Answers to Questions:
1). What is rightly dividing the Word of God? (2 Timothy 2:15)
Frist of all, we must have an understanding that the Bible is ultimately from the mind of God though men were employed in its writing (2 Peter 1:21). It is called the word of truth. Truth is absolute, not flexible. The Christian should never attempt to twist the scriptures to make it say what he wants. Doing so leads to spiritual destruction (2 Peter 3:16). The student of God's word must reverently approach the scripture with the desire to learn God's will and to change his life to that knowledge prayerfully. The Greek word translated "rightly dividing" in the King James translation of (2 Tim. 2:15) is "orthotomeo" which literally means to make a straight and accurate cut. Carpenters used this word to describe the correct way to saw lumber, while civil engineers used it to be sure the roads they were building went from one place to another by the shortest possible route. When used metaphorically the word means "to proceed on straight paths, hold a straight course, equivalent to doing right". By using this word Paul was instructing Timothy to preach God's word accurately, correctly, and with precision. Had he been instructing Timothy to divide God's word into various parts he would have used the Greek word diaireo which means to divide into parts.
2). List the 10 points for fruitful Scripture reading and understanding.
1). Bible reading is for God's people. The Church encourages God's people to make reading the Bible part of their daily prayer lives. Reading these inspired words people grow deeper in their relationship with God and come to understand their place in the community God has called them to in Himself.
2). Prayer is the beginning and the end. Reading the Bible is not like reading a novel or a history book. It should begin with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds to the Word of God. Scripture reading should end with a prayer that this Word will bear fruit in our lives, helping us to grow and be more faithful people.
3). Get the whole story! When selecting a Bible, look for one you can understand.
An edition that will include the Church's complete list of books along with introduction and notes for understanding the text. An edition that will have Jesus Words in red print is a good ideal.
4). The Bible isn't a book. It's a library.
The Bible is a collection of 66 books written over the course of many centuries. The Bible is the sacred Book, or collection of books, accepted by the Christian Church as uniquely inspired by God, and thus authoritative, providing guidelines for belief and behavior. Many verses throughout the Bible attest to its divine origin (Genesis 6:9-13, Exodus 20:1-17, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Revelation 1:1-2, etc.) But the Bible was not simply dictated word-for-word by God; it is also the work of its many different human authors. The different writing skills, writing styles, personalities, world views, and cultural backgrounds of the human authors can be seen in their works. Many of the New Testament books were originally written as letters rather than as Scripture. Some Bible writings include the authors' own research and recollection of historical events (Luke 1:1-4) and their own opinions (1 Corinthians 7:12).
5). Know what the Bible is – and what it isn't.
The Bible is the story of God's relationship with the people he has called to himself. It is not intended to be read as history text, a science book, or a political manifesto. In the Bible, God teaches us the truths that we need for the sake of our salvation.
6). The sum is greater than the parts. Read the Bible in context. What happens before and after – even in other books – helps us to understand the true meaning of the text.
7). The Old relates to the New. The Old Testament and the New Testament shed light on each other. While we read the Old Testament in light of the death and resurrection of Jesus, it has its own value as well. Together, these testaments help us to understand God's plan for human beings.
8). You do not read alone. By reading and reflecting on Sacred Scripture, we join those faithful men and women who have taken God's Word to heart and put it into practice in their lives. We read the Bible within the tradition of the Church to benefit from the holiness and wisdom of all the faithful.
9). What is God saying to me? The Bible is not addressed only to long-dead people in a faraway land. It is addressed to each of us in our own unique situations. When we read, we need to understand what the text says and how the faithful have understood its meaning in the past. In light of this understanding, we then ask: What is God saying to me?
10). Reading isn't enough. If Scripture remains just words on a page, our work is not done. We need to meditate on the message and put it into action in our lives. Only then can the word be "living and effective."(Hebrews 4:12).
3). When you take God by faith you can do what?
If you has learned how to take the desired gift, by uncompromising affirmation that it is his already, you will get understanding, or realization of God as your perfect health. So as with any other desired gift of God, this is a step in the right direction.
4). Explain using the words of Truth.
You must with effort pass the place of doubt, and some day, in the fullness of God's time, while you are using the words of Truth, they will suddenly be illumined and become to you the Living Word within you—"the true light, which enlightens everyone, (Jn. 1:9). You will no longer dwell in darkness, for the light will be within your own heart, and the word will be made flesh to you; that is, you will be conscious of a new and diviner life in your body, and a new and diviner love for all people, a new and diviner power to accomplish your work for the Lord; This is the Word of Truth, which is understanding, and the knowledge of God's Word.
5). To know intellectually is not enough, but we must know____________.
We must know spiritually, we need spiritual knowledge and understanding to use wisdom when needed.
6). What is another word for spiritual understanding?
The very Spirit of Truth, which has come to abide with you forever in your consciousness, takes the deep things of God and reveals them to you.
7). When you crave for more revelation, you crave for more of___________.
When you crave for more revelation, you crave for more of God, more understanding, more knowledge, and more wisdom.
8). How do Isaiah describe spiritual light?
"Then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday" (Is. 58: 10) and "then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly" (Is. 58:8).
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