John 5:31-40 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.… 1. The Sadducees "erred, not knowing the Scriptures," and this is the source of error all time through. 2. Christ made the Scriptures His constant rule and guide, and so, therefore, should we. I. IT IS EVERY MAN'S DUTY TO SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES. God's purpose in vouchsafing the Scriptures was in consequence of our fall, and the necessity of a new birth in Christ Jesus; and their characteristic feature is to lead men to a practical knowledge of these two great truths. If man had continued in a state of innocence he would not have needed an outward revelation, because God's law was originally written on his heart; but since his fall, without such a revelation he could never have known how God could be reconciled. This revelation, then, is suited to his wants as a fallen creature, and that is sufficient evidence of its divinity. The infidel desires a sign, but no sign shall be given him but this, and if this is not enough, he would not believe though one rose from the dead. II. SOME SUITABLE INSTRUCTION WHEREBY THE SCRIPTURES MAY BE STUDIED WITH PROFIT. 1. Have in view the one end for which they were written, to show the way of salvation through Christ. Always look for Christ; in Old Testament prophecies, etc., and in New Testament teaching. 2. Search with a humble disposition, for God hides its meaning from the wise in their own eyes, and reveals it to babes who desire "the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby." 3. Search with a sincere intention to put in practice what you read. "If any man will do His will," etc. But to those who read without a desire to keep the commandments, but only for amusement or cavil, God will never reveal Himself although they search to the end of time. 4. Make an application of everything you read, and this will make "all Scripture profitable for reproof," etc. 5. Labour to obtain the influence of their Divine Author. It was for the want of this that the disciples fell into frequent and inexcusable mistakes. Therefore begin by praying that the Spirit who guides into all truth may assist you, and close by praying that He may engraft the truth on your heart. 6. Read diligently, thoroughly, daily. (H. J. Newbery, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. |
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