Hi everyone. So, I want to study and understand the bible. What are some tips that will help me get the right interpretation?
There're so many disagreement over what scripture says, how does one find the truth?
Thanks.
I love this question. It shows that you're searching!
There are a few ways that you can fully study the Scripture:
1) Read the surrounding text. So many times, I find many Christians take Scriptures out of context. I don't believe it's intentional, but they take on portion of Scripture and base their whole life around it without knowing what it's truly saying. IT's so important to read the surrounding text around that specific scripture to truly know what the author is trying to convey.
2) The concordance is truly your best friend. I tore that thing up while I was in Bible college. Some words in the Bible say one thing, but the definition is totally different. For example, I remember reading in the King James that God TEMPTED Job. Tempted? God doesn't tempt. He tests, but doesn't tempt us to sin. I looked up the word in the concordance, and it means to test. But if I had taken that scripture at face value, it would have totally messed up my theology!
3) Get some study tools. E-sword is a great program that I use. It's free on your computer! You can download free dictionaries, commentaries, and concordances, and even different translations.
4) Look for certain words in the Scripture. Sometimes, there's a "but" or a "therefore" in the middle of the scripture. Ask yourself, "WHy is that there?" Take notes. When there's a "but" or even a "therefore," there must be a REASON as to why it's there.
5) Buy a Bible with wide margins. I take notes hardcore. Sometimes I write what God is speaking to me, other times I put in my own thoughts of the Scripture, I sometimes do some outlines. This helps me to not just to study, but to make the Word personal to me and to see what the Lord is trying to say.
But, most importantly, God wants you. He wants you to hide the Word in your heart, but He also wants you. When you study, make sure it's just not a religious thing, but it's because you want to know the God who breathed those words onto those pages. You are doing this because you want to know His heart and who He is.
Enjoy this journey!