Invariably, if I go to make a sermon, I wind up forcing the Bible to fit my sermon, but

if I go to try to comprehend a passage, out of the understanding of that passage, flows

a message to share with you.

So a long time ago, I gave up trying to make sermons, and now I try to understand the Word

of God, and out of that understanding comes some message.

Welcome to Grace to You with John MacArthur.

I'm your host, Phil Johnson.

There's a story of a pastor who decided to visit one of his church members.

It looked like someone was home, but no one answered. So the pastor left this note,

Behold, I stood at the door and knocked. Well, the next Sunday, the pastor received a Bible quote from Genesis in reply, I was naked and hid myself. It's a funny story, but it illustrates a serious

point. Taking scripture out of context or twisting

its meaning is a mistake that can have serious consequences. John MacArthur helps you avoid that

error today on Grace to You, continuing his series titled How to Study the Bible. Now here's John

with today's lesson. The Bible is not an open book to just anybody.

It is an open book only to those who come fulfilling certain basic requirements.

And we talked about the who of Bible study.

Who can really understand the Bible?

We suggested to use six principles, really, a five and then a sixth, which was prayer.

Person must be born again, must be diligent in his study, have a great desire, must deal

with sin in his life so that there's manifest holiness and the filling of the Spirit

of God who really is our teacher.

And as you've examined your life, if you understand those priorities and are willing to

...