HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
2 Timothy
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word
of truth.”
THE BIBLE:
Inspired by God
2Timothy
17 That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.
God’s Words - Spoken & Written by Men of God
2Peter
Numbers
2Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in
my tongue.
2Chronicles
Deuteronomy 31:9 And Moses wrote this
law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of
Deuteronomy 31:24 And it came to pass, when
Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book,
until they were finished,
25 That Moses commanded the Levites,
which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
26 Take this book of the law,
and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it
may be there for a witness against thee.
Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which
said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up
unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
38 This is he, that
was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the
Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath
the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them
were committed the oracles of God.
Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD,
thou shalt preserve them
from this generation for ever.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE?
To
Reveal the Person of God &
His Will
for mankind
1Samuel
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written
aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience
and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
1Corinthians
2Timothy
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.
16
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.
1John 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.
THE BIBLE = A CHRISTIAN’S FINAL AUTHORITY
How often have you read in various church statements of faith or by-laws: “The Bible is our sole source and only rule of faith and practice”, or words very similar? If people really and truly believe this statement then:
Why – All the confusion?
Why – All the conflicting doctrines?
Why – All the differences between Christians?
Why – So many different kinds of churches?
Then – What is the Problem?
1Corinthians
THE BIBLE IS PERFECT!
1Peter
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.
We are not perfect!
Romans
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
6:6 Knowing this, that
our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be
destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Ephesians
Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to
another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Keeping these things in mind – the very first thing
a person must know when they study the Bible is – You can know about:
Doctrine
Bible
Characters
Bible
History
Jewish
History
Church
History
Etc., etc.,
etc.
And not “know” the Bible!!!
1Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a
mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our
glory:
8
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would
not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9
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.
1John
21
I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know
it, and that no lie is of the truth.
1John
27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in
you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is truth,
and is no lie, and even as it hath
taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Ephesians
16
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto
you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge
of him:
18
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;
that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,
and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance
in the saints,
19
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who
believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at
his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name
that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which
is to come:
22
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all
things to the church,
23
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from
above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be
intreated, full of mercy
and good fruits, without partiality, and without
hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in
peace of them that make peace.
The First “KEY” To Understanding the Bible then is:
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
If the Holy Spirit doesn’t show you and convict you
personally of Bible Truth – It won’t
‘stick’! Without the Holy Spirit’s Guiding and Teaching the Book remains a mystery; or a source and a
‘tool’ to bring men into bondage
to a religion, a church, or a man. Without the Holy Spirit’s “unction” and
“anointing” the Bible is just a collection of old books or writings that are
“quaint” and possibly of some interest, but having no real significance in our
modern sophisticated world. I cannot emphasize this point enough. Of all the
things a person can do to learn the Bible, it is paramount that they receive
instruction from God. No school; no college; no church; no man can substitute
for the Holy Spirit! “But ye have an unction
from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” [1 John 2:20] “But the anointing which ye have
received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as
the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no
lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” [1 John 2:27]
3 Things
That Hinder Our Understanding
The World
1John
16
For all that is in the world, the
lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of
the Father, but is of the world.
17
And the world passeth away, and the
lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses,
know ye not that the friendship of the world
is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a
friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments
of the world, and not after
Christ.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
1Timothy
21
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.
Grace be with thee. Amen.
James
14
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not
against the truth.
15
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
1Peter
19
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot:
20
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
21
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from
the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
The Flesh
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray,
that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mark
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.
John
Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins,
which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Romans
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation
to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after
the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Galatians
1John
The Devil (Satan)
2Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to
them that are lost:
4
In whom the god of this
world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the
light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine
unto them.
2Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve
through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity
that is in Christ.
2Corinthians
15
And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16
And what agreement hath the
17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and
touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the
Lord Almighty.
2Corinthians 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I
may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory,
they may be found even as we.
13
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into
the apostles of Christ.
14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is
transformed into an angel of light.
15
Therefore it is no great thing if his
ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end
shall be according to their works.
1Timothy
15
For some are already turned aside after Satan.
2Timothy
25
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will
give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at
his will.
Ephesians
11
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil.
12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that
ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness;
15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked.
17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God:
18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto
with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians
Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out
our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into
bondage:
Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware
of the concision.
2Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will
not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto
fables.
5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
make full proof of thy ministry.
In our study of the Bible there is one word to always keep in mind: WHO?
Like
the “Wise Old Owl” we should be asking:
WHO – Said that?
WHO – Was he speaking to?
WHO – Should follow and obey?
WHO – Does this apply to?
WHO – Is this written to?
This brings us to the second “KEY” to understanding the
Bible: RIGHTLY DIVIDING.
2Timothy
SOME
EXAMPLES OF “RIGHTLY DIVIDING”
1Thessalonians
1Corinthians
Acts
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched
the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
MORE
EXAMPLES OF “RIGHTLY DIVIDING”
#1. Earth before the fall of man:
No Bible, no rain, no
pain, no sickness, no death -
#2.
