Doesn't the Bible interpret itself?

Back up your answers with Bible references and/or SOP references.

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl

You know..."Hermen-eutics?"

The best way I have seen yet to determine the Bible's own expressed hermeneutics, is to just see what is written therein, regarding this subject. SOP also has lots to offer.

I will start with one example; and will look forward to learning more here.

I would be particularly interested in any rules for interpretation of prophecy - fulfilled, and unfulfilled. But I will leave that alone for this post, as time is limited now:

It is not a good idea to read Scripture in a hurry, because it could obscure some important truth. As Nehemiah puts it:

Neh.8:8 "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."

"And gave the sense," also meaning that we need to give the correct context of a verse. It is dangerous to make a doctrine out of one, short text, while passing by many other, related texts.

COL.335.003
The culture and right use of the voice are greatly neglected, even by persons of intelligence and Christian activity. There are many who read or speak in so low or so rapid a manner that they cannot be readily understood. Some have a thick, indistinct utterance; others speak in a high key, in sharp, shrill tones, that are painful to the hearers. Texts, hymns, and the reports and other papers presented before public assemblies are sometimes read in such a way that they are not understood and often so that their force and impressiveness are destroyed.
COL.335.004
This is an evil that can and should be corrected. On this point the Bible gives instruction. Of the Levites who read the Scriptures to the people in the days of Ezra, it is said, "They read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." Neh. 8:8.
COL.335.005
By diligent effort all may acquire the power to read intelligibly, and to speak in a full, clear, round tone, in a distinct and impressive manner. By doing this we may greatly increase our efficiency as workers for Christ.
COL.336.001
Every Christian is called to make known to others the unsearchable riches of Christ; therefore he should seek for perfection in speech. He should present the word of God in a way that will commend it to the hearers. God does not design that His human channels shall be uncouth. It is not His will that man shall belittle or degrade the heavenly current that flows through him to the world."

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"...you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3

DavidTBattler

[This message has been edited by DavidTBattler (edited December 01, 2001).]

2. Doctrinal harmony is essential. "As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Gal 1:9.

3. Do not add to or subtract from the meaning of the Bible. "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book." Rev 22:18,19.

5T.746.002
“The union of the divine with the human nature is one of the most precious and most mysterious truths of the plan of redemption. It is this of which Paul speaks when he says: "Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh."

GC.00v.004
“The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, vi and not of human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." John 1:14.

Sometimes, people go off on obscure tangents; especially when it comes to prophecy; and we can know there are holes in the prophecy, or any doctrine, if it somehow takes away from the Bible’s universal theology.

It is very sad indeed to see many false theories coming to light in God’s Remnant Church.

“False theories, clothed with garments of light, will be presented to God’s people…It is fearfully dangerous now to be unable to discern the Truth.” (R&H, Oct.13, 1904).

“The time has come when we cannot depend upon the doctrine that comes to our ears, unless we see that it harmonizes with the Word of God. There are dangerous hearsies THAT WILL BE PRESENTED AS BIBLE DOCTRINES, and we are to become aquainted with the Bible so that we may know how to meet them. The faith OF EVERYONE, will [thus] pass through a trial of close criticism.” (R&H, May 3rd, 1887).

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"...you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3

DavidTBattler

1. (“not so much” phrase search)
A knowledge of the truth depends not so much upon strength of intellect as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith. To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of the truth. {COL 59.3}

The good-ground hearers, having heard the word, keep it. Satan with all his agencies of evil is not able to catch it away. {COL 59.4}

Merely to hear or to read the word is not enough. He who desires to be profited by the Scriptures must meditate upon the truth that has been presented to him. By earnest attention and prayerful thought he must learn the meaning of the words of truth, and drink deep of the spirit of the holy oracles. {COL 59.5}

God bids us fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. Then clearer and still clearer will be our perception of truth, higher, holier, our desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of Scriptures. {COL 60.1}

"And bring forth fruit." Those who, having heard the word, keep it, will bring forth fruit in obedience. The word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life. Christ said of Himself, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart." Ps. 40:8. "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." John 5:30. And the Scripture says, "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6. {COL 60.2}

The word of God often comes in collision with man's hereditary and cultivated traits of character and his habits of life. But the good-ground hearer, in receiving the word, accepts all its conditions and requirements. His habits, customs, and practices are brought into submission to God's word. In his view the commands of finite, erring man sink into insignificance beside the word of the infinite God. With the whole heart, with undivided purpose, he is seeking the life eternal, and at the cost of loss, persecution, or death itself, he will obey the truth. {COL 60.3}

