1 Corinthians 1:9-101 Corinthians 1:9-10

Is it possible for man to Is it possible for man to understand ANYTHING alike?understand ANYTHING alike?

• Sales ad• Recipe• Simple math• Road signs• The Bible

Is it possible for man to Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE?understand THE BIBLE?

• The testimony of the O.T. says, “YES!”– The law was read and understood by

men, women & children (Neh. 8:2-3, 8)• The testimony of Jesus says, “YES!”

– Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not knowing the Scriptures (Matt. 22:29)

– Jesus said the good soil “hears the word and understands it” (Matt. 13:23)

– Jesus said that “anyone who wills to do His will…shall know…the doctrine” (John 7:17)

– Jesus said that Scriptures (His words) would judge all men in the last day (John 12:48)

Is it possible for man to Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE?understand THE BIBLE?

• The testimony of the O.T. says, “YES!”• The testimony of Jesus says, “YES!”• The testimony of Paul says, “YES!”

– Timothy understood the Scriptures from childhood (2 Tim. 3:15)

– Whole books were to be read (Col. 4:16)– When Christians read the Scriptures

they would understand them (Eph. 3:4)– Parts of books were addressed to

husbands, wives, children, slaves, etc. (Eph. 5:22-6:9)

– Readers were expected to understand the will of God (Eph. 5:17)

Is it possible for man to Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE understand THE BIBLE AlikeAlike????

• Man can understand many matters alike• Understanding the Bible is not only

possibleUnderstanding the Bible IS EXPECTED!

• If we understand the Bible at all,WE’LL UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE!– That’s the only way to understand it– No such thing as understanding

differently– Man can misunderstand differently, but

not understand differently– We don’t “understand math differently”

• God created the world, us & the Bible

Is it possible for man to Is it possible for man to understand THE BIBLE understand THE BIBLE Alike??Alike????

• Man can understand many matters alike• Understanding the Bible is not only

possibleUnderstanding the Bible IS EXPECTED!

• If we understand the Bible at all,WE’LL UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE!– That’s the only way to understand it– No such thing as understanding

differently– Man can misunderstand differently, but

not understand differently.– We don’t “understand math differently”

• God created the world, us & the Bible

If the Bible cannot be If the Bible cannot be understood ALIKE, then…understood ALIKE, then…

• There can be no unity!– The unity Jesus prayed for is impossible

(John 17:20-21).– The unity that Paul commanded is only

wishful thinking (1 Corinthians 1:10).• Either God’s will or His ability is lacking!

– Either God could write a book that could be understood but wouldn’t (not willing!)…

– Or God would write a book that could be understood but couldn’t (not able!).

– Yet He gave us a book & required us to understand it in order to be saved.

If the Bible cannot be If the Bible cannot be understood ALIKE, then…understood ALIKE, then…

• There can be no unity!• Either God’s will or His ability is

lacking!• The Bible is reduced to nonsense!

– Matthew 4:4– John 8:31-32– Romans 16:17– 1 Corinthians 14:33– 2 Corinthians 1:13– Philippians 3:16– 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The reality is:The reality is:We We DoDo Understand the Bible Understand the Bible AlikeAlike

• Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-6• Exodus 20:12-17• Joshua 6:1-5• Isaiah 53:3-8• Matthew 22:37-39• Romans 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:15; John

15:13• We understand the Bible ALIKE

UNTIL we get ourselves in the way!• Example: What does Mark 16:16 say?

Helps to Understanding the Helps to Understanding the Bible & Understanding It Bible & Understanding It AlikeAlike

• Letting go of preconceived ideas & beliefs– Philippians 3:4-8

• Letting go of the words & teachings of man– Mark 7:8-13

• Respecting the Bible as THE authority in religion– Colossians 3:17; John 12:48

• Opening the mind & heart to finding truth– John 7:17; Matthew 7:7

• Having a desire for & true love for the truth– 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:2

• Desiring & expecting to understand– Ephesians 5:17

• Having an eagerness to submit fully to God’s word– Psalm 119:1-176

Helps to Understanding the Helps to Understanding the Bible & Understanding It Bible & Understanding It AlikeAlike

• Study the Bible diligently & honestly (2 Tim. 2:15)– Consider the context

Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What is under discussion in verses before & after? What part of the Bible? Is it figurative language?

– Be thorough in your study Gather all that the Bible says relevant to a topic Realize that not all the truth is found in one verse Handle aright (properly & accurately) the Word If there is an apparent contradiction, allow the

plain passage to explain the more difficult one

– Use common sense

God’s God’s UnderstandableUnderstandable Plan Plan of Salvation for All Mankindof Salvation for All Mankind

• Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 20:30-31

• Repent of your sins – Acts 3:19

• Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9

• Be immersed in water – Mark 16:16

– Sins are forgiven – Acts 2:38; 22:16

– Added to His church – Acts 2:47

– Registered in heaven – Hebrews 12:23

• Be a faithful servant until death – Matt. 25:23