understanding

Bible Study Guide — At the Time of The End Shall Be the Vision

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February 27 — March 4

Memory Verse: “I have sent also unto you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto Me.” Jeremiah 35: 15.

Study Help: Early Writings, pages 229 – 258.

Introduction: “Preachers and people have looked upon the book of Revelation as mysterious and of less importance than other portions of the Sacred Scriptures. But I saw that this book is indeed a revelation given for the especial benefit of those who should live in the last days, to guide them in ascertaining their true position and their duty.” Early Writings, 231.

“We are on our way to the city of God, and the perils of the last days are all about us. The path we are climbing is narrow and dangerous, and we do not want to make any false steps. At such a time as this, a faithful guide is as necessary to us as to the mountain-climbers, and such a guide is provided for us in the word of God.” Signs of the Times, December 10,1885.

“My brethren and sisters, do not allow trifling things to absorb your time and attention. Keep your mind on the glorious themes of the Word of God. A study of these themes will give you a strength that will carry you through the trials and difficulties of the last days, and bring you to where you will walk with Christ in white, because you are worthy. In the Word of God, studied and obeyed, we possess a spiritual guide and instructor by which the worst forms of evil in ourselves may be brought under the discipline of His law. If the teachings of this Word were made the controlling influence in our lives, if mind and heart were brought under its restraining power, the evils that now exist in churches and in families would find no place. Upon converted households the purest blessings would descend, and from these households an influence would go forth that would make God’s people a power on the side of truth.” Review and Herald, November 24, 1904.

 

1. THE FOUNDATION ON A ROCK

  • What is to be the foundation of the Christian’s faith? Luke 6: 47 – 48

 

NOTE: “The time has come when we must know for ourselves why we believe as we do. We must stand for God and for the truth, against a reckless, unbelieving generation. The man who has once known the way of life, and has turned from the convictions of his own heart to the sophistry of Satan, will be more inaccessible and more unimpressible than he who has never tasted the love of Christ. He will be wise to do evil. He has bound himself to Satan, even against light and knowledge. I say to my brethren: Your only hope is in God. We must be clothed with Christ’s righteousness if we would withstand the prevailing impiety. We must show our faith by our works. Let us lay up for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that we may lay hold on eternal life.” Testimonies Volume 4, 596, 597.

“Our hope is to be constantly strengthened by the knowledge that Christ is our righteousness. Let our faith rest upon this foundation, for it will stand fast forever. Instead of dwelling upon the darkness of Satan and fearing his power, we should open our hearts to receive light from Christ and to let it shine forth to the world, declaring that He is above all the power of Satan, that His sustaining arm will support all who trust in Him.” Testimonies Volume 5, 742.

“God’s Word should be received as the foundation and the finisher of our faith. It is to be received with the understanding and with the whole heart; it is life and is to be incorporated into our very existence. Thus received, the Word of God will humble man at the footstool of mercy and separate him from every corrupting influence.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, 374.

 

  • What will be the fate of those who are merely hearers of God’s Word but do not put into practice the things they have heard? Luke 6: 49

 

NOTE: “The reason why our people have not more power is that they profess the truth, but do not practice it. They have but little faith and trust in God. There are but few who bear the burdens connected with His work. The Lord claims the strength of brain, bone, and muscle; but it is too often withheld from Him and given to the world. The service of God is made a secondary matter, while worldly interests receive prompt attention. Thus things of minor consequence are made important, while the requirements of God, things spiritual and eternal, are treated in an indifferent manner, as something which may be taken up at will and let alone at pleasure. If the mind were stayed upon God and the truth exerted a sanctifying influence upon the heart, self would be hid in Christ. If we realize the importance of the truth which we profess to believe we should feel that we have a sacred mission to fulfil, a responsibility involving eternal results. All temporal interests would yield to this.” Testimonies Volume 4, 613, 614.

