How to Study the Bible (Part 6 of 8)‏

Hello Friends!

Welcome Back! Let’s continue our with our series titled “How to Study the Bible” for our Christian walk with our Lord Jesus Christ…

How to Study the Bible (Part 6)

Interpreting the Bible ~ Points to Appropriate

Here are a few important “points to appropriate” when interpreting the Biblical text…

Points to Appropriate

Be Literal:

We must seek to understand Scripture in its literal, normal and natural sense. Although symbolism and figures of speech appear in the Bible, they will be obvious from the full context of the passage. For instance, when we study apocalyptic passages in Zechariah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Revelation we will read about different kinds of “beasts” and “images” throughout these profound books. Although these are indeed symbols, they convey literal truth. Therefore, we must interpret the Bible in its normal and natural sense. Otherwise we're taking an unnatural, abnormal and nonsensical interpretation of God’s Word. Here is one example to avoid…

Some Jewish rabbis were zealous advocates of gematria – the process of assigning numerical values to the Hebrew letters in order to interpret the text. For instance, they said if one takes the consonants of Abraham's name -- b, r, h, m -- and add them up with their numerical equivalents, you will have 318. Therefore, when you see the word Abraham it means he had 318 servants… Huh? No! Abraham's name means Abraham – period!

We must interpret Scripture in its literal sense, just as we would any other piece of literature!

Know the Context:

The Bible must also be studied in its historical context. What did it mean to whom it was spoken or written? We must also study its literary context. How does the passage or verse we are studying relate to the surrounding text? It has been said that "a text apart from context is a pretext" -- Well said!

Analyze the Sentence Structure:

In school, we (may have) learned how to diagram a sentence -- identify the verbs, nouns, prepositions and other parts of speech to find out what the entire text is saying. For example, let’s apply this approach to the Great Commission:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you – Matthew 28:19-20

As we first read it – "Go", "make disciples", "baptizing", and "teaching" all sound like verbs. But when we study the original sentence structure, we will find there's only one verb, matheteuo –  "make disciples." The words "Go", "baptizing" and "teaching" are only participles, which means they modify the main verb. So the Great Commission is to “make disciples” – of which involves “going” to them, “baptizing” them and “teaching” them!

We must examine the grammar carefully to fully comprehend and appreciate the true meaning of the text!

Compare Your Interpretation with the Totality of Scripture:

This vital principle of interpretation is known as Analogia Scriptura – meaning all Scripture fits together. One part of the Bible doesn't teach something that another part contradicts. For example, when we read the Apostle Paul’s account of the Gospel to the Corinthians, he says:

Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? – 1 Corinthians 15:29

When this text speaks of being “baptized for the dead,” we know it CANNOT mean that we can get someone out of hell and into heaven by being “baptized” on his or her behalf. This is a false Mormon interpretation of which contradicts the clear teaching of salvation by “grace” through personal “faith” in Jesus Christ – alone!

Look for Practical Principles to Apply:

As we read the various Scriptures, we must desire to learn what spiritual principles apply to us and fellow “believers” in Jesus Christ. For instance, contrary to popular “opinion,” true spiritual warfare is not waged by railing at demons or “binding” Satan. Nowhere in Scripture are we commanded to do such things!

The Apostle Paul demonstrates for us that true Biblical spiritual warfare is waged in the mind by “pulling down strongholds” – speculations – and “casting down” every “high thing” – unbiblical ideas – that “exalts” themselves against the “knowledge of God” by taking “every thought into captivity” to the “obedience” of Jesus Christ and His Word:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,  and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Again, Paul commands us to think and “meditate on these things” for a life dedicated to godliness:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things – Philippians 4:8

Through our “obedience” to God, James – the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ – commands us to “submit,” “resist” and “flee”:

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you – James 4:7

The Apostle Peter also commands us to be “sober-minded” and “vigilant” – alert – against our “adversary” and his wicked schemes:

Be sober-minded, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour – 1 Peter 5:8

Therefore, we can conclude that true spiritual warfare is a battle for the Truth – waged in the heart & mind and won through the proper appropriation of the Word of God!

We are able to properly apply important principles such a spiritual warfare only after we have literally interpreted our passage(s), analyzed their context and sentence structure and have compared our interpretation within the totality of Scripture…

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s continued investigation of How to Study the Bible…

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

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Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

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