When studying the Bible, it is essential to recognize that it is the inspired Word of God, composed with deliberate care and thoughtfulness. The language of Scripture is not merely decorative but serves to convey profound meaning, as God inspired the writers to use stylistic forms such as figures of speech to match the intended message. A fundamental principle in studying the Bible is that how something is said cannot be separated from what it means. This principle is evident in the frequent use of poetic forms like parallelism and chiasmus, which enhance the expression of ideas and emotions through carefully chosen words. Parallelism, a common figure in Scripture, occurs over multiple lines of text where the first line establishes an idea, and subsequent lines expand, intensify, or specify its meaning, conveying a sense of consistency and assurance that all things in God's Word fit together. Chiasmus, a more complex form, inverts the order of ideas, presenting them individually and then paralleling them in reverse, reassuring readers that God's promises will always come to fruition, even across extended periods or larger narratives in Scripture. Understanding that nothing in God's Book is done haphazardly or carelessly, the study of these figures of speech allows for a deeper exploration of the meaning embedded in Scripture. The beauty, complexity, and depth of the Bible, unmatched by any other work of literature, invite careful consideration of how God inspired such language to communicate His unchanging character and unfailing promises.

God presents His teachings in the Bible as "here a little, there a little," rather than in a straightforward, systematic manner. This structure can make the Bible seem like gibberish to those without understanding, as God intentionally made it unintelligible to most, reserving deeper comprehension for those He calls. The Bible's organization, seen in books like Isaiah or Revelation, often appears disjointed, jumping between subjects and times, requiring effort to piece together the full picture. It is better likened to a jigsaw puzzle than a simple manual, where assembling the pieces reveals the instructions necessary for salvation and godly living, though not every answer to every question is provided. To grasp God's mind on any subject, one must gather scriptures from various places, fit them together like puzzle pieces, and view them in proper perspective without forcing personal interpretations. Even then, human limitations prevent a full understanding of God's mind, though combining revealed knowledge with His Holy Spirit brings us closer to His truth. Without His Spirit, conclusions remain incomplete or incorrect, leading to religious confusion. Jesus expanded the law's application, making it stricter yet freeing us to live it through His help, as seen in His teachings on not bearing false witness, where He broadened the principle to cover all of life with decisive honesty. The law, while good, just, and holy, initially confines us, defining sin and guarding us until faith is revealed through Christ. Once faith comes, the law's confining aspect is removed, shifting to a freeing perspective based on principles rather than rigid rules. This freedom, though potentially daunting, allows for godly decisions using the mind of Christ, supported by the gifts of God. Jesus viewed the law as a living, beneficial guide and the beginning of instruction, not the end, contrasting with a rigid, negative approach that focuses on dos and don'ts. His way opens opportunities to serve through positive application of principles. The Bible provides the foundation and tools for making godly decisions, even if answers are not spelled out step by step. Through reasoning from basic laws and using God's Spirit, as exemplified by figures like David and Paul, we can apply principles to specific situations. All necessary answers for salvation and godly living are within the Bible, requiring us to assemble them with diligence and spiritual guidance.

When studying a biblical topic, it is essential to start with a plain, unambiguous statement that provides a fundamental understanding of the subject. Such a clear and concise scriptural declaration serves as a springboard for exploring deeper and less distinct areas of inquiry. By holding on to these clear scriptures, often termed definition verses, and allowing them to underlay and delineate our belief, we are likely to remain on course. These definition verses, found throughout the Bible with many in the New Testament, ground us in various subjects and provide a baseline for further exploration. For instance, the principle of definition verses helps in understanding the correct timing of the year's beginning, as seen in the clear instruction of Exodus 12:2, where God establishes the first month, ensuring we stay on the right path amidst varying interpretations.

There are proper ways to determine what the Bible teaches, and there are improper and dishonest ways. Our attitude must be that of a seeker of truth, not one of trying to prove a point. The context of a verse is vital to its meaning, and cutting it from that context and pasting it into another abuses the teaching. Spiritualizing a scripture at the expense of its plain meaning over-complicates matters and increases the possibility of error. No single scripture will hold all the truth about a doctrine; one must gather together all the biblical material on a subject to determine God's teaching. Understanding the Greek or Hebrew meanings of words is fine, but no word's definition is enough to formulate a doctrine. These principles of Bible study should guide us in coming to understand the way of life God has called us to follow.