LTRBE Seminar | Section 3: The Bible Interprets Itself
Section 3: The Bible Interprets Itself
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS...
How many times have you heard of a person who spent a frustrating evening assembling his child's bike only to find out after the fact that he has assembled the handlebars backwards! Of course, we all know the modern proverb:
"when all else fails, read the instructions."
This is of course true when reading the Bible. We need to learn from our life's experiences and recognize that the key to easier (not easy) understanding of the Bible is found within its own pages. Our tendency is to not look far enough for answers within the book when we encounter something we do not understand.
A basic principle to reading the Bible more effectively lies in this simple fact:
FACT: Your questions about what the Bible teaches are answered in the Bible.
We know that is like asking who is buried in Grant's tomb? However, with human nature, the obvious solution is often our last resort. Read the instructions first is the obvious solution to preventing frustration with most of life's projects.
ANSWERS ARE FOUND NEAR AND FAR
Look in the same chapter or surrounding chapters:
Christ's explanation of the parable of the Sower
- Matt. 13:3-8 compare Matt. 13:18-23
- note they are not adjacentNebuchadnezzar's vision of the Image
- Daniel 2:31-45
- Note that Daniel recognized the dream would be revealed by God.
- vs 22 "He revealeth the deep and secret things."
Look in other books of the Bible (especially New vs Old Testament)
It was an angel who spoke to Moses in the burning bush
- Exodus 3:4 compare Acts 7:30-31Why Jesus Said "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
- Matt. 27:46 compare Psalm 22
DO
- Look first to the Bible for answers to questions
- Read all of the Bible to find answers to your questions
- Write down your questions (it may be awhile until you get to the answer)
DON'T
- Expect quick answers
- Look at isolated passages and draw conclusions
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