Rule Eleven: Consider the meaning of each word, sentence and paragraph.
This seems so self-evident as to need no further explanation, but it does. Some people will allow for the weirdest definition of a word when it comes from the Bible.
Here you will need the help of a Greek dictionary, not necessarily an English dictionary. Determine the meaning in the original language.
Illustration: – teaching Bible class in Vacaville and reading from the text:
Matt. 5:13 (KJV)
13* Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Rule Twelve: When the law gives the manner of doing a thing, then every other manner is excluded, and the manner of procedure is as binding as the thing to be done; it is part of the law. (Cf.1 Sam. 15; 2 Kings 5)
These passages demonstrate how God illustrates the importance of following HIS directions AS SPECIFICALLY AS HE GIVES THEM. Consider the following classic examples:
2 Sam. 6 (see context)
1 Sam. 15 (see context)
Num. 8:4; Exod. 25:8ff (1 Chron. 28:19); Acts 7:44; Heb. 8:5
4* Now this was the workmanship of the lampstand, hammered work of gold; from its base to its flowers it was hammered work; according to the pattern which the LORD had showed Moses, so he made the lampstand.
8* “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. 9* “According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.
1 Chron 28:19
19* “All this,” said David, “the LORD made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, all the details of this pattern.”
44* “Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.
5* who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”
Rule Thirteen: “Hold fast the form of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13)
2 Tim. 1:13
13* Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
10* Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Tim. 6:3-5
3* If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4* he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5* and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
Rule Fourteen: No important teaching or practice is to be based upon doubtful or ambiguous Scriptures. (i.e.Psalm 37:20)
20* But the wicked will perish; And the enemies of the LORD will be like the glory of the pastures, They vanish–like smoke they vanish away.
2 Thess 1:7-10
7* and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8* dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9* These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10* when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed–for our testimony to you was believed.
Rule Fifteen: Observe the special reason given, if any, for the thing said or done, or to be done.
Example – Why keep the sabbath?
1. It was a sign between Israel and God (Ex. 31:13; Ezek. 20:12-20)
2. God rested on the seventh day and therefore required the Jews to rest (Ex. 20:11).
3. God delivered Israel, and therefore they should keep his sabbath in remembrance of this event (Deut. 5:15).
Rule Sixteen: “Meditate upon these things” (1 Tim. 4:15-16)
1 Tim. 4:15
15* Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.16* Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.