The Virgin Birth Of Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 12-22-2013

Galatians 4:1-5; Matthew 1:18-25

 

Introduction:

A. It is the Christmas season, in which we normally deal with the incarnation of the Son of God.

1. One of the most precious of all doctrines is that of the Virgin Birth of Christ. How important it is to the salvation of the child of God! The Virgin Birth of Christ is often referred to as “The Doctrine of Holy Ground!”

2. The wording in Matthew 1:18 differentiate the birth of Christ from the series of “begats” found in the preceding verses. “Espoused wife” and “before they came together” declares a birth like none other that preceded it.

B. The virgin birth of Christ is the pivotal point between Promise or Prophecy and Performance.

1. It is a doctrine both Sweetly Adored and Severely Attacked. It the mystery of mysteries, the jewel of all ages, the hope of mankind, and the love of God manifested.

2. It was a miraculous event. A miracle is a phenomenon that cannot be explained outside the realm of supernatural intervention. It is an event that supersedes natural law. No other child born of man has been born without the seed of the man. The “seed of the woman” combined with the seed of the Holy Ghost to bring forth the God-Man!

3. The immortal became mortal that the mortal may become immortal - 1 Timothy 6:16a Who only hath immortality

1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

4. The untouchable became touchable - 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;.

C. In our text found in Matthew, the Holy Ghost used the words “espoused wife.”

1. espouse 5x - a) to woo her and ask her in marriage b) to be promised in marriage, be betrothed

Matthew 1:18 - “before they came together”

Matthew 1:23 “a virgin shall be with child”

Matthew 1:25 - “and knew her not till”

Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

2. The Promise of the woman’s seed. Genesis 3:15—“ And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

a) A “seed” (Christ) would be born of a woman, without a man being involved (Gal 3:16; 4:4-5).

b) The word “seed” is used over a hundred times in the Bible, but always in reference to and in connection with the male. The only exception is here.

c) The woman has no reproductive seed within her, unless it is put there from another source.

d) The seed is always resident in the male. Biologically, the man delivers the “seed” to the woman so it said that a child is the father’s offspring (see Lev. 15:16 cf. Jer. 33:26).

3. The Purity of the woman’s seed. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

a) Sin made man’s blood corrupt. The sin nature is passed down from generation to generation through the blood (Rom. 5:12-“For by one MAN sin entered the world…”).

b) Jesus blood was pure and without sin, because God was His Father. The life of the flesh is in the blood (Lev. 17:11). There is no blood in the female ovum until fertilized by the male seed (sperm).

ILLUS– Egg of a hen. Unfertilized it is simply a shell with a white and yoke. You could incubate it, but nothing would happen. However, if it were fertilized by the seed of a rooster, an embryo would form and blood veins would appear (candling eggs). Since the life of the flesh is in the blood, the question of when does life begin is settled! Life begins with the formation of the blood cells.

4. Because there was no male seed in the conception of Christ, His blood is untainted by sin! The blood of the unborn baby is completely separate from that of the mother. Christ’s blood was DIVINE BLOOD (Acts 20:28).

D. The Miracle of the Virgin Birth is beyond human comprehension!

1. The Virgin Birth Was Prophesied - Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

2. The Virgin Birth Was Performed - Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (“On this wise” sets the birth of Christ apart from the “begats” of the first 17 verses!)

E. Dr. Herbert Lockyer said it this way, “The incarnation is the most stupendous miracle comprehending and involving all other miracles, and because it is a theme both deep and delicate, infinite and incomprehensible, how about “finding out acceptable words”. The ground we approach is holy calling for the putting off of our shoes.”

F. G. Campbell Morgan said that in the presence of such a holy miracle “there can be no fitting attitude of the human intellect save that of acceptance of the truth without any attempt to explain the mystery.”

G. One writer expressed it this way, “I will seek to believe rather than to reason, to adore rather than to explain, to give thanks rather that to penetrate; to love rather than to know; to humble myself rather than to speak.”

The Ancient of Days became a babe at Bethlehem

He who thunders in the heavens crying in a cradle

He who gives to all their meat in due season, nursing at his Mother’s breast.

He who made all flesh now made of flesh

He who could summon legions of angels, while wrapped in infant’s clothes.

The mighty God, now a helpless child

God and man became one Person.

The Importance Of The Virgin Birth:

1. Scriptural Credibility Depends Upon It - Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (If the Scripture errs on this point, how can we trust any other supernatural event such as the death, burial, and resurrection?)

2. The Deity Of Christ Depends Upon It - 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (If the Scripture errs on this point, then anyone could have been His father and He would not be the only begotten Son of God!)

