Get Biblical Understanding

T.A. McMahon

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 As a writer who addresses biblical topics, I’m constantly searching the Scriptures to find verses that help me understand what God’s Word says about a certain subject. That’s a life-long daily process for me and I would hope for everyone who is a believer in Jesus Christ. I’ve been assembling verses for more than a dozen years that relate to certain biblical teachings in the belief that Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture. I’ve majored in gleaning verses from the New Testament which I’ve read and reread carefully over the years for this venture. Along the way, I’ve added some Old Testament verses, and continue to do so from my additional study of God’s Word. The main focus, however, is on the New Testament. I know there are relevant verses I’ve yet to include. Nevertheless, for me personally, it’s a joyful and incredibly edifying work in progress. I’m blessed to share with you what I’ve found in the Scriptures that hopefully will help you get a better understanding of what God has communicated. His teachings and instructions seem all the more critical now that we are in a time when sound doctrine is not being endured (2 Timothy 4:3). My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will enable all of us through His Word and by His grace to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him. Throughout the duration of “Get Biblical Understanding” we will select a specific topic with many of the relevant verses. In Christ’s love and service, T.A. McMahon

  1. 6D AGO

    Get Biblical Understanding # 53 - Faith

    JAMES 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations [adversities; trials]; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.JAMES 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.JAMES 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?JAMES 2:14-16 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save [benefit] him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?JAMES 2:17-18 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.JAMES 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.JAMES 2:20-26 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.1 PETER 1:5-7 [You] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial [genuineness] of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:1 PETER 1:8-9 [Jesus Christ] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.1 PETER 1:19-21 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

    5 min
  2. MAR 23

    Get Biblical Understanding # 52 - Faith

    HEBREWS 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. HEBREWS 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.HEBREWS 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.HEBREWS 11:8-12 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.HEBREWS 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.HEBREWS 11:24-29 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.HEBREWS 11:35 [By faith] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:HEBREWS 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.HEBREWS 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation [conduct].

    5 min
  3. MAR 16

    Get Biblical Understanding # 51 - Faith

    HEBREWS 3:7-8 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:HEBREWS 3:17-19 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.HEBREWS 4:2-3 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.HEBREWS 4:6-11 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.HEBREWS 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, HEBREWS 10:22-23 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)HEBREWS 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.HEBREWS 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. HEBREWS 11:2 For by it [faith] the elders obtained a good report.HEBREWS 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.HEBREWS 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

    5 min
  4. MAR 9

    Get Biblical Understanding # 50 - Faith

    1 TIMOTHY 6:20-21 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.2 TIMOTHY 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.2 TIMOTHY 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.2 TIMOTHY 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.2 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.2 TIMOTHY 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.2 TIMOTHY 2:16-18 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.2 TIMOTHY 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity [love], peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.2 TIMOTHY 3:10-11 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity [love], patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.TITUS 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;PHILEMON 1:5-6 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

    5 min
  5. MAR 3

    Get Biblical Understanding # 49 - Faith

    1 TIMOTHY 1:3-4 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions [cause disputes], rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.1 TIMOTHY 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity [love] out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:1 TIMOTHY 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1 TIMOTHY 1:15-16 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.1 TIMOTHY 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away [rejected] concerning faith have made shipwreck:1 TIMOTHY 2:7-8 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.1 TIMOTHY 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.1 TIMOTHY 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.1 TIMOTHY 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.1 TIMOTHY 4:12-13 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation [conduct], in charity [love], in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.1 TIMOTHY 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

    5 min
  6. FEB 24

    Get Biblical Understanding # 48 - Faith

    1 THESSALONIANS 1:2-3 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;1 THESSALONIANS 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-2 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:1 THESSALONIANS 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.1 THESSALONIANS 3:6-7 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity [love], and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted [encouraged] over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:1 THESSALONIANS 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?1 THESSALONIANS 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.2 THESSALONIANS 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet [fitting], because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity [love] of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 2 THESSALONIANS 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 2 THESSALONIANS 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,2 THESSALONIANS 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 THESSALONIANS 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

    5 min
  7. FEB 17

    Get Biblical Understanding # 47 - Faith

    EPHESIANS 3:16-17 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, EPHESIANS 4:3-6 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.EPHESIANS 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:EPHESIANS 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. EPHESIANS 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. PHILIPPIANS 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; PHILIPPIANS 1:27 Only let your conversation [conduct] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;PHILIPPIANS 1:29-30 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.PHILIPPIANS 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. PHILIPPIANS 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:COLOSSIANS 1:3-4 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saintsCOLOSSIANS 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

    5 min
  8. 11/19/2024

    Get Biblical Understanding #246 - Diligence

    This is number 246 in our series of “Get Biblical Understanding.” In this session we’re reading many but certainly not all of the biblical verses that have to do with Diligence. Webster’s dictionary of 1828 (which many of its definitions are taken from the Scriptures) records diligence as the steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or sloth; due attention; industry; assiduity. Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure. 2 Peter 1:5. 2 TIMOTHY 2:15 Study [be diligent] to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 TIMOTHY 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith 2 TIMOTHY 4:21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. TITUS 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

    3 min

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About

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 As a writer who addresses biblical topics, I’m constantly searching the Scriptures to find verses that help me understand what God’s Word says about a certain subject. That’s a life-long daily process for me and I would hope for everyone who is a believer in Jesus Christ. I’ve been assembling verses for more than a dozen years that relate to certain biblical teachings in the belief that Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture. I’ve majored in gleaning verses from the New Testament which I’ve read and reread carefully over the years for this venture. Along the way, I’ve added some Old Testament verses, and continue to do so from my additional study of God’s Word. The main focus, however, is on the New Testament. I know there are relevant verses I’ve yet to include. Nevertheless, for me personally, it’s a joyful and incredibly edifying work in progress. I’m blessed to share with you what I’ve found in the Scriptures that hopefully will help you get a better understanding of what God has communicated. His teachings and instructions seem all the more critical now that we are in a time when sound doctrine is not being endured (2 Timothy 4:3). My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will enable all of us through His Word and by His grace to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him. Throughout the duration of “Get Biblical Understanding” we will select a specific topic with many of the relevant verses. In Christ’s love and service, T.A. McMahon