Table of Contents
The lesson emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God’s word and being able to discern truth from falsehood. It equates knowing God’s word to having life and light, while lacking knowledge of the word leads to destruction. Jesus often taught in parables containing hidden spiritual meanings that must be properly understood. The Bible interprets its own symbols and parables, providing the keys to unlock the deeper meanings within. God desires all people to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth found in His word. Discernment is critical to test teachings against Scripture to avoid being deceived by false prophets/spirits. We must diligently examine the Scriptures like the Bereans to ensure teachings align with God’s truth. God’s word is life and light, while lack of understanding leaves one in spiritual darkness. The main thrust is the vital need to deeply know and properly understand God’s word as found in the Bible in order to discern truth, avoid deception, and have spiritual life and light.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Merorization
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,
Our Hope: is to understand the true meanings of the parables and discern with the word.
Overview of Introductory Level
What does it mean to be blessed by God? Receiving the promises of God
How can we be blessed?
So those are the two main structures of all the lessons will be talking about in the parables level or the introductory level.
Let’s start with this lesson today by looking at the importance of knowing the bible.
Knowing the Word
my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.
“Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.
God’s people are destroyed because they lack knowledge. This is tragic. Often when we read about something bad in the Bible, we assume it refers to non-believers. But actually no – it is often about God’s own people falling into trouble and facing destruction.
So how can we be part of God’s people and avoid this fate? How can we possess the knowledge we need, and what process do we follow to attain it?
3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
So what did Jesus compare eternal life to? He compared it to knowing the true God. He used the term “true” here because there are many false gods, but only one true God. Satan is a false god who pretends to be like the true God. He makes it very difficult to distinguish between the true God and false gods. This is why Jesus said that we need to know the true God, because there is one who pretends to be like God to deceive believers and destroy their faith.
How effective is Satan at this task?
Satan is extremely effective at deceiving people. He has been doing it for six thousand years, and he has caused great distress and destruction to God’s people. However, God is fighting to ensure that this will eventually stop and that time is detailed in the book of revelation, Until then, it is important for us to be able to discern between truth and deception.
Understanding Parables: The Ten Vergins
We will talk about how to do this towards the end of the lesson, but first, I want to talk about the importance of knowledge.
I want us to analyze and break down The Parable of Ten Virgins. This parable is going to be like a little microcosm of how we will study all of the parables going forward.
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
The ten virgins are split into two groups – a group of five wise virgins and a group of five foolish virgins. There is a key distinction between these two groups. What do they have in common? They both have lamps. But what is the main difference? The amount of oil they possess.
It’s not that the foolish virgins had no oil, but they did not have a sufficient quantity. Their oil ran out. So they asked the wise virgins for more oil, but the wise virgins said they would not have enough for both groups. This suggests the foolish virgins knew where to get more oil, but they ran out of time.
There are two important points Jesus makes about this parable. First, it is not just a story or a lesson about having adequate supplies. This is actually a prophecy. Jesus says “at that time” meaning he is referring to a specific time in the future when there will be two groups of people waiting for Him – one prepared and one unprepared.
Understanding Figurative Language
So what do the lamp and oil represent in the parable? They hold symbolic meaning, as is common in Biblical parables. When you understand the metaphor (parables), it unlocks the meaning of the prophecy. There are many examples in the Bible where parables contain hidden significance.
Also note Jesus begins by saying “at that time, the kingdom of heaven will be like…” So if someone asks what heaven looks like, a legitimate response is “it looks like ten virgins” and then explain the metaphor. This hints at why Jesus taught using parables – the stories contain profound truths.
Let’s first look at what the lamp represents and why both Who are waiting have the lamp? Let us go to the book of Psalms.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Here’s the secret for everyone: The solutions to the parables are already present within the Bible. There is no need to seek external sources for understanding what God and Jesus were conveying; the answers are consistently found within the Scripture itself.
Consider the parable where both the wise and foolish virgins possess lamps. The lamp symbolizes the Word, which, to those who comprehend it, serves as Light. This aligns perfectly with John 1:1-5, which states, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind”—with light representing the Word.
