01. The Bible and Bible Student
CHAPTER ONE The Bible and Bible Student
Hermeneutics is a science of interpretation and termination. The word is derived from a Greek god, Hermes, who was the messenger and herald of the gods, and the interpreter of Jupiter. Biblically, Hermeneutics is a science of interpreting the Bible.
Aim – to make known the different principles of Bible study which must be followed if one is to be a student of the Word of God, and desires to know the Word of God and how to handle it aright. The Bible
A. Designation
I. The Bible. Our English word "Bible" comes from the Greek words "Biblos" and "Biblion" which mean "the Book," It is not called "Biblos" because there are sixty-six books, but because of its preeminence over all hooks. It is named The Book in Psalms 40:7, and Hebrews 10:7.
There are apparent discrepancies in the Bible but that doesn’t mean the Word is untrue. The mistakes were man’s errors in translating the Bible. There is one Book and One Person, the Christ. This title was given us by John Christianson of Constantinople. (398-404 A.D.) II. The Word of God.
Hebrews 4:12, "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." 2 Corinthians 2:17; Mark 7:13; Romans 10:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13. Of all the names given to the Bible this title is perhaps the most significant and impressive. It signifies divine authority and is used frequently in the O.T., and about forty times in the N.T.
III. The Scripture or Scriptures. The Bible is called "the Scripture" in Mark 12:10; Mark 15:28; Luke 4:21; John 2:22; John 7:38; John 10:35; Romans 4:3; Galatians 4:30; 2 Peter 1:20. It is called "the Scriptures" in Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24; Luke 24:27; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15, and 2 Peter 3:16. This designation is found once in the O.T. in Daniel 10:21. It was used more frequently in the early church than it is at present. Some fifty-two times the title is found in the N.T. It comes from a Latin word meaning "writing."
IV. The Old and New Testament. The word "testament" means covenant, and by this term God designated the relation that existed between Himself and His people. "Testament" is used thirteen times in the Authorized version, but is translated "covenant" in the Revised version. The O.T. or Covenant was given at Mt. Sinai and concerns the Jewish race. The N.T. or Covenant was made in the upper room and concerns believers. This was sealed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:15 "And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:14; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 12:24.
V. The Oracles.
Oracles originally meant the place where the Word of God was kept and from which it was communicated. It also has the thought of a person proclaiming the Word. This designation is found approximately fourteen times in the O.T. and 4 in the N.T. 2 Samuel 16:23; Psalms 28:2, Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2, Hebrews 5:12; and 1 Peter 4:11.
VI. The Way. This designation is seldom used. It is found in the N.T. as a title of Jesus Christ. It reveals the way in which obedient followers must walk.
VII. Precepts.
Prescribed truths. It means "placed in trust" and has to do with the conduct and conscience of man. Fulfilling of precepts brings enjoyment of the promises.
VIII. Statutes. This means fixed obligations and comes from the root meaning "to engrave." These statutes are fixed and engraved by the hand of God.
IX. Commandments.
God’s word is given with authority and lodged with us as a trust. Not to obey the word of God is an act of rebellion.
X. Judgments. His judgments were made in infinite wisdom. By them we must judge, and by them we must be judged. The Bible is a guide which is just and right.
B. Declaration.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
If every scripture is inspired by God obviously there can be no scripture which isn’t inspired by God.
I. The meaning of Inspiration. a. It is more than human genius. We sometimes read of the inspiration of Shakespeare. This is false for his was human genius not inspiration. Divine inspiration appears only in the Bible. Shakespeare quoted from the Word of God over 500 times. The Bible is more than human genius; there is no degree ill inspiration. b. More than Illumination.
Illumination refers to the influence of the Holy Spirit; this is common to all Christians, which enables them to understand spiritual truths. Spiritual illumination is condition ed by yielding to the Holy Spirit. c. More than Revelation.
There are two kinds of records in Scripture:
1. Record of truth directly revealed by God.
2. Record of events that occurred in the writer’s experience. Inspiration superintends the communication of all truths. d. Inspiration means literally "God-breathed;" it is the breath of God expressing itself through II chosen instrument – a human personality.
We cannot explain the manner in which the Holy Spirit enabled the writers to accomplish the task, but we believe it.
2 Peter 1:21 – "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
II. The extent of Inspiration.
We believe in full inspiration; we reject partial inspiration. There are those who say that the Bible contains the Word of God. We believe that the Bible IS the Word of God, All scripture is God-breathed, and this means that no scripture is inspired more than any other scripture.
