Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth
. (2 Timothy 2:15)As we begin a new year, one resolution we frequently hear from Christians is to read the Bible from cover to cover in the next twelve months. Reading schedules are regularly published in church bulletins and even some Bibles contain them.
We all seem to realize the importance of reading God’s word and yet there is a problem. I regularly encounter people who have been reading the Bible for decades and yet their understanding of it has not grown significantly. For many, it is time to rethink how we approach God’s inspired message.
To be sure, there is a place for what might be called casual reading of scripture. By that I mean reading simply to bring the words of scripture before our minds with the emphasis on rehearsing them rather than focusing on every detail.
But, if that becomes the only way we approach scripture, our understanding is of necessity limited. We tend to just read words rather than glean truths. In time, that kind of reading loses any sense of satisfaction and many people cease to read at all.
They may be able to recite even large portions of the text, but their lack of diligence in their study has robbed them of the joy of being taught by the Holy Spirit. It is that teaching which makes the truth of scripture our own and it should not be neglected.
One of the reasons people don’t study their Bible is that they have never been told how! In all the Sunday School classes they attended, they never received basic instruction in how to study their Bible. They were just told to do it.
Realizing this situation exists, I want to spend a little space here each month sharing things that I believe will help you be more diligent in this regard. Those who are well on their way in Bible study may find this instruction contains little that is new to them but hopefully everyone will find something of benefit in the months ahead.
I welcome your input as we engage this subject. Feel free to share what has helped you to grow as a student of God’s word and I’ll pass your comments along here as space permits.
Overview
It is tempting to just pick up our Bible and start reading without ever considering just what it is we hold in our hand. It doesn’t have a Foreword by the Author to introduce us to what follows. We have to read it in order gain that perspective. That’s something of a challenge isn’t it?
At the most basic level, Bible study involves three aspects which should be immersed in prayer: observation, interpretation, and application. We’ll look at these more in depth as we progress in our study. For the moment just understand that: observation means we spend significant time with the text itself so that we become very familiar with what it says; interpretation is the process of using appropriate methods to understand what our observations mean; and lastly we need to consider how to apply what we learn correctly.
How we view the text before us has a strong influence on how we will interpret what we read. If we see the Bible as just a nice collection of stories, we are not likely to expect much from it. If we view it as outdated and irrelevant, we will not take its admonitions seriously.
Presumably, everyone reading this accepts the reality that scripture is God’s way of communicating His eternal purpose to us and that it is our authority for faith and holy living. Still, Christians bring different perspectives to their study.
Some come from backgrounds which see man as the essential player in the story. The outcome is up to him. Others see God as the only real player in the story who controls every aspect of created order. One might expect to find truth somewhere between these two extremes. The point is, our presuppositions will largely determine how we view the text. Consequently, our preconceived ideas must remain pliable and open to revision if we are to grow in the knowledge of God.
The study of interpretative methods is called hermeneutics and it is an important one to those who would be diligent in their study. For a starting point, it is only important to realize that hermeneutics exists. That tells us that there are different ways of looking at scripture and we should not become arrogant in the way we approach it. All of us will engage God’s Word in a way we believe is correct, but we must each realize that we could be (are) wrong about some things.
Diligent, Godly people have honest disagreements about how to approach the text. There is no room for personal privilege here. We must each hold Truth to be the object of our study. If we can do that, walls come down and doors to understanding are opened to us.
In spite of differences in interpretation, there are things Christians generally agree upon and that should be the starting point of any study. Finding our common ground gives us a point of reference from which to explore areas of disagreement. So, let’s consider some common ground.
The Bible is the written record of God’s revelation. It contains the story of His creation of the universe in which we live, its pollution by evil, and the restoration of all things through Christ.
That’s very basic but it helps to put a framework around the message. The Bible contains history but it is not a history book. It has scientific content, but it is not a science book. We should not try to use it inappropriately. Those who have done so have embarrassed themselves and on occasion brought reproach upon the name of Christ.
