THINGS
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER AS WE STUDY THE BIBLE
1. Not only every class study, but also every time of private
home study, should be prefaced by following the instructions
found in If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and
it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
2. Having asked wisdom and understanding of God, we must
study His Word with a mind willing to receive and believe
whatever we find there, even though we find some things
we have not believed before, and fail to find some which
we have all our lives supposed were true. To the law and
to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them. (Isa. 8:20)
3. We know that God’s Word cannot contradict itself.
When, therefore, in our study we come upon seeming contradictions,
we must search carefully for the clew that will harmonize
the apparently contradictory passages. This we may always
find if we follow the Scriptural injunction found in Come
now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: (Isa. 1:18)
Comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Cor. 2:13)
Rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)
4. We must note with special care to whom or of whom different
passages are written; also to what period of time they refer.
Much of the confusion of belief among God’s true children
arises because of a failure to notice these distinctions.
5. We must carefully 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,
expecting to find proof there.
