Article of The Week:
Open my eyes that I may see
the wonderful things in Your law. –Psalm 119:18
Have
you ever sat down to read the Bible, just hoping to get something out of it
this time? Or maybe you’ve read it and studied it the best you know how, but
you just don’t seem to get much benefit. Maybe you’re avoiding the Bible
altogether, thinking it’s confusing – even contradictory at times. You believe it’s God’s Word but have trouble understanding how it
relates to your life today.
God isn’t hiding His truth from you,
burying it in symbolism and parables. The Bible is His way of inviting you to
get to know Him better. And there are some practical things you can do right
now to understand your Bible.
The first key to understanding God’s
Word is to study the context of the
passage by using these three-step method:
*Observation
– Dig for facts. Who wrote
the passage? Who was the original audience? Look up for words you’re not sure
of. Figure out the main point of the passage.
*Interpretation
– What did the author
originally intend to say? Go past the definition of the words and figures out
how the author was using them. Work on meaning.
*Application
– How does this text apply
to my life? What does it say about my relationship with God?
There are also a few things you need to realize about yourself before you sit
down to study the Bible.
Remember
that you are dependent on God.
You may be able to learn facts from God’s Word, but only He can impress Himself
on your heart and use His Word to change your life.
Remember
to keep a clear conscience.
If you have unconfessed sin in your life, something you’re trying to hide from
God, you’re predisposed to avoid the truth. Let God use His
Word to expose your sin and encourage you to ask for forgiveness.
Remember
to study on your own.
Pastors and teachers are gifts from God to help us understand His Word. But
don’t neglect reading and studying the Bible on your own. God wants you to
spend time alone with Him. He can guide you through His Word in a way that will
meet your individual needs.
God
bless you on reading His Word,
YoutH Core Gr0up
Source: Campus Journal 2003