Answer (yes or no): ______. Does truth contradict itself? Answer (yes or no): ______.
Think: Should we "interpret" a passage in a way that contradicts other passages? How can other passages help us in our study?
(Rev. 22:18,19; Acts 20:20,27; Matt. 28:20; 12:25,26; James 2:10)

Some applications

Think: Is the pattern of worship entirely revealed in one passage? Can we find all the steps to salvation in just one verse?
Think: What application can be made to people who take passages that teach we are saved by faith, ignore passages about baptism, and conclude we are saved by "faith only" without baptism?

B. Consider Context and Background.

"Context" means the verses surrounding the one being studied. By "background" we mean who is speaking, to whom they speak, etc. Consider why context and background are important:
Context affects word meanings: Words may have different meanings. The context shows which meaning applies.
>>> Read Acts 20:17,28. <<<
*18* Are "elders" (v17) the same or different from "overseers" or bishops (v28)? Answer: Elders are (a) the same as overseers, or (b) different from overseers. ______.
Context gives further explanation: When we are confused about a statement, other statements nearby may clarify the meaning.
>>> Read Acts 16:31-34. <<<
*19* When the jailer learned all God's will, how urgent was baptism? Answer: He was baptized the same hour of the ______.
Some people claim v31 means we are saved by "faith only" without baptism. But like the jailer, when we learn the truth (v32), we see the need for baptism.
Context tells who is speaking:
>>> Read Psalm 14:1. <<< (Cf. Job 2:9.)
*20* Who says, "There is no God"? Answer: The ______ says there is no God.
The Bible is from God, but sometimes it records errors stated by sinners. We know not to believe them, because of who was speaking.
Context tells who is addressed, when and where: Some commands applied to other people in other times, but not to us today.
>>> Read Genesis 22:1,2. <<<
*21* What was Abraham told to do? Answer: God told Abraham to offer his son as a ______.
(Think: Must we do this?)
>>> Read Luke 23:39-43. <<<
*22* What promise did Jesus make to the thief? Answer: Jesus said the thief would be with Him in ______.
Think: Was the thief forgiven before Jesus died or after? What law was then in effect (Heb. 9:16,17; Col. 2:14)? Does this prove we can be saved without baptism now that Jesus' gospel has come into effect?

C. Define the Meaning of the Words.

The Bible is verbally inspired - each word is from God. So we understand it only when we understand the words.
Words are sometimes used today in completely different ways from the Bible meaning. "Baptism," for example, is used today for sprinkling or pouring, but in the Bible it always meant immersion (Rom. 6:4; Acts 8:38,39). Other similar examples are "saint," "church," "bishop," etc.
Dictionaries may help, but the best way to understand Bible words is to study them in context and parallel passages.

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Part IV: Bible Study Tools and Procedures

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The following ideas and suggestions harmonize with the principles we have learned, though other approaches may fit them too.

A. Helpful Tools for Study

Translations: The Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek, so we need translations into our language. Since the Bible is verbally inspired, translations ought to give the exact meaning of the original words.
Some modern "translations" emphasize eloquence or simplicity instead of original meaning. Other translations come from one man or one denomination, so their personal beliefs may influence their work. Seek a translation made by many men who come from different groups, who believe in verbal inspiration, and who emphasize the meaning of the original words (read the introduction of the translation).
For a primary study Bible, we suggest the King James Version, New King James Version, American Standard Version, or New American Standard Version. Use others mainly for purposes of comparison.
Cross references: Some Bibles have footnotes on each verse that refer to other similar verses. These help find other verses on the subject.
Concordance: A concordance lists Bible words alphabetically giving passages where each word is used. Some concordances are brief; others are more complete.
Use a concordance to: (1) find passages about a subject; (2) find a particular verse if you know one or two words in it; (3) determine the meaning of a word by studying verses where it is used.
Other helps: Remember that the following helps are written by humans and are therefore subject to error.
(1) Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias are alphabetic descriptions of Bible people, places, things, and events. Do not expect them to give detailed definitions or discussions of doctrinal matters.
(2) "Expository dictionaries" and lexicons actually define Bible words. You look up the English word in an expository dictionary, but you must know the Greek or Hebrew alphabet to use a lexicon. Be careful with these books if you have no training in the original languages.
(3) Commentaries are verse-by-verse explanations of the text. Beware that authors' beliefs may contradict Scripture. If you use commentaries, study several to get alternative views, consider the reasons the author gives for his view, and always let the Bible be your final authority.

