The Goal of Reading the Bible

[blueskies]

The Goal of Reading the Bible

It is written that God’s goal is not “to satisfy our curiosity, but to change us according to his will”.

As I read through the many threads and the manifold posts here I am often struck by how many passages found in the Bible are interpreted not only differently, but often seemingly opposing ways by people of good will, faith and impressive abilities. In fact, it sometimes seems that for every verse of the Bible there are as many interpretations as there are people reading them.

Scripture reveals much, in fact the whole Bible is a record of God revealing himself to people. It is more than a lifetimes study, for me at least. Further, it often seems to me that much is also left unsaid to my eyes and ears.

As a Christian I take it on faith that God has his reasons for all that he plainly reveals to me, that which he plainly reveals to others and not me, and that which he doesn’t seem to reveal to anyone I encounter. I trust this is by His design.

In Timothy 3:19, KJV we find this:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

We all yearn for the truth of God’s will and I sometimes wonder: why isn’t scripture plain for us to see equally, so that we can then agree in our worship and be confident of being glorified?

Matthew, 25:15, NASB
“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.”

So we've all been given differing talents for God's glory, and if we do use them for God’s glory we are on an equal footing with other faithful, trustworthy brothers and sisters as servants of God, regardless of our how great or small our innate understanding or comprehension of his word may be.

 

[bobinfaith]

The Goal of Reading the Bible
It is written that God’s goal is not “to satisfy our curiosity, but to change us according to his will. As I read through the many threads and the manifold posts here I am often struck by how many passages found in the Bible are interpreted in not only differently, but often seemingly opposing ways by people of good will, faith and impressive abilities. In fact, it sometimes seems that for every verse of the Bible there are as many interpretations as there are people reading them.

Hello blueskies;

You write an excellent thread and this always gives me much to think about in our discipleship (follower and student of Jesus Christ.)

What I red-lighted is what most new and seasoned believers go through when studying God's Word, even consistent study. Some will grasp the Word from day one and will develop their own interpretation for years until one day they change their view. Others will and others won't.

Many of these brothers and sisters are very devoted followers of Christ but don't believe in the Trinity. There are others who are very knowledgeable but lack people or social skills so they're not able to apply what the Scriptures teach. Colossians 4:5-6

And there are others who are not avid Bible students but naturally walk and talk Jesus daily. Matthew 21: 23-32

This can go on and on but these are God's people and He knows the heart of each one of us and how to grow us.

In Paul's ministering to Timothy, the young pastor had growing pains. As he was learning he was timid toward the elder members in the Church. 2 Timothy 1:7 and also battled with illness 1 Timothy 5:23

Peter let down the guard of his tongue and denied Jesus 3 times. Yet Jesus commanded Peter to build His Church. Matthew 16:18

I agree with what you discern and the goal of reading the Bible. Personally, I thank God each day that He knows me better than I know myself.

I also preach that none of us, including the most seasoned Christians will ever master the Bible, and we will still make knucklehead mistakes till the day each of us go to meet God and His judgement.

Two areas I am striving for in my personal study and goal of the Bible. I am asking God to help me guard my heart and tongue daily. The other is my desire to love God first in the hope this will help me to love others no matter our views as a believer or non believer of Christ.

I would love to bring those two areas in the fellowship at Christian Forum Site, my ministry community and most of all my relationship with my wife.

God bless you, Ray, your family, and I hope this will open up a discussion for learning and The Goal of Reading the Bible.

 

[Lanolin]

Why isn't scripture plain to see equally..?
Well...the words are there and they won't ever fade away but people are different, and they speak different languages, have different reading abilities/dyslexia....and there are lots of copies of the Bible but it's 66 books and a lot to take in. The 66 books have many authors, it's not all written by one person! There are four gospels with four different points of view!

So I don't see that as a problem. I think if there was just one interpretation then it wouldn't be the Bible it would be like Chairman Mao's little Red Book and we would all be clones or robots.

 

[Major]

The Goal of Reading the Bible

It is written that God’s goal is not “to satisfy our curiosity, but to change us according to his will”.

As I read through the many threads and the manifold posts here I am often struck by how many passages found in the Bible are interpreted not only differently, but often seemingly opposing ways by people of good will, faith and impressive abilities. In fact, it sometimes seems that for every verse of the Bible there are as many interpretations as there are people reading them.