Consider the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. They all possess lamps, representing the word of God which provides light and understanding. However, only the wise virgins have sufficient oil to keep their lamps burning. Understanding what this “oil” symbolizes is critical, especially if we see ourselves reflected in this parable. The oil represents that which sustains and nourishes our faith, keeping the light of God’s word shining brightly in our lives.
As we seek to grow in wisdom and preparedness, let us look inward to God’s word to find the answers we need. Comprehending the deeper meanings in the parables can profoundly impact how we walk with Christ.
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
This verse is very important and we will reference it often throughout the parables portion of this course. Let’s analyze what this verse conveys. It states that God’s eternal power and divine nature, though complex divine attributes, are communicated simply through creation.
God has made His invisible qualities clearly evident in what He has made – things we are intimately familiar with: plants, animals, people, locations, rocks, water, light, darkness, infancy, maturity. All these comprise parables with meaning that can be logically tied back to the natural logic of creation.
Interestingly, this is a common way God chooses to speak in the Bible. As you read through it, you’ll see many examples where things don’t fully make sense at first, but when understood through the right logic, their meaning clicks into place.
Jesus Teaching Method Through Parables
Let’s see another example.
10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, “‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’”
13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word.
Jesus had just finished telling the Parable of the Sower about four types of soil—the path, the rocky ground, the thorns, and the good soil. Afterwards, the disciples asked Jesus why he often spoke in parables rather than clearly and directly. Jesus said that it was because some people would see and hear but never understand. He said that if they understood, they would turn and be forgiven.
Jesus then explained that understanding parables is important. He said that if you don’t understand the parable of the sower, you have no hope of understanding any of the other parables.
In verse 14, Jesus explains that the seed in the parable represents the word of God, saying “The farmer sows the word.” This key unlocks the entire parable. With this insight, the parable makes more sense. The path does not understand the word, the rocky soil has the word taken away by persecution, the thorns choke the word through worldly worries and pleasures.
But the good soil retains the word and bears fruit. When one understands the true meaning, it unlocks the meaning of the whole parable. The parables function like a code that remains opaque until the key is found.
The Bible contains many parables like this. Understanding them is important because it helps us comprehend God’s teachings more fully. Scripture indicates that God desires for us to understand the parables, as He wants us to understand His words. As we explore biblical parables, we should support such claims about God’s desires with relevant verses.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
This is pleasing to God. It is God’s desire for what? Two things: 1. All to be saved, and 2. gain knowledge of the truth. What is the truth?
Discerning Truth from Falsehood
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
What does the word ‘sanctify’ mean? It means to separate or set aside, to concentrate, or make holy. A promise in God’s word is that the one who studies Scripture will be made useful to the Master, set aside for God’s purposes.
We see an example of this in the book of Exodus when God was giving Moses and the Israelites very specific instructions on building His tabernacle. In Exodus 20 and beyond, God said that the things made for my temple, “You shall not make for yourself.” These things can only be used for God because they are consecrated, sanctified, or set apart. God wants the same for us now.
In Jesus’s prayer to God in John 17, Jesus talks about his disciples and those listening to him. He said to God, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” This is a prayer for God to set aside believers with His word of truth. Let this be true about all of us as well – that through God’s word, we would all come to salvation and knowledge of the truth. Because only the true word can sanctify, not false teachings.
In fact, it does quite the opposite. This is why I talked about knowing the true God in the beginning. Satan likes to present counterfeits. If you can’t distinguish between God’s truth and Satan’s counterfeits, you might unknowingly accept the counterfeit. Unfortunately, this happened to many people in the Bible before us – they ate Satan’s counterfeit truth, thinking they had the real truth.
So for today, let’s focus on the importance of discernment. Discerning not with your thoughts or opinions, but discerning with the Word. Let this become our practice. Let this become how we operate.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
John emphasizes the importance of testing the spirit. We test the spirits against the word of God. But what does testing the spirit mean? There are many false prophets. How do they operate and what do they do? They speak falsehoods that contradict God’s truth.