 

2. THE PROPHETS HAVE INQUIRED AND SEARCHED DILIGENTLY

  • How are we shown that the prophets themselves did not always fully understand the things revealed to them? 1 Peter 1: 10 – 12

 

NOTE: “The prophets to whom these great scenes were revealed longed to understand their import. They ‘inquired and searched diligently: . . searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify. . . . Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you; . . . which things the angels desire to look into.’ 1 Peter 1:10-12. To us who are standing on the very verge of their fulfillment, of what deep moment, what living interest, are these delineations of the things to come.” Education, 183.

“Yet while it was not given to the prophets to understand fully the things revealed to them, they earnestly sought to obtain all the light which God had been pleased to make manifest. They ‘inquired and searched diligently,’ ‘searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify.’ What a lesson to the people of God in the Christian age, for whose benefit these prophecies were given to His servants! ‘Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister.’ Witness those holy men of God as they ‘inquired and searched diligently’ concerning revelations given them for generations that were yet unborn. Contrast their holy zeal with the listless unconcern with which the favored ones of later ages treat this gift of Heaven. What a rebuke to the ease-loving, world-loving indifference which is content to declare that the prophecies cannot be understood!” Great Controversy, 344.

 

  • What example are we given of a prophet who did not fully understand the things revealed to him and his search for enlightenment? Daniel 8: 13 – 14, 27, 9: 2 – 3, 17

 

NOTE: “Not all was made clear to the prophet. ‘My cogitations much troubled me,’ he wrote of his experience at the time, ‘and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.’ Daniel 7:28. Through another vision further light was thrown upon the events of the future; and it was at the close of this vision that Daniel heard ‘one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision?’ Daniel 8:13. The answer that was given, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed’ (verse 14), filled him with perplexity. Earnestly he sought for the meaning of the vision. He could not understand the relation sustained by the seventy years’ captivity, as foretold through Jeremiah, to the twenty-three hundred years that in vision he heard the heavenly visitant declare should elapse before the cleansing of God’s sanctuary. The angel Gabriel gave him a partial interpretation; yet when the prophet heard the words, ‘The vision . . . shall be for many days,’ he fainted away. ‘I Daniel fainted,’ he records of his experience, ‘and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.’ Verses 26, 27. Still burdened in behalf of Israel, Daniel studied anew the prophecies of Jeremiah. They were very plain, so plain that he understood by these testimonies recorded in books ‘the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.’ Daniel 9:2. With faith founded on the sure word of prophecy, Daniel pleaded with the Lord for the speedy fulfillment of these promises. He pleaded for the honor of God to be preserved. In his petition he identified himself fully with those who had fallen short of the divine purpose, confessing their sins as his own. ‘I set my face unto the Lord God,’ the prophet declared, ‘to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession.’ Verses 3, 4. Though Daniel had long been in the service of God, and had been spoken of by heaven as ‘greatly beloved,’ yet he now appeared before God as a sinner, urging the great need of the people he loved. His prayer was eloquent in its simplicity, and intensely earnest.” Prophets and Kings, 553-555.

 

3. WHILES I WAS SPEAKING IN PRAYER

  • How did God answer his prayer? Daniel 9: 20 – 23

 

NOTE: “As Daniel’s prayer is going forth, the angel Gabriel comes sweeping down from the heavenly courts to tell him that his petitions are heard and answered. This mighty angel has been commissioned to give him skill and understanding, to open before him the mysteries of future ages. Thus, while earnestly seeking to know and understand the truth, Daniel was brought into communion with Heaven’s delegated messenger. In answer to his petition, Daniel received not only the light and truth which he and his people most needed, but a view of the great events of the future, even to the advent of the world’s Redeemer. Those who claim to be sanctified, while they have no desire to search the Scriptures or to wrestle with God in prayer for a clearer understanding of Bible truth, know not what true sanctification is. Daniel talked with God. Heaven was opened before him. But the high honors granted him were the result of humiliation and earnest seeking. All who believe with the heart the Word of God will hunger and thirst for a knowledge of His will. God is the author of truth. He enlightens the darkened understanding and gives to the human mind power to grasp and comprehend the truths which He has revealed.” The Sanctified Life, 48 – 49.