Earth after the fall:
No Bible, no rain,
extreme longevity, the earth cursed, pain, sickness and death ushered in -
#3. Earth soon after the flood:
No Bible, rain, diversity
of tongues, diminishing longevity.
#4. Abraham to Moses:
No Bible, God chooses a
people for Himself – The Hebrews.
#5. Moses to the Lord Jesus Christ:
Old Testament, God makes
a nation out of His chosen people -
#6. Death, Burial, and Resurrection
of the Lord Jesus Christ to the present:
New Testament, God
temporarily sets aside the nation of
#7. The future of the world and
mankind
Notice Anything
Strange or Peculiar?
– The Bible is a Jewish Book!
Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed
the oracles of God.
God’s
written revelation to man, His thoughts, His truth, His words were given to the Jews first!
Which brings us to the third “KEY”
to understanding the Bible: THE JEW.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (
A FACT = An Undeniable Truth.
Almost all: False
Teaching or
Perverted
Doctrine or Heresy
Comes from:
COMMANDMENTS – Given to the Jews
Expropriated by: A church
A cult
An
individual
Or:
PROMISES – Given to the Jews
Stolen by: A church
A cult
An
individual
Or:
PROPHECIES – Concerning the Jews
Applied to: A church
A cult
An
individual
The Bible = A Timeless
Book!
In the
past: It
filled the needs of the Jews and the nation of
throughout history.
Today: It serves our needs today and will continue to do
so until the Rapture.
Future: It will be sufficient for the tribulation saints
and will be used in the millennium and throughout all eternity.
We should remember:
All Scripture has 3 applications:
#1. Historical
#2. Spiritual
#3. Doctrinal
All Scripture must be taken literally
– unless it is impossible to
do so.
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily,
verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink
his blood, ye have no life in you.
54
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will
raise him up at the last day.
The Scriptures are not to be
privately “interpreted”.
2Peter 1:19 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.
All Doctrines derived from the
Scriptures must be drawn from and built upon Scripture only.
Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from
the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
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.
There are 2 words (which are too often overlooked) which we must be
aware of, and which can help us to understand the Bible: AS
& LIKE. God uses
these words to illustrate a teaching; or to clarify a doctrine, or a Bible
truth that He wants to teach us. [For example: Matthew
The use of the pronouns ye, you [plural] and thee, thou, thy,
thine [singular] in the King James Bible greatly helps a believer in
“rightly dividing the word of God”. For instance: The King James Bible
translators never used the
word ye in the singular case. Every time the word ye
show’s up in the King James Bible, it is always
used to denote a plural pronoun (in reference to - more than one person).
“YE,
pronoun. The nominative plural of the second person, of which thou is the singular.
But the two words have no radical connection. Ye is now
used only in the sacred and
solemn style. In common discourse and writing, you is
exclusively used. But ye are washed, but ye
are sanctified. 1 Corinthians 6.”
YOU, pronoun Yu. You has been considered as in the plural only, and is so
treated in the Saxon grammar. But from the Belgic
dialect, it appears to be in the singular as well as the plural, and our
universal popular usage, in applying it to a single person with a verb in the
singular number, is correct. Yourself is in the
singular number. 1. The pronoun of
the second person, in the nominative or objective case. In familiar language,
it is applied to an individual, as thou is in the solemn style. In the plural, it is used in the solemn style in the objective case. He that despiseth
you,
despiseth me. Luke 10. Webster’s
1828 Dictionary.
And again in reference to the words thee, thou,
thy, thine [singular]
– The King James Bible translators always
used these words in the singular case (in reference to a single person or
nation, etc.). Knowing the distinction between thee, thou, thy,
thine [singular] and ye, you [plural]
helps the Bible believer to distinguish who is being addressed.
THOU, pron. in the obj. thee. The second personal pronoun, in the
singular number; the pronoun which is used in addressing persons in the solemn
style.
Art thou he that should come? Matthew 11.
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Psalms 23.
Thou is used only in the solemn style, unless in very familiar
language, and by the Quakers.
THOU, v.t. To treat with familiarity.
If thou thouest him some thrice,
it shall not be amiss.
THOU, v.i. To use thou
and thee in discourse.
THEE, pron. obj. case of thou.
THEE, v.i. To thrive; to
prosper.
THINE, pronominal adj. Thy; belonging to thee; relating to thee; being the property of thee. It was formerly used for thy, before a vowel.
Then thou mightest eat
grapes thy fill, at thine own pleasure. Deuteronomy 32.
But in common usage, thy is now used
before a vowel in all cases.
The principal use of thine now is when a verb is interposed
between this word and the noun to which it refers. I will not take any thing
that is thine. Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory.
In the following passage, thine is used as a substitute for thy
righteousness.
I will make mention of thy
righteousness, even of thine only. Psalms 71.
In some cases, it is preceded by the sign of the possessive case,
like nouns, and is then also to be considered as a substitute.
If any of thine be driven out to the utmost parts of heaven - Deuteronomy 30.
It is to be observed that thine, like thou, is
used only in the solemn style. In familiar and common language, your and yours
are always used in the singular number as well as the plural.
