Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15)

1. Prayer
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. (Eph 1:18-19)

2. Let God Interpret His Word
So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2 Peter 1:19-21)

Example 1: Mat 13:3-9; 18-23
Example 2: Mat 13:24-30; 36-43

3. The Old Testament Is the New Testament Concealed – The New Testament Is the Old Testament Revealed
As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven -- things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10-12)

Example 1: Acts 13:32-37
Example 2: Acts 2:32-39

4. The Scripture Cannot Be Broken (John 10:30-36)
No one passage gives you all the information about any particular subject, but all are true. The following example from the four gospel accounts is the sign that was put on the cross above Jesus’ head: Matthew 27:37 + Mark 15:26 + Luke 23:38 + John 19:19-20 = THIS IS JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS (in Hebrew, Latin, and in Greek).

5. If Something Doesn’t Fit, Pay Attention
Rather than trying to make the Scripture fit your thinking, make your thinking fit the Scripture. The judgment pictured by Psalm 18:37-42 contradicts the widely promoted view of a warm fuzzy Jesus.

6. Concepts Are More Important Than Words
Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:37-39)

The exact phrase ‘rivers of living water’ is not in the Old Testament, but the concept is. Jesus summarized a number of Scriptures in one sentence.

7. Context
The Bible says in Psalm 53:1, “There is no God.” A plain statement of fact is a plain statement of fact, but context has to be taken into account.

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; there is no one who does good. (Ps 53:1)
 

Read & Discover: 2 Tim 2:23-26 & Heb 5:12-14

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