To Be A Berean-Interpretation
Many people believe that studying God’s Word is based on what the person believes or thinks. This is a falicy, in fact when we study God’s Word we need to make sure we are aligning our understanding as close as possible to God’s meaning. It would behoove us to get the correct translation, and meaning behind the scripture. It is always in our best interest to find the truth, whether through good or bad reasoning; the truth will ultimately be used for God's glory. Interpreting the bible is a theological nightmare where everyone has their own ideas of interpretation and study. However, what does God’s Word say? It is vital that we understand this and keep to what the scripture says only. When done properly, this can help us have a richer relationship with God. A.W. Tozer put it eliquently when he said, “The primary purpose of reading the Bible is not to know the Bible but to know God.” It is the goal of Satan to destroy God’s children and His creation. In doing so, if he can pull us away from God with improper interpretation, then he will. So it is very important that we follow these steps while interpreting the Word of God.
Scripture Interprets Scripture
It is important that we look at supporting scripture within the verses we are studying. When John wrote Revelation, when the Holy Spirit came to him, He reinforced his writing with Old Testament facts. In Revelation 1:7, it directly references Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10.
Context is Key
In reading Scripture, we must look at the historical setting, the audience, and who was the original author. When we look at the audience of scripture, it is written to them for us. In plain terms, it was written at the time for new believers during the age of the apostles, but for us in the future. “14. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.” Proverbs 15:14. “15. The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15 “16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.
Identify the Genre
We must understand that there are different types of literature writings that require different approaches. The literal method of writings must be examined and read differently from allegorical methods, moral methods, and anagogical methods.
Look for the Author's Original Meanings
This is the point we must analyse what the original author meant for the original audience. Then how it will apply to today's standards and our own.
The Goal is to Know Christ
The Bible is the Word of God, and it is His words that lead us through life to adequately know Him and His Son. So, the Bible is to explain and show us the redemptive works of Jesus throughout the work of the Bible. Things that we must also use and be reminded of while using these tools. Do not do “surface reading”; this is basing what you read on what you think it sounds like, then applying it in your own way. Use tools for studying, as for a good example, I use multiple translations, and then I use the original language; there are also plenty of individuals that you may really rely on for studying the Bible. A. W. Tozer, Jack Hibbs, Francis Schaeffer, and others. Please remember to use them as a tool to help yourself, but not as biblical facts. Do not take everything without first examining God’s Word yourself. When we fail to measure what others say against God’s Word, this will lead us to misinterpret scripture and hinder our understanding of the Bible. A good way to remember is, do not forsake the literal interpretation as the first go-to. When individuals forsake this method of interpretation, they play a dangerous game that can eventually lead to misinterpretation. One of the biggest downfalls of this sinful world is how people strategically manipulate scripture and use just one verse or pieces of multiple verses, so that their agenda can be met.
“1. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2. Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4. and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Stay the course for the Kingdom
Austin