Attitudes Needed to Understand the Bible

Introduction:

A.     Many people misunderstand the Bible because they don’t 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 is meant by Divine Inspiration?  The entire 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 for a proof text.

4.      We must do what the Bible says every day of our life.

II. The Bible is Speaking Directly to Me.

D.     A major 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).

E.      The Bible speaks directly to me (Lk. 7:40, Rev. 2:7, Jn. 7:17)

F.      Replace the generic in the Bible and insert your name:

1.      _______ go into all the world and preach the gospel (Matt. 28:19).

2.      _______  knows to do right and does… (James 4:17).

3.      ________ shall know the truth (Jn. 8:32).

4.      ______ 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 that 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?

·  Someone who loves God more than man (Mk. 12:30).

·  Someone who is willing to accept when they are wrong.

·  Someone who cares about others.

·  Someone who is willing to submit to God.