Scripture Reading: Acts 8:26‒31
Introduction
A. Good news is hard to keep to yourself, but we cannot share what we ourselves do not possess (2 Samuel 18:22).
B. How can we better our understanding of the Scriptures?
Discussion
I. We can understand the Scriptures.
A. The Scriptures were intended to teach us (Romans 15:4).
B. We can understand the Scriptures alike (1 Corinthians 1:10).
C. This does not mean that all Scriptures are easy to understand (Hebrews 5:11; 2 Peter 3:16).
II. How can we better understand the Scriptures?
A. Spend time regularly in prayerful study and in meditation (Psalms 1:1‒2; 119:97‒100; 1 Timothy 4:12‒16).
B. Let others guide you (Acts 8:31).
C. Think carefully about your selection of a translation (cf. Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:38; Habakkuk 2:4).
D. Always check what you hear with God’s word (Acts 17:11).
III. What will a better understanding of God’s word allow us to do?
A. It will allow us to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).
B. It will enable us to defend the truth (Philippians 1:17).
C. It will allow us to be unashamed as we serve God and when we stand before Him (2 Timothy 2:15).
Conclusion
A. All of our studies will be useless to us and to others if we do not put into practice the things that we learn from God’s word.
B. When the Ethiopian came to an understanding of God’s will, he was obedient and went on his way rejoicing. What about you?