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

3. The Sinless Humanity Of Christ Depends Upon It - John 1:1-2, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (If the Scripture errs on this point, then the blood of Christ was tainted with the sin of Adam and Christ would have had an Adamic nature!)

1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

4. The Vicarious Atonement Of Christ Depends Upon It - Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: (If the Scripture errs on this point, then the blood of Christ could not save!)

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

5. The Ultimate Defeat Of Evil Depends Upon It - Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. (If the Scripture errs on this point, then evil would ultimately win and Satan would reign!)

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

6. The Security Of The Believer Depends Upon It - Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (If the Scripture errs on this point, then the blood would ultimately corrupt and we would perish!)

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Continue In Prayer

Temple Baptist Church - 12-4-2013

Colossians 4:2-4

 

Introduction:

A. We are commanded to pray corporately. One of the foremost essentials of the both the believer and the local church is that of prayer.

Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

B. We, here at Temple Baptist Church, pray often. We have prayer meeting each Saturday night at 6:00 PM. We take prayer requests before Sunday School begins and we pray. We take requests and we pray in men and ladies’ prayer rooms before the service. We pray to begin each service. We pray several times in the process of the service and dismiss each service in prayer.

C. Do we pray for the power of God and His blessings upon us or do we pray out of ritual? That is where we find the Jews at the Temple in the days of Christ. Pray should never be a formality but communion with our heavenly Father!

1. I find in our verse for tonight a perilous possibility: ceasing to pray. We work things out in our own strength and wisdom. One of the problems that we face today is that we are good at “religion.” We know “how” to do things; we are organized and our worship services have become liturgical instead of spiritual: form without “fire!”

2. I fear that prayer in the churches in general has also become liturgical.

Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

3. I am not saying that we should not continue to ask for things when we pray.

Luke 18:2-8 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: (3) And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. (4) And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; (5) Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. (6) And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. (7) And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? (8) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

4. We often hear people reciting the Model Prayer in unison and I am not totally opposed to it but it was given simply given to the disciples as a model of how to pray. Is is erroneously called “The Lord’s Prayer” by most but the Lord’s Prayer is found in John 17 when our Lord Jesus Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

D. We are to pray individually. Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

E. It is important that we spend time in pray both in our “prayer closet” and “without ceasing!”

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

F. Paul said to “continue in prayer.” This expresses the possibility of God’s people ceasing to pray. Prayer is a privilege and answered pray is a blessing!

1. People do not get their prayers answered because they simply do not ask! James 4:2b … ye have not, because ye ask not.

2. People do not get their prayers answered because they ask them selfishly! James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

3. People do not get their prayers answered because they do not believe God! Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

4. People do not get their prayers answered because they give up! Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

5. People so not get their prayers answered because they are not seeking God’s will! 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

6. People do not get their prayers answered because of sinfulness! Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

7. People do not get their prayers answered because of a wrong marital relationship! 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

8. People do not get their prayers answered because of they are lost! Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

1. Prayer is to be personal. Everyone needs to spend time in prayer.

2. Prayer is to be focused. We are to pray specifically.

3. Prayer is to be regular. Closet prayer.

4. Prayer is to be continual. Pray w/o ceasing.

5. Prayer is to be expectant. Pray believing.

6. Prayer is to be communal. Seeking a personal communion with God.

7. Prayer is to be spiritual. Praying in the Holy Ghost.

The Purpose Of Christmas

Temple Baptist Church - 12-1-2013

Matthew 1:18-25

 

Introduction:

A. As we now are enjoying what is called the “Christmas Season,” it would do us well to reflect upon the real meaning of this time of the year. There is much controversy concerning the time of the birth of the Messiah and I personally think that Scripture teaches that he was born in the fall of the year and not the winter.

B. Men will have to settle in their own hearts how and when to celebrate the Lord’s wonderful birth and it should be celebrated year around. But here in America, most celebrate His birth on December 25^th, regardless of how the tradition began.

Romans 14:5-6a One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.

C. Some choose to celebrate it during the Christmas Season while others choose not. I understand its beginning but have no problem with praising the Lord for His coming to earth this time of the year. The main thing is that He did come!

D. There is little or nothing that I can preach to you this year that you have not heard before but we are admonished to preach Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

E. Most of us, from our childhood, have known of the wonderful birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—but it is a story that never grows old and holds for this preacher a wonder and beauty that never fades!

