DOCTRINE
When studying the Bible, we are to use Godly methods. 1 Cor 2:13 says " Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" The correct method for studying the Bible is to compare Scripture with Scripture. The Bible is to be your "FINAL AUTHORITY". The problem today and in the past with the "scholars" is that, generally speaking, most of them do not do their own research. They usually just quote men that they believe to be correct. This is a tragedy in main stream churches today. You've got some pastor quoting the Strong's Concordance, or the Greek, or the Hebrew, or some idiot that makes a living off of so called christian books. The whole while ignoring what the Bible says on a subject. Most that teach this way are advocates for the new versions. The "CHURCH" has suffered greatly from this perverted way of studying.
2 Tim 2:15 says " Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (This verse is changed in every Bible since the KJV. They all change or remove the word "study".) We see from this verse, that the Bible must be RIGHTLY DIVIDED. How do we do this? Well, 2Tim3:16 says "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" Did you see that? The Bible said that the priority of the scripture was 1 DOCTRINE,2 REPROOF,3 CORRECTION,4 INSTRUCTION. Does your pastor teach in this order? Do you seek truth from the Bible with these priorities in mind? If we want to please God we must use God's methods. There are no points for originality at the JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST. So, in order to RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH we must know where these divisions rest. Now the Bible divides humanity into 3 classes: JEWS, GENTILES, and THE CHURCH OF GOD (1 Cor 10:32). When dividing scripture you must first decide through the context of the verse, to whom it applies. If you use this method when studying it can help to understand so called "problem text." Look at James 1:1, it is written to THE TWELVE TRIBES WHICH ARE SCATTERED ABROAD. These 12 tribes are definitely JEWS. Therefore it would be extremely dangerous for a christian (church of God) to apply doctrine from James to himself.
All books in the Bible can be looked at in this light. I hope this helps you with your studies.
