The Bible is like no other book. Not only is it the Word of God, but it is our textbook for every topic, our answer key for life, and our guide for eternity. When you are looking for the best Bible resources, you often find that the most powerful tool is direct access to the Author. Unlike other books you read, you have the Creator of the universe ready to make sure you understand the material. If you find yourself struggling with your Bible study books, remember that you can go to the Author and Teacher directly!
THE INSPIRATION OF THE ALMIGHTY
Job 32:8-9 says, “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.” No matter your age or stage, you can get understanding from God. We try to figure out so many things on our own, and ask a million people when we can go straight to the source! He’s not asking you to understand on your own; ask for His help! You don’t get God’s understanding or wisdom simply by getting older; it has to come from Him.
Inspiration comes from a Latin word that means “to breathe into.” When God breathes in us, what was confusing or complicated becomes clear. It’s not about our intelligence; we need the inspiration of the Almighty to give us understanding. Though we should dig into the Word to get understanding and spend time studying, God is the one that opens our understanding! It’s certainly not about our smarts or education; He’s the one that allows us to comprehend His Word. By His Spirit in us, He teaches us (John 14:26).
NO BETTER SOURCE
What better source to go to than the Almighty God? The Bible records, “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Psa. 147:4-5). There are literally trillions of stars, yet He knows the exact number and calls each of them by name! His understanding is infinite! He can certainly get into the details and break down whatever you’re studying. Isaiah 40:28 is true: “There is no searching of his understanding!”
He is the author of the book, and there is no expert on a book like the author! 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Since God is the One who gave us the Word by His inspiration, that same inspiration can give us understanding! If He breathed once to give us the Word, He can breathe again so you can get it! If you have the Holy Ghost, the Author of the book lives in you and is well able to provide understanding by His spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-14)! This makes Him the most effective of all Bible study tools.
HE OPENED THEIR UNDERSTANDING
In Luke 24, after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus joined a conversation on the road to Emmaus. After listening to them, the Bible records, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Could you imagine being in that Bible study, as Jesus walked through the Old Testament, broke it down, and connected the dots concerning HIMSELF?! They said one to another, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). HE opened to them the scriptures and they could feel the impact of it.
Not long after, the two that Jesus spoke to, joined with the eleven disciples and told them what happened. While they spoke, Jesus showed up in the midst. He said unto them, “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44).
The next verse says something critical for us to remember: “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45). Who did it? Who made it click? Who gets the credit? JESUS! He opened their understanding so they could understand, and He is the one who opens our understanding now. Whether you choose to study the Bible online or use traditional Bible study books, remember that the Spirit must be the one to break it down.
Key Takeaways for Deeper Understanding
- Consult the Author: Before opening your Bible study tools, pray and ask the Author to reveal the truth to you.
- Look for Jesus: All scriptures point to Him; ask Him to show you how the pieces fit together.
- Trust the Spirit: You don’t need a high-level secular education to understand God’s Word; you need His inspiration.
- Be Persistent: Dig into the Word daily. As you search for the best online Bible courses, ensure they point you back to the unadulterated Word.
Go after understanding! Dig into the Word! Study, study, study the scriptures! But remember, it’s not up to you and it’s not about your natural intellect: the Almighty God, by His Spirit, can give you all the understanding you need. Depend on Him. Seek the Source and get more understanding.
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