Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. I Cor. 11:1
STUDYING THE BIBLE
Studying the Bible may seem tedious and confusing. In fact, mainstream churches hold that its study should be left to select individuals who have the gift of extraordinary intellect. Only the leaders who are ordained by the church are allowed to read and study the Bible. Discussions and preachings on basic Bible doctrines such as the nature of Christ and salvation are rare in church services today. If anything, the topic being focused on is about prosperity and abundance, quoting scriptures out of context to suit their point. Thus, members of these churches do not know the very reason why they go to church in the first place.
Of course, there are churches that do spend much time on studying the Bible. However, they teach and quote scriptures that will prove or justify their theological positions only without regard to the context of the passage they are citing. This is what we call as proof texting. Thus, members of these churches have all the reason in the world, even quoting verses in the Bible supporting their doctrines. However, it comes as a surprise to them , by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that their dearest verses are out of context when proper study of the Bible is revealed to them.
Studying the Bible may seem tedious and confusing. In fact, mainstream churches hold that its study should be left to select individuals who have the gift of extraordinary intellect. Only the leaders who are ordained by the church are allowed to read and study the Bible. Discussions and preachings on basic Bible doctrines such as the nature of Christ and salvation are rare in church services today. If anything, the topic being focused on is about prosperity and abundance, quoting scriptures out of context to suit their point. Thus, members of these churches do not know the very reason why they go to church in the first place.
Of course, there are churches that do spend much time on studying the Bible. However, they teach and quote scriptures that will prove or justify their theological positions only without regard to the context of the passage they are citing. This is what we call as proof texting. Thus, members of these churches have all the reason in the world, even quoting verses in the Bible supporting their doctrines. However, it comes as a surprise to them , by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that their dearest verses are out of context when proper study of the Bible is revealed to them.
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
Why is this so? Did God not give us the Bible for us to understand and profit? Does God provide us a system of study whereby we can understand Him and know His ways through the Bible?
God indeed provides a continuous line of communication with us. In the past, He used His angels, profits and apostles for communication. Now, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He uses the Bible for communicating us. Thus, God intends His word to be understood. To understand Him, He provides us a key on studying the Bible in II Tim. 2:15: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH."
Pastor Cornelius R. Stam has this to say on rightly dividing the word of truth:
"Studying the Bible dispensationally may seem confusing at first but actually it dispels confusion, explains difficult problems, reconciles seeming contradictions and lends power to the believer's ministry.
If I should step inside a modern United States Post Office all would doubtless seem very confusing to me. But it would be a mistake to suggest piling all the mail neatly in one corner and handing it out promiscuously to all comers as some would do with the Bible. The postal employees must "rightly divide" the mail so that each person receives what is addressed to him. What seems like confusion to the novice is really a simplification of the work to be done in getting each person's private mail to him.
It is granted that in the Bible even that which was addressed to those of other dispensations is given to us for our learning and profit, but we must not confuse this with our own private mail or make the mistake of carrying out instructions meant particularly for others.
While I am reading mail addressed personally to me, a friend may hand me, for my interest or information, mail addressed to him. His mail and mine may all prove informative and profitable, but I must still be careful not to confuse the two, expecting to receive things promised to him or carrying out instructions addressed to him.
Thus all the Bible is for us, but it is not all addressed to us or written about us, and if we would really understand and enjoy it; if we would really know how to use it effectively in service for Christ, we must be careful always to note who is addressing whom, about what and when and why."
Pastor Roy Toledo Velasco
Church Pastor
Of course, there are churches that do spend much time on studying the Bible. However, they teach and quote scriptures that will prove or justify their theological positions only without regard to the context of the passage they are citing. This is what we call as proof texting. Thus, members of these churches have all the reason in the world, even quoting verses in the Bible supporting their doctrines. However, it comes as a surprise to them , by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that their dearest verses are out of context when proper study of the Bible is revealed to them.
Studying the Bible may seem tedious and confusing. In fact, mainstream churches hold that its study should be left to select individuals who have the gift of extraordinary intellect. Only the leaders who are ordained by the church are allowed to read and study the Bible. Discussions and preachings on basic Bible doctrines such as the nature of Christ and salvation are rare in church services today. If anything, the topic being focused on is about prosperity and abundance, quoting scriptures out of context to suit their point. Thus, members of these churches do not know the very reason why they go to church in the first place.
Of course, there are churches that do spend much time on studying the Bible. However, they teach and quote scriptures that will prove or justify their theological positions only without regard to the context of the passage they are citing. This is what we call as proof texting. Thus, members of these churches have all the reason in the world, even quoting verses in the Bible supporting their doctrines. However, it comes as a surprise to them , by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that their dearest verses are out of context when proper study of the Bible is revealed to them.
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
Why is this so? Did God not give us the Bible for us to understand and profit? Does God provide us a system of study whereby we can understand Him and know His ways through the Bible?
God indeed provides a continuous line of communication with us. In the past, He used His angels, profits and apostles for communication. Now, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He uses the Bible for communicating us. Thus, God intends His word to be understood. To understand Him, He provides us a key on studying the Bible in II Tim. 2:15: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH."
Pastor Cornelius R. Stam has this to say on rightly dividing the word of truth:
"Studying the Bible dispensationally may seem confusing at first but actually it dispels confusion, explains difficult problems, reconciles seeming contradictions and lends power to the believer's ministry.
If I should step inside a modern United States Post Office all would doubtless seem very confusing to me. But it would be a mistake to suggest piling all the mail neatly in one corner and handing it out promiscuously to all comers as some would do with the Bible. The postal employees must "rightly divide" the mail so that each person receives what is addressed to him. What seems like confusion to the novice is really a simplification of the work to be done in getting each person's private mail to him.
It is granted that in the Bible even that which was addressed to those of other dispensations is given to us for our learning and profit, but we must not confuse this with our own private mail or make the mistake of carrying out instructions meant particularly for others.
While I am reading mail addressed personally to me, a friend may hand me, for my interest or information, mail addressed to him. His mail and mine may all prove informative and profitable, but I must still be careful not to confuse the two, expecting to receive things promised to him or carrying out instructions addressed to him.
Thus all the Bible is for us, but it is not all addressed to us or written about us, and if we would really understand and enjoy it; if we would really know how to use it effectively in service for Christ, we must be careful always to note who is addressing whom, about what and when and why."
Pastor Roy Toledo Velasco
Church Pastor
