Studying The Bible

[John20050]

Hi!

Recently I think of studying the new testament.

I have started to read the gospel of Matthew and I do not fully understand the scriptures. I have even tried to read it in my own language (Hebrew) but the language is so proper so I had to read a light version of English instead but still I don't understand it.


What should I do? Does anyone have an idea? Maybe going to a church might help?

Thanks!

 

[Peripatetic]

Welcome to the forum! Going to a church is a good idea for many reasons! As for the Bible, there are different translations - some of which are easier to read. It's also a good idea to use a Study Bible that has notes and explanations that can provide more clarity and answers to some of our questions.

 

[parsley]

Did you get all the way through Matthew? The beginning is rougher than the gospel of John, which might be a clearer starting place.

Some others-- Romans, Hebrews, Galatians.... Those are sensible, with reasoning that explains how we approach living in faith.

Many of the teachings of Jesus show how people had drifted from the heart of the Law, and had built up a lot of legalisms (meat pots and milk pans) that had made life difficult for people. These challenges to our motives do not always appear clear; sometimes they are witty.

Jesus' disciples picked grain along the side of the road on the Sabbath. According to the interpretations added to the Law of Moses, picking grain was work. But when you think about how simply and directly the Law was written, picking food and putting it directly in your mouth is just eating.

What Jesus saw in this, was our competitive spirits, trying to push others down so we can raise ourselves up. Pride in perfectionism. Trying to please G-d by our goodness, when we are never consistently good.

G-d's grace is what saves us -- His love for the people He created-- not our rigid adherence to rules. The Law saves us on earth from disease and destroying each other. God saves us eternally, through our faith in His plan.

If you have any specific questions, you can ask them in this thread.

 

[prov1810]

Hi!

Recently I think of studying the new testament.

I have started to read the gospel of Matthew and I do not fully understand the scriptures. I have even tried to read it in my own language (Hebrew) but the language is so proper so I had to read a light version of English instead but still I don't understand it.


What should I do? Does anyone have an idea? Maybe going to a church might help?

Thanks!

I read the Quest Study Bible when I was a new believer and that helped me a lot. There are groups for seekers at some churches - the Alpha course is an example.

 

[1watchman]

Here is a paper that introduces Bible study:

A BIBLE OVERVIEW​

["Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" - II Tim.2:15 (KJV); "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away" - Matt.24:35 (KJV); "The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" - Heb. 4:12 (KJV).]

The Holy Bible is a name given to that holy collection of books recording the Word Of Truth. It is one continuous testimony, or unfolding of truth to man by God from the beginning to the end (with the divisions therein properly discerned). One might read in the NKJV for easier reading, but the Old Scofield Edition of the KJV is highly recommended as a study Bible. Let us all pray for the leading by the Holy Spirit to teach us and keep us in the truth. - R. L. DeWitt, '05; rev. 12/07: from biblecounsel.homestead.com.

A. A Way To Study The Bible
In the first place, if we don't study we will likely end up following after many voices to our confusion. A good way to study the Bible is to have a system. For the non-Christian, one should begin by reading John 1, John 3, John 14 and then pray for God’s leading and teaching.
1. Cultivate a desire to hear God speaking to you, and desire to know His message for your life. This comes from "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), not just interpretations of one verse. There are no contradictions. One needs to see the harmony of scripture, and the Holy Spirit will apply the truth of it. Do you really want to know what God thinks? Begin by prayer.

2. Set a time daily or weekly; otherwise study won't happen.

3. Decide on the method and course, and prepare. Without a sound method, one will wander and misapply scripture.

a) A study of the foundation truths for the Christian life---e.g. deity; the trinity; creation; the Person, birth, & work of Christ; redemption; church truth; spiritual life; the end times (prophecy); judgment; blessing; and eternal destiny. This is a good beginning as an overview.
b) A study of topics or subjects that are essential to the believer's pathway---e.g. holiness, worship, devotion, service, trials, marriage & practical choices, etc. Choose a subject of special interest and learn about it, rather than just reason over it. Good ministry is available from the sources below.
c) A study of each Book and chapter in a progressive way through the Bible. One can read a chapter, pray over it, and then read some sound ministry on it from a reliable source. Some suggest a chapter a day, but a chapter per week with outside reading may be better. One has said: We ought to do as a cow -- "eat, then pause and chew on it awhile". It is important to see that there are no contradictions in the Word of God, and verses ought to be understood first in their context.

4. Have a concordance available, and a good Bible dictionary. The CONCISE BIBLE DICTIONARY is an excellent aide; also, have paper to take notes for questions and further inquiry.
A good source of sound ministry is found at BTP: www.bibletruthpublishers.com; and one can contact sound Bible teachers through (BTPmail@ca.com.


B. What Is Bible Truth?
Bible truth is more than just reading the Word of God and trying to follow it. I believe it is two things: "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27); and "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (II Tim.2:15). It is important to know who is speaking, to whom is he speaking, what is he speaking, where is he speaking, when is he speaking, why is he speaking (who, what, where, when, why). This will greatly help in understanding the truth of what we are reading.