And he brings forth fruit "with patience." None who receive God's word are exempt from difficulty and trial; but when affliction comes, the true Christian does not become restless, distrustful, or despondent. Though we can not see the definite outcome of affairs, or discern the purpose of God's providences, we are not to cast away our confidence. Remembering the tender mercies of the Lord, we should cast our care upon Him, and with patience wait for His salvation. {COL 60.4}
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2.
Success depends not so much on talent as on energy and willingness. It is not the possession of splendid talents that enables us to render acceptable service; but the conscientious performance of daily duties, the contented spirit, the unaffected, sincere interest in the welfare of others. In the humblest lot true excellence may be found. The commonest tasks, wrought with loving faithfulness, are beautiful in God's sight.--Prophets and Kings, p. 219. {ChS 264.1}

The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character is built up by individual acts of duty. And faithfulness should characterize our life in the least as well as in the greatest of its details. Integrity in little things, the performance of little acts of fidelity and little deeds of kindness, will gladden the path of life; and when our work on earth is ended, it will be found that every one of the little duties faithfully performed has exerted an influence for good,--an influence that can never perish.--Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 574. {ChS 264.2}
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3. How the message will be carried & God’s plan for proclaiming it. Adapt Bible study to prepare for those terms of use . (See {CM 152.1 - 155.2} “When God's servants with consecrated zeal co-operate with divine instrumentalities, the state of things that exists in this world will be changed, and soon the earth will with joy receive her King. Then "they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."--Review and Herald, Sept. 17, 1903. {CM 155.2}

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4.
(Mind-set & Intent & practice of those entering into Bible study / engrafting Scripture.)

“By the simplest means character is often tested. Those who in time of peril were intent upon supplying their own wants were not the men to be trusted in an emergency. The Lord has no place in His work for the indolent and self-indulgent. The men of His choice were the few who would not permit their own wants to delay them in the discharge of duty. The three hundred chosen men not only possessed courage and self-control, but they were men of faith. They had not defiled themselves with idolatry. God could direct them, and through them He could work deliverance for Israel. Success does not depend upon numbers. God can deliver by few as well as by many. He is honored not so much by the great numbers as by the character of those who serve Him. {CC 128.3}
All who would be soldiers of the cross of Christ, must gird on the armor and prepare for conflict. They should not be intimidated by threats, or terrified by dangers. They must be cautious in peril, yet firm and brave in facing the foe and doing battle for God. The consecration of Christ's follower must be complete. Father, mother, wife, children, houses, lands, everything, must be held secondary to the work and cause of God. He must be willing to bear patiently, cheerfully, joyfully, whatever in God's providence he may be called to suffer. His final reward will be to share with Christ the throne of immortal glory. {CC 128.4}
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5.
Many long for special talent with which to do a wonderful work, while the duties lying close at hand, the performance of which would make the life fragrant, are lost sight of. . . . Success depends not so much on talent as on energy and willingness. It is not the possession of splendid talents that enables us to render acceptable service, but the conscientious performance of daily duties, the contented spirit, the unaffected, sincere interest in the welfare of others. In the humblest lot true excellence may be found. The commonest tasks, wrought with loving faithfulness, are beautiful in God's sight. {CC 221.4}
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6. Reference given only - {CSW 17.1 - 57.2}
Sabbath School - A School for Bible Study.
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7.
It should be the determination of every soul, not so much to seek to understand all about the conditions that will prevail in the future state, as to know what the Lord requires of him in this life. It is the will of God that each professing Christian shall perfect a character after the divine similitude. By studying the character of Christ revealed in the Bible, by practicing His virtues, the believer will be changed into the same likeness of goodness and mercy. Christ's work of self-denial and sacrifice brought into the daily life will develop the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. There are many who wish to evade the cross-bearing part, but the Lord speaks to all when He says, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24. {CT 249.1}

A great work is to be accomplished by the setting forth of the saving truths of the Bible. This is the means ordained of God to stem the tide of moral corruption in the earth. Christ gave His life to make it possible for man to be restored to the image of God. It is the power of His grace that draws men together in obedience to the truth. Those who would experience more of the sanctification of the truth in their own souls should present this truth to those who are ignorant of it. Never will they find a more elevating, ennobling work. {CT 249.2}
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8.
And to a large degree theology, as studied and taught, is but a record of human speculation, serving only to darken "counsel by words without knowledge." Job 38:2. Too often the motive in accumulating these many books is not so much a desire to obtain food for mind and soul, as it is an ambition to become acquainted with philosophers and theologians, a desire to present Christianity to the people in learned terms and propositions. {CT 380.3}