I don’t believe God’s revelation in scripture has to be hard to understand. However, what we have was not written to us! It was written to people thousands of years ago in a different setting with a tradition and a culture which is unfamiliar to most of us. That means we must be careful not to force the text to fit our presuppositions. Rather, we must seek to recover its historical, cultural, and spiritual context.
In some regards, understanding the scripture is a lot like working a puzzle. Think about the process involved. The first thing we hunt for is the corner pieces and edge pieces (common ground if you will) because they are easy to find. They provide the framework within which everything else must fit.
Next, we start to separate the pieces into groups with similar colors and patterns (common themes) and see how they fit together. Finally, we see how each theme relates to the others within the context of the whole inside the framework we established. If only we had the lid to the box!
The more diligent we are, the more we enjoy the beauty of the picture before us. If we attempt to force pieces where they do not fit, we will have problems, lots of problems. Leaving the box unopened is an even bigger problem.
In fact, our difficulty in understanding scripture generally arises because we either have not properly framed the context or we are attempting to force a meaning upon the text which satisfies our preconceived ideas rather than letting it speak for itself.
Context is at least two dimensional. We have the immediate context within which something occurs and we have the larger context of scripture as a whole. It is essential that our interpretation of scripture satisfy both. If an understanding satisfies the immediate context but causes that section of "the puzzle" not to fit within the larger framework, we must reject it and consider other options.
The Bible is a unique collection of writings inspired by God. It stands alone. Other resources are instructive and helpful in gaining insights into the biblical record, but they should never be allowed to supplant it.
One of the great mistakes we make is applying modern meanings to ancient writings. For the most part, the scripture will interpret itself if we are willing to let it. It is easy to assume we know what words and phrases mean and avoid "due diligence" in our study. We will pay a huge price if we do.
The advent of computer software which allows us to search the scripture for specific language makes it incredibly easy to see how words and phrases are used. The Bible tells a story. The elements of the story do not change in meaning. It is inappropriate to interpret language in way that is inconsistent with the way it is used in the rest of the story.
If the same language is used in more than one way in scripture, diligence demands that we take the time to understand the way it should be interpreted in the context under consideration. Most importantly, before we interpret scripture in a way that is not consistent with the way the same language is used elsewhere, we should have very strong evidence that such usage is indicated.
God did not intend the scripture to be cryptic for believers. Though some meanings are not as evident to us as others, God’s object was to teach, not confuse. It is a cop-out to avoid looking at difficult passages because of an attitude that says, "There are some things we will never understand in this life."
While that is certainly true for us as individuals, I think it highly likely that as the people of God, the complete and perfect understanding of His word is known to us. We simply have not been diligent and honest enough in our study to allow it to unite us. In other words, if we could assemble all the truth that is known to Christians today, I don’t think we would be lacking anything.
The problem is that we declare some truth as untrue because it does not conform to our understanding. Some are so adamant in their profession of "the truth" that they refuse to give serious consideration to opposing views. To add shame to apathy, many are woefully unprepared to explain why they believe what they believe.
They may have a proof-text but if it is challenged they are at a loss to develop a sound biblical response to honest questions. The failure to do so leaves those of a different vew with the impression that a position is being held out of tradition rather than diligent study.
Sadly, that is usually the case. God expects more from us and I hope we can grow in this regard. Recognition of our ignorance is the first step in learning. As long as we believe we have the truth, we will not be diligent in searching for it. We all need to realize that we hold things in error and we need to be in God’s word regularly with a heart that is open to be shown where our understanding is in need of correction.
If we are to make mistakes, may it be the mistake of studying to a wrong conclusion rather than living a wrong conclusion because we failed to study. It is the pursuit of truth that is important. God will compensate for our flawed understanding, but He is not pleased with a lack of diligence especially when it leads to arrogance.
Approaches to Biblical Interpretation
Everyone brings presuppositions to Bible study. Those can be described in several ways (or some combination of them). We won’t spend time with them here, but mention them only so we are aware that they exist.
