How To Get The Most Out Of Any Verse In The Bible?
You have the opportunity to gain greater insight into the mind of the author of the bible by simply asking additional questions about the verses you read in the bible (1 Corinthians 2:15-16).
Let�s take the verse below�
Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
You should first restate in your mind what is your Basic Understanding of the verse as it is written.
Basic Understanding � Because I read the chapter in sequence and context, I know that those days means the days just before Jesus� return. The shortening of those days is required to keep all flesh from being killed. This means that Jesus will come before additional atrocities (i.e., murders) can be carried out on the inhabitants of the earth. Flesh is referencing ALL people of the earth (godly and ungodly) and potentially even animals. The elect are the saints that Jesus has chosen in the harvest that have either lived or died in Christ.
The Basic Understanding is what a majority of readers would come away with after reading the verse.
But, is there more to the verse than the Basic Understanding? YES, much more�
Before proceeding, consider this fact; your Basic Understanding is the foundation of this form of study. If it is not very good, then the subsequent phases will also be impaired.
Conversely, if your Basic Understanding is exceedingly thorough, then you will find the subsequent phases much more enriching.
Tip: If you fear your Basic Understanding may not be up to par, I suggest that you consider reviewing notes on the particular verse from bible study repositories. These sources can be extremely helpful, but always make sure their understanding does not contradict with any other verses.
Now, let�s go deeper�
From Observation To Meditation -- A Bible Study Method
To get a deeper understanding of each verse in the bible and therefore increase your understanding of the word of God, you should ask additional questions of each verse beyond the Basic Understanding. You do this by breaking down the different elements that make up your Basic Understanding.
Let�s look at this lesson�s Basic Understanding again, but this time in its various elements:
Those days means the days just before Jesus� return.
The shortening of those days is required to keep all flesh from being killed. This means that Jesus will come before additional atrocities (i.e., murders) can be carried out on the inhabitants of the earth.
Flesh is referencing ALL people of the earth (godly and ungodly) and potentially even animals.
The elect are the saints that Jesus has chosen in the harvest that either lived or died in Christ. For their sake, means their benefit.
For each element in your Basic Understanding, you can ask the following questions OR you can apply the questions to the entire Basic Understanding. For simplicity, this lesson uses the latter approach. (Note: Some questions may not be applicable to all verses.)
Who is the statement about?
Why is the statement being made?
What is the implication of the verse or statement (meditate on what is happening consider other bible verses to support you)?
When is the statement (past, present, future)?
How?
Where?
Finally, based on the results, ask all or some of the questions above again until you are satisfied
Let�s look at the Basic Understanding and apply the questions above to see what else can be learned.
1. Who is the statement about?
Jesus, flesh on the earth, the elect, AND the ungodly principality that planned to kill all flesh.
Note: The last who is not stated, but you are required to try to identify all persons, beings, or principalities in a statement even if they are not directly mentioned. This will take some practice. You know there is another power or principality AND it is ungodly, because Jesus has to stop it.
2. Why is the statement being made?
It is informing the reader that if Jesus delays his return, then all flesh will be killed, and there would be some kind of negative outcome for the elect.
3. What is the implication (remember to ponder)?
By Jesus coming back and shortening those days, he will keep all flesh from being killed. The implication is that if he does not come back, some power or authority outside of his will plans to kill all flesh.
Also, if all flesh is killed then the elect will not have any people to rule prior to the 2nd resurrection (Revelation 2:26). The 2nd resurrection (Revelation 20:12) is not until just before the New Earth (Revelation 21:1).
Also, there is a possibility that all flesh would be killed by destroying the earth (Revelation 11:18) which could accomplish at least 1 major thing that Satan would just love -- break the covenant that God has with David (Jeremiah 33:20-21)!
Jeremiah 33:20-21Thus saith the Lord; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; 21 Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.
Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
4. When is the statement?
This verse is about the time just before Jesus returns to gather his elect. It is also the time just before the 1,000 year reign. It is also the time of Iron and Clay, which is the foundation of the statue in King Nebuchadnezzar�s dream (Daniel 2:33-34). We are living in this time.
5. How?
Jesus will come on a cloud of glory with the voice of an archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16), and will gather his elect both alive and dead. He will then make war with the beast and the false prophet and their armies, and vanquish them before all flesh is killed (Revelation 19:11-21).
6. Where?
The whole earth is the focus of this verse.
7. More Question Examples
Why does this ungodly power want to kill all flesh? How does the power want to destroy all flesh? Why couldn�t Jesus just resurrect some of the dead or just restore the earth for the elect? How would all people being killed or the earth being destroyed affect the prophecies in Revelation that came directly from God? What will the elect do during and just after the 1,000 year reign?
