Key Thought: Interpreters of the Bible cannot completely divest themselves from their own past, experiences, and preconceived notions and opinions. But the Holy Spirit can open up and correct our limited perspectives and presuppositions when we read with an open mind and honest heart.
May 9, 2020

1. Have a volunteer read Luke 24:36-45..

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What prevented the disciples from seeing the true meaning of Scripture even when events were unfolding before them?
3. Personal Application: In what ways does sin affect how we read the Bible and desire to misinterpret it? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Living together is a way of life today. Marriage is just a license by the state. To believe we are not to have sex outside of marriage is outdated, impractical, and unreasonable.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:23-32.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. How do different cultural backgrounds impact or influence how we evaluate the importance of different ideas, especially in religion?
3. Personal Application: What cultural differences might we have from others in the way we interpret what the Bible teaches about a subject like death? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Is the Bible culturally conditioned? That is, are there things, rules, and teachings in the Bible that are only a reflection of the culture of that time and place, or are the Bible principles for all time, places, and people? How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read John 9:39-41.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What hindered the people from accepting the truth of the Bible message here?
3. Personal Application: Have you ever found yourself fighting against what the Bible says you should do, but you didn’t want to? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I have a hard time believing some of the stories od supernatural things in the Bible. We know we don’t see supernatural healings, raising the dead, calling fire down from heaven, making an axe head swim to the surface. Those are hard to believe.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Nehemiah 8:1-3, 8.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. Why is a clear understanding of the Scripture important to us as individuals and as a church?
3. Personal Application: Why is it important to clearly understand the three angel’s messages of Revelation 14? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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