Daniel wrote words given him by divine inspiration that he could not understand. Notice Daniel 12:8-9. In 2 Samuel 23:2 we read, "the Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue." Other scriptures are: 1 Peter 1:10-11; Exodus 20; Exodus 1; Exodus 24:4.; Exodus 35:1; Isaiah 1:2; Jeremiah 1:4; Daniel 9:21; Daniel 7:1; Amos 1:1; Revelation 1:1.
III. Proofs of Inspiration. a. Proof of Scripture itself.
1. Its preeminence in literature.
2. Its preservation.
3. Its transforming power.
4. Its unity throughout.
5. Its scientific accuracy. b. Proof of the spade of Archaeology.
Over 5,000 places, spoken of in Scripture, have been found by the archaeologists. c. Proof of fulfilled prophecy.
Example: Psalms 22.
C. Divisions.
I. Into testaments.
Old and New Testaments.
II. Into books. a. English division of the Old Testament (39).
1. Pentateuch 5
2. History 12
3. Poetry 5
4. Prophecy 17
(1) Major 5
(2) Minor 12 b. Hebrew division of the O.T. (24 books). The Hebrews never spoke of I and II Samuel or I and II Kings until the translation of the Septuagint Bible in 285 B. C. When seventy Jews began to translate into the Greek, they found that it took so much space, that they divided some books into two books. Poetical books were not divided. Luke 24:44 tells of the O.T. division. c. English division of the N. T. (27).
1. Historical 5
2. Epistles 21
3. Prophecy 1 III. Into Chapters.
There are 1189 chapters in the Bible, and they are man-made. Credit for this is given to Stephen Langdon who died in 1227. Originally chapter division was thought to have been done by Cardinal Sancto who died in 1263, but Stephen Langdon is still given credit for the work.
IV. Into Verses.
There are 31,163 verses in the Bible. This division is also man-made, and was done in 1550 A.D. by Sir Robert Stevens. The Geneva Bible, printed in 1560, was the first Bible to be printed in verse form. The Revised Version of 1881 has not the verse division. There are 3.566,480 letters in the Bible.
D. Digest. A birds’ eye view of the Bible will be a great help in the understanding of the Word.
I. History – God’s history of the past.
1. Heavens and earths were created.
2. Satan’s first rebellion.
3. Earth prepared for man.
4. The headship of the first man.
5. Man’s subjection to Satan.
6. Mankind dealt with as a whole.
7. Construction of Babylon.
8. Israel called and blessed.
9. Times of the Gentiles.
10. The first advent of Christ.
11. The ministry of Christ covers life and death.
12. Church called out.
II. Prophecy – God’s Revelation of the future 12. Church called up.
11. The ministry of the Anti-Christ.
10. The Second advent of Christ.
9. The times of the Gentiles – close of Tribulation.
8. Israel recalled and given blessing.
7. Destruction of Babylon.
6. Mankind dealt with as a whole.
5. God’s subjection of Satan.
4. The headship of the Second Man (Christ).
3. Earth perfected for man.
2. Satan’s final rebellion.
1. The new heavens and new earth.
1. Heaven and Earth we’re created.
Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." This was the world that then was.
2 Peter 3:6 "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished."
There is no date, information, nor calendar for original creation. We must distinguish between create and make. Out of nothing by the word of His power, the heavens and earth were created. This is an appeal to faith, not reason. Reason can never discover who God is. God reaches our reason through our faith, and not our faith through our reason.
2. Satan’s first rebellion.
Genesis 1:2 "And the earth was without form, and void: and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of THE WATERS."
"Was" is translated "became" in verse 2.
Isaiah 45:18 "For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited; I am the Lord, and there is none else."
3. Earth prepared for man – Genesis 1:2 to Genesis 2:3. In verse 2 we begin with the Spirit brooding over the face of the water.
4. The headship of the first man.
Adam was first as man but second in person, for Satan was a headship also. The blessing of God rests upon the renewed creation.
5. Man’s subjection to Satan – Genesis 3. The one who marred the first creation, mars the new creation. Adam identifies himself with Eve’s sin and sin enters into the human race. Jesus identified Himself with our sin, and brought salvation into the world. Written in the close of the chapter is the provision of a covering for sin in the skins of animals slain. Blood was shed. The entire race was brought into subjection to Satan.
6. Mankind dealt with as a whole.
Gen. Chs. 4-11:
4 – Result of sin in world.
