Generally, the problem is not that the Bible is all that difficult to understand. Rather, those who read it find
much of what it says hard to accept , so they interpret it in a manner that is acceptable to them more compatible with their own views .
Why this self-delusion?
The problem is two fold. First , God tells us: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways . . . As the heavens are higher than the earth , so are My ways higher than your  ways , and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Why is this so? Primarily because God’s thoughts and ways are based on love concern for others (Matthew 22:36-40). As humans, however, we are fundamentally self-centered; we first think of ourselves. Our natural tendency is to deceive ourselves so we can serve our own selfish interests. Jeremiah 17:9 points out that our “ heart”— our
basic human motivation and reasoning—“is deceitful above all
things”; it leads us into self-deception. We need to
recognize in ourselves this common characteristic of human nature and be willing to change it so God can transform us. We need a new way of thinking, a new heart and mind.
Our thinking must be changed by God’s Spirit so our
interests will be focused outward, enabling us to love others as we love ourselves. Commending Timothy ’s loving concern for others , Paul wrote:“ For I have no one like minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own , not the things which are of Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:20-21.