Is Bible study only for theologians? Does looking at the Bible automatically lead to strange views? Many people today hardly dare to pick up the Bible, let alone draw valuable insights from it. But it does not have to be that way. The Bible is readily accessible, provided you read it and share insights with others.
The following pointers have proven useful in reading the Bible. There are 6 tips for healthy Bible viewing. They help to let the Bible speak for itself and to better understand the words in their own context.
The first three references are quotations from the Bible that can be understood as “keys” for reading the Bible. These are statements of Paul for his co-worker Timothy, to whom he thus gives a valuable guideline for dealing with the Bible.
The other three points are hints that serve the understanding of the text in general. They could all be illustrated with examples from the Bible. However, brevity shall be the spice here.
As a preliminary remark, it should be mentioned here that writers and listeners recognized the Bible as God’s Word, and therefore classified the Bible as reliable. Texts that say this are for example: 2Cor 4,2; 1Thess 2,13; 2Tim 3,16-17.
6 Notes
- Keeping a pattern of sound words (2Tim 1:13)
Biblical words are healthy words. They are the words that Bible writers used to express what needed to be said. Biblical truth is therefore expressed in the words of the Bible. Theological expressions, dogmatic formulations and the like are an expression of the fact that the original words have not yet been properly understood (otherwise they could have been used). - Rightly dividing the word of truth (2Tim 2:15)
Observe the biblical time indications. A biblical truth at the wrong time becomes an untruth, as with Hymenaeus and Philetus, who claimed of the resurrection (a truth) that it had already happened (and thus assigned the time wrongly) and thus confused the faith of some. - True doctrine corresponds to godliness (1Tim 6,3)
Every teaching has a goal. Healthy teaching leads toward Christ and a life pleasing to God. See also Eph 4:15-16. - Wanting to understand the Bible in context
Who says what, when, to whom, how (in what words), why (reason), why (occasion), and what for (purpose)? Search on this page also to the contribution for inductive Bible study. - Observe figurative language and figures of speech
Not everything is to be understood literally, but some can be figurative language to explain the main theme (note topic). Figurative language is omnipresent in the Bible. No, not everything is “literally” true, as little as in our language today. - Recognize cultural references
The Bible knows references to other sources or incidents. Cultural references want to be understood as such and are not to be confused with the biblical message. They are sometimes used as an example to explain something else (e.g. Acts 17:23).
Dealing with the Bible has to be learned
Timothy must have learned particularly intensively from Paul. That is why he later sends Timothy to the churches, so that they can also learn the same way of dealing.
“I [Paulus] ask you [Korinther] now, be my imitators! Therefore I have sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord; he will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.”
1Cor 4,17
All the indications serve to pave our “ways in Christ” as well. This is the goal of healthy teaching, not only personally, but especially “everywhere in every community.”
Suggestions for conversation
- How do biblical instruction and practical living relate (example of Paul > Timothy > churches. 1Cor 4,17)?
- How can healthy spiritual life be fostered in the church?
- Timothy received some valuable advice. How would you pass these on to someone else? How do you think Timothy had done it?
