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Attitudes in Bible Study. The Christian and Bible Study (2). The Bible – the Word of God. The Bible is how God communicates to us. It is imperative that we properly understand His word – both what it is and in attitude.
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Attitudes in Bible Study The Christian and Bible Study (2)
The Bible – the Word of God • The Bible is how God communicates to us. • It is imperative that we properly understand His word – both what it is and in attitude. • Today we will discuss some improper and proper attitudes that we need to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Improper attitudes • God’s word can be misused – much of it begins with improper attitudes • 2 Peter 3:15-16 • Matthew 22:29 • Matthew 15:3-9
Improper attitudes • To find “proof texts” • Some approach scripture with prejudice – preconceived beliefs and no intention of changing. • Some will search scripture to prove their beliefs true – often they manipulate passages
Improper attitudes • To find “proof texts” • Jesus dealt with such attitudes – when He said they were wrong they called Him names, misrepresented His teachings, mocked Him, etc. • Some today approach scripture this way • Homosexuality • Rejecting baptism Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:20-21 • Brethren are not immune – MDR, proper worship, leadership questions, etc.
Improper attitudes • To find contradictions or oddities • Critics of scripture will look for contradictions. • Others look for trivia – shortest verse, longest verse, center of Bible, etc. • Such demonstrates a lack of interest in the true meaning of scripture
Improper attitudes • To impress others • Some study to “show off” about their knowledge. Some may seek to “stump the preacher”Difficult texts, etc. • They become obsessed with “endless genealogies, use wranglings, striving about words, etc. 1 Tim. 1:3, 6:20-21, 2 Tim. 2:14, etc. • Matthew 23:6-7, 6:7 • 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to present YOURSELF approved
Improper attitudes • Thinking you cannot understand the Bible without help • “Clergy-Laity”, Holy Spirit guidance, “ordained ministers”, etc.Rely upon them without investigation – Acts 17:11 • The Bible was written for the common person. Ephesians 5:17 • 1 Corinthians 1:18
Improper attitudes • To find “sound bites” • Some seek passages to quote in various situations – i.e. political leaders, special occasions, etc. • Example, “Judge not, that you be not judged” – used to promote unity in diversity - Matthew 7:1 • One preacher quoted John 19:30, “It is finished” at a building dedication
Proper attitudes • With faith • We must believe that what we have is the word of God and its teachings are true • Without this attitude, we will not take scripture seriously! • Far too many reject the Bible today - cf. Romans 9:32-33 • 2 Peter 1:3, Believe that it contains “all things that pertain to life and godliness.”
Proper attitudes • With reverence • When we view it as the word of God, we render due respect as we study it. • Holy Scriptures 2 Tim. 3:15 • 1 Thessalonians 2:13, received as the word of God • My concern with loose translations – they fail to give due reverence to the word of God.
Proper attitudes • Intending to obey • Knowledge without a desire to obey is inadequate! • Matthew 28:19-20 • Luke 6:46 • John 7:16-17 • James 1:25
Proper attitudes • With an open mind and love for truth • Willing to consider what it teaches, even if it means I have to change • Jesus was rejected by closed minds, Matthew 13:14-15 • Stephen was stoned because of close minds – Acts 7:57-58 • 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 – God will allow you to be deceived if you do not love the truth • John 3:19-21, love light
Proper attitudes • A desire to learn • We need to WANT to know His will! • Hungering and thirsting to be righteous - Matthew 5:6 • 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent…” • Psalm 1:2, meditate on it day and night • 2 Cor. 5:10, Rom. 14:10 we are dealing with matters of judgment and eternity • Digesting meat – Hebrews 5:12-14
Proper attitudes • Expect to understand it • We must believe that devoting time to learning His word will be beneficial 2 Tim. 3:16, 17 - profitable