Scripture reveals much, in fact the whole Bible is a record of God revealing himself to people. It is more than a lifetimes study, for me at least. Further, it often seems to me that much is also left unsaid to my eyes and ears.

As a Christian I take it on faith that God has his reasons for all that he plainly reveals to me, that which he plainly reveals to others and not me, and that which he doesn’t seem to reveal to anyone I encounter. I trust this is by His design.

In Timothy 3:19, KJV we find this:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

We all yearn for the truth of God’s will and I sometimes wonder: why isn’t scripture plain for us to see equally, so that we can then agree in our worship and be confident of being glorified?

Matthew, 25:15, NASB
“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.”

So we've all been given differing talents for God's glory, and if we do use them for God’s glory we are on an equal footing with other faithful, trustworthy brothers and sisters as servants of God, regardless of our how great or small our innate understanding or comprehension of his word may be.

Excellant observation. May I give you some of the reasons why the same Scripture is understood differently?

1. LOSTNESS!
We have to keep in mind that an unregenerate mind cannot understand Scripture. This is the biggest reason why there are so many different interpretations, ideas, and opinions. A spiritually undiscerning, dead, and blind man cannot even begin to rightly handle a living, inspired Book.

2. LAZINESS!
We read a Scripture and say to ourselves......"Thats it. That what I been looking for". But to be a workman for God we must read and re-read it in its narrow and broad context, asking the who? what? why? where? and how? We must ask the questions along with the other several key factors that go into interpreting the Bible correctly. One has to consider the historical, CONTEXT, LOCATION, cultural, religious, and political background. If you’ve ever had to stand up and teach or preach, you know just how daunting it is to stand in front a group of people and declare, “Thus says the Lord.” Interpreting the Bible is serious business and demands maximum effort. Bible study is not for lazy people.

3. BIASNESS!
Everyone faces the battle of bringing his own personal bias to the text of Scripture. To one degree or another, most of us have been guilty of this. Our biasness can be theological, cultural, or traditional. You see, bias is really easy...........
"I like what I know, I know what I like and even if God says what I know is wrong.........I am right!"

4. HERMANUTICS!
Most people have NO idea what that is. They just make comments without reason. Do we think the original language is important? What about the syntax (the structure of the text) and semantics (the range of meaning of a word)? What do we do with idioms and strange symbols? Do we considered the genre? How do we view prophesy?

Thanks for the thread brother! It should be a good one.

 

[Major]

The Goal of Reading the Bible

It is written that God’s goal is not “to satisfy our curiosity, but to change us according to his will”.

As I read through the many threads and the manifold posts here I am often struck by how many passages found in the Bible are interpreted not only differently, but often seemingly opposing ways by people of good will, faith and impressive abilities. In fact, it sometimes seems that for every verse of the Bible there are as many interpretations as there are people reading them.

Scripture reveals much, in fact the whole Bible is a record of God revealing himself to people. It is more than a lifetimes study, for me at least. Further, it often seems to me that much is also left unsaid to my eyes and ears.

As a Christian I take it on faith that God has his reasons for all that he plainly reveals to me, that which he plainly reveals to others and not me, and that which he doesn’t seem to reveal to anyone I encounter. I trust this is by His design.

In Timothy 3:19, KJV we find this:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

We all yearn for the truth of God’s will and I sometimes wonder: why isn’t scripture plain for us to see equally, so that we can then agree in our worship and be confident of being glorified?

Matthew, 25:15, NASB
“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.”

So we've all been given differing talents for God's glory, and if we do use them for God’s glory we are on an equal footing with other faithful, trustworthy brothers and sisters as servants of God, regardless of our how great or small our innate understanding or comprehension of his word may be.

ooops

 

[BibleLover]

Excellant observation. May I give you some of the reasons why the same Scripture is understood differently?

1. LOSTNESS!
We have to keep in mind that an unregenerate mind cannot understand Scripture. This is the biggest reason why there are so many different interpretations, ideas, and opinions. A spiritually undiscerning, dead, and blind man cannot even begin to rightly handle a living, inspired Book.