A naturalistic approach sees the text as limited to understanding from a human perspective. There is no room for Divine involvement.
The supernaturalistic approach goes to the other extreme seeing everything as spiritual so that interpretation is to explain things in terms of spiritual experience. Any natural meaning is diminished or ignored altogether.
The existential approach attempts to combine the first two by acknowledging the natural reality but seeking to discern the experiential significance inherent in the text.
The dogmatic approach begins with presuppositions established by some external authority and forces the text to fit those presuppositions. It becomes easy for all approaches to ultimately fall into this snare.
A more balanced approach seems to me to be what some have called "grammatical-historical" and what Robertson McQuilkin calls "the human/divine communication analysis" in his book Understanding and Applying the Bible.
That’s some pretty fancy language I probably would not have dreamed up. Simply stated, we should approach the Bible as the communication of God’s divine plan through human beings using human language. What a challenge!
Until we understand that God is using the seen to describe the unseen, the temporal to describe the eternal, the physical to describe the spiritual, our understanding will be deficient
McQuilkin notes that "...all people are theologians. The only difference is that some are better theologians than others." Maybe you don’t think of yourself as a theologian, but all of us are trying to make sense out of our very existence and that ultimately screams for a coherent way of understanding how we fit into God’s order of things.
McQuilkin asks and answers the question which confronts us all, "If it is true that the Bible is God’s Word, and that the human mind constantly seeks a coherent relationship among the ideas accepted for belief, what approach should be used to avoid error in discovering the true meaning of Scripture?"
McQuilkin rightly warns that scripture must refine the system by which we investigate it, not the other way around. Our learning is a process that will last a lifetime. Our system of investigation may need to be refined, but we should never value our system so much that we make the text conform to it. The text must conform to itself and itself alone.
Inductive Bible Study
We’ve broached the subject of "questions" several times in past editions of The Carpenters’s Apprentice so you are well aware that my personal study is strewn with questions. They are what drive my investigation into God’s Word.
When I began studying the Bible in earnest 30 years ago, I followed what seemed like a logical pattern. As I initially read the text, I wrote down, in bullet form, the facts I observed.
Next I read and re-read the passage critically for several things. What is not being said? How does this relate to other passages? What is implied but not directly stated? And so on.
Questions like those helped me to think critically about the text and identify areas where my understanding was weak. But, they were just the beginning of the questions! A good investigative reporter knows the important questions, "Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?" They are important questions to ask of a text.
Answering them initiates a discovery process that will bless us with a better understanding, and more questions! It is exhilarating to dig for days, weeks, months, or even years, and then have the Holy Spirit quicken your understanding!
Verse by verse, word by word, I would seek to challenge my understanding. I know what that word means, don’t I? Many times the answer was, "No!" As a final step, I consulted commentaries and other helps to see what I could glean from the observations and conclusions of others.
Over the years, I heard about "inductive Bible study" but it wasn’t until 1996 that I received formal training. It was affirming to find that my own feeble methodology essentially followed the pattern taught.
Inductive Bible study seeks to take questions and address them in a logical and organized manner to reach reasonable conclusions about a passage. This approach stands in contrast to those who take a particular section of scripture out of context and attempt to deduce what it means.
We will be looking at this process in more detail in the months ahead. What you will find here comes from a variety of sources which are intended to get you started in the process. As you study, you will find more and more tools designed to help you in your study. Use them!
Regardless of where you are in Bible study, God will honor your diligence with greater understanding. There is nothing quite like that for inspiring you to further study. When God opens our eyes to new understanding, He gives us the desire to share it. His gifts are never a matter of personal favor but rather according to His eternal purposes. What He allows us to see, we are to use for the glory of His kingdom.
Don’t be afraid to have questions! Don’t limit yourself by acting as though you have all the answers. That attitude will isolate you from others who might help refine your thinking. Be confident about what you believe, but don’t hold it in arrogance.
It is equally importantly not to interpret the confidence with which others hold their views to mean they are dogmatic. Studying together is an important aspect of maintaining the unity of the spirt in the bond of peace.
