Date: September 8, 2019
Theme: BIBLE INTERPRETATION
Essential to beneficial Bible reading is understanding what we are reading Faithful translations in today’s language can be helpful in communicating the Spirit’s meaning. In addition, there are important principles to Bible reading and Interpretation to remember:
1. PRAY FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Jesus’ Promise that the Spirit of Truth would “guide us into all truth” (John 16:13) cannot be underestimated. “Wisdom is ours for the asking (James 1:5). It is not we, but the Spirit Who grants understanding.
2, BELIEVE GOD IS SPEAKING TO YOU THROUGH THE WORD This is God’s Book, God’s love letter to you, telling you the story of your salvation, Read it in that spirit and you won’t go wrong. Approach your Father’s Word with a humble and willing heart, desiring to receive and learn His Word.
3. REMEMBER THE CENTRAL TRUTH OF SCRIPTURE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS GOD’S SON AND SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. “They testify of Me”, Jesus said of the Scriptures in John 5:39. We do well to keep this in mind in all parts of Scripture.
4. LET SCRIPTURE INTERPRET SCRIPTURE
The Bible is its own interpreter. If we have questions regarding the meaning of a certain passage, we can compare it to other passages which speak on the same subject. Many false teachings are prevalent today because men read their own ideas, reason, or pre-conceived notions into Scripture passages.
5. TAKE EACH VERSE IN ITS SIMPLE LITERAL MEANING UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED. Understand each passage literally unless otherwise indicated (The Parables ~ “The Kingdom of God is like unto…..”, Visions, the Book of Revelation etc.) or unless the meaning we derive from a passage conflicts with the rest of Scripture. In our understanding of obvious figurative or symbolic sections, we should make certain our thoughts do not conflict with clear passages of Scripture.
6. KEEP IN MIND THE SETTING OR CONTEXT OF A VERSE Different meanings have been given to people words by quoting them out of context. Let’s be especially careful not to do this to God’s Word. Always keep in mind why a particular section was written
7. MAKE THE SCRIPTURES DEEPLY PERSONAL FOR YOU. As you read, ask yourself: “What is God saying to me for my life in this passage?” God’s Word is ever relevant and timely.
– ( Pastor David Schierenbeck )
John 16:13
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
(ESV)