 

  • Until what time were the things revealed to Daniel sealed up? Daniel 12: 4, 9

 

NOTE: “Honored by men with the responsibilities of state and with the secrets of kingdoms bearing universal sway, Daniel was honored by God as His ambassador, and was given many revelations of the mysteries of ages to come. His wonderful prophecies, as recorded by him in chapters 7 to 12 of the book bearing his name, were not fully understood even by the prophet himself; but before his life labors closed, he was given the blessed assurance that ‘at the end of the days’, in the closing period of this world’s history, he would again be permitted to stand in his lot and place. It was not given him to understand all that God had revealed of the divine purpose. ‘Shut up the words, and seal the book,’ he was directed concerning his prophetic writings; these were to be sealed ‘even to the time of the end.’ ” Prophets and Kings, 547.

 

  • How was the apostle John shown the unsealing of Daniel’s prophecies at the time of the end? Revelation 10: 1 – 11

 

NOTE: “After the seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book, ‘Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.’ Those relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the First, Second and Third Angels’ Messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time. The books of Daniel and Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; the one a book sealed, the other a book opened.” Manuscript 59, 1900. (See Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7A, 971.)

 

4. NO PRIVATE INTERPRETATION

  • In trying to understand Bible prophecy, what error are we first warned against? 2 Peter 1: 20

 

NOTE: “While exalting the ‘sure word of prophecy’ as a safe guide in times of peril, the apostle solemnly warned the church against the torch of false prophecy, which would be uplifted by ‘false teachers,’ who would privily bring in ‘damnable heresies, even denying the Lord.’ These false teachers arising in the church are accounted true by many of their brethren in the faith, but the apostle compared them to ‘wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.’ ‘The latter end is worse with them,’ he declared, ‘than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.’ ” Review and Herald, September 26, 1912.

 

  • What solemn denunciation given to the Jews should be a warning to those who look to Israel as the focus of end-time prophecy? Matthew 21:43

 

NOTE: “Let the mind be educated to look to Jesus. Let an effort be made to become doers of His word. The curse of God is upon Jerusalem and its surroundings, and the land is defiled under the inhabitants thereof. There is no real foundation for feelings of awe in looking upon the land of Palestine. In revering these earthly things, men clothe them with a false glory.” Review and Herald, February 25,1896.

 

  • What counsel is given to those who desire rightly to divide the Word of truth? 2 Timothy 2: 15

 

NOTE: The word “study” in this verse means “show diligence.” This verse should not be understood simply as an exhortation to Bible study. This diligence should be exhibited in every aspect of the Christian’s life. “You must experience a death to self, and must live unto God. ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.’ Self is not to be consulted. Pride, self-love, selfishness, avarice, covetousness, love of the world, hatred, suspicion, jealousy, evil surmisings, must all be subdued and sacrificed forever. When Christ shall appear, it will not be to correct these evils and then give a moral fitness for His coming. This preparation must all be made before He comes. It should be a subject of thought, of study, and earnest inquiry, What shall we do to be saved? What shall be our conduct that we may show ourselves approved unto God?” Testimonies, Volume 1, 705.

 

5. A LIGHT TO OUR PATH

  • What promise is given to those who open their hearts to the Word of God? Psalm 119: 130

 

NOTE: “The work which the Lord has laid out before me especially is to urge young and old, learned and unlearned, to search the Scriptures for themselves; to impress upon all that the study of God’s Word will expand the mind and strengthen every faculty, fitting the intellect to wrestle with problems of truth, deep and far-reaching; to assure all that the clear knowledge of the Bible outdoes all other knowledge in making man what God designed he should be. ‘The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.’ With the light communicated through the study of His word, with the special knowledge given of individual cases among His people under all circumstances and in every phase of experience, can I now be in the same ignorance, the same mental uncertainty and spiritual blindness, as at the beginning of this experience?” Testimonies, Volume 5, 686.

 

  • What promise of guidance is given to those who come to God, repenting of their sins? Psalm 32: 5 – 8

 

NOTE: “Let every child of God make Him their Counselor, and firmly believe that He is at their right hand to help them, trusting the promise, ‘I will guide thee with Mine eye.’ So many mistakes would not be made if all would make God their dependence, believing that He who never makes a mistake will prepare their way before them. We must believe in Christ as a personal, sympathizing Savior, who doeth all things well. Our path, however rugged it may be, is marked out for us by the Lord; but He will walk with us, for we are to be co-laborers with Him, guided by the Holy Spirit. ‘And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and to the left.’ ” Pacific Union Recorder, November 7, 1901.

