Cultivating a Deeper Understanding of Bible Teachings for Evaluation
Cultivating a deeper understanding of biblical teachings involves a commitment to ongoing learning and discernment, moving beyond foundational concepts to a more mature grasp of God's will [8, 9]. This process is not merely intellectual but is intrinsically linked to one's walk and spiritual growth [10].
The Bible itself emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 1:2 states that its purpose includes "gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight" [1]. The psalmist similarly prays, "Teach us so to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" [2]. This pursuit of understanding is a lifelong endeavor, as indicated by the psalmist who claims "more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation" [3]. Matthew Henry notes that believers should strive to be "head-scholars" in Christ's school, always seeking to know more [9].
A deeper understanding is not passive but requires active engagement and evaluation. Believers are called to use their own judgment to weigh arguments and discern truth [7]. This includes understanding that true knowledge of God's will is inseparable from living in accordance with it [10]. The process of spiritual growth, initiated by God, involves moving beyond basic teachings to a fuller comprehension of Christ's person and work [8].
Afflictions can also serve as a means for deepening understanding, teaching believers the will of God and turning them towards Him [5]. In times of trouble, individuals are encouraged to pray for divine teaching and direction [6]. The "entrance of God's word" itself gives light and understanding, even to those who are simple, making God's testimonies useful as a "light in a dark place" [11]. This growth in understanding is for "edification," building up believers rather than casting them down [12]. The term "Tarshish" in Hitchcock's Bible Names, meaning "contemplation" or "examination," further underscores the active and reflective nature of this pursuit [4].
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:2 (BSB) — for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight,”
- Psalms “Psalms 90:12 (Geneva1599) — Teach vs so to nomber our dayes, that we may apply our heartes vnto wisdome.”
- Psalms “I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. -- Psalms 119:99”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Tarshish — contemplation; examination”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 6:1: 6:1-3 In light of the hearers’ immaturity (5:11-14), the author urges them to move beyond basic teachings. The six basic teachings here were all foundational elements of Jewish instruction. The author might be challenging them to move beyond these basic teachings to further understanding about the person of Christ, which he elaborates in 7:1–10:25. 6:1 Let us go on: Or Let us be carried on, suggesting that God initiates growth to maturity (Phil 2:12-13) and that it is an ongoing process. • Repenting and faith are the basic commitments that initiate a person to the”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:7: Here is, I. David's endeavour to perfect himself in his religion, and to make himself (as we say) master of his business. He hopes to learn God's righteous judgments. He knew much, but he was still pressing forward and desired to know more, as knowing this, that he had not yet attained; but as far as perfection is attainable in this life he reached towards it, and would not take up short of it. As long as we live we must be scholars in Christ's school, and sit at his feet; but we should aim to be head-scholars, and to get into the highest form. God's judgments ar”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:10: Greek, "So as to walk"; so that ye may walk. True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it. worthy of the Lord-- (Eph 4:1). unto--so as in every way to be well-pleasing to God. pleasing--literally, "desire of pleasing." being fruitful--Greek, "bearing fruit." This is the first manifestation of their "walking worthy of the Lord." The second is, "increasing (growing) in the knowledge of God (or as the oldest manuscripts read, 'growing BY the full knowledge of God')"; thus, as the Gospel word (Col 1:6) was said to ”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:130: Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God's testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God's word gives light. If we begi”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 10:8: "For even if I were to boast somewhat more exceedingly (than I do, Co2 10:3-6) of our (apostolic) authority (Co2 10:6; Co2 13:10) . . . I should not be put to shame (by the fact; as I should be if my authority proved to be without foundation: my threats of punishment not being carried into effect)." for edification . . . not for . . . destruction--Greek, "for building up . . . not for . . . CASTING DOWN" (the same Greek as in Co2 10:5): the image of a building as in Co2 10:4-5. Though we "cast down reasonings," this is not in order to destroy,”