B. Suggested Procedures for Bible Study

The following suggestions will help you start with a few basic Bible study tools and study a Bible passage or subject for yourself. These are general guidelines that may be abbreviated or modified.

Suggested procedure for studying a Bible passage

1. Study the general background of the book of the Bible. Who wrote it? What do you know about the author? To whom was it written, when, and under what circumstances? This information may come from the book itself (see next step) or from cross-references or concordances.
2. Read the passage. Consider the theme of the whole book and the main subjects being discussed in the context.
3. Study section by section. Examine each paragraph, each verse, each phrase, and even each word. Define key words and study other passages on the subject (use cross references, concordances, etc.).
Ask questions about what the passage does and does not mean. Consider alternative views, then look for the answers to your questions. Try to explain the meaning in your own words. Think of examples or illustrations to help explain the passage. Make practical applications.

Suggested procedure for studying a Bible subject

1. Select and define the topic. Revise, if necessary, as you proceed.
2. List the important words. Define these as you proceed. Use them to find passages in the concordance.
3. List the important passages. Use memory, concordance, cross references, etc.
4. Study each passage using the methods previously described for passages. Ask questions, draw conclusions, make applications, etc.
Always make careful notes at each step and save them for the future.

Conclusion

God's word not only teaches why we should study, it teaches us how to study. Our eternal destiny depends on the outcome.

Personal application questions:

(These questions are for you to ponder. Your answers will help us understand your thinking, however they will not affect your "score.")
*23* What conclusion do you reach about doctrines or practices that are not authorized in God's word? ______
*24* Do you believe we must always find a "thou shalt not" in Scripture in order to know a practice is wrong? ______
*25* How helpful has this lesson been in your understanding of how to study the Bible? ______

How to Study the Bible -- Part 1

Following Jesus -- Course A, Lesson #2

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Introduction:
After baptism, people should be taught to observe all things Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Learning God's will is just as essential after baptism as before. Conversion should be the beginning of a lifetime of study. However, in order to benefit from Bible study, we must know how to study properly. The purpose of this lesson is to present basic Bible principles about proper study.

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I: Proper Attitudes in Study

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Ezra "prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord" (Ezra 7:10). Right methods of study must begin with right attitudes.

A. Appreciate the Importance of Study

Diligent study requires motivation. Christians have all the reasons they could possibly need to study the Bible. Consider a few. As you do, note the emphasis on regular, frequent study.

#1: Study so you can obey God and grow in His service.

>>> Read Joshua 1:8. <<<
*1&2* What was Joshua told to do so he could succeed in God's work? Answer: He was to ______ on God's law day and ______.
>>> Read 1 Peter 2:2. <<<
*3&4* What do Christians need, and why do they need it? Answer: We should desire the spiritual ______ of God's word so by it we can ______ to salvation.
Think: Do we long for the word like a baby longs for milk if we neglect to attend assemblies or to study at home? (See also 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 10:17; Matt. 4:4; John 6:44,45; 2 Peter 1:12-15.)

#2: Study so you can avoid error and false teaching.

>>> Read Hosea 4:6. <<<
*5* Why were God's people destroyed? (a) they studied too hard, (b) they lacked knowledge, (c) they didn't pray to Mary, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Acts 17:11. <<<
*6&7* How did the Bereans distinguish truth from error? Answer: They searched the ______. How often? ______.
(1 John 4:1,6; Gal. 1:8; Matt. 22:29; 15:14; Prov. 2:1-20; Rom. 10:1ff)

#3: Study so you can teach others.

>>> Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9. <<<
*8* What must parents do so they can teach their children? (a) have God's word in their hearts, (b) attend a seminary, (c) see visions. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Hebrews 5:12. <<<
*9* What should Christians become? What problem did these have? Answer: Christians ought to become ______, but these needed to be taught again themselves.
Think: Why should teachers study? Why should people who are not teachers study? Is there an excuse for us if we do not study? (See also 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 1:7; 1 Peter 3:15; Col. 3:16; Rom. 15:14.)