“Do not be afraid to trust God. Rely upon His sure promise, ‘Ask, and ye shall receive.’ Do not let go of the promise, even though you do not see an immediate answer to your prayers. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Man is erring, and although his petitions may be sent up from an honest heart, he does not always ask for the things that are good for him or that will glorify God. When this is so, our wise and good Father hears our prayers, and answers, sometimes immediately; but He gives us the things that are for our good and His own glory. If we could look into His plan, we should clearly see that our prayers are answered in wisdom and love. And through the temptations and trials of life the promise will be fulfilled, ‘I will guide thee with mine eye.’ ” Southern Watchman, March 24, 1908.

” ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ These are they who are repairing the breach in the Law of God. In the face of bitter opposition, they take their stand under the banner of Prince Immanuel, proclaiming, bravely and fearlessly, the message He has given them. God watches over these faithful witnesses, and abundantly rewards their confidence. The way to His throne is always open to them. He sees and supplies their wants. They find their safety in looking to Him. When Jehovah gives them His protection, and says of them, Ye are laborers together with Me, they are safe in the midst of the greatest danger. Satan tries to deceive them, but God lifts up for them a standard against the enemy. Those who work righteousness have an ever-present help in time of trouble. In every time of need He is near. When they are tempted, He stands as their defense, saying, ‘I will guide thee with mine eye.’ I will deliver thee from perplexity, and be a covert for thee against the strife of tongues. The cause is the Lord’s. He is on board the ship as commander-in-chief. He will guide us safely into port. He can command the winds and the waves, and they will obey Him. If we follow His directions, we have no need to be anxious or troubled. In Him we may trust. He bestows His richest endowments upon those who love Him and keep His commandments. He will never forsake those who work in His lines.” Review and Herald, July 16, 1901.

“Do not say, ‘It is impossible for me to overcome.’ Do not say, ‘It is my nature to do thus and so, and I can not do otherwise. I have inherited weaknesses that make me powerless before temptation.’ In your own strength, you can not overcome, but help has been laid upon One that is mighty. Breathe the prayer, ‘Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths.’ Then believe the promise, ‘The meek will He guide in judgement: and the meek will He teach His way.’ Yes, the Lord says, ‘I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye.’ In order to receive the virtue of the blood of Christ, even the forgiveness of your sins, you must consent to the conditions He imposes. ‘If any man will come after Me,’ He says, ‘let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ Seeking pardon of sin from His cross, you will seek direction from His throne. Looking to and believing in Christ as your personal Savior, is your only hope of salvation. Receiving Christ in all His completeness, you are in truth able to sing: ‘I will follow Thee, my Savior, wheresoe’er my lot may be. Where Thou goest, I will follow; Yes, my Lord, I’ll follow Thee.’ ” Youth’s Instructor, October 2, 1902.

 

Bible Study Guide — Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet

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February 13 —19

Memory Verse: “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.” 2 Timothy 3: 15.

Study Help: Great Controversy, pages 518 – 523

Introduction: “When you search the Scriptures with an earnest desire to learn the truth, God will breathe His Spirit into your heart and impress your mind with the light of His Word. The Bible is its own interpreter, one passage explaining another. By comparing Scriptures referring to the same subjects, you will see beauty and harmony of which you have never dreamed. There is no other book whose perusal strengthens and enlarges, elevates and ennobles the mind, as does the perusal of this Book of books. Its study imparts new vigor to the mind, which is thus brought in contact with subjects requiring earnest thought, and is drawn out in prayer to God for power to comprehend the truths revealed.” Testimonies Volume 4, 499.

