03.01 - How Can We Understand The Bible?

A. How Can We Understand The Bible? In answering that important question, consider first the prepa-ration necessary for Bible study. You see, the Bible is one book that is written for the heart. Unless your heart is prepared, you will miss the truths and blessings of God’s Word.

1. You Must Have A Regenerated Heart

Having been born of the Spirit through faith in Christ(John 3:3). The unsaved person cannot understand God’s Word, according to 1 Corinthians 2:14.

2. You Must Have A Humble Heart Listening to God as a little child would listen to his father(Matthew 11:25).

3. You Must Have An Obedient Heart

Willing to do whatever the Word says, with a deep desireto know God’s Word (Psalms 119:97). The Christian who sin-cerely loves God’s Word has no trouble finding time to readit every single day (Acts 17:11). The first step in getting more out of your Bible study is simply this: open your heart to God and let Him prepare it forthe blessings He wants to give you.

Let Him cleanse every corner as you confess every sin. Be sure your will is yielded toHim. When your heart is quieted before Him, breathe the prayerof the psalmist: “Open thou mine eyes; that I may behold wonderous things out of Thy law.” (Psalms 119:18). The second step is this: realize that God has made provisionfor you to understand His Word by giving you the Holy Spirit. The Spirit wrote the Word (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21) and isthe Divine Teacher to explain the Word (John 14:26; John 16:13-15). Allow the Spirit to guide you and you will be amazed at the way He will open your spiritual eyes! Of course, this means you must be on good terms with the Holy Spirit, not grieving Him withdisobedience or unconfessed sin (Ephesians 4:30). He is theSpirit of wisdom and revelation who will open the eyes of yourunderstanding, according to Ephesians 1:17-18; so allow Himto direct your study of God’s Word.