In our last lesson we discussed the importance and impact of context. Here we need to consider the topic of analysis. All scripture is recorded for good reason. Remember that the Bible says, “all Scripture is…profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16). Some of those passages that most consider boring are the ones that reveal details that will create understanding in latter passages. Some movies, television shows, or books that are sequels can be viewed or read without seeing the first one. However, others are so dependent on the first that it is difficult to understand the sequel. Think of Star Wars. In those movies you are lost in some spots if you do not see the previous movie. Also, consider Law and Order, miss the first ten minutes of the show and you spend most of the show trying to figure out what happened. There are details that are necessary for understanding and it is the same way with the Bible.
What can we do to catch the details? First of all pay attention. If you gloss over a passage don’t be hesitant to go back and read it again. Ask the basic questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how. When you come across a name, even in a genealogy, ask the question, “Who is this?” If two people are arguing about something, then ask, “What are they arguing about?” If an event takes place, ask, “When did this happen in relation to another event?” If Paul is being persecuted, ask, “Where is he?” If we are told to endure sufferings, ask “Why?” If we are told to pray, then ask “How?” By constantly asking questions we will motivate ourselves to search for details.
Once we are motivated to look for details, how do we find them? First of all use the principle of context. Also, use your resources. Most Bibles have a concordance at the end. You can also purchase an exhaustive concordance. Concordances put terms in the Bible in alphabetical order and tell you every verse in the Bible that contains that term, which is placed under that term in the order of the Bible. So if you come across a name of a person that you do not recognize, use your concordance to see if you can find more information. Plus use your cross-reference. Most Bibles place the cross-reference in between the two columns of Scripture on each page. Some Bibles may place it on the left or right side or the bottom. You will find verse numbers corresponding to the passage you are reading. Next to each of those verse numbers you will find a list of other Scriptures. These verses are related to the verse they are listed under in some way or another. Sometimes it is because they list the same person, event, place, or action. Other times it is because they are speaking of the same theological concept. Use your concordance and cross-reference to expand the amount of details you have.
In analysis we need to pay attention to the details that are given, ask basic questions, and use your references. For example, let’s look at Luke 18:24-27. Jesus says, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” This statement has major implications. Is it a sin to have wealth at all? Can a rich person become a Christian? If they can and do, do they need to give away their wealth to truly be saved? Should I be cautious with my money to make sure that I do not acquire wealth? Should I not witness to someone wealthy, if they cannot be saved?
However, if we use the analysis method, we answer all of these questions. First note that in this passage our topic is can a rich person be saved. The camel through the eye of the needle is tied to that concept. The details regarding the concept are that it is hard, impossible with man, and possible with God. In other words, there is difficulty in coming to faith when you posses wealth. Plus it is impossible for man to attain salvation for a rich person. Think about that for a moment. Can any of us save ourselves or someone else? The answer is no. The salvation of any person is dependent upon God. Plus note that Jesus said this is possible with God. In other words, if God is brought into the picture, then the concept of a rich man getting saved is possible. The answer to the question “Can a rich man be saved?” is yes. Then what is the issue with wealth? Let’s use our concordance and cross-reference to expand our information.
If you look up the verses being cross-referenced, you will see that for the most part the same statement in the other gospels is what you are being led too. Let’s look up the word rich in the concordance however. There are many passages listed. You will find a phrase quoted for each one to give you an idea of what is being said so that you do not have to look up each verse. Notice that 1 Timothy 6:17 is listed and the phrase is “Command those who are rich in this present.” It looks as if we are going to get instructions for godly living to the rich. Looking up the verse and reading further, we get more details added to the concept we are discussing. Paul said, “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). To be pleasing to God, the rich are told to be generous, but not to get rid of all their wealth. They are instructed regarding character, but not rebuked for their wealth. We walk away from this study understanding that it is hard for a rich person to be saved, but a rich person can be saved and can remain rich while obeying the Lord. Pay attention to all the details in Scripture and you will heighten your understanding of it.