We must be uncompromisingly honest in our handling of the text. When we are, the truth we seek is opened to us day by day and we begin to make it our very own. It then becomes precious to us and we meditate on it regularly. It consumes us and flows out from us in a life-giving river.
The Apprentice’s Journal
As we begin an overview of how to study the Bible, let me reiterate a warning. Bible study is not an end in itself. It is useless if not dangerous to engage oneself in Bible study and neglect to live according to the principles of love and accountability which it teaches. That happens more often than we are likely to admit.
I could cite you examples from my own life and the lives of others who have crossed my path, but the testimony is the same: living in truth is the fruit of knowing the truth. It is so easy to focus on the knowledge rather than the truth itself.
Doing so opens the door to arrogance and error in one’s walk so I caution you to study with the commitment to living the truth in constant view.
Indeed, without application, study becomes merely an academic exercise. We should never study just for the sake of gaining more knowledge but so that we might live more perfectly conformed to Christ’s image.
I’m a lifelong student and I hope you are too. When we cease to learn we cease to grow. My upbringing challenged me to study for myself and prove all things. Not everyone who encouraged me to do so was happy when my diligent investigation led me to different conclusions in certain areas. They were certain I would draw the same conclusions they did and difficulties arose when I did not.
Like you, I am accountable to my own conscience before God and I must be faithful to my present understanding: even if I later conclude I was wrong. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
God is far more pleased with children who diligently struggle and stumble than He is with slothful children who, fearful of stumbling, never allow themselves to be challenged.
We have received grace without measure and we should demonstrate that grace in our relationship with others who disagree with us. Engaging one another regarding our differences will open our eyes to new understanding. Ignoring them will rob us of a great blessing.
If you are not experiencing the joy of discovery in your study of God’s word, perhaps the beginning of a new year is a good time to commit to greater diligence in study. May I suggest that you choose one of the smaller books of the Bible to work with as we begin this exploration together?
Your assignment for the next month is to read that book fifty times (yes 50!). If you commit a few minutes morning and evening there are a number of books you can easily cover quickly. As the text becomes familiar to you begin writing down what you are observing.
Next time we will look at some specific tools of observation which will help you begin to organize and analyze what you are observing. If you begin this study, I ask you to make a prayerful commitment before God to see it through to the end.
While you are encouraged to read other scripture, your challenge this year is to focus on one portion of God’s word and allow it to speak to you. Chances are you will choose a favorite book. That will prove even more amazing because you will begin to see things you’ve never considered before.
I look forward to hearing about your discoveries as you approach God’s Word with renewed diligence. I’ll be praying for you and the commitment you’ve made.
This issue of The Carpenter’s Apprentice marks the beginning of the third year of publication. It has been a challenging time for me and I appreciate your letting me enter your life each month to share things that are meaningful to me in so many aspects of my Christian life.
Putting my thoughts before you is a matter of personal discipline. It forces me to give serious thought to what you find here. Though I never wish to compromise what I believe, it is a constant challenge to communicate with sensitivity.
Sharing my thoughts with you makes me no more diligent than you. I share things that are important to me and which may be helpful to you as well. I trust we are mutually blessed by the experience and I would be blessed to receive your ideas about what appears here, or any other topic for that matter.
Your words of encouragement and support are dear to me. Your financial gifts make it possible to send this newsletter to a slowly growing circle of friends which now stretches from Connecticut to Hawaii with a side trip to Canada along the way.
The time in which we live amazes me. While we have enhanced technology which makes communication easier and faster than ever before, real communication seems to be waning. My prayer is that our time together each month will serve to strengthen the ties which bind us.
I pray too that this coming year will be filled with the awareness of the presence of God in your life. May He be your constant source of guidance, strength and support. May your faith be nourished as the Holy Spirit leads you to truth and greater obedience to God our Father. May your study so bless you that you can sing with new found meaning, the words of the familiar old hymn, "I Love to Tell the Story."