 

1. WISE UNTO SALVATION

  • What are the Scriptures able to do for the one who places his faith in Jesus Christ? 2 Timothy 3: 15

 

NOTE: “What other book will teach men to love, fear, and obey God as does the Bible? What other book presents to students more ennobling science, more wonderful history? It clearly portrays righteousness, and foretells the consequence of disloyalty to the law of Jehovah. No one is left in darkness as to that which God approves or disapproves. In studying the Scriptures we become acquainted with God, and are led to understand our relation to Christ, who is the sin-bearer, the surety, the substitute, for our fallen race. These truths concern our present and eternal interests. The Bible stands the highest among books, and its study is valuable above the study of other literature in giving strength and expansion to the mind.” Special Testimonies on Education, 18.

 

  • What aspect of God’s Word should especially occupy our minds? With what result? Psalm 1: 1 – 3; Psalm 119: 9 – 16

 

NOTE: ” ‘The prince of this world cometh,’ said Jesus, ‘and hath nothing in Me.” John 14: 30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character. And how this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the Word of God. Only by the Word could He resist temptation. ‘It is written,’ He said. . . . Every promise in God’s Word is ours. ‘By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God’ are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the Word. All its strength is yours. ‘Thy word,’ says the psalmist, ‘have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.’ ‘By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.’ Ps. 119: 11; 17: 4.” Desire of Ages, 123.

 

2. HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH

  • What precious promises may we claim as we study the Scriptures? John 14: 26, 16: 13

 

NOTE: See Testimonies Volume 5, 703.

 

  • What prayer of David’s should be ours whenever we study the Scriptures? Psalm 119: 18

 

NOTE: “Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages, we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. When Nathanael came to Jesus, the Savior exclaimed, ‘Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.’ [John 1: 47.] Nathanael said, ‘Whence knowest Thou me?’ Jesus answered, ‘Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee.’ And Jesus will see us also in the secret places of prayer, if we will seek Him for light, that we may know what is truth. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance.” Christian Education, 59.

 

3. AT THE END IT SHALL SPEAK

  • Which people will understand the Scriptures and which will not? Daniel 12: 9 – 10. How does the Bible define wisdom? Psalm 111: 10

 

NOTE: See Great Controversy, 132.

 

  • Against what misuse of the Scriptures did Peter warn? 2 Peter 3: 16

 

NOTE: “In order to sustain erroneous doctrines or unchristian practices, some will seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half of a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the meaning to be quite the opposite. With the cunning of the serpent, they entrench themselves behind disconnected utterances construed to suit their carnal desires. Thus do many willfully pervert the Word of God. Others, who have an active imagination, seize upon the figures and symbols of Holy Writ, interpret them to suit their fancy, with little regard to the testimony of Scripture as its own interpreter, and then they present their vagaries as the teachings of the Bible. Whenever the study of the Scriptures is entered upon without a prayerful, humble, teachable spirit, the plainest and simplest as well as the most difficult passages will be wrested from their true meaning.” Great Controversy, 521.

 

4. BY EVERY WORD

  • How did Jesus describe the importance of His words? John 6: 63, last part

 

NOTE: “Though inestimable treasures are in the Bible, and it is like a mine full of precious ore, it is not valued, it is not searched, and its riches are not discovered. Mercy and truth and love are valuable beyond our power to calculate; we cannot have too great a supply of these treasures, and it is in the Word of God we find out how we may become possessors of these heavenly riches, and yet why is it that the word of God is uninteresting to many professed Christians? Is it because the Word of God is not spirit and is not life? Has Jesus put upon us an uninteresting task, when He commands us to ‘search the Scriptures’? John 5: 39. Jesus says, ‘The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.’ John 6: 63. But spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and the reason of your lack of interest is that you lack the Spirit of God. When the heart is brought into harmony with the Word, a new life will spring up within you, a new light will shine upon every line of the Word, and it will become the voice of God to your soul. In this way you will take celestial observations, and know whither you are going, and be able to make the most of your privileges today.” Christian Education, 80.

