Kyle's Rules of Bible Study #3 - Faith is Essential

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Over the years I have developed my own set of "rules" for studying and teaching the Word of God. They are not meant as substitutes for established sound exegetical guidelines, but are my own personal addendum that help guide my studies.

   Rule #3: Faith is Essential.

    Faith is the key element when it comes to salvation and spiritual life, and it is no different in bible study. Faith is not simply a part of the process, it’s the key. The Bible, to some degree, addresses logic and reasoning,  intelligence, philosophy, and science. In addition, having a grasp of these can greatly help in understanding various passages within the Bible. However  when it comes to interpreting the Word of God, these take a backseat to faith. It is not because that they contradict, although they sometimes do, but faith must always takes precedence. Paul wrote, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."  (Heb. 11:6, NASB)

   Anyone can read, study, and learn from both the specific teachings in the Bible and the Biblical message in general. However, only a true Christian can fully grasp the truths contained within. Understanding a biblical teaching from an intellectual or philosophical point of view is one thing, putting them into practice and reaping the benefits of that teaching is another. Take for example, Paul's encouragement to the believers in Philippi, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " (Phil. 4: 6-7, NASB) The logical mind can grasp the concept that when a person brings their requests to God in prayer, the outcome will be an inner peace. It does not take a PhD to understand that one. However, until a person actually puts it into practice, they cannot fully understand the peace that Paul refers to as "passing understanding". In other words, I believe that the Bible cannot fully be understood until an individual believes it to be the Word and God and is willing to put into practice the discoveries that are found within. Again, Paul wrote, "...But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." (1 Cor. 2: 12-14, NASB) If we take the Bible's words at face value, then the things of God cannot be understood except through a life of faith. Faith, then, becomes essential in understanding the Bible.

**pic borrowed from http://www.codeaffine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rule.png



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