2. LAZINESS!
We read a Scripture and say to ourselves......"Thats it. That what I been looking for". But to be a workman for God we must read and re-read it in its narrow and broad context, asking the who? what? why? where? and how? We must ask the questions along with the other several key factors that go into interpreting the Bible correctly. One has to consider the historical, CONTEXT, LOCATION, cultural, religious, and political background. If you’ve ever had to stand up and teach or preach, you know just how daunting it is to stand in front a group of people and declare, “Thus says the Lord.” Interpreting the Bible is serious business and demands maximum effort. Bible study is not for lazy people.

3. BIASNESS!
Everyone faces the battle of bringing his own personal bias to the text of Scripture. To one degree or another, most of us have been guilty of this. Our biasness can be theological, cultural, or traditional. You see, bias is really easy...........
"I like what I know, I know what I like and even if God says what I know is wrong.........I am right!"

4. HERMANUTICS!
Most people have NO idea what that is. They just make comments without reason. Do we think the original language is important? What about the syntax (the structure of the text) and semantics (the range of meaning of a word)? What do we do with idioms and strange symbols? Do we considered the genre? How do we view prophesy?

Thanks for the thread brother! It should be a good one.

Excellent points, brother! I might only add something I learned in my hermeneutics classes. Any given Scripture or passage has only ONE meaning but may have many different applications depending upon how the Holy Spirit is using it to transform the mind and conform a given believer to the image of Christ as God works to mature the believer.

 

[Major]

Excellent points, brother! I might only add something I learned in my hermeneutics classes. Any given Scripture or passage has only ONE meaning but may have many different applications depending upon how the Holy Spirit is using it to transform the mind and conform a given believer to the image of Christ as God works to mature the believer.

I agree completely!

I am afraid that way tooooo many people pick and choose what Scriptures they like and ignore everything else. I call that "Cafeteria" understanding.

 

[Lanolin]

If the Bible is being read in schools, starting from Pre-school, that will be a lifetime reading.
It's important to start from the beginning.

A lot of people who were fortunate to go to Bible College are those who've been reading it from a very young age. But there are many adults who've never picked up a Bible in their life. Those of us who are avid readers, won't be daunted at reading an over 1000 page book. But for many, it's a bit overwhelming.

There needs to be a hunger for the Word and a willingness to understand it. Some passages are mysterious, but we need to keep reading and asking God to help us understand. God will reveal to us. One book I found unfathomable and still don't quite 'get' is Ezekiel. Why all the description about this temple that is never built? What is with the chariots and wheels within wheels (sound like UFOs?) and the river and the dry bones. It may be prophetic, but did it really help the Israelites get closer to God? Why did Jesus never refer to Ezekiel but tended to quote from Deuteuronomy.

Was the temple building plan a blueprint for the new Jerusalem and if so, why does it not match up to the one in Revelation? (Which just said, there is no temple!)

 

[BibleLover]

I agree completely!

I am afraid that way tooooo many people pick and choose what Scriptures they like and ignore everything else. I call that "Cafeteria" understanding.

Yeah, it's sad that too many people receive their doctrine from those Scripture smorgasbords.

 

[Major]

Yeah, it's sad that too many people receive their doctrine from those Scripture smorgasbords.

I think that you have seen that play out right here in front of us. Someone will have a position that they LIKE, then search the Scriptures for something to support that idea.....then ignore the CONTEXT, the LOCATION, the CULTURE and everything else and hold on to their opinion no matter what.

 

[Major]

If the Bible is being read in schools, starting from Pre-school, that will be a lifetime reading.
It's important to start from the beginning.

A lot of people who were fortunate to go to Bible College are those who've been reading it from a very young age. But there are many adults who've never picked up a Bible in their life. Those of us who are avid readers, won't be daunted at reading an over 1000 page book. But for many, it's a bit overwhelming.

There needs to be a hunger for the Word and a willingness to understand it. Some passages are mysterious, but we need to keep reading and asking God to help us understand. God will reveal to us. One book I found unfathomable and still don't quite 'get' is Ezekiel. Why all the description about this temple that is never built? What is with the chariots and wheels within wheels (sound like UFOs?) and the river and the dry bones. It may be prophetic, but did it really help the Israelites get closer to God? Why did Jesus never refer to Ezekiel but tended to quote from Deuteuronomy.

Was the temple building plan a blueprint for the new Jerusalem and if so, why does it not match up to the one in Revelation? (Which just said, there is no temple!)

Lanolin.......All Bible, Apocalyptic literature involves descriptions of the end of the world and typically depicts grandiose, cataclysmic events.