 

  • How did Jesus teach us to value the treasures of His Word? Matthew 13: 44

 

NOTE: “It is proper and right to read the Bible; but your duty does not end there; for you are to search its pages for yourselves. The knowledge of God is not to be gained without mental effort, without prayer for wisdom in order that you may separate from the pure grain of truth the chaff with which men and Satan have misrepresented the doctrines of truth. Satan and his confederacy of human agents have endeavored to mix the chaff of error with the wheat of truth. We should diligently search for the hidden treasure, and seek wisdom from heaven in order to separate human inventions from the divine commands. The Holy Spirit will aid the seeker for great and precious truths which relate to the plan of redemption. I would impress upon all the fact that a casual reading of the Scriptures is not enough. We must search, and this means the doing of all the word implies. As the miner eagerly explores the earth to discover its veins of gold, so you are to explore the word of God for the hidden treasure that Satan has so long sought to hide from man.” Review and Herald, September 11, 1894.

 

5. COMPARING SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL

  • What principle of discovering the meaning of the Scriptures is given us in the Word? Isaiah 28: 9 – 10

 

NOTE: “Perilous times are before us. Everyone who has a knowledge of the truth should awake and place himself, body, soul, and spirit, under the discipline of God. The enemy is on our track. We must be wide-awake, on our guard against him. We must put on the whole armor of God. We must follow the directions given through the spirit of prophecy. We must love and obey the truth for this time. This will save us from accepting strong delusions. God has spoken to us through His word. He has spoken to us through the testimonies to the church and through the books that have helped to make plain our present duty and the position that we should now occupy. The warnings that have been given, line upon line, precept upon precept, should be heeded. If we disregard them, what excuse can we offer?” Testimonies Volume 8, 298.

 

  • What important principle does Paul give for those seeking to understand spiritual things? 1 Corinthians 2: 13 – 14

 

NOTE: “We should not take the testimony of any man as to what the Scriptures teach, but should study the Word of God ourselves. If we allow others to do our thinking, we shall have crippled energies and contracted abilities. The noble powers of the mind may be so dwarfed by lack of exercise on themes worthy of their concentration as to lose their ability to grasp the deep meaning of the Word of God. The mind will enlarge if it is employed in tracing out the subjects of the Bible, comparing scripture with scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual. There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God’s Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that is rarely seen in these times. But there is but little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory.” Christian Education, 58.

 

6. SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND

  • What promise is given to those who diligently search for truth? Matthew 7: 7, Proverbs 8: 17

 

NOTE: “Our heavenly Father has a pure and inexhaustible fountain of knowledge from which we may draw, and there is no limit to His gifts to those who earnestly seek for truth. The capacities of those who add to their faith virtue will be enlarged to receive still greater virtues. There are undeveloped faculties lying dormant that will spring into life and activity when the human is united with the divine. Those who make the most of that which God has given them in this life will find their powers developed to as much greater degree in the future life as they have by wise improvement increased them in this life.” Sabbath School Worker, July 1, 1889.

 

  • What condition is needed if we are to understand the Bible’s teachings? John 7: 17

 

NOTE: “Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the Truth and the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1: 9. The Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men into all truth. And upon the authority of the Son of God it is declared: ‘Seek, and ye shall find.’ ‘If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.’ Matthew 7: 7; John 7: 17.” Great Controversy, 528.

 

  • How will this obedience to God’s will be manifested? John 14: 15, 1 John 2: 3 – 5, 4: 20, 5: 2 –3

 

NOTE: See Acts of the Apostles, 562 –56 3.

 

The Keys that Unlock the Bible

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A mission trip to Peru provided an experience that is perhaps the most vivid explanation of how to understand the Bible. As a medical doctor, able to read, write, and speak fluent Spanish, the group with which I traveled decided I could go alone to the most rural church in northern Peru.

In developing nations, the sermon does not end at midday. It is all encompassing, and Sabbath services continue all day. As the guest speaker, it is understood that you will teach the Sabbath School, present the sermon as well as the children’s story, give an afternoon meeting and then vespers, as well as any other possible speaking slot. If you can sing, you will also lead out in the song service and provide the special music.

Finishing vespers after sundown, the church announcements were made. They showed a book that they proposed to study for the following quarter’s prayer meeting. It was The Great Controversy, and they would have to raise money to purchase the books. Plans were made to sell things or work to acquire the books that they so desperately desired to study. Two church members, Cory and Heidi, said they would be willing to do anything for this book that they wanted to study and share with their families and friends. Returning to my hotel room, I arranged for books to be given to them.

