Howdy SH89,
Greetings. I have appreciated the earlier posts in this thread. Proper growth in understanding depends on many things, but humility, prayer, reading and meditation are essential factors. It has been often stated, that the more you come to know of the things of God and the Bible, the more you start to appreciate how little you know and understand. The small understanding of the overall view, and the little amount of detail focussed upon at first, starts to open up a magnificent vista, and every detail has an immense depth of beauty and character.
Christ reveals that it was not the wise and prudent of his age that came to a proper knowledge of the things of God, but if we see our need and seek him, he will lead and guide us in all aspects of our walk.
Matthew 11:25-30 (KJV): "25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
True and stromg growth depends upon many factors. A correct understanding of the gospel helps to make many aspects of the Scripture clear. You mention that you are considering Romans, and the theme verses, Romans 1:16-17 speak of the gospel and its power, its power to lead to salvation. It is interesting that the recipients of the letter were already believers, and Paul saw the need to send this letter, and also saw the need to visit them so that they could be established and bring forth fruit:
Romans 1:11-13 (1901 ASV): "11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 that is, that I with you may be comforted in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles."
As you appear to be studying specific chapters and verses, I enjoyed the following suggestions on contextual Bible study. This could apply to a narrative, but similar principles apply to expositionary chapters.
Learn the main lesson of the story
Determine the proper emphasis of the words
Picture the details of the chapter
Find the links with other scriptures
Determine key words or key themes
Find important echoes
Capture the overall sense of the argument
Follow the main lines of the argument
See the drama of the incident
Discover the setting of the scene.
Perhaps one key to growth is not to get too bogged down with fine detail, but strive to gain an overall picture and attempt to fill in the more difficult detail gradually. Some of this detail should always be held as tentative, ready to be modified as other aspects of the word are considered. The word itself helps to modify our view of other portions of the word.
There is a danger of being polarised by a narrow, even popular view. I would put the following in this category (howdy vinsight4u - please do not take offense with this):
"It depends on if a person studies diligently, prays and leaves their own ideas out of it all. They have to let the words that are written stand. You said that you studied the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled..
Okay, check out Micah 5 and 7. These chapters are about a coming Assyrian-Iraqi ruler that will take the land of Israel.
Micah 5 begins by telling us that One will come out of Bethlehem..and the chapter leads to how He will one day have to free Israel from the Assyrian."
Over the years I have heard a number of views of who the latter-day Assyrian would be, but only recently heard the suggestion that it will be an Iraqi leader, perhaps coloured by the recent gulf wars.
My personal view is that the "Assyrian" is a theme that commences with Nimrod in Genesis 10, representing the kingdoms of men in their rebellion and antagonism against God and his people. Specifically in Micah's time this was the Assyrian in opposition to Hezekiah as seen in Micah and Isaiah. This role was then transferred to Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, then Rome. In the latter days, I believe that the Assyrian in Micah 5 find its counterpart in the military forces opposed to Christ in the Battle of Armageddon, and I consider that some of the parallel passages to Micah 5 are Ezekiel 38, Daniel 11:40-45, Zechariah 14, Revelation 16:14-16. Although others may differ, my assessment is that these taken in aggregate show that the latter-day king of the north is not an Iraqi leader.
SH89, I do not expect you to accept this view instead of that proposed by vinsight4u, but give it as an example of difference of opinion on detail. Our own view on many subjects will be developed over time, and many adjustments will occur until a clearer picture of God's lovingkindness revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ emerges in all its beauty and glory. May you find encouragement, delight and refreshing from the Word of God.
Kind regards
Trevor
