March 3
March 3 2024
1. Since my conversion, the Bible has been the cornerstone of my Christian life. Recognizing it as the Word of God, it offers profound insights into the identity of Jesus and the significance of his actions, both for me personally and for the world at large. Moreover, the Bible provides guidance on God's ongoing plans. Without immersing myself in its teachings and applying them to my life, I couldn't fulfill my role as a pastor or maintain my faith in Jesus.
2. Before encountering Jesus, I often struggled to grasp the meaning of certain Bible verses and how they applied to my life. Despite reading the entire Bible three times within six months of my conversion, I found its content challenging to comprehend. This difficulty prompted me to begin my journey at a Bible college in Korea. If understanding the Bible poses such challenges, how then can we begin reading it and unravel its depths? In today's sermon, I aim to address this question by discussing strategies for understanding the Bible. To kick off our exploration, let's turn to Isaiah 40:8.
Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
3. The education system in the world comprises two essential components: imparting information and facilitating experiential learning. A successful education is characterized by an institution's ability to offer a comprehensive framework of both quality information and practical experiences. An exemplary model is the teacher's college, where students undergo a structured learning process, typically spanning two to four years, inclusive of coursework and practical training, such as practicum sessions. Upon completing the required coursework and accumulating at least 100 hours of practical experience, students become eligible to receive a teaching certificate, enabling them to pursue careers as educators in schools. The inclusion of a practicum requirement in programs like a Master of Divinity in theology underscores the importance of integrating knowledge with practical experience. This demonstrates that individuals can truly comprehend and deepen their understanding when theoretical knowledge is put into practice. By engaging in hands-on experiences, students can bridge the gap between theory and application, gaining valuable insights and skills that contribute to their overall learning and development.
4. If our understanding is founded upon our knowledge, it can function effectively. However, when our knowledge is shaped by our experiences, it may lead to challenges because experiences can vary greatly. When we extrapolate our personal experiences to apply to society at large, we label it as tradition, culture, ethics, or laws. All these constructs stem from our individual experiences. Moreover, when our experiences are generalized and institutionalized into tradition or culture, it implies a desire to exert control or influence over a societal group.
5. As a historical and systematic theologian specializing in the 16th century Swiss Reformation for my PhD, I chose this era because it marks the onset of the Reformed and Anabaptist movements, epitomized by the motto 'Sola Scriptura' (Scripture alone). During this period, individuals did not have easy access to their own Bibles due to cost and the limitations of printing press technology. Consequently, congregants relied on the preacher's interpretation of Scripture during sermons, believing it to be the Word of God. However, this often reflected the preacher's personal understanding rather than the actual Word of God. Various groups in 16th-century Switzerland gathered to study the Bible in its original languages and discovered that church tradition was influenced not only by divine revelation but also by human interpretation and experience.
6. Until the 1520s, priests and pastors adhered to sermon schedules dictated by the church, which were established by various Popes.Consequently, preachers predominantly emphasized church traditions and the directives of the Popes, resulting in sermons that reflected human discourse rather than the Word of God. Unlike today, where individuals can directly access the Bible, people of that time, as previously mentioned, lacked direct access to the Bible. Thus, they only received information about the intentions of the Pope or the church for their lives. In this atmosphere, reformers such as Luther, Zwingli, and Hubmaier championed the principle of Sola Scriptura, which emphasized Scripture alone.
III. Hence Christ is the only way to salvation for all who ever were, are and shall be.
VI. For Jesus Christ is the guide and leader, promised by God to all human beings, which promise was fulfilled. (Zwingli, First Reformed theologian)
Holy Scripture alone is the true light and lantern through which all human argument, darkness, and objections can be recognized. (Balthasar Hubmaier)
The errors and abuses of making images and the Mass shall be demonstrated only through the plumb line of the bright clear Word of God, thereby being recognized and moderated. (Balthasar Hubmaier, First Anabaptist theologian)
7. The reformations of the 16th century were not ignited by human endeavor or comprehension, but rather by the Word of God. When individuals recognized that their path diverged from God's path as outlined in the Bible, they discovered the true essence of life and turned towards God. This constituted the essence of the Reformation and embodied the genuine notion of revival. This is because the Word of God is eternal and immutable, as affirmed in Isaiah 40:8. Hence, the Word of God cannot be comprehended solely through any human educational system, but rather by engaging directly with the Word itself. This is because the Word of God is God Himself, encapsulating the Gospel, which is our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 1:1 NASB95
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 NLT
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
8. Therefore, understanding the Word of God is attainable when we are in Jesus Christ and aided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit serves as our guide, helping us recognize who God is and comprehend His actions on our behalf. Moreover, the Holy Spirit leads us to align with God's will, enabling us to perceive His ongoing plan for the world.
John 15:26–27 NLT
“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.
Romans 8:10–11 ESV
But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:16–17 NIV
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
9. These verses show a clear guide on how to comprehend the Word of God. Just as we gain insight into God through His revelations, we can grasp the Word of God with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, as it is the very revelation of God Himself. God, in His desire for us to comprehend His will and plan, chose to communicate through human languages, namely Hebrew and Greek. Therefore, we are truly blessed by the Bible and the opportunity to read it.
10. Therefore, pastors and Bible teachers should diligently study the Word of God in order to provide an accurate interpretation, just as the reformers did. Without relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their study, pastors and Bible teachers may merely share their own opinions and experiences. For instance, some pastors neglect regular Bible reading, opting instead to find sermons online and simply replicate them. They forego studying the original languages and rely solely on their emotions, resulting in interpretations of the Bible that overly emphasize personal feelings and experiences. This tendency is not new and has been observed even during the time of Paul and Peter.
11. Understanding the teachings of the prophets isn't about worldly trends; it's about understanding God's intentions for the world. God desired to reveal His purpose and plan for humanity's future, so He chose prophets to convey His message. Discerning earthly inclinations isn't challenging because society often prioritizes wealth and material needs over spiritual matters. People have largely neglected seeking God's guidance, opting instead to pursue their own desires and paths.
Genesis 6:1–2 NASB 2020
Now it came about, when mankind began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw that the daughters of mankind were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.
Judges 21:25 NIV
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
Hosea 1:2 NLT
When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.”
Revelation 1:1–2 NKJV
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.
Revelation 1:3 NKJV
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
12. Indeed, when exploring the Bible, it's vital to leave aside personal expectations. Our preconceived notions may lead us to select passages that suit our immediate desires. If we approach the Bible with a mindset solely focused on satisfying our own needs, we risk reducing it to a mere tool for personal gain. The Bible isn't just another religious text intended to ease stress or provide temporary peace. Instead, it stands as a testament to God's love and His intricate plan for humanity, ultimately leading to salvation through Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than solely on our own interpretations. Our priority should be to discern the Spirit's influence within the text, rather than imposing our own agendas upon it.
13. Let us fix our gaze upon Jesus and the Holy Spirit, who empower and lead us towards God's path. Let us redirect our focus to God, who rescued us through His boundless love and grace. As we delve into the Bible, let's seek to deepen our understanding of God rather than simply seeking blessings. Through the Scriptures, God will instruct us and unveil His magnificent plan for our lives. He will reveal to us our ultimate purpose, which is to glorify His name and spread His love throughout the world.