Listening Better to God
by Jon W. Quinn
The Bible is the most widely read book of human history. It is God’s word and ought to be approached with deep respect. We are urged to handle it carefully and diligently. Understanding comes with effort. The Scriptures themselves urge us to be serious about it. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). As we seek truth, we need to have the attitude that we are willing to apply it to our lives, thus making Bible study a meaningful, fulfilling, life-changing event. To make Bible study what it ought to be, there are several good rules to follow:
- Take a positive approach. Allow what is learned to change one’s life and attitude, setting aside our opinions, prejudices, and ideas in favor of what we read in God’s book (James 4:10).
- Realize that there are no contradictions in the Bible. When people ask about Bible contradictions, I ask them to show me one. Usually, they have no example, but if they do, upon examination, there has always been a reasonable explanation to show it was really no contradiction at all. For instance, one gospel says there were two angels at the tomb of Jesus, while another says there was one angel outside the tomb and another inside. That is not really a contradiction for anyone who can add one plus one unless they want it to be. God’s word is true. (John 17:17).
- Pray for understanding. Ask God for wisdom in applying what you learn in everyday life (James 1:5-6).
- Be willing to accept and correct. Loving God means saying “Yes” to His teaching (Jeremiah 10:23-24).
- Consider the context. See who is speaking and who is being spoken to. Just because the Bible contains the command “Build an ark” does not mean you are the one to build it.
- Consider all that the Bible says on a given subject. Don’t just pick and choose; get the complete picture.
- Do not put vague passages first. Build your knowledge base on the easier-understood passages before proceeding to the more difficult ones.
We hope that you have found these suggestions helpful.