There is essential truth (that which the church must not compromise), and there is non-essential truth, which is important for spiritual growth, understandings, and in faithfulness to God, but not binding on one; and there is conscience, which speaks of personal understandings not proven or disproved in the Word---which should not be pressed on others.

One should understand there are three major groups of people in the Bible: Israelites (called Jews today, since the tribes are scattered); Gentiles (non-Israelites--the gender of mankind); and the church of God (the redeemed bride of Christ). The ancient worthies of Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc., who pre-dated Israel, are Gentiles (in the strict sense, yet were a people of God). The O.T. saints and the nation of Israel had a different relationship with God than does the church (the bride of Christ) in the N.T.

There is instruction in the Bible for Israel, and instruction for the Church today, and there is a difference. Christians don't take their instruction (essential truth) from the Old Testament, but can find much information about God, creation, the ways and mind of God there, and principles for the Christian life today.

We should not expect to find a verse in the Bible for every question we have, but there are principles for our learning. One might make a spiritual application of what they read for their own life, but should know if that application is consistent with all of the Word.

A Bible study might be a progressive reading of each book of the Bible for factual knowledge of people, activities, and historical events; and it might be a subject study: e.g. worship, and all verses bearing on it; but these might well be supplemented by ministry of principles to apply all of the Word, to see the purposes of God and what is pleasing to Him by precepts. A principle is a collection of verses that displays truth, rather than one or two verses which might be misapplied. This is something of what we mean by a Bible truth study.

C. Bible Study Beginning
See the note at the top of this page about help to begin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[faroukfarouk]

Hi there! if you also read the Epistle to the Hebrews, you'll see just how the Old Testament sacrifices and priesthood were fulfilled and superseded by the perfect sacrifice and High Priesthood of the Lord Jesus, Who 'ever lives to make intercession' for those who love and trust Him in faith (Hebrew 7.25). God bless your Bible reading!

 

[Radagast]

Maybe going to a church might help?

You absolutely should go to church.

I have started to read the gospel of Matthew and I do not fully understand the scriptures. I have even tried to read it in my own language (Hebrew) but the language is so proper so I had to read a light version of English instead but still I don't understand it.

I don't know if there are any good Hebrew translations. An easy-to-read English translation is probably a very good place to start.

What's causing you problems, specifically?

 

[LilLamb219]

Yes, go to church and also join in a Bible Study.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes, attending a regular Bible study is also very important.

 

[John20050]

You absolutely should go to church.



I don't know if there are any good Hebrew translations. An easy-to-read English translation is probably a very good place to start.

What's causing you problems, specifically?

Yes, I downloaded an easy-to-read English version. I understand the words, If not I use a dictionary. But my problem I don't understand the context. Maybe a bible study in church will help.

Thank you!

Here is a paper that introduces Bible study:

A BIBLE OVERVIEW​

["Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" - II Tim.2:15 (KJV); "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away" - Matt.24:35 (KJV); "The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" - Heb. 4:12 (KJV).]

The Holy Bible is a name given to that holy collection of books recording the Word Of Truth. It is one continuous testimony, or unfolding of truth to man by God from the beginning to the end (with the divisions therein properly discerned). One might read in the NKJV for easier reading, but the Old Scofield Edition of the KJV is highly recommended as a study Bible. Let us all pray for the leading by the Holy Spirit to teach us and keep us in the truth. - R. L. DeWitt, '05; rev. 12/07: from biblecounsel.homestead.com.

A. A Way To Study The Bible
In the first place, if we don't study we will likely end up following after many voices to our confusion. A good way to study the Bible is to have a system. For the non-Christian, one should begin by reading John 1, John 3, John 14 and then pray for God’s leading and teaching.
1. Cultivate a desire to hear God speaking to you, and desire to know His message for your life. This comes from "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), not just interpretations of one verse. There are no contradictions. One needs to see the harmony of scripture, and the Holy Spirit will apply the truth of it. Do you really want to know what God thinks? Begin by prayer.

2. Set a time daily or weekly; otherwise study won't happen.

3. Decide on the method and course, and prepare. Without a sound method, one will wander and misapply scripture.

a) A study of the foundation truths for the Christian life---e.g. deity; the trinity; creation; the Person, birth, & work of Christ; redemption; church truth; spiritual life; the end times (prophecy); judgment; blessing; and eternal destiny. This is a good beginning as an overview.
b) A study of topics or subjects that are essential to the believer's pathway---e.g. holiness, worship, devotion, service, trials, marriage & practical choices, etc. Choose a subject of special interest and learn about it, rather than just reason over it. Good ministry is available from the sources below.
c) A study of each Book and chapter in a progressive way through the Bible. One can read a chapter, pray over it, and then read some sound ministry on it from a reliable source. Some suggest a chapter a day, but a chapter per week with outside reading may be better. One has said: We ought to do as a cow -- "eat, then pause and chew on it awhile". It is important to see that there are no contradictions in the Word of God, and verses ought to be understood first in their context.

