READING THE BIBLE FOR UNDERSTANDING AND IMPACT

Last Sunday we had our first Equipping Class entitled, "Reading the Bible for Understanding and Impact." If believers were honest, I think a large majority would say that at least parts if not a large percentage of Scripture are intimidating to read and understand. The reason for this class is to make the Word of God less intimidating and more beneficial to read.

TWO GOALS

There are two goals when reading the Bible. The first is interpretation. Interpretation means to understand the original author's intended meaning to his original audience. Context is key when you study the word of God. The question to ask is not, “What does this verse mean to you?” but rather "What is the author's intended meaning to his original audience?" It is important to realize that authority does not lie in the hands of the reader, but in the intended meaning to the original audience.

Think of the Word of God like water from a well. When you go to a well, you are not going to put your own water in, but to draw its water out. When you approach the Word of God, make the effort to draw out what is in the text and avoid putting in what does not belong. There is one intended meaning in a verse of Scripture and our job is to discover what that meaning is.

The second goal of Bible reading is LIFE CHANGE. This Goal depends on the first. When you discover the intended meaning of the text--don’t stop there. Don’t read for knowledge only, but read to understand for the purpose of application.

Many believe because the Bible was written long ago and because of its various cultural differences it has little to no relevance for today. Even though the times and culture have changed it is important to remember the two things commonly addressed in Scripture that have not--God and the human condition.