Interpreting Scripture for Personal Study 2

This is the second part of Interpreting Scripture for Personal Study. All believers can read and understand the scriptures through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Below you will learn points 7 - 10 of a biblically-based process for interpreting the scripture for your personal edification, and to use for ministry.

Check Out Part 1 >>

Research the Biblical Background

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

1. Biblical - historical narratives recorded in scripture of the time (example: Paul’s missionary Journey’s to places associated with this letters; Kings and Chronicles to see history of a king when addressed by a prophet, etc. Exodus to Understand Deuteronomy; Genesis to Understand Exodus, etc;)

2. Characters - find referencing to characters spoken of

3. Author - What does the bible may have told us about the author

4. Timing - when did this occur?

   • Before or after the kingdom of Israel was divided?

   • Before or after the laws of Moses?

   • Before or After Christ death and burial?

   • Revelation is progressive in scripture

Use Biblical Tools With Discernment

Matthew 23:2-3 The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

1. Historical Studies - Some Study Bibles have the historical background at the beginning of each book.

2. Other Translations - Use Bible.cc and netbible.org

3. Commentaries - Use Bible.cc and netbible.org

4. Hebrew and Greek Lexicon - Use Bible.cc and netbible.org

Conclude Rightly

1. Accept the Illumination of the Spirit as it Aligns with God’s Word

Daniel 9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

1. Reject any illumination that Disagrees with the General Thrust of the Bible

2. Lean on Clear Scriptures to Understand Unclear Ones

3. Accept Direct Clear Commandments

   2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

4. Accept the most literal, common sense understanding

5. Avoid Fringe Interpretation that Doesn’t Align with General Understanding of the Bible.

6. Use Biblical Tools to Confirm and Build on Initial Illumination

7. There is only one meaning but many applications

Apply the Scripture

1. Pray Concerning its Application

   Daniel 9:2-3 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. 3And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

2. To Your Life

Psalm 119:59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto your testimonies.

3. To Current Situations

4. To Needs

5. To Social and Cultural Issues