F. I want to look this morning at the purpose of His coming. In verse 21, the Bible says, “and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

1. What Is Sin? It has been said that there are 726 sins named in the Bible. I do not know personally because I have not taken the time to count them and would probably miss many of them in the process, so I will just take these theologians at their word. There are several rather large listings of sin such as: Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

a. Sin Defined:

1) Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance definition of “sins” is – to miss the mark! To violate God’s law

2) Webster’s states that, “sin is any offence or fault. It is the breaking of a religious or moral law.

3) The Greek dictionary defines sin as missing the mark; to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor. The Greek also states sin is a violation of the divine law in thought or in act.

4) What is the Bible definition?

1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (A transgression means to over step, to cross over the line God has drawn, or to jump the fence. The Word of God (Law) is the fence referred to. Therefore, transgression is an act of rebellion against the known will of God.)

1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. (Unrighteousness is wickedness, iniquity, inward crookedness, perversity, and stubbornly contrary to God’s Word and Will.)

Romans 14:23b For whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (If our actions are not those motivated by faith then it is sin. Open sin is probably not hindering revival as much as a lack of faith.)

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (If a person fails to practice what is good, his action or his lack of action is sin. This is generally called a sin of omission.)

b. Generally, we classify sins in two ways :

1) Sins of Commission – things that we do that are contrary to God’s Word. God says not to do something and we do it anyway. (The over stepping of God’s Law – a trespass.)

2) Sins of Omission – things that we do not do that are contrary to God’s Will. (God says to do something and we choose not to obey because of stubbornness.)

Jesus Came To Die For Sin!

2. Who Has Sinned?

a. The First Man Sinned - Romans 5:12a Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin;

Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

b. All Have Sinned – Romans 5:12b and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Both Jews And Gentiles)

Romans 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (That is Me! That is you!)

c. The Sinless Became Sin!

1 Timothy 1:15 This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Jesus Came To Save Sinners!

3. What Is The Consequence Of Sin?

a. A Wasted Life - Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death;

b. A Wasted Eternity - Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Jesus Came To Take Away The Penalty Of Sin!

A. Jesus Came To Die! JESUS – “Jehovah is salvation”

John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

B. Jesus Came To Seek And To Save!

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

C. Jesus Came To Give Eternal Life To All Who Believe!

Romans 6:23b but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Conclusion: Why did Jesus come! Because of His great love, He came to die for us on Calvary!

“Study” Part 2

Temple Baptist Church - 11-24-2013

2 Timothy 2:15

Introduction:

A.  Last week, we looked at the command, commendation, and benefits of Bible study.  This week, I want to give a quick overview as to who can study and how to study.

B.  There are several things that you need and also need to realize before you begin to study God’s Word.

1.  First of all, you need to realize that this is a supernatural Book.  This Book is a God made Book; this Book contains the mind of a thrice holy God; this Book is a living Book; this Book will feed you, guide you, warn you, admonish you, comfort you, reprove you, correct you, exhort you, and fill your heart and mind with the will and way of God.

2.  Secondly, you need to make sure that you have the right Bible!  There is only one that is correct.  Things that are different are not the same.  You need the Authorized King James Bible.  The question may be asked by some, “What is the big deal about only one Bible?”  If every word that God inspires is important, and it is, then you do not want verses left out, words left out, words changed, etc.  Start with the right Bible and you will end with the right message.

3.  Thirdly, you need some good tools to work with.  I am not saying that you cannot study your Bible by itself because you can but good men have provided us with good tools.  You can chop wood with an axe or you can use a chain saw.  You can plow with a mule or you can use a John Deere Tractor. 

a)  You need a good concordance.  This allows you to quickly find verses and subject matter.  I prefer Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. 

b)  You need a good dictionary.  Though our English language is evolving, the wording of the King James Bible is not archaic!  It is English at the height of its beauty.  I use a Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.  It is also available online for free.

c)  There are several good bible programs available online or for download that are free.  I use Esword.  It has many different aspects that make bible study both efficient and accurate.  It has

d)  A good Bible Atlas.  It is important that we be able to perceive the geography and topography of the land as it brings to life the stories of the Bible.

e)  Commentaries should be used both sparingly and LAST!  They are men’s thoughts and commentaries on the Bible, not God’s  You are studying to find out what God says and thinks, not what man says about what God says and thinks.

C.  M. R. DeHaan set forth some good rules for Bible Study that I want to use.  I will not use all of his rules but most of them.

1.  RULE #1 IS THE RULE OF REGENERATION - You need to know that you are saved!  The natural or unsaved man cannot understand the things of God.  The Bible says that they are spiritually discerned!  An unsaved person may be able to quote Scripture but they will never fully understand what they quote until they are saved and have the Author of the Bible, the Holy Spirit, living in their hearts.

