How do I study my Bible…Literally?
Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 13: Bible Study”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
“Do you read the Bible literally?”
“Yes!”
“So, do you believe that only 144,000 people will be in heaven?”
“No.”
“So you don’t take the Bible literally?”
“Yes, I do.”
Sounds like an Abbott and Costello “Who’s on first?” routine!
Perhaps you’ve had a conversation like this, or been a bit confused by the concept of what it means to have a literal understanding of the Bible.
Well, remember those primary education English classes when you learned about similes, metaphors and exaggerations? Remember your British lit class in high school where you learned about genres of literature? Remember when you tried to write your first poem?
But what does it mean to read the Bible literally?
Taking the Bible literally means to read the words of the Bible in the context of the type of speech they are.
Tip #6 Take a passage literally unless the Bible itself tells us it’s figurative.
Don’t look for hidden meanings in God’s Word. If the passage is meant to be taken figuratively either the passage itself or the context of the surrounding passages will indicate it is figurative speech. For example, a metaphor or simile gives permission to the reader to understand a “figure of speech.”
Matthew 13:24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.” A simile uses the word “like” or “as” to make a comparison.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. A metaphor makes a comparison by making a symbolic connection without the words “like” or “as.” Obviously, the Bible does not give off light. But the passage figuratively describes how God’s Word gives guidance in life.
Matthew 19:24 “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” This is a figure of speech known as hyperbole — exaggerating a statement for effect. Jesus’ point is that a rich person’s love of money can very easily supercede their love for God, which is idolatry.
The type of literature we’re reading will also help us determine if something is literal or figurative. Poetical writing (the Psalms, for example) will often be figurative. Apocalyptic writing often uses very vivid picture language to make a point. That’s why it is “literal” to take the 144,000 referenced above as “figurative” or a picture of the sum total of all who will be in heaven. The genre of Revelation and the broader context of the book and the Bible as a whole let us know.
Basically, having a decent understanding of the English language, understanding there are different genres of literature in the Bible, and that a literal understanding of the Bible is simply taking the words and meaning of the Bible in the context in which they are given, will enable you to hear what God is saying to you in his Word without all the extra noise of forcing an interpretation into a sentence or paragraph never intended to give that meaning.
Enjoy reading your Bible…don’t be intimidated by it, just be aware and afford the Bible you would the same understanding if you are reading a poem, a piece of history, or a picturesque analogy. The Bible has them all and more.
Apply: Consider one of the parables of Jesus. Notice he says, “The kingdom of heaven is LIKE…” and then goes on to describe it. Read Matthew 18. Describe to someone the meaning of the parable. Most parables have one key point of comparison – what do you think it is in these parables?
PRAYER: Keep us growing in our ability to hear and understand your Word! AMEN.
How do I study my Bible? Context…Context…Context!
Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 13: Bible Study”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
“That’s your own interpretation.”
“This is what God’s Word says!”
How do you know? It’s easy when two people disagree on what the Bible says on a topic or a verse to “agree to disagree” or to cede the point that “it’s a matter of interpretation.” Perhaps you’ve felt this way and been frustrated because you can see another interpretation and don’t know how to know if it’s right or not.
So how can you be certain you are understanding what God is saying in his word and whittle down the “interpretations” to THE interpretation.
Our next two tips give you two key guidelines to do just that.
4. Always pay attention to the context of what you are reading.
Just like the three keys to real estate investing are “location, location, location” the three keys to getting the right interpretation and understanding of a Bible verse is “Context! Context! Context!”
In my class I always use the example of two verses that when taken out of context give a very dark teaching that one could say “comes from the Bible” but is two verses taken out of context and put together when they were never intended to be put together.
Matthew 27:5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Luke 10:37 Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Don’t take words of the Bible out of context! You get bad theology and bad advice! Rather, consider each passage in light of the verses that surround it. Consider the paragraph that it’s in. Consider the book of the Bible that it comes from. As you read ask yourself questions such as, “Who is the speaker in this verse?” “Who is being spoken to?” “What just happened to make the person say this?” “Under what circumstances was this passage written?” “What would these words mean to the people who originally heard them or read them?”