5 – Death reigning.
6 – Corruption reigning on the earth.
7 – Beginning of the flood.
8 – Flood at its height.
9 – Flood at its end.
10 – Man’s dominion and responsibility – 9:25, 26.
7. Construction of Babylon Ch. 11.
Idolatry instituted.
8. Israel called and blessed.
You must properly place Israel if you want to understand the Word. a. From call of Abraham to the Exodus.
(1) Abraham
(2) Isaac
(3) Jacob
(4) Joseph b. From Exodus to death of Joshua.
Joshua fully established in the land. c. The Judges. d. The Kings. The Captivities.
Jer., Ezek., Obadiah, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah.
9. Times of the Gentiles. The period of time during which Jerusalem is politically under Gentile supremacy. Luke 21:24.
10. The first advent of Christ.
Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the Jaw, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
11. The ministry of Christ covers life and death.
12. Church called out.
Church is a company composed of both Jews and Gentiles.
Romans – Justification Corinthians – Church.
Galatians – Liberty from the law.
Ephesians – Heavenly character.
Philippians – Walk of church.
Thessalonians – Hope.
Jude – Church earnestly contends.
Timothy, Titus, Philemon – Danger from what might be called Gentile idolatry.
Hebrews, James, Peter – Danger from what might be called Jewish apostasy.
I John – Nature of fellowship.
II John – Limits of fellowship – excludes.
III John – Extent of fellowship – includes.
II. Prophecy – God’s revelation of the future.
12. Church called up. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (rapture). This has to do with every believer in Christ.
11. The ministry of the Anti-Christ. Christ was the truth; he (anti) is the lie.
10. The second advent of Christ. a. He came to the manger. b. Now He comes to the throne.
9. The times of the Gentiles – close of Tribulation.
8. Israel recalled and given blessing. Isaiah 11.
Jeremiah 32:33 "And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have "not hearkened to receive instruction."
Ezekiel 36:37 ’Thus saith the Lord God, I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock."
7. Destruction of Babylon (city razed ).
6. Mankind dealt with as a whole.
Matthew 25:31-32 "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats."
Joel 3:12 "Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about."
5. God’s subjection of Satan.
4. The headship of the second man (Christ).
Isaiah 2:11; Micah 4; The Millennium (1,000).
3. Earth perfected for man.
2. Satan’s final rebellion. Satan is loosed from his prison and deceives the people.
1. The new heavens and new earth. In Peter – "The heavens and earth shall pass away." In John – "A new heaven and a new earth." The Bible Student A. Preparation (What is necessary).
I. Personal Preparation. a. Personal relationship to Christ – a regenerated person. 1 Corinthians 2:11 "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." b. Positive persuasion concerning inspiration.
It is The Book, not a Book. We must approach with bare head and bended knee. The Bible student should never put a question mark where God puts a period. c. A passion and desire to know the Book. d. Prayer for discernment.
Martin Luther said, "To pray well is to study well." e. A predisposition to obedience. A great teacher will not teach those who refuse to obey. If we are to know the Word, we must do the will of God. f. Persistence in study.
It is well to remember that our idle days are the devil’s busy days.
II. Practical Preparation. a. Own a good Bible-American or Revised edition. b. Own a good Concordance, such as "Strong’s" or "Young’s." c. Possess a good notebook.
B. Promotion (What Is gained).
I. Profound knowledge.
If you study the Scripture you will become a possessor of a profound knowledge. Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were, written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." 2 Peter 3:15-17; 1 Peter 2:2; Luke 24:25-27; John 1:45; John 5:46; John 5:39; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
II. Personal Faith.
Romans 10:17 "So faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the ’Word of God’." As we study, faith increases. Faith rests upon the Word of God.
III. Purification of Life.
John 15:3 "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."
John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
There is cleansing power in the Word of God.
Moody once said. "The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this Book."
Psalms 119:69; Galatians 3:16-17.
IV. Preparation for Service.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 6:17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.” Our duty is to continually preach the Word. God honors the Word, not the person.
V. Power in Ministry.
If you use the Word of God you will be prepared for service and will have power in your ministry. The Word is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.
C. Proposition (What shall be done).
I. Practice its truth.
Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
If you proclaim its truth, practice what you preach.
Hebrews 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.
II. Proclaim its truth.
If you don’t practice, don’t proclaim it. Walk in its light, how to its authority, cling to its integrity, obey every precept, feed on its treasure, and hide it in your heart.