BIBLE STUDY

How many times have you heard of someone who spent a frustrating evening assembling his child's toy only to find out after the fact that he has assembled it incorrectly? Of course, we all know the modern proverb "when all else fails, read the instructions."

This is also true when reading the Bible. We need to learn from our life's experiences and recognize that the key to easier (not easy) understanding of the Bible is found within its own pages. Our tendency is to not look far enough for answers within the book when we encounter something we do not understand.

A basic principle of reading the Bible more effectively lies in this simple fact:

Your questions about what the Bible teaches are answered in the Bible.

We know this sounds obvious. However, with human nature, the obvious solution is often our last resort. Reading the instructions first is the obvious solution to preventing frustration with most of life's projects.

ANSWERS ARE FOUND NEAR AND FAR

Look in the same chapter or surrounding chapters:

For example:

Christ's explanation of the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:3-8 is contained in Matthew 13:18-23 (note they are not immediately adjacent).

Nebuchadnezzar's vision of the Image in Daniel 2:31-35 is interpreted in 2:36-45.

Look in other books of the Bible:

For example:

It was an angel who spoke to Moses in the burning bush. Compare Exodus 3:4 with Acts 7:30-31.

The reason why Jesus said "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46) is made clear with a thorough reading of Psalm 22.