Understanding scripture and being biblically literate is a problem in today’s church. Ed Stetzer wrote a blog post on this topic. He said…
Both inside and outside the church, there is a problem. Non-Christians don’t have even the general idea of the Bible they once did. Christians are not seeing the life change that real Bible engagement brings. The result is a nation in spiritual free fall…
There is no excuse. It’s not as if we don’t have access. The average American—Christian or not—owns at least three Bibles. Even those who don’t have one in their home can download it free to their smartphone...The Word of God is more available than ever.
Simply put, we have a biblical literacy deficit in part because we have a spiritual maturity deficit.
Well, I agree with Stetzer. One of the challenges is that while some read the Bible, most do not study the Bible. As a result, we do not understand what we are reading. If we don’t understand, it’s not likely we will apply it.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15
The Bible contains God’s messages to us, but if we cannot properly interpret what it says, we’re destined to become confused, misinterpret and probably misapply biblical content.
The first rule of Bible study is to interpret it in context. Taking verses out of context leads to all kinds of error and misunderstanding.
Understanding context begins with four principles:
literal meaning (what it says),
historical setting (the events of the story, to whom is it addressed, and how it was understood at that time),
grammar (the immediate sentence and paragraph within which a word or phrase is found)
Comparison (comparing it with other parts of Scripture for a fuller meaning)
This process keeps us from cherry-picking verses out of the bible to make them say what we want. If we interpret the Bible correctly, it the verse can only mean what it it means in context of the surrounding verses.
We must consider each verse in the light of the surrounding verses, the book in which it is found, and the entire Word of God.
As you study, ask yourself: Is my interpretation of a passage of Scripture consistent with the theme, purpose, and structure of the book in which it is found? Is it consistent with other Scripture about the same subject? Am I considering the historic and cultural context?
Never take a Scripture out of its context to make it say what you want it to say. Discover what the author is saying; don’t add to his meaning.
The Word of God is rich and alive. It’s powerful to speak deep into our hearts and lives. Thought it, we come to know God in a personal way.
Today’s Challenge: If you are not studying the Word of God, we not start now. Join a small group through your church. Even if your church is not meeting because of Covid restriction, most churches have online groups. The study of God’s Word will help you grow in your relationship with God.
