“DISCERNING DIFFICULT PASSAGES” SESSION 1, 2 JULY 2, 9, 2017 REMEMBER: “Thy Word is Truth” - Jesus (John 17:17) “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable….” (2 Timothy 3:16) The Father is just like Jesus (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:3) God’s character, likeness, never changes (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17) THEREFORE: When approaching a difficult passage: è Ask the Holy Spirit, Who inspired and oversaw the Scriptures, for His understanding. (John 14:16, 17; John 15:26; John 16:13) He is the Spirit of Truth; He guides us into His Truth. “For we (believers) have the mind of Christ”. (1 Corinthians 2:16) Guide: lead, assist you to discover

è Ask: Does this sound like Jesus? • Why? (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:3)

è Approach the “parts” from the “whole”. What Do I Know? Seek balance, not obsession! • Does this line up with what is clearly the character of God? (His love, grace, mercy, justice, sovereignty, etc.) è When encountering a difficult, troubling or confusing passage, ask: Is this a specific message to a specific issue, or, is this a universal principle without exception. Always seek to discern the Biblical context. When necessary, seek to understand the historical context. ★Remember: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable. (2 Timothy 3:16) è When necessary, ask for the guidance and insight from a trusted Biblical scholar or informed Spiritual leader with experienced, balanced Biblical knowledge.