Attitude to Have for a Bible Study
We Just Make It Simple.
ATTITUDE TO HAVE FOR A BIBLE STUDY
We need to develop a more noble character by examining the Scriptures to see if what we hear and what others teach us is accurate.
Does this statement sound like it comes from someone full of doubt and lacking faith? Does this statement have a sense of disputing with a teacher or preacher? Finally, does this statement show a lack of respect for the one who is doing the teaching? The answer to each of these questions should be -- NO.
It does not mean searching and examining the Scriptures shows doubt or a lack of faith by the Bible student. It also does not disrespect God, the Bible's author. Looking at what the Bible says about a specific topic does not show a lack of respect for the teacher. Checking to see what the Bible says about the same or related subject in other places or situations does not mean that the Bible student had a personal dispute with the teacher. It also would not mean that the searcher does not love the teacher.
Do we need a Bible verse to reference or prove this statement? How about the following verse?
Let's look at Acts 17:11.
"Now the Berean’s were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11)
Time has flooded us with some 1900 years of contorted views of Christianity and its diversity of thoughts, ideas, and teaching. Not everything taught about Christianity is what Jesus and the inspired Bible writers meant it to mean as they wrote it.
I believe well-intentioned people and evil men helped change the meaning of God's Word. God's word is always accurate, but what we say it means is not always true. One minor change has brought on one, then another, then another. What we see today in the Christian world differs from what Jesus wanted us to see. We need to keep studying so we don't let another "little change" creep into the Christianity of our lives. We need to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (II Tim. 2:15)
I started writing this in 1990. (Edited 12/12/91, 1/21/95)
Larry E. Whittington