Biblical Interpretation

“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”       
2 Peter 1:21

Biblical interpretation is something that should happen on an individual level. We must be continually growing in understanding of God’s Word and how we are to apply that to life. While it is great to learn from others, we must know how to interpret scripture for ourselves.

We cannot blindly accept what others teach as we must take the responsibility to understand the Word for ourselves.

God put everything that we need to know about Him in writing, His inspired Word. Every Christian has the Holy Spirit to help him understand God’s Word. There are also some general principles that can be used in difficult times.

Monday- Approach the Bible in Prayer

We should always ask God to give us the understanding that we need to learn more from His Word. In Psalm 119, David asks God for instruction and guidance. Read through this chapter. God will reward your efforts. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

Tuesday- Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

If you find a text that is difficult to understand, look for other scripture to help. Oftentimes, we can reference passages which are clearer to us to help us understand passages which are difficult. If you are reading about a particular topic, it is best to look for other areas of the Bible which discusses that topic. Try this today. Choose a topic and look for several scriptural references that apply. Which were difficult to understand and how did some of the other passages help with understanding?

Wednesday- Read the Bible as a Book That Points to Jesus

All scripture is Christocentric. This means that the nature of the Bible is centered on Christ. We know that the Bible points us to salvation which is found in Jesus. It helps us to understand as we move through scripture, it all points to a coming Savior. Practice this now. Find several places in the Old Testament that you favor. You have probably read them many times before but this time, try reading them with the idea of a coming Savior in mind. It helps us to see God intervening throughout history, constantly pointing to what was to come; His Son.

Thursday- Meditate on the Bible

For some, the word ‘meditate’ holds a negative connotation. The Bible, however, speaks of it often. To meditate on God’s Word is to consider it carefully. This will look different for different people. For some, it is the practice of writing the words down or repeating them in order to better remember them in our hearts. Meditating is simply digesting the words we are reading; a way of hiding them in our hearts. Try this on your own today.

Friday- Approach the Bible in Faith and Obedience

The Bible is given to us as a revelation from God which is to be believed and obeyed. We must not just be hearers of the Word but doers of the Word. We are to have faith that God has our best interest at heart and obey His teachings. Even through times of difficulty, we can trust what God has promised us in His Word. Read Romans 8:28-29 and write out what His promise means to you. Begin practicing faith and obedience in all circumstances.