"The most High ruleth in the kingdom of
men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of
men." Daniel 4:17.
A nineteenth century writer once described
God's sovereignty in these words:
"Above the distractions of the earth
He sits enthroned; all things are open to His divine survey; and from His great
and calm eternity He orders that which His providence sees best."
And
God has not kept His plans secret:
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing,
but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7.
2. How long ago did God reveal or declare His
plans? Isaiah 46:10
3. Where did the holy prophets of God in
ancient times get their information? 2 Peter 1:21
The Bible may be received "not as the word
of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God." 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
4. What guarantee did the
Psalmist give that the ancient words of God would still be trustworthy in the
last days? Psalm 12:6, 7
The apostle Peter expressed his
confidence in the ancient prophecies and also their importance for us today:
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye
take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and
the day star arise in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19.
The Bereans certainly took heed to the
sure word of prophecy:
"These were more noble than those in
Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and
searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so." Acts 17:11.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15.
6. Is it safe for us to interpret the
prophecies of the Bible? 2 Peter 1:20
"Do not interpretations belong to God?"
Genesis 40:8. Everyone interprets the Bible differently. That's why it is not
safe to rely on anyone's interpretation, not even your own. Do not interpret the
Bible; let the Bible interpret itself. When you read something in the Bible that
you do not understand, instead of trusting your own ideas, look for other Bible
verses that will explain the meaning of the more difficult passage.
The
Bible itself tells us how it is to be studied:" For precept must be upon
precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little,
and there a little." Isaiah 28:10. Thus "comparing spiritual things with spiritual,"
Scripture with Scripture, we allow the Bible to explain itself. 1 Corinthians 2:13.
We may be tempted to think that we
have a natural ability to understand God's word, but we do not:
"The
natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them." 1 Corinthians 2:14.
7. Sometimes God hides things from
the so-called wise, and reveals them unto whom? Matthew 11:25
11. Evil men and seducers will abound,
doing what? 2 Timothy 3:13
12. False prophets shall arise and show
what? Matthew 24:24
13. Their miracles are calculated to
deceive whom? Matthew 24:24
14. To prevent deception, what are we to
do with all our ideas? 1 Thessalonians 5:21
15. According to what word are we
to test all things? Isaiah 8:20
16. Whose writings must we believe in order
to accept the words of Jesus? John 5:46, 47
"If they hear not Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Luke 16:31.
The apostles regarded the Old Testament as
"the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15.
"All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and
liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and
searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of
the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:3-5.
In the Light of God's Word...(please
answer YES or NO)
I understand that the entire Bible is the word of God,
wholly reliable, and the test of all things.
I desire to diligently
study the word of God, and allow it to direct every aspect of my life.
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