When John instructs us to test the spirits, he is saying: Listen carefully, but don’t just listen. Also check what you hear against Scripture. Ask yourself – does this align with God’s word? That’s what testing the spirit requires.
We must be vigilant like the Bereans to see if the teachings stand up to biblical scrutiny. The key is listening closely paired with scriptural discernment. This will enable us to determine if a message comes from the spirit of truth or spirit of error. As we stay rooted in Scripture, we can differentiate falsehood from truth.
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
The Bereans were of noble character because they did not simply accept the words spoken by Apostle Paul at face value. Instead, they listened to his teachings and then examined the scriptures to confirm that what he said aligned with the truth. We should follow the Bereans’ example during these times.
We can no longer merely listen to teachings and claim they “sound good” based on our own thoughts and opinions. We need to exercise spiritual discernment and test them against God’s word.
We must arm ourselves, as described in Ephesians 6, to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm against deception. Falsehood can come disguised in many forms – as opportunities, relationships, community groups, or careers.
As the Bereans did, we must carefully test the spirits behind the words people speak. While we cannot see spirits directly, we can listen carefully to teachings and then check their alignment with scripture. If ideas fail this test, we should stop listening to those sources and instead seek out teachers who faithfully preach from the Bible. God’s true word gives life, so grounding ourselves in the scriptures protects us from falsehood.
For the scriptures give life.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
This verse is critical for understanding why it is so important to be able to discern. The word of God is life and light. Someone who comprehends the word of God as life and light has understanding – the word makes complete sense to them.
However, a person lacking comprehension of the word is in darkness, even fellow believers can be in spiritual darkness until they gain understanding of the word. This is why verse 5 states “the light shines in the darkness” yet the darkness does not grasp it. Let us not resemble darkness devoid of understanding.
Light and darkness serve as a parable here. We will soon thoroughly examine the light and darkness metaphor in an upcoming lesson. A number of parables were mentioned today – light/darkness, seeds, lamps/oil, spirits/word – and we will analyze over one hundred parables in this course.
Merorization
who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Review
Review
We delve into the significance of biblical knowledge. The scripture in Hosea 4:6 warns of destruction due to a lack of knowledge, emphasizing the need for understanding God’s word.
In John 17:3, eternal life is equated with knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ. This knowledge is crucial because of the existence of false gods, like Satan, who masquerades as God to deceive and undermine the faith of believers. Recognizing the true God is essential to avoid being led astray.
The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 serves as a prophecy about being prepared for Jesus’ return. It teaches us that understanding the symbolic language of parables is key to comprehending biblical prophecies.
Romans 1:20 suggests that God’s divine qualities are evident in creation, offering us a glimpse into His nature without excuse. Parables use elements from creation to convey deeper truths, and understanding these parables is vital for grasping God’s messages.
Jesus emphasized the importance of parables in Mark 4:14, where He explains that the seed represents God’s word. This understanding is a gateway to deciphering the parables’ meanings, which often remain hidden until we find the key.
The Bible encourages us to seek understanding, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, where it states that God desires all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. In John 17:17, ‘sanctify’ implies being set apart by truth—God’s word. Thus, true knowledge leads to sanctification and alignment with God’s purposes.
The danger of deception is highlighted through the example of Satan’s counterfeits. Discernment according to God’s word is crucial, as warned in 1 John 4:1, which instructs us not to believe every spirit but to test them against biblical truth.
Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans for their noble character in verifying Paul’s teachings with Scripture. This approach models how we should test all teachings for their fidelity to God’s word.
Finally, John 1:1-5 declares the Word as life and light, foundational truths that provide clarity and understanding. Discerning the Word as such is vital for spiritual insight and guidance.
In conclusion, discernment rooted in Scripture is imperative for believers. We must continually engage with God’s word to distinguish truth from falsehood and live out our faith authentically.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Unlocking Biblical Parables: A Guide to Understanding God’s Word
I. The Importance of Biblical Knowledge
- This section introduces the foundational concept of the entire course: the critical need for believers to possess a deep and accurate understanding of the Bible. It emphasizes that ignorance of God’s Word leads to destruction, even for those who consider themselves part of God’s people.
