17. What test should therefore be applied to every professed teacher of truth?
"_To the law and to the testimony:_ if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:20.
18. What does G.o.d design that His word shall be to us in this world of darkness, sin, and death?
"Thy word is _a lamp_ unto my feet, and _a light_ unto my path." Ps.
119:105.
19. To what extent has G.o.d magnified His word?
"Thou hast magnified Thy word _above all Thy name_." Ps. 138:2.
NOTE.-G.o.d did this by backing His promises with an oath based upon Himself. Heb. 6:13, 14. By this He pledged and placed at stake His name, or character, for the fulfilment of His word.
20. In what is the true poetry of life to be found?
"_Thy statutes_ have been _my songs_ in the house of my pilgrimage." Ps.
119:54.
21. How long will the word of G.o.d endure?
"The gra.s.s withereth, the flower fadeth: but _the word of our G.o.d shall stand forever_." Isa. 40:8. "Heaven and earth shall pa.s.s away, but _My words shall not pa.s.s away_." Matt. 24:35.
O Word of G.o.d incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky!
We praise Thee for the radiance That from the hallowed page, A lamp to guide our footsteps, Shines on from age to age.
The church from her dear Master Received the gift divine, And still that light she lifteth O"er all the earth to shine.
It is the golden casket Where gems of truth are stored; It is the heaven-drawn picture Of Christ the living Word.
WILLIAM HOW.
The Study Of The Scriptures
[Ill.u.s.tration.]
Searching The Scriptures. "Study to show thyself approved unto G.o.d." 2 Tim. 2:15.
1. What did Christ say to the Jews concerning the study of the Scriptures?
"_Search the Scriptures_; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." John 5:39
2. For what were the Bereans commended?
"These were more n.o.ble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and _searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so_." Acts 17:11.
NOTE.-"If G.o.d"s Word were studied as it should be," says a modern Bible student, "men would have a breadth of mind, a n.o.bility of character, and a stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these times. But there is little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One pa.s.sage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view, and no positive instruction gained."
3. By what comparison is it indicated that some portions of G.o.d"s Word are more difficult to understand than others?
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be _the first principles of __ the oracles of G.o.d_; and are become such as have need of _milk_, and not of _strong meat_."
Heb. 5:12.
4. In what way is this comparison further explained?
"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a _babe_. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of _full age_, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Verses 13, 14.
5. What writings are specifically mentioned as containing some things difficult to understand?
"And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother _Paul_ also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all _his epistles_, speaking in them of these things; _in which are some things hard to be understood_, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." 2 Peter 3:15, 16.
NOTE.-Some scriptures are too plain to be misunderstood, while the meaning of others cannot so readily be discerned. To obtain a comprehensive knowledge of any Bible truth, scripture must be compared with scripture, and there should be "careful research and prayerful reflection." But all such study will be richly rewarded.
6. Who alone comprehends the things of G.o.d?
"For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of G.o.d knoweth no man, but _the Spirit of G.o.d_." 1 Cor. 2:11.
7. How thoroughly does the Spirit search out the hidden treasures of truth?
"But G.o.d hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for _the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of G.o.d_." Verse 10.
8. What is one purpose for which the Holy Spirit was sent?
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, _He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you_." John 14:26.
9. Why cannot the natural man receive the things of the Spirit?
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of G.o.d: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, _because they are spiritually discerned_." 1 Cor. 2:14.
10. For what spiritual enlightenment should every one pray?
"_Open Thou mine eyes_, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law."
Ps. 119:18.
11. For what spiritual gift did the apostle Paul pray?