Context helps to whittle down possible interpretations to the right interpretation!
5 Always consider parallel passages and cross references.
Similar to looking at the context of a verse is to look at other verses that deals with that subject. Scripture helps us interpret other portions of Scripture. Here’s an example. Consider the following two passages.
James 2:20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
Ephesians 2:8,9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.
If someone wanted to find out how we are saved and all that they looked at was James 2:20, they might get the impression that our good works play a part in our salvation. But when you look at the fuller context of James (cf. tip #4 above), you realize he’s addressing a specific problem. People were claiming that if you had faith in Jesus, that gave you a license to sin. When you look at cross references such as Ephesians 2:8,9 — other passages that deal with the relationship between faith and works and salvation — it becomes overwhelmingly clear that our works play no part in our salvation. Allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture further helps to safeguard Bible truths for us.
Obviously this take some time and thought. Much can be gained from a quick read of Scripture…more can be mined when one takes the time to consider the context of the passage and other sections of Scripture that address the topic.
Be patient with yourself. Don’t give up. The more you do it, the easier it will be.
Apply: Try John 3:16. It’s a very familiar passage, “For God so loved the world…etc.” Take time today to read all of John 3. Soak in the context in which Jesus speaks this, to whom he speaks it, why he speaks it. What additional insights to this verse do you gain?
Prayer: Lord thank you for giving us all of Scripture to understand clearly the truths you have given to us to learn, believe, and live by. AMEN.
How do I study my Bible? Getting started…
Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 13: Bible Study”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
Give a man a fish…he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish…he eats for a lifetime.
Perhaps this can be said of Bible Study in the church. Tell a man what the Bible says…they are spiritually fed for a day. Teach a man to study the Bible and they are spiritually fed for a life time.
So following my own advice, I’d like to invite you to learn and practice studying the Bible. I’d love for you to share what you are observing, applying and learning this week…share if you’d like with pastor@crossandcrowntx.com.
Let me give some tips on studying the Bible. I teach these in our Foundations class to give new people in our church some tools for studying the Bible on their own. Many read the Bible, but fewer put into practice ways to get more out of the time they spend in the Word of God.
So this week, I hope to give you a tip or two to enhance your time with Jesus and his Word!
Today, three tips as you begin a habit of Bible Study:
- Begin every Bible study with prayer.
The writer of Psalm 119 prayed this, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (vs. 18). God’s Word is clear. It contains everything we need to know about how we are saved. The main message of Jesus’ payment for our sins is simple to see. But parts of God’s Word are challenging to our simple, sinful minds. (Even the Apostle Peter was challenged at times. He said this about the Apostle Paul’s writings, “2 Peter 3:16 [Paul’s] letters contain some things that are hard to understand…”) Make the psalmist’s prayer listed above your prayer as well. Begin your time in the Word by asking the Holy Spirit to “open our eyes” so that you might understand and love everything you read. You might be surprised how the Holy Spirit answers the prayer!
- Use one, appropriate translation.
If you have been a follower of Christ for a while, you probably have “your Bible.” You become familiar with the text, memorize the verses, and can remember where somethings are “on the page.” If you don’t have a Bible, find a translation that is easy to read and understand. If you are confused just reading the English, it will be harder to learn what God is saying. Bible apps make engaging in many different translations possible. A Bible that is readable and accurate to the original languages of Greek and Hebrew are important. Some that we use in our circles are: New International Version (1984 or 2011 edition); the English Standard Version (ESV); or the Evangelical Heritage Version.
Having a clear translation ensures you understand what you are reading, just like the Levites did for God’s people:
Nehemiah 8:7,8 The Levites… instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.
- Set a specific time each day for study.