During this trip our medical group was at a different place every day, providing free medical care. Three days after my speaking experience, we held a clinic near the church. Hundreds of people from the surrounding villages converged on the area. Many of the surrounding churches had sent members to assist us, and I could see that Cory and Heidi were helping with the hydrotherapy station.

When the opportunity came, I asked them if they had received the books. They had, and they were so excited. Six-year-old Heidi and nine-year-old Cory had already started reading their books and sharing with their families and friends. Heidi had to have her Mom read with her, not so much to share it with her Mom, but that she couldn’t understand some of the larger words in Spanish. Seeing the enthusiasm of these two children made me realize that I did not understand God’s word. I did not love God’s word at all compared to these youngsters who would prefer reading The Great Controversy over playing with toys or their friends. Returning home, I pulled out my copy of this book and reread it, going over several intriguing chapters more than once.

These two children in Peru, who would give anything to just have the opportunity to read about God, taught me the greatest thing necessary to understand the Bible.

Three Keys in Understanding the Bible

Key One – David makes quite a claim in Psalm 119:99: “I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation.”

To meditate means to focus on one thing. To meditate on Scripture is different than Eastern religion’s transcendental meditation where the focus is on the word “oom” or a mantra.

Often times we neglect to stop our multi-tasking to spend time with God. We dart our prayers to Him while driving in the car or eating breakfast, which is not wrong as long as we schedule time to give Him our full attention during those intimate moments with Him, meditating on His word in the early hours of the morning.

I was baptized by Doug Tilstra, a very intriguing pastor. While talking to someone, he will not look at his watch or answer his phone, and he is never distracted. His focus is with one person at a time. More than anything else about him, I was moved by his interest in whomever he talks to; they are important and receive his complete focus. One reason we don’t understand the Bible is because we do not seek it at the loss of all other things, like Heidi and Cory. We are too distracted by many other things.

When Jesus visited His friends’ home in Bethel, Martha was so busy getting the food ready that she wasn’t focused on her guest. You can just hear the pathos in Jesus’ voice when He said, “Martha … ,” and He probably paused a little bit as she was still moving around, and then He said one more time, “Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41, 42.

Mary understood that although there were many good things in life, there was only one that was necessary. Ultimately, at the end of time, only one thing will matter, and that is going to be God and what we have done for others in His name. We have devalued an understanding of the Bible, placing more value on books, people, and academic degrees. We must seek an understanding of Jesus at the loss of all things.

Key Two – David said, “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts.” Psalm 119:100. The ancients were those people with the long beards and were hundreds of years old; the wise people with much experience.

It is not merely meditating on God’s word that gives understanding, not only focusing in on God at the loss of all things, but there needs to be an execution of what we learn. Jesus taught a very important principle in John 7:17. He said, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” Isn’t it interesting that another key to understanding is in doing it!

While doing some evangelism and presenting the health message in Holland, I said that we cannot always trust the medical literature to steer us in the right direction. True science will always be in harmony with revelation, but we do not always have true science in the journals. It is a matter of time before science will catch up with the Spirit of Prophecy and, eventually, it will. To illustrate my point, I shared an article from the 1935 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, which is basically the premier journal for physicians, that stated that smoking cigarettes was good for several health conditions such as asthma.

Smoking is not good for asthma, and we recognize now that the second hand smoke can cause pediatric asthma. I had presented this to show that the medical literature does not always steer us in the right direction when it comes to true laws of health. In regard to matters of health, I have reminded people many times that it is more important what comes out of our mouths than what goes in. I believe in the health message. I’m a physician; I love the message, but we need to deal with the bigger issues first.

I am amused, whenever I present the health message to an Adventist audience, that someone always asks me about mushrooms. Why mushrooms? I can present information that I know about them that are insignificant compared to other unhealthful practices. These audiences are often eating meat, eating at night, drinking alcohol, and I think the mushrooms are at the bottom. Deal with the big issues first. What we don’t seem to understand is that God is not going to give us any more light in whatever area it is until we obey and do what He has asked us in the fundamental areas, like what we say and how we treat people. Those are the major things that need to be taken care of first.