#4: Study to express love for God and His word.

>>> Read Psalm 1:2; 119:47,48,97-99. <<<
*10&11* What will we do if we delight in God's word? (Cf. Psalm 19:7-11.) Answer: We will ______ on God's law day and ______.
Think: If people truly love God, will they complain about "having to go" to worship services or prepare for Bible studies? (Cf. 1 John 5:3.)
>>> Read John 14:15. <<<
*12* If we love God, what will we do? (a) say the rosary, (b) sing in the choir, (c) keep God's commands, (d) practice celibacy. Answer: ______.
Think: Suppose a young lady is separated from her boyfriend, who writes to her every day. She displays his letters on the coffee table, but they sit there for days before she opens and reads them. Does she really love him? What application can be made to Bible study?
Do people usually learn about subjects that really interest them (sports, hobbies, etc.)? What does our Bible study indicate about our interest in God's word?

(Note: If you would like more information about the importance of Bible study, see our links at the end of this lesson.)

B. Study with an Open Mind and a Love for Truth.

>>> Read Matthew 5:6. <<<
*13* How can we be filled with righteousness? (a) hunger and thirst for it, (b) work miracles, (c) confess to the priest, (d) it doesn't matter. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Matthew 13:14,15. <<<
*14&15* Why did some misunderstand truth? Answer: Their hearts had become (or waxed) ______ and their eyes were ______.
If we do not have a burning desire for truth, God will not force us to accept it. He will let us be lost.
(See also Acts 17:11; 2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Tim. 4:2-4; John 3:19-21; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Thess. 5:21,22; Prov. 18:13; 23:23; 15:10; Luke 8:15.)

C. Respect the Bible as Being Verbally and Infallibly Inspired.

If a person doubts that the Bible is God's infallible word, he is much more likely to disagree with it or reject it.

The Bible is from God.

>>> Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13. <<<
*16* What is the source of Scripture? (a) people thought it up, (b) it came on golden plates, (c) Mohammed wrote it, (d) it is God's word. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Galatians 1:11,12. <<<
*17&18* What was the origin of the gospel Paul preached? Answer: He received it by ______ from ______.
Think: If we reject a Biblical command, whom have we rejected?
(2 Tim. 3:16f; 1 Cor. 14:37; Eph. 3:3-5; Luke 10:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21.)

The Bible is verbally inspired.

Verbal inspiration means that every word written by the inspired writers was exactly the word God wanted. Some people believe that God just gave the inspired men ideas, then let them explain them as they saw fit. This belief leaves room for error in the way the men expressed the ideas. Consider these verses:
>>> Read 1 Corinthians 2:10-13. <<<
*19* How did inspired men know what to speak? (a) they chose the words, (b) they spoke their own ideas, (c) the Spirit gave them the words. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Deuteronomy 18:18,19. <<<
*20&21* What would God do for this inspired prophet? Answer: God put His ______ in the prophet's ______.
(Cf. Matt. 10:19f; 2 Sam. 23:1,2; Ex. 24:3,4,7; Isa. 51:l6; Jer. 1:5-9.)

The Bible is infallible.

Infallible means the message of the inspired writers cannot possibly be wrong, because God does not make mistakes.
>>> Read Psalm 119:128. <<<
*22* What can we know about God's precepts? Answer: All God's precepts are ______.
>>> Read Titus 1:2. <<<
*23* What can God not do? (a) He can't predict the future, (b) He can't lie, (c) He can't live forever, (d) He can't do miracles. Answer: ______.
Think: Consider Matthew 22:31,32. Note that the Scriptures are so accurate that we can rely even on the tense of the verbs. What does this teach about verbal and infallible inspiration?
How will it affect our Bible study if we are not convinced that every word is true? (Cf. John 17:17; Psalm 33:4; 19:8; 147:4,5; Rom. 3:4; Job 37:16; Num. 23:19; Heb. 6:18; Deut. 18:20-22).

(Note: If you would like more information about the inspiration of the Bible, see our links at the end of this lesson.)