Not all the books written can serve the purpose of a holy life. "Learn of Me," said the Great Teacher, "take My yoke upon you, learn My meekness and lowliness." Your intellectual pride will not aid you in communicating with souls that are perishing for want of the bread of life. In your study of these books you are allowing them to take the place of the practical lessons you should be learning from Christ. With the results of this study the people are not fed. Very little of the research which is so wearying to the mind furnishes that which will help one to be a successful laborer for souls. {CT 380.4}

The Saviour came "to preach the gospel to the poor." Luke 4:18. In His teaching He used the simplest terms and the plainest symbols. And it is said that "the common people heard Him gladly." Mark 12:37. Those who are seeking to do His work for this time need a deeper insight into the lessons He has given. {CT 381.1}

The words of the living God are the highest of all education. Those who minister to the people need to eat of the bread of life. This will give them spiritual strength; then they will be prepared to minister to all classes of people. {CT 381.2}
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9. {See DA p- 141.5 - 143.1}
Philip said to Nathanael, "Come and see." He did not ask him to accept another's testimony, but to behold Christ for himself. Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His disciples are His representatives among men, and one of the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in exemplifying His character in our daily life. Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world. {DA 141.5}

The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character. {DA 142.1}

And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Prov. 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption. {DA 142.2}............medium of communication of men with God, and of God with men.(p-143)

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10.
(What is the goal & purpose of Bible Study ? Getting to Heaven ? Helping Others get there TOO ????? Then why the lopsided focus upon supposed technical aspects of Bible Study - that actually totally miss - conversion and converted growth-the Divine purpose of Bible Study. ???

Because dry theology that does not personally convert to Jesus topic by topic, is easier endure than the cross of Calvary applied topic by topic within your own heart and life, by the which understanding and knowledge follow during the experience, not in place of, neither precede it. You too often remain a knowledgable lost person pretending to abide in Jesus. Unengrafted Bible Study imparts facts but no heart change. Sometimes Bible sword fights can not be avoided, but when they become habits something is wrong. Plus are you Biblically sword fighting to kill only or to save? The Word is alive and the Holy Ghost directs and empowers it or stands back as you drown in theological quicksand. He sets the terms and enter and live secure or stay outside in the Word twisting hurricane. Hurricanes spawn tornados - in Scripture who is said to reap the whirlwind ? What good is Bible Study if you do not yourself enter into the kingdom of God ?

God makes Bible study supernaturally flow and blossom and bare fruit, when you study to learn how to obey & conform to what the Bible says & how to help others in the spirit of Agape. )
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See - {DA 173.3 - 175.5}
Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. Nicodemus received the lesson, and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way, not for the discussion of a theory, but in order to receive life for the soul. He began to see the kingdom of heaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit. {DA 175.2}
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Edward F Sutton

Study the Bible to get facts. You find them.

That does not guarantee either conversion nor love of the truth. Without those, after a while the specter of personal delusion & theological quicksand becomes your emminent danger. But you are walking blindly and fall into it thinking it is "new light" & how great is the darkness.

There is a better way that enlists God's tutoring you into all truth as rapidly as you can absorb it & profit by it & use it.
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Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Romans 8:9 But <1161> ye <5210> are <2075> (5748) not <3756> in <1722> the flesh <4561>, but <235> in <1722> the Spirit <4151>, if so be <1512> that the Spirit <4151> of God <2316> dwell <3611> (5719) in <1722> you <5213>. Now <1161> if any man <1536> have <2192> (5719) not <3756> the Spirit <4151> of Christ <5547>, he <3778> is <2076> (5748) none <3756> of his <846>.

4151 pneuma pneuma pnyoo’-mah

from 4154; TDNT-6:332,876; n n

AV-Spirit 111, (Holy) Ghost 89, Spirit (of God) 13, Spirit (of the Lord) 5, (My) Spirit 3, Spirit (of truth) 3, Spirit (of Christ) 2, human (spirit) 49, (evil) spirit 47, spirit (general) 26, spirit 8, (Jesus’ own) spirit 6, (Jesus’ own) ghost 2, misc 21; 385

1) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
1a) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his personality and character (the Holy Spirit)
1b) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his work and power (the Spirit of Truth)
1c) never referred to as a depersonalised force
2) the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated
2a) the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides
2b) the soul
3) a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting
3a) a life giving spirit
3b) a human soul that has left the body
3c) a spirit higher than man but lower than God, i.e. an angel
3c1) used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived as inhabiting the bodies of men
3c2) the spiritual nature of Christ, higher than the highest angels and equal to God, the divine nature of Christ
4) the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one
4a) the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.
5) a movement of air (a gentle blast)
5a) of the wind, hence the wind itself
5b) breath of nostrils or mouth

For Synonyms see entry 5923
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What is the Spirit of Christ?

