Sermons and Biblical Studies

2 PETER 1 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed … (2 Peter 1:19). While our study of biblical interpretation is hardly exhaustive, we want to highlight some general rules to help you study the Word of God more profitably. First, you must read the Bible like any … Continue reading “SOME HELPFUL HINTS”

ROMANS 15:1–13 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning … (Rom. 15:4). The analogy of faith is the primary rule of hermeneutics: Scripture is to interpret Scripture. No part of Scripture can be interpreted in such a way as to render it in conflict with what is clearly taught elsewhere in … Continue reading “RULES OF INTERPRETATION”

ACTS 18:18–28 They … explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). When the Reformers of the 1500s freed lay people from the bondage of Roman ecclesiastical rule, they left two great legacies: the principle of private interpretation and the translation of the Scriptures into the vernacular. Until then it was illegal … Continue reading “PRIVATE HERESIES”

PROVERBS 2:1–11; 30:5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him (Prov. 30:5). While it is certainly important to learn from others, it is of utmost importance to learn from God Himself. Only God is true and pure. Men and women are fallible and prone … Continue reading “GO TO THE WORD”

PROVERBS 13:14, 20; 14:7; 16:21 He who walks with wise men will be wise (Prov. 13:20). When we consider the company we keep, we should ask not whether there will be any influence upon our character, but what kind of influence it will be. We influence one another whether we want to or not. Charles … Continue reading “WALK WITH THE WISE”

PROVERBS 18:2; 21:16; 21:24, 29 A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart (Prov. 18:2). An unteachable person often considers his opinions more valuable and more worthy of attention than any one else’s. Just about all of us can testify to knowing someone who forms opinions hastily and airs them … Continue reading “AIRING OPINIONS”

PROVERBS 12:1; 15:5, 10; 29:1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid (Prov. 12:1). One of the most famous rebukes in Scripture is Nathan’s subtle but powerful reprimand concerning David’s murderous affair with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12). Nathan’s rebuke took the form of a story about a stolen lamb. The … Continue reading “TAKE YOUR MEDICINE”

PROVERBS 13:13; 16:20; 19:27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge (Prov. 19:27). Instruction comes to us through two primary means: published works and people. Though you might not have good teachers and wise companions around you, you cannot claim the absence of books (unless of course … Continue reading “READ AND LISTEN”

PROVERBS 14:33; 15:14; 24:1–4 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge (Prov. 15:14). If you want to live in such a way that brings glory to God, you must be teachable. Because teachability is so important to every Christian, we will spend the rest of this month examining how to be teachable and … Continue reading “BE TEACHABLE”

1 JOHN 1:6–2:17 And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1). During the last week and a half, we have studied a lot about seeking the kingdom, pleasing God, overcoming the temptations of the world, subduing the flesh, and putting on the full armor of … Continue reading “COMFORT IN THE STRUGGLE”