Ben Bailey
Introduction:
A. “One of the prevalent causes of misunderstanding the Bible is that the student fails to approach the Bible with the right attitude.”
B. The importance of attitude is expressed in the Bible (Prov. 23:7, Matt. 22:42, Phil. 2:5).
C. Thinking directly affects the way we act in life and religion.
D. The right overall attitude God wants a person to have is found in Isa. 66:2. and Ps. 119:161.
I.
Belief in Divine Inspiration.
A. What do we mean by Divine Inspiration? All of the Bible (every word) is the exact word of God. A literal word-for-word revelation.
B. Passages that teach this are : (2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Pet. 1:19-21, 1 Cor. 14:37, 1 Thes. 2:13, 1 Cor. 2:13, Ps. 119:160).
1. No errors (Jn. 17:17, Ps. 19:6-8).
2. Full and complete (2 Pet. 1:3, Jn. 8:32).
C. The application of divine inspiration.
1. We do not need to doubt or criticize the word of God.
a. No Higher criticism.
b. No evolution (Gen. 1:1).
c. No homosexuality (Lev. 18:22, Rom. 1:26-27).
d. No sin in life (James 4:17, Rom. 6:23).
2. We do not need any synods, or councils.
3. We do not need to go to the Bible to proof text.
4. We must do what the Bible says every day of our life.
II.
The Bible is Speaking Directly to Me.
A. The one problem we have in the church is that way too many people believe the Bible talks to their brother more than themselves (Matt. 7:3-4).
B. The Bible speaks Directly (holiness) to me (Lk. 7:40, Rev. 2:7, Jn. 7:17)
C. Replace the generic in the Bible and insert your name:
1. Ben, go into all the world and preach the gospel (Matt. 28:19).
2. Ben knows to do right and does… (James 4:17).
3. Ben shall know the truth (Jn. 8:32).
4. Ben, I have somewhat to say…(Lk. 7:40).
III.
Love for the Word of God.
A. We must treasure and love God’s word more than anything else (Ps. 119:97, 2 Thes. 2:10, Ps. 1:2, Ps. 119:140, Jer. 15:16).
B. Why should we love the word?
1. It is God’s saving message (Rom. 1:16-17, Prov. 23:23).
2. It will Judge us (Jn. 12:48ff; Rev. 20:12-13).
3. The effort God went through to get it to us.
4. It gives us the best life (Jn. 10:10, Matt. 6:33).
IV.
The Bible is Understandable.
A. The Bible says we can and demands we do understand it (Eph.3:3-4, 5:17, Deut. 29:29, Jn. 8:31-32, Mk. 12:37).
B. It is very important for us to approach the Bible knowing that we can understand it’s message.
C. Tools that will help you understand the Bible are: prayer, good study Bible, thorough knowledge of Bible history, good knowledge of English language, good concordance, Topical Bible.
V.
A Good and Honest Heart.
A. A good and honest heart is something that God has always required (Jn. 7:17, David).
B. What are the characteristics of a good and honest heart?
1. Someone who loves God more than man (Mk. 12:30).
2. Someone who is willing to accept when they are wrong.
3. Someone who cares about others.
4. Someone who is willing to submit to God.