THY, a. contracted from
thine, or from some other derivative of thou. It is probable that the pronoun
was originally thig, thug or thuk,
and the adjective thigen. See Thou.
Thy is the adjective of thou, or a pronominal
adjective, signifying of thee, or belonging to thee, like tuus
in Latin. It is used in the solemn and grave style.
These are thy works, parent of good. Webster’s
1828 Dictionary.
It should be noted that there are 2 additional
words that are also often overlooked in Bible study that are extremely
important to all that follows: “IF”
& “BUT”. We must be very
careful when we encounter these words for whole doctrines (usually false) have
been concocted over the misuse or the purposeful omission of these words. [For
example: Matthew
The
following are the “Scriptural” definitions of the words IF & BUT:
IF: A conditional prerequisite or requirement, the outcome
of which is (or was) determined by the response of an individual;
a church; or a nation.
BUT: A particular determinate
outcome (almost always
unfavorable), in response to an individual’s; a church’s; or a nation’s conduct.
SOME THINGS OR
PEOPLE TO BEWARE OF:
A “New”
Doctrine
An
“Exclusive Revelation”
An
“Intellectual” Approach
A
“
A
“Pharisaical” Character
A “Jealous” or “Envious” Spirit
A
“Mystery” Religion or a “Mystical” Approach
I
am always suspicious of any man, or
church, or religion that teaches or practices any of the things mentioned above
1CORINTHIANS
19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among
you.
I
wonder about pastors and teachers who won’t openly share Bible knowledge; who
claim to be God’s “anointed one” and seek “dominion” over the brethren; and
keep God’s people in the dark! (Men who are jealous of their
learning and who always want people to continue to come to them and them only
for instruction and “enlightenment”, who seek to “mystify” rather than “simplify”.)
2Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the
word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with
you:
1John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received
of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same
anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as
it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Acts
2Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the
grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Two items that can
be “helpful” in your study of the Bible as “study
aids” only:
#1. A Concordance - Especially the new Electronic
Concordances (i.e. SwordSearcher)
#2. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary
These
“study aids” make Bible study easier.
However, they are not substitutes for what has been presented in this study.
Being
aware of and using the 3 “KEYS” and observing the ground rules
presented here, any honest and sincere child of God can learn anything
that God chooses to teach him or her.
John
John
1Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without
ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye
received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God,
which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
1John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come,
and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we
are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God,
and eternal life.
Now
this doesn’t mean that studying the Bible is “Easy”! Or that we can know everything
there is to know in the Bible. Remember:
You must have an honest heart, mind, conscience,
soul, and spirit.
Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they,
which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth
fruit with patience.
Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among
you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
You can stumble at the word of God if
you’re not careful.
1Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is
precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders
disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of
offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient:
whereunto also they were appointed.
You can twist and wrest the Scripture.
2Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of
our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the
wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in
them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which
they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other
scriptures, unto their own destruction.
God’s word can cut 2 ways!
Hebrew
Remember the
importance of embracing and espousing pure,
sound, &
Uncorrupt
Doctrine.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern
of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that
cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed,
having no evil thing to say of you.
1Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is
charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what
they say, nor whereof they affirm.
8
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
9
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless
and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for
murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing
that is contrary to sound doctrine;
11
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which
was committed to my trust.
12
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me
faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained
mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is
in Christ Jesus.
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.
16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might
shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter
believe on him to life everlasting.
17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour
and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1Timothy
13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with
the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may
appear to all.
16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing
this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he
hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine
both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound
doctrine:
Beware of
Philosophy, the Traditions of Men and “Science” – Falsely so-called
Colossians
2:8 Beware
lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition
of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
1Timothy
Watch out for the “ISM’s”
As
Bible believing Christians we should avoid the “ISM’s”:
On the secular side – Communism, Fascism, Nazism, Socialism, Patriotism, Humanism,
etc. On the religious side – [the cults] Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses-ism, Seventh
Day Adventism, etc., etc. [the heresies] Catholicism, Calvinism,
Pentecostalism, Ultra-Dispensationalism, Baptist
Bride-ism, etc. [the compromisers] Lutheranism, Methodism, Anglicanism, Episcopalianism, Congregationalism, Presbyterianism,
Fundamentalism, Evangelicalism, etc., etc.
Always Remember: An Undeniable Truth About God’s People
God’s People [before the Flood – after the Flood – before the Law –
during the Law – & throughout the church age] have always been slow to learn and quick
to forget! And while the unsaved (lost) have a tendency to subtract
from the words of the Bible – God’s people are much more apt to add
to God’s word.
CLOSING WARNING AND
ADMONITION
We
should not be ashamed to call ourselves Christians.
. . . “And the disciples were called Christians first in
Acts
27 For I have not shunned to
declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto
yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the
29 For I know this, that after my
departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall
men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember,
that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day
with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend
you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to
give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Yours for The Lord Jesus Christ and His for His Holy word,
George
H. Anderson Jr.
(Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea,
let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest
overcome when thou art judged.)