The very first thing you need to know about studying your Bible is this: there are no cheat codes. In other words, there is no substitute for diligent time spent in study and reading of God’s word. Buy, “The Bible for Dummies,” and you will still have to read, read, read, if you really want to know your Bible.
Second, you need to know exactly what Paul instructed a young preacher, “Remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine (teaching)… Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith…” (1 Timothy 1:3,5). In instructing Timothy to stop false teaching in this congregation, Paul stressed Bible reading (1 Timothy 4:13) conjoined with an honest and sincere heart, among other things. What does this have to do with understanding your Bible? A pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith have every effect on how you will interpret the Bible. Consider why people believe what they believe, and this might make more sense.
Six Common Reasons for Personal Faith
1. Repetition. If you are told something is true 1,000 times, you will start to believe it regardless if it is actually true. 2. “The preacher said so.” People in authoritarian positions carry influence simply because of their position or title. 3. “No one believes that!” Broad brush statements, assuming the overwhelming denial or acceptance of fact or error tend to influence people’s belief, whether true or not. This is evidenced by the false claim that there are no scientists who believe in God, when in fact there are hundreds. 4. Inherited religion. Much like hand-me-down clothes are passed from the parent or relative to a young child, so is religious belief often passed down. The child grows up, never questioning why they believe what they believe. 5. Feelings. Feelings are more sure and steady for some people than the uncontested fact that peanut butter goes with jelly. 6. Defiance. Some are bold enough to admit: “I guess I just don’t want to believe ***insert belief***.” I have actually been told this on more than one occasion.
Perhaps the most unpopular reason for the justification of one’s faith is a pure and honest heart, a heart that believes truth for the sake that it is truth. John 6 reveals this was unpopular even in the days of Jesus. There, Jesus makes several statements about His words carrying eternal life. The sermon culminates at v. 63, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” The audience did not believe, because they were more interested in physical food than spiritual food (v. 26).
You must ask yourself the uncomfortable question, “Why do I believe what I believe?” Mark Twain famously summarized this debacle, “It ain’t those parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.” If we would be honest with ourselves, we would stop holding erroneous beliefs based on any of the six justifying principles above. Secondarily, we would read God’s word for what it is: God’s self-revelation to man.
The Bible is not a Zig Ziglar book of motivation. It is not a “How to Get Rich Quick” scheme book. The Bible is life. If we read the Bible with honesty, then and only then can we utilize it to full capacity.
Homework Questions
*All answers to homework questions are found in the How to Understand the Bible workbook which is available on the fiveminutebiblestudy.com for free digital download or paperback purchase.
1. What are two essentials for effective Bible study?
2. Explain in your own words why Bible reading is important and necessary?
3. What are three common reasons people believe what they believe?
4. What or who is the biggest influence in your core beliefs about God?
5. Name some activity that offended your conscience at one time but no longer does. Can you identify what influenced the change in your conscience to occur?