D. Believe that the Bible Can Be Understood.

Some believe that the Bible can be understood only by specially trained clergymen, not by the average person. As a result, they approach the Bible convinced they will never understand it.
>>> Read Mark 7:14. <<<
*24* What did Jesus expect the multitudes to do? Answer: The multitudes were to hear Jesus and ______.
>>> Read 2 Timothy 3:16,17. <<<
*25* For what are the Scriptures profitable? (a) teaching, (b) reproof, (c) instruction in righteousness, (d) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
Think: Would they be profitable if we could not understand them?
Remember that the Bereans (Acts 17:11) did not just accept what preachers said, but used the Scriptures to check out the preachers!
Think: If a person is convinced he cannot understand the Bible, what will most likely happen if he tries to study it?
(See also Eph. 5:17; 1 Cor. 14:33; Eph. 3:3-5; Isa. 55:11; 35:8; John 20:30,31; 8:32; Prov. 2:1-12; Psalm 19:7-11; 119:105; Col. 1:9-11.)

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II: Principles of Bible Authority

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Luke 8:18 warns us to take heed how we hear. Likewise, we must take heed how we study the Bible. To know how to study, we must understand the principles God uses to teach us. [2 Tim. 2:15]

A. God's Commands for Us Today Are Revealed in the New Testament.

Old Testament laws are not binding authority today.

The fact that a practice was acceptable under the Old Testament does not prove it is acceptable today.
>>> Read Hebrews 10:9,10. <<<
*26&27* What did Jesus do to the first and second wills (covenants)? Answer: He ______ the first and established the ______.
>>> Read Galatians 5:1-4. <<<
*28* What is our condition if we try to be justified by the old law today? (a) we fall from grace, (b) God is pleased, (c) it does not matter. Answer: ______.
Think: Are the laws of Great Britain still binding in America? How is this like the Law of Moses? What consequence follows for Old Testament practices like animal sacrifices, special priesthood, tithing, seventh-day Sabbath, circumcision, instrumental music, feast days, etc.?
(Gal. 3:24f; Rom. 7:1-7; Eph. 2:11-18; Heb. 8:6-13; 9:15-20; 7:11-25)

However, even though the Old Testament is not binding as law, still much good can come from studying it.

Old Testament Scriptures were written for our learning (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:6,11). We can learn how to use the Old Testament by considering Bible examples of how first-century Christians used it.
History - Notice the Old Testament events referred to in passages like Genesis 1, Acts 7, and Hebrews 11.
*29* Would we understand these events without the Old Testament? Answer ("yes" or "no.") ______.
Evidence - God's existence, the Bible's inspiration, and Jesus' Deity are confirmed by such evidences as the following: (1) The accuracy of the Bible in history, geography, and science; (2) Fulfilled prophecy (see John 5:39; Acts 3:24); and (3) The unity of the Bible. Each of these requires an understanding of the Old Testament.
Unchanging Principles - Although God's laws have changed, many facts about the universe, the nature of man, and the nature of God do not change (Heb. 13:8).
>>> Read Romans 3:10-12ff (cf. v23). <<< [Cf. 1 Cor. 10:1-12.]
*30* What principle can we learn from the Old Testament? (a) we should keep the sabbath, (b) all men sin, (c) we inherit Adam's sin. Answer: ______.
Appreciation and Understanding of the New Testament -Differences and similarities between the old and new laws help us understand and appreciate the new.
>>> Read Hebrews 10:3,4,9-12. <<<
*31* Why should we appreciate Jesus' New Testament sacrifice? Answer: Because animal sacrifices could not take away ______.
Think: Should we neglect to study the Old Testament just because it is no longer binding as law?

(Note: If you would like more information about our relationship to the old law, see our links at the end of this lesson.)

B. In the Bible, God Uses Three Basic Methods to Reveal His Will.

We often use various methods to communicate or teach others. Likewise God uses the following methods:

1. Commands and direct statements

>>> Read 1 Corinthians 14:37. <<<
*32* What did Paul write down? Answer: Paul wrote the ______ of the Lord.
Think: Name some commands recorded for us in the New Testament. Consider Acts 10:48; Matt. 22:37-40; 1 Cor. 11:23-25; 16:1,2.
(Cf. John 14:15,21-24; 15:14; 1 John 5:3; 2:3,4; Matt. 28:18-20.)