II. Eternal Life Through Knowing God
- This section highlights the connection between eternal life and knowing the true God, emphasizing the need to distinguish between the true God and false gods, particularly Satan. It introduces the challenge of discerning truth from deception, a theme that will be explored throughout the course.
III. The Parable of the Ten Virgins: A Case Study
- This section delves into the Parable of the Ten Virgins as a model for understanding parables in general. It analyzes the symbolism of the lamps and oil, with the lamps representing the Word of God and the oil symbolizing the spiritual nourishment that sustains faith.
IV. Unlocking the Code: Finding the Keys to Parables
- This section underscores the importance of looking within the Bible itself for the keys to understanding parables. It utilizes Psalm 119:105 to demonstrate that Scripture itself holds the answers to its own mysteries. It further emphasizes that parables function as coded messages, requiring specific keys for comprehension.
V. The Parable of the Sower: Understanding the Seed
- This section examines the Parable of the Sower, focusing on the symbolism of the seed as representing the Word of God. It explains how different types of soil represent varying responses to the Word, highlighting the importance of receiving and nurturing the Word for spiritual growth.
VI. God’s Desire for Knowledge and Truth
- This section explores God’s desire for all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. It connects this desire with the concept of sanctification, explaining how God’s Word sets believers apart and makes them useful for His purposes. It contrasts this with the destructive effects of accepting counterfeit truths presented by Satan.
VII. Discernment: Testing the Spirits
- This section stresses the critical importance of discernment, particularly in light of the prevalence of false prophets and deceptive teachings. It emphasizes testing all teachings against the standard of God’s Word, as exemplified by the Bereans who diligently compared what they heard with Scripture.
VIII. The Power of the Word: Life and Light
- This section reiterates the life-giving and illuminating power of God’s Word. It contrasts those who comprehend the Word as light with those who remain in darkness due to a lack of understanding. It emphasizes that even believers can be in spiritual darkness until they grasp the truth of God’s Word.
IX. A Glimpse into the Course: Exploring Biblical Parables
- This concluding section provides a glimpse into the course’s content, outlining its plan to analyze over one hundred parables. It briefly introduces the concept of light and darkness as a parable that will be explored in depth, hinting at the rich insights to be gained from understanding these symbolic stories.
A Study Guide
Unlocking Biblical Parables: A Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- According to Hosea 4:6, why are God’s people destroyed?
- What does John 17:3 compare eternal life to? Why is the term “true” significant in this verse?
- In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, what is the key difference between the wise and foolish virgins?
- What does the lamp represent in the Parable of the Ten Virgins? Support your answer with a biblical reference.
- What is the significance of Romans 1:20 for understanding biblical parables?
- Why did Jesus speak in parables according to Mark 4:10-14?
- What does the seed represent in the Parable of the Sower? How does understanding this key unlock the meaning of the parable?
- What two things does God desire according to 1 Timothy 2:3-4?
- What does it mean to be sanctified? How does John 17:17 relate to this concept?
- According to 1 John 4:1, how should we approach teachings and prophecies we encounter?
Answer Key
- God’s people are destroyed because they lack knowledge of His word. This lack of knowledge leaves them vulnerable to deception and destruction.
- John 17:3 compares eternal life to knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent. The term “true” is significant because it distinguishes the true God from false gods, like Satan, who seek to deceive believers.
- The key difference lies in their preparedness. While both groups have lamps, only the wise virgins possess a sufficient amount of oil, symbolizing their readiness for the bridegroom’s arrival.
- The lamp represents the Word of God. This is supported by Psalm 119:105 which states, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Romans 1:20 highlights that God’s invisible qualities are revealed through His creation. This verse suggests that parables, often drawn from natural elements, can reveal deeper spiritual truths about God’s nature and plan.
- Jesus spoke in parables because they concealed deeper truths from those who were not ready to receive them. This allowed genuine seekers to discover the truth while preventing those with hardened hearts from fully understanding and repenting.
- The seed represents the Word of God. Understanding this allows us to interpret the different soils as representing various responses to the Word, including rejection, shallow acceptance, and genuine reception leading to fruitfulness.
