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Help in Study, February 4
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
.
Be careful how you interpret Scripture. Read it with a heart opened
to the entrance of God’s Word, and it will express heaven’s light, giving
understanding unto the simple. This does not mean the weak-minded, but
those who do not stretch themselves beyond their measure and ability in
trying to be original and independent in reaching after knowledge above that
which constitutes true knowledge.
All who handle the Word of God are engaged in a most solemn and
sacred work; for in their research they are to receive light and a correct
knowledge, that they may give to those who are ignorant. Education is the
inculcation of ideas which are light and truth. Everyone who diligently and
patiently searches the Scriptures that he may educate others, entering upon
the work correctly and with an honest heart, laying aside his preconceived
ideas, whatever they may have been, and his hereditary prejudices at the
door of investigation, will gain true knowledge. But it is easy to put a false
interpretation on Scripture, placing stress on passages, and assigning to them
a meaning, which, at the first investigation, may appear true, but which by
further search, will be seen to be false. If the seeker after truth will compare
Scripture with Scripture, he will find the key that unlocks the treasure house
and gives him a true understanding of the Word of God. Then he will see
that his first impressions would not bear investigation, and that continuing to
believe them would be mixing falsehood with truth.
The Psalmist David in his experience had many changes of mind. At times,
as he obtained views of God’s will and ways, he was highly exalted. Then as
he caught sight of the reverse of God’s mercy and changeless love, everything
seemed to be shrouded in a cloud of darkness. But through the darkness he
obtained a view of the attributes of God, which gave him confidence and
strengthened his faith.....
As he wept and prayed, he obtained a clearer view of the character and
attributes of God, being educated by heavenly agencies, and he decided that
his ideas of God’s justice and severity were exaggerated.—
Manuscript 4,
February 4, 1896,
.
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