II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NASB)
Studying the bible is different than studying a textbook, or a piece of secular literature. The bible makes the boast of being the Word of God. Paul told Timothy that all scripture is inspired (literally breathed) by God. Jesus told His followers that the words He spoke were "spirit and life." The book of Hebrews tells us that scripture is "quick and powerful" and penentrates the human heart and the bones and marrow. Merely having an analytical mind is not enough to truly comprehend and properly study the bible. Paul commended the Thessalonians because they received his message not as the word of men, but as it is in truth- the Word of God.
Paul told the Corinthians that the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him. The reason that the bible doesn't make any sense to a non-believer is because they are on a different frequency (if I can use that analogy). It's like being tuned to FM and trying listen to a broadcast on an AM station (for those of us who don't yet have sattelite radio). When Jesus rose from the dead, we read in Luke 24 that He opened the understanding of the disciples so they could comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).
It takes a renewed mind, and a regenerated spirit to truly be able to comprehend this Book. Next, we will explore the fact Christians have the best teacher in the world available to them at all times.
Until next time....
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