- God desires that all people be saved and that they come to the knowledge of the truth, which is found in His Word.
- To be sanctified means to be set apart, purified, and made holy. John 17:17 indicates that God’s Word, the truth, is the instrument through which believers are sanctified, set apart for His purposes.
- We should not blindly accept every teaching or prophecy. We are to “test the spirits” by comparing them to the Word of God to discern whether they align with truth or originate from falsehood.
Glossary of Key Terms
- Parable: A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
- Discernment: The ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, particularly in spiritual matters.
- Sanctification: The process of being set apart, purified, and made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit and obedience to God’s Word.
- Eternal Life: The state of being in a right relationship with God, both now and in the future, characterized by knowing and experiencing Him fully.
- False Prophet: An individual who claims to speak for God but spreads teachings that contradict or distort the truth found in Scripture.
- Word of God: The Bible, understood as God’s revealed truth and authority for faith and life.
- Spirit: A supernatural being, often referring to the Holy Spirit or evil spirits.
- Truth: That which aligns with reality, God’s character, and His revealed Word.
- Light: A metaphor representing truth, understanding, and spiritual illumination.
- Darkness: A metaphor representing falsehood, ignorance, and spiritual blindness.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This lesson does not provide a timeline of events in a historical or narrative sense. Instead, it presents a theological argument structured around biblical verses and parables.
Cast of Characters
1. Jesus Christ: The central figure of Christianity, Jesus is quoted throughout the lesson, particularly from the Gospels of Matthew and John. He is presented as the source of truth and eternal life, speaking through parables to reveal God’s will.
2. God: Referred to as the “true God,” God is the ultimate authority and creator. The source emphasizes God’s desire for people to be saved and to gain knowledge of the truth.
3. Satan: Presented as the enemy, Satan is described as a “false god” who deceives and tempts believers away from the truth. The source warns against Satan’s counterfeit truths and urges vigilance in discerning truth from falsehood.
4. Apostle Paul: Mentioned as a preacher whose teachings were examined by the Bereans against Scripture. He serves as an example of someone whose words should be tested against biblical truth.
5. The Bereans: Inhabitants of Berea in the Bible, they are commended for their noble character in examining Paul’s teachings against Scripture. They serve as a model for how believers should approach all teachings.
6. The Wise and Foolish Virgins: Characters from the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. They represent two types of believers: those prepared for Christ’s return (wise) and those unprepared (foolish).
7. The Farmer and the Sower: Figures from the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4. The farmer represents someone who spreads God’s word, while the different types of soil represent various responses to the message.
8. John (the Apostle): Author of the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John. He is quoted emphasizing the importance of testing spirits to discern truth from falsehood, as there are many false prophets.
9. Moses: A key figure in the Old Testament, mentioned in the context of God’s specific instructions for building the tabernacle. He exemplifies the concept of being set apart for God’s purposes.
Overview
Overview: Knowing the Word and Discerning Truth
Main Theme: The critical importance of knowing and understanding the Bible (God’s Word) for discerning truth from falsehood in a world rife with deception.
Key Ideas and Facts:
- Destruction from Lack of Knowledge: Hosea 4:6 highlights the tragic fate of God’s people due to their lack of knowledge. The source emphasizes that this warning applies to believers, urging us to seek understanding.
- Eternal Life through Knowing God: John 17:3 equates eternal life with knowing the true God, emphasizing the need to differentiate Him from false gods and Satan’s deceptive tactics.
- The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13): This parable is presented as a prophecy of two groups – those prepared (wise virgins) and unprepared (foolish virgins) – awaiting Christ’s return. The oil, representing what sustains faith, is crucial for preparedness.
- Unlocking Parables: The source stresses that the Bible itself holds the keys to understanding its parables. Psalm 119:105 identifies the Word as a lamp, illuminating the path, and connects it to the lamp symbolism in the parable.
- Creation Reveals God: Romans 1:20 asserts that God’s attributes are evident in creation, implying that natural phenomena can be understood as parables reflecting divine truths.
