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Can We. Understand the Bible. Alike?. 1 Corinthians 1:9-10. Is it possible for man to understand ANYTHING alike?. Sales ad Recipe Simple math Road signs The Bible. 2. 2. 4. +. =. Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE?. The testimony of the O.T. says, “YES!”
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Can We Understand the Bible Alike? 1 Corinthians 1:9-10
Is it possible for man to understand ANYTHING alike? • Sales ad • Recipe • Simple math • Road signs • The Bible 2 2 4 + =
Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE? • The testimony of the O.T. says, “YES!” • The law was read and understood by men, women & children (Neh. 8:2-3, 8) • The testimony of Jesus says, “YES!” • Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not knowing the Scriptures (Matt. 22:29) • Jesus said the good soil “hears the word and understands it” (Matt. 13:23) • Jesus said that “anyone who wills to do His will…shall know…the doctrine” (John 7:17) • Jesus said that Scriptures (His words) would judge all men in the last day (John 12:48)
Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE? • The testimony of the O.T. says, “YES!” • The testimony of Jesus says, “YES!” • The testimony of Paul says, “YES!” • Timothy understood the Scriptures from childhood (2 Tim. 3:15) • Whole books were to be read (Col. 4:16) • When Christians read the Scriptures they would understand them (Eph. 3:4) • Parts of books were addressed to husbands, wives, children, slaves, etc. (Eph. 5:22-6:9) • Readers were expected to understand the will of God (Eph. 5:17)
Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE Alike?? • Man can understand many matters alike • Understanding the Bible is not only possible Understanding the Bible IS EXPECTED! • If we understand the Bible at all, WE’LL UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE! • That’s the only way to understand it • No such thing as understanding differently • Man can misunderstand differently, but not understand differently • We don’t “understand math differently” • God created the world, us & the Bible x 2+2=3 2+2=4 2+2=5 x
Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE Alike??? • Man can understand many matters alike • Understanding the Bible is not only possible Understanding the Bible IS EXPECTED! • If we understand the Bible at all, WE’LL UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE! • That’s the only way to understand it • No such thing as understanding differently • Man can misunderstand differently, but not understand differently. • We don’t “understand math differently” • God created the world, us & the Bible Do you think God was up to the task of making Scripture understandable alike by all? If we "don't see Scripture alike," where does the fault lie? x 2+2=3 2+2=4 2+2=5 x
If the Bible cannot be understood ALIKE, then… • There can be no unity! • The unity Jesus prayed for is impossible (John 17:20-21). • The unity that Paul commanded is only wishful thinking (1 Corinthians 1:10). • Either God’s will or His ability is lacking! • Either God could write a book that could be understood but wouldn’t (not willing!)… • Or God would write a book that could be understood but couldn’t (not able!). • Yet He gave us a book & required us to understand it in order to be saved.
If the Bible cannot be understood ALIKE, then… • There can be no unity! • Either God’s will or His ability is lacking! • The Bible is reduced to nonsense! • Matthew 4:4 • John 8:31-32 • Romans 16:17 • 1 Corinthians 14:33 • 2 Corinthians 1:13 • Philippians 3:16 • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The reality is:We Do Understand the Bible Alike • Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-6 • Exodus 20:12-17 • Joshua 6:1-5 • Isaiah 53:3-8 • Matthew 22:37-39 • Romans 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:15; John 15:13 • We understand the Bible ALIKE UNTIL we get ourselves in the way! • Example: What does Mark 16:16 say?
Helps to Understanding the Bible & Understanding It Alike • Letting go of preconceived ideas & beliefs • Philippians 3:4-8 • Letting go of the words & teachings of man • Mark 7:8-13 • Respecting the Bible as THE authority in religion • Colossians 3:17; John 12:48 • Opening the mind & heart to finding truth • John 7:17; Matthew 7:7 • Having a desire for & true love for the truth • 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:2 • Desiring & expecting to understand • Ephesians 5:17 • Having an eagerness to submit fully to God’s word • Psalm 119:1-176
Helps to Understanding the Bible & Understanding It Alike • Study the Bible diligently & honestly (2 Tim. 2:15) • Consider the context • Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? • What is under discussion in verses before & after? • What part of the Bible? Is it figurative language? • Be thorough in your study • Gather all that the Bible says relevant to a topic • Realize that not all the truth is found in one verse • Handle aright (properly & accurately) the Word • If there is an apparent contradiction, allow the plain passage to explain the more difficult one • Use common sense
God’s Understandable Plan of Salvation for All Mankind • Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31 • Repent of your sins – Acts 3:19 • Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9 • Be immersed in water – Mark 16:16 • Sins are forgiven – Acts 2:38; 22:16 • Added to His church – Acts 2:47 • Registered in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 • Be a faithful servant until death – Matt. 25:23