Practice
Here are some suggested verses you can try the tool on (emphasis added)�
John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Conclusion:
This tool is being offered as a way for the Christian to better understand God�s word, and as a way to improve their ability to discern. The expectation is that after using it a few times, you will be able to internalize the approach and apply it in the future WITHOUT having to write anything down if you do not desire.
Finally, read the bible slowly. You do not want to rush as this may impede your understanding. You do not have to finish that chapter today, if a verse or subject sparked your interest...
Ponder upon it, as Sir Isaac Newton pondered on the apple that fell from the tree. He was able to begin a new line of thought on gravity...
How can you bring more understanding of God to the body of Christ through your meditation on the word? Ponder...
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
MOST IMPORTANT: No matter how hard a verse or subject is to understand, even when it may be unsettling to you as some verses in the Old Testament have been known to be, always, give God the benefit of the doubt � always! Give it time, make sure you understand the context, ask God for guidance, but know that it is true and righteous.
It is also important to understand that no bible translation is perfect (see point below). I have found errors in KJV, BUT it also, in my opinion, does the best job conveying the vast majority of God's message in "proper" context. However, if you find that you are having trouble with a passage, it could very well be that the translation your are reading is in error. Discovering this is not usually easy for everyone, but nevertheless, if something seems unsettling to you, this could be the reason why. Do not however, "only" just read a more contemporary version (i.e., the Message or NIV), without first looking at the original language (Hebrew or Greek). After you have seen the original language (using tools below), compare to see which translation does the best job (try BibleGateway's -- Add Parallel tool). You will find this approach can reconcile many issues with passages that seem contradictory or out of context.
Use the old KJV and even better, start to learn some Hebrew and Greek. Think about purchasing a Strong�s Concordance, and if possible an Interlinear Bible (Hebrew and Greek/Hebrew). Satan will continue to change the bibles beyond recognition. See websites http://www.e-sword.net/ OR http://www.blueletterbible.org/ for advanced translation tools.
Consider at a minimum taking a class in learning the Hebrew alphabet and numbers associated with each letter. There is wisdom in the Hebrew letters and numbers. Important: Know the difference between final form letters and the �different� numerical values associated with them. See Revelation 13:18.
Once you have become efficient with the tool, consider laying on your bed and pondering upon verses or subjects, and see what happens. One of your goals should be to learn how to meditate on the word like David meditated.
Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Read bible notes and cross references (however, never allow someone to discern for you).
Consider listening to the KJV on audio while relaxing. You will be surprised what you hear even if you are not paying close attention. It can also give your eyes a break. Try using the free Apps, Youversion.com or Biblegateway.com for your smart phone or on your computer.
Learn prophecy and know the definition of a saint. Rev. 12:17/19:10 and Revelation 14:12
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Learn how to read Paul�s writings (his writings agree with James and John, and the others as well). Some find his words confusing, and consequently, misinterpret them�
2 Peter 3:16 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.
Remember, there can be duality in prophecy where the same symbol can mean more than one thing. For example, in the books of Daniel and Revelation, a beast can mean a king and a kingdom.
Know that God�s law cannot save you (only Jesus can), but it can help you to learn more about his ways and how he thinks (i.e., Psalms 119:93/100)
Consider taking a day off once per week to study the word of God. Hopefully, you will consider keeping the Sabbath (Hebrews 4:9) to help you with your studies, but if you are not compelled to do so, try fitting it in another day.
Romans 14:5-6 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it (last part of verse was taken out of the NIV). He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Always remember that the god of this world is Satan. Do not place your faith in the world�s standards or ways. (See John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11, 2 Corinthians 4:4, and Revelation 13).
Consider reviewing the 613 Mitzvot (Google it, if this word is new to you). Make sure you read the actual bible verses being cited and do not rely on the various websites� summaries of each verse because many are not correct.
Note: Jesus had to keep all the mitzvot that applied to a man, in order to be our sinless and spotless savior. He also was pure in mind which requires even greater perfection. Since he cared enough for us to keep them, why not consider learning what they are? Most Christians don�t know them.
Again, the law does NOT save, but it informs and guides� Also, since sin is the transgression of the law, it does not hurt to read them�
1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Listen to other learned speakers from various denominations. Try to focus on those that believe in keeping the commandments of God, and who understand and spend a lot of time in Old and New Testament prophecy. No matter how good a speaker or pastor is at explaining or interpreting, always confirm their words � Always! Everyone makes mistakes.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble 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.
