PRINCIPLES FOR A PRODUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY
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Recap: Why Study Bible, Benefits, Gaps, Bible Tools; concordance, Variants opinions on Bible, Principles
#1 the Context
The Importance of Context
the parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, usually influencing its meaning or effect:You have misinterpreted my remark because you took it out of context.
the set of circumstances or facts that surround a particular event, situation, etc.
Every text, that is, every word, phrase, and verse in Scripture, has a context that surrounds it.
often passages or portions of Scripture are quoted, cited or otherwise used to make a point or argue against a point while the entire context of the passage is ignored.
Although there are many books in the Bible, it is a cohesive whole wherein God distinctly communicates to us. This means that every passage is part of not only its immediate context, but also a broader context.
The context is often the essential key to understanding the meaning of the verse as well as avoiding false conclusions about it. The “immediate context” is the verses that are very close to the verse being studied while the “remoter context” refers to verses that are farther away (perhaps even several chapters away, but still the “context” if it helps reveal the meaning of the verse being studied.) If the “meaning” ofthe verse cannot be made to fit into the broader meaning of the context, then that “meaning” is suspect, and probably in error.
The words used are important, as is the context of those words. Whenever seeking to rightly interpret the Bible, make sure you understand the immediate context. In other words, given a passage that speaks to a certain topic, what does the Bible say on the subject? Don’t overlook the immediate context or the broader context.
It’s also wise to avoid citing passages selectively just to try and bolster a point without keeping the context in mind.
Below are several examples of taking verses out of context
Example: My thoughts are not your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8 is often quoted to show that we
cannot really know God: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways,’ declares the LORD.” However, the context shows that the “your” in the verse are not
believers, but “the wicked” and “the evil man” (v. 7). Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Furthermore, the context reveals that God can be “found” and “is near” (v. 6). Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Also, from the “scope” of Scripture we discover many verses showing that we can know God, including Jeremiah 4:22: “My people are fools; they do not know me….”
#2 The Clarity of Scripture
In short, the term means that the Bible is always clear when it comes to communicating truths about the essentials of the faith.(God,Baptism, Grace,ressurection,salvation,Faith,Sin,The Church) There are no great secrets, hidden message or esoteric interpretations that will grant us additional clarity when it comes to the essentials of Christianity. As Jesus said, “I have spoken openly to the world … I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret” (John 18:20).
Scripture is clear in its main teachings and doctrines. People don’t need any special knowledge or training to understand sin, grace, forgiveness, and salvation,Baptism,Faith.
In interpreting the Bible, then, we should ask ourselves if an interpretation of a passage will cause harm to an essential doctrine such as the deity of Christ, the resurrection, the atonement and so forth. If so, we’d do well to study the passage in more detail, keep in mind the broader biblical teaching on the subject and consult resources – including knowledgeable people – to determine if our interpretation is misguided.
#3 LET SCRIPTURE INTERPRETE SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 13:1
“By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”
Dt 19v15
Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God. As such, it cannot err. So, we believe that the Bible cannot really contradict it self. Its teachings must be internally consistent.
The idea is that Scripture it self helps us understand Scripture. One passage of Scripture, in other words, can inform our understanding of other passages so that we do not arrive at the wrong interpretation of any passage or adopt contradictory interpretations. If a person has a hard time understanding some particular biblical text, usually other biblical texts on related topics can help him figure it out. No doubt this is partly what Paul had in mind when he told Timothy to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling (literally “dividing”) the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Conclusion
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