When we obey what we do know, God will help us understand what we don’t know. That’s the key to understanding the Bible.

In Steps to Christ, 110, Ellen White wrote, “Whenever men are not in word and deed seeking to be in harmony with God, then, however learned they may be, they are liable to err in their understanding of Scripture, and it is not safe to trust to their explanations.” That is a very powerful statement. It does not matter how many letters you have after your name; it does not mean anything. In word and deed, to be in harmony with the Master in heaven means everything.

“Successful work for Christ depends not so much on numbers or talent as upon pureness of purpose, the true simplicity of earnest, dependent faith.” The Desire of Ages, 370. I can’t think of any better picture of simplicity and earnest dependent faith than the two children, Heidi and Cory, in Peru.

“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. … Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” I Corinthians 1:19–21, 25, 26.

Now I can tell you that I am very thankful that the words are “not many” instead of “not any.” I am educated, and if it said “not any,” then that would exclude me and several other people, but it says “not many.” Very, very few people who are educated, who are mighty or who are wealthy understand what God is all about. Why is that? Highly educated people, with their degrees, tend to trust more in man. People tend to judge the quality as good on their intellect and their degrees. The amazing thing is that this is the reason God chooses the foolish things and the weak things, because when we look at Heidi and Cory, with their fervor and devotion to God, it is God Who gets the glory. Heidi has not gone to Stanford University or Harvard. In fact, she has not yet even gone to school. Whereas, if someone is learned, very intelligent and talented and smooth in their presentation, there is a tendency to give that person the glory. When God chooses children, the weak things of the world, to do things like this, there is no way we can miss the illustration, and it is clear that it is God at work.

Key Three – Once you know God, putting into practice what He has revealed to you, the last step is critical. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38.

The best way to learn a subject is to teach it. When I return home from presenting meetings, I can meet someone on the street and can often remember my whole presentation to share with them. The most critical part of understanding the Bible is sharing what we do know with those around us.

There is a very important concept, which I believe is not only important for understanding the Bible but is important to being saved. It is the concept of trust. When I was young, I liked to climb those walls beside the sidewalk that started off low and gradually became a little higher. I would get up on the wall, with my Dad beside me on the pathway, and I would go higher and higher and higher, to eventually a place where the wall was about six feet high and it would end. At the end of the wall, my Dad wanted me to jump down into his arms. My Dad is a pretty big guy, so he would not have any trouble catching me. But as I got older, maybe 5, 6, or 7, I would come to the end of the wall and I would get down myself. Something had changed, and it was not because my Dad was no longer able to catch me. I had become more dependent on myself. A normal part of human nature is to become self-sufficient and independent, but that is lethal to your spiritual life. The more dependent you are on yourself and your own abilities, the less likely you will be saved. Jesus tells us this is critical, not only to understanding the Bible but to salvation itself. “And [He] said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. Because a child is dependent, it is humble and teachable. It is far easier for God to save little children than you and me.

I praise God that He had mercy upon my soul and sent me two children in Peru to teach me what it really means to understand His word.

“God can teach you more in one moment by His Holy Spirit than you could learn from the great men of the earth.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 119. That is very impressive!

“Understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness.” The Great Controversy, 599.

You may not have a PhD; you may not have any formal education at all. You may not have gone to school past high school or even elementary school, but you can understand the Bible. In fact, you may be able to understand the Bible much better than those who have gone to school, because you are not dependent upon yourself but are dependent upon Jesus Christ. As you open God’s word, I pray that you will remember the toothless grin of six-year-old Heidi, deep in Peru with her nine-year-old friend Cory, and remember that the key to understanding God’s word is to seek it with all your heart at the loss of all other things and to obey what God reveals to you and to share it with others. Ultimately, although we are not all children, unless we become as little children we will never understand God and His truth and be saved.

Tim Riesenberger is an ER physician in Washington state with a passion to share the gospel both locally within the United States of America and also in foreign mission fields. He may be contacted by email at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.