QUESTION:
"What is most important to take into account when studying the Bible?"
I have always believed that the Word of God has mighty power when it is read, applied, and obeyed.
ANSWER:
God invites us to read and study His Word, but we must do our best to correctly handle the Word of Truth (see 2 Timothy 2:15).
Whenever you read a passage of Scripture, take time to ask yourself these five simple questions:
- What did this text communicate to its original audience? Before we can apply the Bible to our lives today, we must first know how it applied to its first readers.
- What type of literature am I reading? In other words, what is the genre? Is it poetry or prose? Is the language meant to be taken literally or figuratively?
- What is the real meaning of this passage? As best you can tell, what is the plain, straightforward meaning of the text?
- How can I apply this message to my life? We must take hold of the Truths of the Bible and allow them to renew our thoughts and actions.
- What does this say about God‘s nature? What Truths does this passage reveal about who He is?
I have always believed that the Word of God has mighty power when it is read, applied, and obeyed. I pray that as you read the Scripture carefully and faithfully, it will spark a revival in your heart.
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