Don’t leave Bible study to chance. We know how well we accomplish tasks when we say, “I’ll get to it when I have time.” To ensure you receive blessing from the Word of God each day, set aside a specific time slot in your day for Bible study. This helps insure that you will have time for God to speak into your life every day. A great example of this is Daniel:
Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Apply: Which one of these would you like to try this week? Take note of how God blesses you through it!
Prayer: Lord open our eyes to see the wonders of your word. Open our schedules to give us time in your word. Open our hearts to receive the blessings of your Word. AMEN!
So, how should I pray? (Part 2)
Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 12: Prayer”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
How would you categorize your prayer life? What I mean is this…if someone would plug all the words that you have prayed into an artificial intelligence database, what would come out as the common themes for which you pray?
I don’t have this data…but I tried Google…here’s what I found:
A survey done in October of 2014 by LifeWay Research found that of those surveyed, here’s what people prayed for:
- 82% Prayed for family and friends
- 74% Prayed for their own problems and difficulties
- 54% Prayed for good things that have recently occurred
- 42% Prayed for their own sin
- 38% Prayed for those in natural disasters
- 37% Prayed about God’s greatness
- 36% Prayed for future prosperity
(You can read the whole article at: https://religionnews.com/2014/10/01/americans-pray-maybe-sports-team/)
This reality is why we need Jesus to teach us the Lord’s prayer. It expands our focus from personal and earthly needs to spiritual needs, victory over spiritual battles, ability follow God’s will, and engage in forgiveness.
Certainly Jesus also encouraged us to pray for people, for physical needs, and to call on him in the day of trouble. Do that too! But learn from the Lord’s prayer what other areas of your personal, physical AND spiritual life you can pray for.
Here’s the rest of the prayer with Luther’s explanations…enjoy reflecting on all Jesus teaches us with a simple, short prayer.
Give us this day our daily bread.
What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation.
What does this mean? God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.
But deliver us from evil.
What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
What does this mean? This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means “yes, yes, it shall be so.”
Apply: Which of these petitions is the greatest opportunity to add to your prayer life? What blessing do you see God working as you add that prayer to your prayers?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for who you are and what you have done for me. I treasure the fact that you have made me your child and gifted me with the privilege of prayer. As you invite me to pray regularly and about all things, lead me to never neglect conversation with you! AMEN.
So, how should I pray? (Part 1)
Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 12: Prayer”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
We all know it as the Lord’s Prayer.
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
For many of us we have said it hundreds of times. We can say it without thinking because it is so familiar to us. Perhaps you didn’t even read it just now, but just assumed you knew what it said! But one of things we forget about the Lord’s prayer is that it was given by Jesus to teach us HOW to pray. Remember he just taught how NOT to pray…don’t do it for show and don’t pray a mindless, repetitive babble. (Matthew 6:5-8)
In contrast he says, in Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
In Luke’s Gospel, the “Lord’s Prayer” is Jesus response to the question by his disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1)
So, considering the context of Jesus’ teaching on prayer, he doesn’t seem to JUST be teaching us words to say, but also content to include. Each of these short petitions is not just a prayer in itself, but a category of prayer to consider including in your prayer life. To help us, what follows are the petitions with the explanations that Martin Luther penned to help parents teach their children for what they are praying in each of the petitions…let them serve us this morning to teach us as well!
Our Father in heaven.
What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.
Hallowed be your name.
What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.
How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!
Your kingdom come.
What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.
How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.
How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.
This is His good and gracious will. (reprinted from https://catechism.cph.org/en/lords-prayer.html)
What strikes me about these first three petitions is they are ALL for the spiritual well-being of our soul and the kingdom of God. A great reminder to prioritize praying for our spiritual needs!
Apply: What insight from these explanations stands out to you? Include it in your prayers today!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for taking time to teach us not just how to pray, but those areas of our spiritual life that we often neglect to pray. May we always hallow your name, prioritize your kingdom, and always walk in your will. AMEN.