"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).

The Bible is not like any other book. In the first place, it is the Word of Truth. This stamps it as the infallible, unchanging Revelation of the Truth. It needs never to be rewritten. It shall stand when heaven and earth will have passed away. It is also given "by inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3:16). "The English word 'inspiration' is derived from two Latin words, in spiro, meaning 'to breath into.' Professor Birk says that it 'denotes the secret action of the Spirit on the facilities of a living messenger by which he is enabled to receive, utter, or record the divine message. Scripture is the result of that sacred influence, embodied and recorded in a written form.'" (G. Henderson). Peter tells us, "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Pet. 1:21).

To understand this Divine Message, even though the words are simple to comprehend, requires Divine Enlightenment. The study of these words must be by spiritual means. The depth of their meaning can only be seen by Spirit-anointed eyes. We must approach the Holy Scriptures looking to the Spirit of Truth who was sent to indwell the believer to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). I wish to make mention of a few essentials for the spiritual understanding of the Bible.

First, PRAY

David, the psalmist, knew the value of prayer and how vital it was to him. He prayed, "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy Law" (Psa. 119:18). Apart from this divine opening we must remain in darkness. In Luke 24 the Lord Himself opened the Scriptures (v. 32) to the two on the road to Emmaus. He also opened their eyes (v. 31) and opened their understanding (v. 45). Just so now the Lord is waiting by His Spirit to open up the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures if we but have a sincere, reverent, humble attitude of prayerful dependence on Him.

Second, SEARCH

"Search the Scriptures," Jesus says in John 5:39. There is a mine of inexhaustible, spiritual wealth within its sacred pages. To search is not simply taking a glance. It is rather thorough examination with expectation to find treasure known to be there. What an attraction the "unsearchable riches of Christ" have to those who know and love Him! These riches are found in the Word of God—"more to be desired than gold, yea than much fine gold" (Psa. 19:10). There are many admirable helps to the study of the Word, but let us not ever allow them to displace the Word itself. It is from the neglect of the Scriptures and ignorance of the very words of God themselves in their divine setting that many of the evils and false teachings spring.

Therefore, "Search the Scriptures" is the divine precept. Proverbs 8:34 tells us to do this "daily." The Bereans heeded this, for we read, "they received the Word with readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Then in 1 Peter 1:10,11 we learn it should be done "diligently." These men of God who wrote as inspired by Him enquired diligently, searching for the deeper meaning of their writings. Failure too search "daily" and "diligently" will render us spiritually weak and woefully ignorant of the true knowledge of the Word.

Third, MEDITATE

As study is preeminently a function of the mind, meditation is a function of the heart. It is not what we eat that nourishes us but what we digest. Just so, it is not what we read that causes spiritual growth, but what we assimilate by meditation. "Give attendance to reading," Paul wrote to Timothy, but adds, "Meditate upon these things" (1 Tim. 4:13,15). To search or read without meditating is described in the words of Proverbs 12:27: "The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting."

There are at least three special blessings held out to those who meditate on God's Word: (1) Joshua 1:8 promises spiritual prosperity and good success; (2) Psalm 1:2,3, promises fruitfulness and well-being; (3) James 1:25 promises blessedness in all that is done.

When Shall We Meditate? Psalm 119:97 tells us meditation is to be throughout the "day." Psalm 63:6 reveals it may be upon the bed "in the night."

What are the Objects of Meditation? In Psalm 119:15 we see meditation is to be upon the written Word. Meditation is also to be upon Christ, the Living Word, and the result is assured: "My meditation of HIM shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord" (Psalm 104:34).

Fourth, OBEY

One has said, "The key to the understanding of the Scriptures is, not scholarship, but obedience. This is not to undervalue scholarship, but to give obedience its rightful place."

In John 7:17 obedience is said to be the secret of knowledge; in John 13:17 it is the secret of happiness. In 1 Samuel 15:22 God places the value of obedience above the highest forms of service and sacrifice. And in Philippians 4:9 obedience assures the fellowship of God.

To understand the Bible, then, it is essential to have a prayerful attitude; an earnest, enquiring mind to search; a meditative spirit, and an obedient heart.