Commentary on "Confidence in the Prophetic Gift"

MARK MARTIN

 

Day 3: Monday, March 23, 2009

The lesson asks: Why did the Bereans study the Scripture every day to see if what Paul said was true? Why did they not trust his words? Acts 17:11

The Bereans that Paul was speaking to were Jews. Jews who would view Paul as something of a traitor for leaving Judaism and following Jesus; Jews who did not believe that their Messiah was Jesus Christ; Jews who believed that someone that was crucified was accursed of God; Jews who did not allow these things to prevent them from examining their only source of verification of anything concerning their God…the Scriptures. Upon examining the Scriptures many of them accepted the truth of Paul’s message of the Savior and became Christians.

Acts 17:11 does not support the notion that Paul’s words weren’t “good enough”, thus suggesting that he and Ellen White are similar in role and use.

 

The lesson asks: “What do the following texts tell us about the importance of the study of Scripture? Prov. 2:1-6, Isa. 34:16, Matt. 6:6, Rev. 1:3.”

This is not a typical list of verses to show the importance of, and blessings of studying Scripture. Below are a few passages that better define the importance and benefit of studying Scripture.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping {it} according to Your word. Psalm 119:9 (NASB)

Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 (NASB)

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psalm 199:105 (NASB)

Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word. Psalm 119:154 (NASB)

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily {to see} whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:11-12 (NASB)

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)

 

The lesson asks: “What are ways you can get more out of your own Bible study?”

One of the most important things you can do to get more out of Bible study is to read the Scripture in context. Take the verse that is referred to or used as a proof-text and study its context. When a verse is read in the context of the paragraph, or the entire chapter in which it is found it may dramatically challenge long-held interpretations of a text.

Bible study can be optimized by reading the passage at least 10 times; read the whole book for context; read in a few different versions; read outlines/surveys; get as much context as possible (such as author, time, place, culture, audience, original language), jot down thoughts, observations, and questions; and determine what the passage means. The proof-text method of “here a little and there a little” is referring to false prophets in the Old Testament.

Another important way to get more out of the Bible is to read it in a translation that you can understand. The translation you choose should never be translated by one denomination. One of the marks of a cult is that they create their own Bible translations or paraphrases which usually change the Scriptures to support cultic doctrines. These spurious translations would include: The New World Translation, the Mormon translation of the Bible, and the Clear Word paraphrase (see exAdventist.com, Dr. Wayne Grudem statement on the Clear Word).

Finally, read entire sections of Scripture to understand big concepts or presentations of truth. Here are some passages to start with: Galatians 3-4, 2 Corinthians 3, Hebrews 8, Colossians 2, Romans 14, Ephesians 1-2.

 

Summary

1. To maximize the profitability of your Bible study, determine the application to you from the passages you read and actually apply it to your life. True wisdom is the application of biblical knowledge.
2. The Jewish Bereans’ study of Scripture to understand Paul’s gospel preaching does not parallel or support the idea that Ellen White is similar to Paul and is similarly grounded in Scripture.

 

 

Copyright 2009 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised March 21, 2009. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.

 

Official Adventist Resources

Standard Edition Study Guide Week 13

Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 13

Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Week 13

Search the Complete Published Ellen G. White Writings

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