You asked WHY? Some of the strangeness of apocalyptic literature stems from the difficulty of explaining events that the observer simply did not understand, or perhaps the writer’s visions really were as unusual as they are described. In other words, a vision is given by God to a man 3 0r 4 thousand years ago and he is told to write down what he sees. The problem is, HE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HE SAW. He puts down in his own knowledge of words things in the future that he does not understand, so he writes in PICTURE LANGYAGES.

Another reason for the strangeness of apocalyptic literature is the subject matter itself. By necessity, “the end of the world” is going to involve abnormal events. This is particularly true in apocalyptic works where there is a final reckoning or balancing of justice. As divine power interferes with nature in order to bring about this reckoning, things on earth will become extremely abnormal.

Another reason for the weirdness in apocalyptic literature is the heavy use of symbolism. In both biblical and non-biblical apocalyptic literature, symbols are an important means of conveying the message. For this reason, many events are described in metaphors, rather than in literal terms.

 

[blueskies]

Two areas I am striving for in my personal study and goal of the Bible. I am asking God to help me guard my heart and tongue daily. The other is my desire to love God first in the hope this will help me to love others no matter our views as a believer or non believer of Christ.

Dear bobinfaith,
These are my spiritual desires as well.
I had an unbridled tongue for most of my life and pray I can be given the opportunity to atone.

Also I try daily to take to heart Jesus’s commandment, And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

And there are others who are not avid Bible students but naturally walk and talk Jesus daily. Matthew 21: 23-32

Yes, this is part is God’s plan I believe. I admire these naturally kind and generous souls who are doing His work without thought or seeking any accolades.

God bless you brother.

 

[bobinfaith]

ooops

This is a great example of learning the Bible. Whenever I hear someone say ooops, that means they made a boo-boo so we shouldn't kick a brother or sister when they're down.

Or, I could have just edited it for Major. lol!

 

[Major]

This is a great example of learning the Bible. Whenever I hear someone say ooops, that means they made a boo-boo so we shouldn't kick a brother or sister when they're down.

Or, I could have just edited it for Major. lol!

After re-reading.......I thought better of posting but did not know how to get out of the page.

 

[blueskies]

May I give you some of the reasons why the same Scripture is understood differently?

Dear Major,
I must to admit to being guilty to one degree or another to all four of these at one time or another.

2. LAZINESS!
We read a Scripture and say to ourselves......"Thats it. That what I been looking for"

3. BIASNESS!

These are certainly something to be aware of, at least for me.
As a matter of fact, it was some personal realization of my biases that brought me here to the internet and eventually to CFS, so as to be challenged in my thinking.

Thank you for your observations.

 

[Big Moose]

Excellent points, brother! I might only add something I learned in my hermeneutics classes. Any given Scripture or passage has only ONE meaning but may have many different applications depending upon how the Holy Spirit is using it to transform the mind and conform a given believer to the image of Christ as God works to mature the believer.

This point is a huge one. I have found reading back over sections that I studied before, that I pick up on new revealings, (my computer doesn't like that word, but tough, I'm using it), that I hadn't before. Like new connections to other verses, or deeper meanings. It truly does speak to the believer in many ways.

 

[LearningToLetGo]

We all yearn for the truth of God’s will and I sometimes wonder: why isn’t scripture plain for us to see equally, so that we can then agree in our worship and be confident of being glorified?

Perhaps it's not supposed to be plain expressly so we don't see it equally and don't agree in our worship and thus can't be confident of being glorified.

 

[Via dolarossa]

Well I can only answer it myself as I see it.

Change is hard. i don't like change. And I dont like being woken up to the truth haha, so Unless someone mentions something about my behaviour then I wont look for it. Even then, it must be someone I admire/trust or find it spoken in a powerful way. It needs emotion, meaning.

but thats just me, I do like the bible especially psalms and gospels but I prefer someone to tell me to my face. I'm naturally spiritually lazy. lol

 

[Lanolin]

What about audio Bibles?
Problems I have with audio is that I'm a much faster reader than a listener. Also I don't go on long enough car journeys to sit and listen to a book.

 

[Cosia]

I listen to the NKJV on cd. I remember more by listening but I cannot remember chapter and verse. I have to look it up on Bible Gateway.
Blessings