Lesson One
The Word of GOD
Basic Principles of Bible Study
In his book entitled Reality Living, Pastor Jeff Adams listed 14 basic principles of Bible study.
| A. | Effective Bible study depends upon a correct heart attitude (Ezekiel 14:1-5). |
| B. | All scripture is to be understood within its proper context (2 Peter 1:20; Isaiah 28:10). |
| C. | All Scripture is to be rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15). |
| D. | The individual words of Scripture are the key to correct understanding (Proverbs 30:5-6). |
| E. | Understanding the Bible is not a matter of private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20). |
| F. | The Bible must be understood by the normal and literal meaning of the words in the context in which you read them. |
| G. | The Bible must be understood in the light of God’s consistency (1 Corinthians 14:40). |
| H. | Never violate a clear passage of Scripture with one that is more obscure. |
| I. | The invisible things of God are understood by seeing them illustrated in God’s creation (Romans 1:20). |
| J. | Never base a doctrine on a question or rhetorical or hypothetical statement (1 Corinthians 13:1; 15:29). |
| K | Never base a doctrine on a single verse of Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:1; Isaiah 28:9-10). |
| L | Understanding the Scriptures comes in time through spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 2:11-16). |
| M. | Always give the Bible the benefit of the doubt-innocent until proven guilty. |
| N. | God teaches us through the use of similitude's (comparisons) and pictures (John 15:5) |
Famous Quote Concerning the Bible
The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s charter.
Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be opened at the judgment and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.
-Author Unknown