1 Corinthians 2:9-16  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  (10)  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  (11)  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  (12)  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  (13)  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  (14)  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  (15)  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  (16)  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:18-19  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  (19)  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

2.  RULE #2 IS THE RULE OF AUTHORITY (OR DIVINE AUTHORSHIP) - Unless we believe that this Book is infallible, inerrant Word of God, it is useless for us to try to study it.  We must get to the point in our Christian life that the Bible is the final authority on every subject.  In fact the Bible claims itself claims authority.       

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Peter 1:23-25  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  (24)  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  (25)  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

2 Peter 1:19-21  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  (20)  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  (21)  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

3.  RULE #3 IS THE RULE OF SELECTIVE READING – The Bible should be our textbook concerning the interpretation or application of itself.  Many people ask what Bible study helps should they have or need in order to understand the Bible better.  One preacher stated Bible commentaries are like sheep; they all go astray.  Let me give you a few items that you can get and are very inexpensive in themselves.  Really they are an investment in your Christian life.  Once again:

1.  A King James Bible.  A study Bible is fine but it is to be remembered that the notes and cross references are the work of fallible, sinful man.  I like a Bible with no notes in it.  One preacher said that commentaries are like sheep: they all go astray!

2. A CONCORDANCE - An exhaustible is the best but if affordability is a consideration then abridged is helpful.  There are three excellent ones that are the most commonly used: Strong’s; Young’s and Cruden’s.  We used to say, “Cruden’s for the Crude, Young’s for the Young, and Strong’s for the Strong.”  I recommend Strong’s.

3.  A GOOD BIBLE DICTIONARY OR AN OLD WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY - Some books are good to have but not necessary.  But you should be careful what you read or who you read.  There is a lot of “Christian” authors who distort the truths of God’s Word.  A good book for you to read is a book by C. I. Scofield called “Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth.”  Oliver Greene has many great commentaries.  One preacher made this observation:  “Isn’t it amazing that the Lord knows more about the Bible than Matthew Henry.”

4.  RULE #4 IS THE RULE OF LITERAL INTERPRETATION - This Bible is full of literal things and should be interpreted literally unless common sense indicates that this is figurative or not to be taken literally.

D.  Now, how to study your Bible. 

1.  Study your Bible prayerfully.  Ask the Lord to open the Scriptures as you open your heart and mind to the truth enfolded within its pages.  Wisdom and understand are the principle things.

Psalms 119:130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

James 1:5  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.

Proverbs 4:7  Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

2.  Study your Bible systematically.  So many people just open their Bible to whatever page it happens to open to and read there.  Scripture must be interpreted with Scripture!  If you change one verse in this Bible, you must change it all because it is intricately tied together.

Isaiah 28:10  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Isaiah 28:13  But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

3.  Study your Bible contextually.  You can make the Bible say almost anything you want it to say by basing doctrine on one verse.  

2 Peter 1:20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

a.  D.A. Carson has been quoted as saying, "A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text." By "proof text," Carson means the abuse of a single verse or phrase taken out of context to "prove" a particular view.

b.  The word "text" is derived from the Latin word, which means to ―weave.  The context is that which accompanies the text. The Word of God is a perfect unit. The scriptures cannot be broken; they all stand together in perfect unity.

c.  Every text has its immediate context in the passage from which it comes, its broader context in the book to which it belongs, and its ultimate context in the Bible as a whole; and it needs to be rightly related to each of these contexts if its character, scope and significance is to be adequately understood.

d.  One caution concerning context, watch out for verse and chapter divisions, you may miss the context.

4.  Study your Bible verbally.  There are no unnecessary words in the Bible.  God wastes no words and, therefore, every word is of the utmost importance. 

Matthew 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

John 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

5.  Study your Bible progressively.  One of the principles that I use most in Bible study is that of First Mention.  In the first mention of any subject, God will reveal His truth concerning that subject and never vary from it.  Throughout the rest of the Bible, that particular truth will be progressively enlightened until the whole truth is revealed.

Psalms 36:9  For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Proverbs 4:18  But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

6.  Study your Bible prophetically.  The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed while the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.  In the Old, we find types, anti-types, and shadows of the New.  Learn to find Christ in every part and God’s perfect will for your life.  Paul revealed this truth to the Corinthian believers.

1 Corinthians 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

7.  Study your Bible and make personal application. 

Hebrews 4:12-13  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (13)  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

James 1:22-25  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  (23)  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  (24)  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  (25)  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.