| From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase |
Part three of a series. Read part two.
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Editor's note: It has been our great privilege to send thousands of our Bible Reading Kits to individuals and churches around the world. One of the items in the kit is called More Precious Than Gold: How to Read and Study the Bible Profitably. As an encouragement to our readers around the globe to read and study God's Word to their spiritual profit, we are reproducing this resource in the five articles of this series. If you have never received a copy of our Bible Reading Kit, or would like a supply for your church or for personal ministry, please click here.
The Only Supernatural Book
In our last article we noted that the Bible, the Book written by God, is the only supernatural Book. Because the Bible alone is God's Word, you cannot treat it as just another religious book. The Bible is not the thinking of man, not the mere word of man, but revelation from God. Holy men of God, Peter tells us, spoke as they were moved (literally, driven) by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21). You will not find the Bible's message anywhere else.
Get Under the Bible's Authority
Since that is true, the proper interpretation of Scripture requires illumination by the Author, God the Holy Spirit. It also means that Scripture must be its own interpreter. There is no higher authority than God's own Word. No man or church can stand in judgment over it. Since Scripture is its own interpreter, and because God has given us a Book that is perfectly consistent, you can rely on Scripture to interpret itself. You must compare Scripture with Scripture. That which is more clear will interpret that which is less clear. The words will have only one meaning in context, although they may have manifold applications -- more on that later in this series.
Use Extra-Biblical Resources Wisely
Because the Bible is its own rightful interpreter, you need to use extra-Biblical resources properly. Language tools, commentaries, study guides and other resources can certainly be helpful. The men who have written the most helpful resources recognize their own position as servants of the Word, not authorities over it.
Likewise, you must never place the words of men in authority over the Word of God. If you find something in a man-made book that diminishes or contradicts the clear teaching of God's Book, don't be afraid to reject that book, no matter how exalted the author's academic standing or how popular he may be. When even learned religious leaders told the disciples to do things that were contrary to God's Word, Peter answered decisively: "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Next: Lessons From Corinth
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