4. Have a concordance available, and a good Bible dictionary. The CONCISE BIBLE DICTIONARY is an excellent aide; also, have paper to take notes for questions and further inquiry.

B. What Is Bible Truth?
Bible truth is more than just reading the Word of God and trying to follow it. I believe it is two things: "all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:27); and "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (II Tim.2:15). It is important to know who is speaking, to whom is he speaking, what is he speaking, where is he speaking, when is he speaking, why is he speaking (who, what, where, when, why). This will greatly help in understanding the truth of what we are reading.

There is essential truth (that which the church must not compromise), and there is non-essential truth, which is important for spiritual growth, understandings, and in faithfulness to God, but not binding on one; and there is conscience, which speaks of personal understandings not proven or disproved in the Word---which should not be pressed on others.

One should understand there are three major groups of people in the Bible: Israelites (called Jews today, since the tribes are scattered); Gentiles (non-Israelites--the gender of mankind); and the church of God (the redeemed bride of Christ). The ancient worthies of Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc., who pre-dated Israel, are Gentiles (in the strict sense, yet were a people of God). The O.T. saints and the nation of Israel had a different relationship with God than does the church (the bride of Christ) in the N.T.

There is instruction in the Bible for Israel, and instruction for the Church today, and there is a difference. Christians don't take their instruction (essential truth) from the Old Testament, but can find much information about God, creation, the ways and mind of God there, and principles for the Christian life today.

We should not expect to find a verse in the Bible for every question we have, but there are principles for our learning. One might make a spiritual application of what they read for their own life, but should know if that application is consistent with all of the Word.

A Bible study might be a progressive reading of each book of the Bible for factual knowledge of people, activities, and historical events; and it might be a subject study: e.g. worship, and all verses bearing on it; but these might well be supplemented by ministry of principles to apply all of the Word, to see the purposes of God and what is pleasing to Him by precepts. A principle is a collection of verses that displays truth, rather than one or two verses which might be misapplied. This is something of what we mean by a Bible truth study.

C. Bible Study Beginning
See the note at the top of this page about help to begin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[/FONT][/FONT]

Thanks so much. I'll use this method!

I read the Quest Study Bible when I was a new believer and that helped me a lot. There are groups for seekers at some churches - the Alpha course is an example.

Thanks for responding! I'll look it up.

 

[tdidymas]

Hi!

Recently I think of studying the new testament.

I have started to read the gospel of Matthew and I do not fully understand the scriptures. I have even tried to read it in my own language (Hebrew) but the language is so proper so I had to read a light version of English instead but still I don't understand it.


What should I do? Does anyone have an idea? Maybe going to a church might help?

Thanks!

Your English looks fine to me. I recommend the NLT - New Living Translation. I recently read through the entire Bible 2 times with this version, and looked into the interlinears on every verse that differed with the KJV, and found that the NLT was very accurate. I highly recommend it.

Also, when I was a new Christian I found the Bible hard to understand, too. As you read it more, understanding will come to you, just trust that God will lead you into truth. The more you read it the more you'll understand it. Also look for good Bible studies.
TD

 

[John20050]

Your English looks fine to me. I recommend the NLT - New Living Translation. I recently read through the entire Bible 2 times with this version, and looked into the interlinears on every verse that differed with the KJV, and found that the NLT was very accurate. I highly recommend it.

Also, when I was a new Christian I found the Bible hard to understand, too. As you read it more, understanding will come to you, just trust that God will lead you into truth. The more you read it the more you'll understand it. Also look for good Bible studies.
TD

thanks! may you have any good chapters to begin with?

 

[tdidymas]

thanks! may you have any good chapters to begin with?

I recommend reading in this order:
New Testament:
1. The gospel of John
2. The epistle of 1 John
3. The epistle of 1 Peter
4. Paul's epistle to the Ephesians
5. Then read the whole New Testament from Matthew to Revelation.

Old Testament:
Use Psalms and Proverbs for daily readings
Books to read in this order:
Genesis through Esther (law and history of the Jewish nation)
Isaiah through Daniel (prophets)
Then read the whole Old Testament from Genesis through Malachi.

I think this would be a good start.
TD

 

[tenderheart1]

The bible says if we seek wisdom, he will give it. Before you open your bible, ask the holy spirit to guide you in all truths. Ask him to open your spirit and help you to understand. I would also seek out a bible that has very plain English. I prefer the New Living Translation, but I also like to look things up in "The Message." I pray you get clarity. And yes, attending church and hearing someone speak on the bible will increase your knowledge. The bible says our faith grows from hearing God's word.

 

[tenderheart1]

One more thing... there are some really good bible apps if you have a smart phone / android etc... Might check out some of those too.