2. Examples and illustrations

Instead of directly commanding us to do something, God sometimes tells us indirectly by giving an instance in which Christians acted by His guidance. We are expected to imitate these examples.
>>> Read 1 Peter 2:21,22. <<<
*33* Who left us an example to follow? (a) the Pope, (b) Mohammed, (c) Buddha, (d) Christ, (e) all the preceding. Answer: ______.
>>> Read Philippians 3:17; 4:9. <<< [Cf. Acts 15:5-11.]
*34* How should we use Paul's example? (a) ignore it, (b) follow it as our example, (c) we may consider it but we don't have to follow it. Answer: ______.
Think: Specifically, what can we learn from the following Bible examples? Heb. 11; James 5:10,11; Acts 8:35-39; 20:7; 14:23.
(Cf. Phil. 2:5; Matt. 10:24,25; 16:24; 1 John 2:6; 1 Cor. 11:1; 10:1-12; 4:16; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Thess. 3:7,9; Heb. 6:12; 4:11; Luke 10:30-37.)

3. Logical necessary conclusions ("necessary inferences" or "Scriptural reasoning")

If someone tells you his date of birth, can you determine how old he is? Likewise, some truths are not directly or expressly stated in the Bible, yet they necessarily follow as a logical consequence of what is stated.
>>> Read Acts 17:1-3. <<<
*35* How did Paul demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ? Answer: He reasoned from the ______.
Think: Do Old Testament prophecies directly state that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ? How could people know from them that Jesus is the Christ? (Acts 2:22-36; 18:4,19; 19:8,9; 28:23; Isa. 1:18; 1 Peter 3:15)
>>> Read Matthew 19:3-9. <<<
*36* By referring to God's marriage plan in Gen. 2, what conclusion did Jesus reach about divorce? Answer: What God has ______ let not man separate.
Think: Was this conclusion directly stated in Genesis 2?
(For other examples see Hebrews 7:11-18; Acts 11:1-18; 15:6-21; Gal. 3:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:12-19; Matt. 22:23-32; 21:28-46; 22:41-46.)
Think: How would you use John 6:44,45; Mark 16:15,16; and Acts 2:38 to prove babies should not be baptized? Eph. 1:22,23 with Heb. 8:1 to prove the church has no earthly headquarters? Heb. 10:25 to prove the church may provide a place to assemble? Are these conclusions directly stated in the passages?
Mature Christians must use wisdom to apply the principles of God's word to specific situations (Heb. 5:14). As in a math problem, we "add up" the information given to reach a conclusion.

C. God's Word Completely Reveals His Will for Us.

Some people think we should believe religious doctrines that are not found in the Bible. They think we can appeal to other authorities (such as church councils, human creeds, preachers, tradition, or modern revelations) to validate religious acts that are not found in the gospel.
>>> Read John 16:13. <<<
*37* How much truth did the Holy Spirit reveal to the apostles? Answer: The Spirit revealed ______ truth to the original apostles.
Think: What does this prove about doctrines people claim are from God but are not found in the Scriptures?
>>> Read 2 Peter 1:3. <<<
*38* What had God's power granted to people in Peter's day? (a) some truth, (b) all things pertaining to life and godliness, (c) a promise that new truths would be revealed later. Answer: ______.
All good works have been provided to us in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16,17). If so, can people today invent or reveal new truths or new ways to please God that are not found in the Scriptures? (Cf. Acts 20:20,27.)
Scripture may not answer every speculative question men may have (Deut. 29:29), but they tell us all we need to know and practice in order to be pleasing to God.
Our next study will discuss more principles about Bible study along with guidelines for learning for ourselves what God's word teaches.

Personal application questions:

(These questions are for you to ponder. Your answers will help us understand your thinking, however they will not affect your "score.")
*39* How important is Bible study in your life? ___________
*40* Do you agree that the Bible teaches by examples and reasoning to necessary conclusions as well as by commands and direct statements? _________
*41* Do you accept the Bible as the perfect, complete, and understandable revelation of God's will? _________