Scriptural
Studies
How to Study the Scriptures?
Understanding the Scriptures Spiritually is the Key!
Nab B. October 1, 2022
(Updated Nov 10, 2023)
The scriptures are likened to hidden treasures. They require deep digging. The more you dig, the more you find. They seem to be designed that way to sift between the seekers, the lazy, and the apathetic! (Pro 2:3-4)
The Scriptures are spiritual and best understood as such. Do not try to understand them in natural and fleshly ways. You will miss what God is communicating via parables, shadows, types, symbols, and signs.
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." (John 6:63) ESV
"And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." (1 Cor 2:13) ESV
Don't get your answers from humans!
Don't get your answers strictly from religious authorities. God's Spirit is given to guide us into "all truth". Many Christians don't want to study the word and would rather let someone tell them what to believe! It's alright to have teachers and shepherds in the church (the scriptures indicate this), but this was so until one matures in faith and knowledge.
There is no substitute for personal meditation on the scriptures! Don't read them as you would other books. Because the Spirit of God inspired their writings, one needs the same Spirit to guide him or her in understanding their depth.
Which Bible Translation to Use?
Don't stick to one translation. Compare as many as you can. Don't believe those who advocate that the King James Version is perfect. It has errors that were corrected in more modern translations. But even these translations have their own bias!
One more thing, don't rely too much on paraphrastic translations. They can be too liberal and biased. Read word-for-word translations such as NKJV, NASB, KJV, and ESV. Even better use literal translation such as the Concordant New Testament Translation.
Translations are made by translators who can push their biased beliefs into their translations. Only the original Hebrew and Greek are pure texts. Fortunately today, they can easily be consulted online. So, when you doubt a word or passage, check a Bible concordance for word meaning and usage in their original language. I often use these to check unclear words or passages.
If anything, avoid using Bible study aids. They are full of personal biases and specific denominational teachings. You run the risk of hearing the word of man rather than God's!
Although there are numerous Bible aids online, I only use a few. Be careful with commentaries. Read them only after you have come to your own conclusion. If you don't, they could influence your thinking.
Whenever you read or hear another viewpoint, examine them by the scriptures. For example, on my website, I share what the Spirit has led me to understand, but the reader still has to test and examine whatever I say. This requires a reasonable knowledge of the scriptures.
Pay close attention to contexts and cross-references. If in doubt, check words in the original Greek or Hebrew or compare translations, especially the Concordant Translation.
Did you know there is more than one context? A passage can be made clear not only by the immediate context but also by another passage elsewhere in the Bible. Clear understanding must harmonize, not only with the immediate context but also with the rest of the scriptures.
"Hear what the Spirit is Saying"
(Rev 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22)
Seven times, Jesus Christ counselled us to "Hear what the Spirit says". What does it mean? It means to depend on God's spirit to open your "Eyes of understanding". Make it your aim to depend less on human interpretations and thinking (especially if they are faulty), and more on God's teachings through His Spirit.
Keep these scriptures in mind:
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev 2:7)
"My sheep hear my voice." (John 10:27)
"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)
"The words I speak unto you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, He shall teach you all things." (John 14:26)
This Will Help you Read The Scriptures!
Some read the Bible to adore it and nothing more! Others, to gain head knowledge. Although these goals can be useful, they will lead to spiritual poverty!
Don't just love the Bible, love the one who inspired and communicated. The scriptures constitute messages and revelations from God and Christ to us.
Avoid what the Pharisees have done:
"And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:38-39)
Although they knew the scriptures well and saw and talked with Jesus, they did not recognize who he was! They were not abiding in Christ Jesus.
As you can see, one must not substitute the scriptures for God or Jesus Christ. Pray and ask for understanding. It shall be given to you.
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