When studying the Bible, our main intention should be to come away with God’s truth. If God’s truth is not our aim, Bible Study is futile.
Really, what is the point of studying the Bible, if our only objective is to
- Prove a point.
- Check Bible study off our to-do list.
- Fill our heads with knowledge.
A good question to ask ourselves would be, why am I studying the Bible? When we answer the question honestly and with good motive, the next question would be how do I study to know and understand what the Bible teaches and come to understand what it means?
One step in the Bible study process is Interpretation. Interpretation follows Observation in the Inductive study method.
Be sure to read my article on Observation to help you understand better the Inductive Bible Study Method.
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE: OBSERVATION: INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY
After we have observed what the word of God says and have an accurate understanding, we are now ready to move on into interpretation and learn what the word of God means.
Come to Bible Study With a Teachable Heart
Like all of us, you may have opinions and beliefs based on tradition, what you have read and studied over the years, and what you were taught growing up.
Many times these beliefs do not line up with what the word of God means.
I speak from experience when I say it is difficult to retrain the brain and even more challenging to admit what you believe is wrong.
We all come with a built-in sense of pride. Nobody wants to be wrong. Right?
When it comes to knowing the truth of God’s Word, which leads to eternal life, I believe it would be safe to say that we will lay aside that pride for absolute truth if we are wrong, especially if our lives depend on it. And they do.
Before you learn how to interpret the Bible, ask God for a teachable heart and humility. Look at what God says through the writer of Proverbs:
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1
Context is King in Accurate Interpretation
Now that you have the right heart attitude, let’s begin learning to interpret Scripture.
Context rules in interpretation.
Context is the setting in which something dwells. What happens to the fish if you take it out of water? It will not function well, and eventually, it will die.
The same is true if you take a verse out of its context. It will not function well. The words, verses, and phrases are placed in their exact location to lead to biblical truth.
If words or verses are removed from their surroundings, it leads to misinterpretation, leading to wrong beliefs and ultimately wrong living.
Our goal in Bible study is to know the One true God to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.
Do not pull words, verses, or phrases out of their surroundings. Do the work of studying the entire book and its chapters to get an accurate understanding.
Saturate Yourself With The Full Counsel of God’s Word
Accurate interpretation of Scripture depends on how well we know the whole counsel of God’s Word. What I mean by the whole counsel of God’s word is this; Genesis to Revelation.
God spoke every book verse and chapter we have from Genesis to Revelation. He counsels us, teaches us through all of them.
When you know the whole counsel of God’s word thoroughly, you will not be led astray by false or inaccurate teaching.
You will be building a solid foundation on which to stand. Your belief system, your worldview will be based on God’s truth, not your own or anyone else’s.
Scripture Will Never Contradict Itself
When it comes to interpreting and discovering what the text of the Bible means, scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture. Why? The bible is the very word of God. Look at what the following verses teach concerning God and His Word.
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit from God. 2 Peter 1:20-21.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Do not leave the importance of learning the meaning of God’s word to chance or opinions. Go start to the source and saturate your heart and mind with the word of God.
Interpret Scripture Literally
Why is a literal approach to the study of the Bible so important? When we say interpret scripture literally we mean this, a biblical text is interpreted according to the “plain meaning” of the text and made understandable by its grammatical construction and historical context.
The opposite of literal interpretation would be symbolic interpretation.
Symbolism is using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol. If we use symbolism when interpreting Scripture, whose symbolic interpretation will we use?
At this point, you and would have to decide who is correct? There are so many; how would we make an accurate decision?
The literal approach is our safest approach when we desire to know the truth from Scripture.
Lastly Pray and Pray Some More
Even when you and I have worked diligently through the observation process and have moved into interpretation, we can still fall into error. We are finite beings capable of misinterpretation based on many reasons.
Approaching the word of God in prayer with a sincere heart is the best path to help in your study. We can never approach Bible Study with an I have studied that before and move on. Always consider yourself a student of God’s word as long as you have breath.
PLEASE READ:
PRAYER IS REALLY IMPORTANT IN THE STUDY OF THE BIBLE
PLEASE STAY CONNECTED:)
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