- The Purpose of Parables: Mark 4:10-14 explains that Jesus used parables to reveal truth to those who seek it while concealing it from those who don’t. Understanding parables is essential for comprehending God’s teachings.
- God’s Desire for Knowledge and Salvation: 1 Timothy 2:3-4 underscores God’s desire for all to be saved and attain knowledge of the truth. This is linked to John 17:17, where Jesus prays for believers to be sanctified (set apart) by the truth of God’s Word.
- Discernment through the Word: 1 John 4:1 warns against blindly believing every spirit and emphasizes the need to test them against the Word of God. The source advises comparing teachings to Scripture to determine their alignment with truth.
- The Bereans’ Example (Acts 17:11): The Bereans exemplified discernment by examining Scripture to confirm the teachings they received. The source urges us to follow their example, moving beyond personal opinions to test teachings against the Bible.
- The Word as Life and Light: John 1:1-5 establishes the Word as life and light, illuminating truth for those who comprehend it. Those lacking understanding are likened to darkness, highlighting the crucial role of the Word in overcoming spiritual darkness.
Important Quotes:
- “The solutions to the parables are already present within the Bible. There is no need to seek external sources for understanding…”
- “The parables function like a code that remains opaque until the key is found.”
- “Listen carefully, but don’t just listen. Also check what you hear against Scripture.”
- “We can no longer merely listen to teachings and claim they “sound good” based on our own thoughts and opinions. We need to exercise spiritual discernment and test them against God’s word.”
- “The word of God is life and light. Someone who comprehends the word of God as life and light has understanding…”
Call to Action:
The briefing emphasizes the urgent need for believers to:
- Prioritize knowing and understanding the Bible.
- Develop discernment by testing all teachings against Scripture.
- Actively seek truth and reject falsehood based on biblical understanding.
This lesson serves as a reminder that in a world full of spiritual deception, the Word of God is the ultimate source of truth and the key to discerning right from wrong.
Q&A
Q&A: Knowing the Word and Discerning Truth
1. Why is it crucial to know the Bible?
Hosea 4:6 states that God’s people are destroyed due to a lack of knowledge. To avoid this fate, we must possess and understand the Bible, which Jesus equates to knowing the true God (John 17:3). This knowledge helps us discern between God’s truth and Satan’s deceptions, which are prevalent and destructive.
2. What is the significance of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?
This parable in Matthew 25:1-13 is a prophecy about two groups of people awaiting Jesus’ return: those who are prepared (wise virgins) and those who are not (foolish virgins). The key difference is the amount of oil they possess, symbolizing the depth of their faith and understanding of God’s word.
3. What do the lamp and oil represent in the parable?
The lamp represents the Word of God, which provides light and understanding (Psalm 119:105, John 1:1-5). The oil symbolizes that which sustains and nourishes our faith, enabling us to keep the light of God’s word burning brightly in our lives.
4. How does creation itself reveal God’s truth?
Romans 1:20 tells us that God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen through His creation. This means we can understand spiritual truths by studying the natural world and its patterns. Many parables in the Bible utilize this principle.
5. Why did Jesus teach in parables?
According to Mark 4:10-14, Jesus used parables to reveal truth to those who sought it while concealing it from those who were indifferent or resistant. Parables act like a code that unlocks deeper understanding for those willing to search for the key.
6. How can we discern truth from falsehood?
1 John 4:1 urges us to “test the spirits” by comparing teachings against the Word of God. We must be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) who diligently examined Scripture to confirm the validity of what they heard. This requires active engagement with the Bible and a commitment to seeking truth over personal opinions.
7. What is the danger of accepting teachings without discernment?
Without testing teachings against Scripture, we risk embracing counterfeit truths presented by Satan. These false teachings can lead us astray and hinder our spiritual growth. True knowledge comes from God’s Word, which is life and light (John 1:1-5).
8. How does understanding the Word lead to sanctification?
John 17:17 reveals that God’s Word is truth, and it sanctifies (sets apart) believers. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and aligning our lives with its teachings, we become dedicated to God’s purposes and grow in holiness. This transformation enables us to live a life pleasing to God and experience true spiritual fulfillment.