In Luke 24:45 we read, “Then he [the Lord Jesus Christ] opened their minds, so they could understand the Scriptures.”

HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND A DIFFICULT PART OF THE WORD OF GOD?

“THE BOOK OF BOOKS”

A. The most important thing is to pray that the Holy Spirit will open our minds. Let us also remember that it says in Acts 16:14, “The Lord opened her heart [the heart of Lydia] to respond to Paul’s message.”

“Lord, open the hearts of the unbelievers!” I think that is the most important prayer of all times, especially for the present time.

B. We must read the context. We must read the surrounding passages. A teacher at Bible school said to us something like this: “By taking verses of the Bible out of context, we can make the Bible say anything.”

C. We must ask our brothers and sisters in Christ. What is the Holy Spirit teaching other members of the Body of Christ at the present time? The Holy Spirit is the author of the Scriptures.

D. We must consult Bible Dictionaries and Bible Commentaries. One of my Bible Dictionaries is in two pieces, but I can still use it with some difficulties. In Reference Works we find what the Holy Spirit has taught the Body of Christ in centuries gone by. Dr Lloyd-Jones’ exposition of Romans is a massive series of sermons. I have several volumes, not only of Romans, but also of Ephesians.

Just as the Lord opened the minds of the disciples in Luke 24:45 long ago, the Holy Spirit is opening our minds today when we study the Bible.