Each of us has an approach to reading and using our Bible. Some may even think they study the bible, but for the most part we spend time reading various parts of the Bible and keeping it dusted off.  This session of Multiply by Francis Chan challenges us with the concept of over analyzing and possibly not benefiting from reading our Bible as intended.

We can easily get in a mode of trying to be smart and to seek wise people to interpret the Bible for us. The facts are that rigorous study does not guarantee right results.  We see it all around us. We even catch ourselves doing things we know are not right. We are an example time and time again where just knowing does not benefit us.

Reading and studying the Bible is essential, but it is even more important to understand what is being said. Like getting driving directions, when we listen to directions, we have a desire to comprehend the instructions because we know the impact of getting the details wrong.  In our Bible readings we tend to be a little more lax. There is an approach that it is okay not to get Bible instructions, that things will be just fine, we can get more instructions later.  Yet like driving, we get frustrated and tired.

Consider the Context

Every text belongs to a context. Every chapter, paragraph, sentence, and word derives meaning from its relationship to the words, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters around it. This is true with reading ordinary books, and is certainly true in reading the Bible.

The book uses the great example of the word “ship”. We all know what the word means, but it means different things in different contexts. How we decide whether ship is referring to a large boat or to the process of sending sending something. We have to take context into consideration. It is not complicated process, but it is essential.  It is just second nature. Our mind does it so fast, many times we do it automatically.  The the word “read”, can be used in reference to past tense or an active action, but our mind puts it into context based on the words around it.

These simple examples also apply to reading the Bible. Too often, verses are read and quoted in isolation. While this is not necessarily wrong, it greatly increases the chances of misinterpretation. The best approach to minimize this challenge is to read the Bible in its entirety. It gives us context that does not come from just a simple verse.

Think about the way you tend to study the Bible. Would you say that you make an effort to seek out what the Bible is actually saying? Do you pay attention to the context? If so, how has this helped you? If not, how do you think this might change the way you read the Bible?

Many of us have learned by our own experiences. We had some verses in our mind and through revelation, we learned that it was not what we thought it was.

Do you have examples of Scripture that you have changed your understanding of over time? Maybe you thought it was one thing and now you know it is different, after learning context?

We also need to know the difference in interpretation and application.  Application depends on our specific life situations, so we may all read the same passage and walk away with different applications. Interpretation, on the other had, is all about discovering what God has actually said and what He intended to communicate. We should all read the same passage and walk away with the same meaning.

Why do you think it is important to distinguish between interpretation and application?

Taking the Bible Literally

Accepting the Bible as literal truth does not mean that we interpret every passage literally. When we read the Bible, we find many places where the author uses metaphors, parables, poems, prophecies, and other literary devices. Examples such as when Jesus said he was the door (John 10:9), was a metaphor. He was not a door, he was human. He was conveying literal truth, but using a figure of speech to do so. This is just a simple example where we need to read the Bible, we need to understand what it is really saying.

In light of what you have thought through in this session, how do you need to change your approach to reading and studying the Bible?

Equipped to move on

Now with the wisdom we have received over the last month on church and Bible reading, we are equipped to approach the Bible better. We will be applying what we have learned to venture into the Old Testament this coming week.  Use some of your new concepts and ideas as we start with learning about Creation. The reading plan is simple…

This week, read Genesis 1-11 and follow that up with some Psalms 53-55