Holy Ghost that brings His presence, Jesus Christ's personal motives, (The Agape Love & experience of conversion), What Jesus told Nicodemus, you look in the four Gospels to discover what Jesus's attitude is and what makes Him tick - what is his passion?

You discover three basic things :(out of many)
1. God's will
2. God's love and care & presence
3. Sanctification & life through the truth being followed. Jesus Himself being the Divine source of that truth.

That is a simplified version in a nutshell of what makes Him tick - His passion - the reason for the presence of His spirit within you and the fruit of Himself maturing to eating stage in your life.

This post a 10-15 min's to generate, totally new short Bible study. The Holy Spirit has points to make that are both common to everyone & specific to individual needs. Ask His help in finding them & studying to meet those needs and Bible study will flow from Holy Angel pitchers into you .

Try un Holy Ghost supported topics & speculations & see how deep the "sand traps" get, and how often you keep hitting them.

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Edward F Sutton

[This message has been edited by Edward F Sutton (edited December 02, 2001).]

I loved all your colors in the first 1/2 of your first post above...why didn't you continue with them all the way through?

I liked what you said about experiencing the Word.

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"...you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3

DavidTBattler

Are we ready to summarize this, or are there more rules to be followed?

Brother Ed!

Would you mind summarizing the rules from your last two posts?

Thank you,

[ December 06, 2001: Message edited by: Daryl Fawcett ]

Eleven posted Spiritual Rules of Bible Study
1. Studying the Word-Engrafting creating a living experience instead of just finding facts("not so much" phrase search) See COL p- 59 - 60. "A knowledge of the truth depends.....His salvation."

2. Secrets of success. See ChS p- 264 "Success depends......never perish."

3. How the message will be carried & God's plan for proclaiming it. Adapt Bible study to prepare for those terms of use . See CM p- 152 - 155. "The message will be carried .......ever and ever."

4.(Mind-set & Intent & practice of those entering into Bible study / engrafting Scripture.) See CC p-128 "By the simplest.....immortal glory."

5. Secret of Successful work for God and Successful Bible Study. See CC p- 221 "Many long for...God's sight."

6. Reference given only - {CSW 17.1 - 57.2} Sabbath School - A School for Bible Study.

7. Learn about Revealed Reality & Present Duty. See CT p- 249 "It should be......ennobling work."

8. Humbleness instead of Pride, Revealed Truths instead of Human speculation. See CT p- 380-381 "And to a large degree..........classes of people".

9. {See DA p- 141.5 - 143.1} Truth lived out plus Consistent Bible Study and Teachings. "Philip said to....God with men."

10.(What is the goal & purpose of Bible Study ? Getting to Heaven ? Helping Others get there TOO .) Then why the lopsided focus upon supposed technical aspects of Bible Study - that actually totally miss - conversion and converted growth-the Divine purpose of Bible Study. ?

11.
Bible Study and Teaching that receives Life for the Soul and refuses vain discussions. See - {DA 173.3 - 175.5}

Then the posting & summary of them will be done. Unless we are within the Kindgom of Heaven through conversion, we shall pass away when everything else imperfect passes away.

2nd Peter chapter 1:
1 ¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
12 ¶ Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

Notice you have to enter into the work shown in the first five verses until you are secure in building the foundation of the wall refered to as knowledge. Thus while you build your faith (or metaphoric house on the sea side, remember to build it upon the teaching of the unmovable cliff that is Christ's teachings.)

The big Texas Gulf Coast beach front highrises were destroyed by hurricane Camile, killing all inside. The storm surge (wall of water coming in), undercut the foundations and gravity, water, wind destroyed the building.

The same is true of knowledge without the five verse spiritual foundations that preceed it.

There is a large group of people whom God condemns at the Second Coming. The last bolded texts are where I want to emphasize. The Texts that go before hand set the context, but the various groups represented there are summed up in the last bolded verses. There in we ourselves might be found if we do not come into line with all of Peter's Ladder (2nd Peter 1:1-12)Doctrinal knowledge or not.

2 Thessalonians 2:
1 ¶ Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 ¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Then it will be time to move to the actual technical rules for Bible study & teaching the results of Bible Study that follow those rules.

We must have what Jesus told the woman at Jacob's well in Samaria.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

So Bible study is to be built that obtains & creates these things :

12. Obtaining like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

13. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

14. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

15. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

16. ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence,

17. add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

18. And to knowledge

19. temperance;

20. and to temperance patience;

21. and to patience godliness;

22. And to godliness brotherly kindness;

23. and to brotherly kindness charity.

A person may complain "Ed to do all that you would have to be a saint."

My reply is :

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Isaiah 55:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands..

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

[ December 07, 2001: Message edited by: Edward F Sutton ]