One of the shortcomings many Christ-followers have is the failure to read the Bible correctly. I’m glad folks are reading the Bible, don’t get me wrong. But what we often do is read a verse and then ask, “What does that verse say to me?” That often happens in Bible studies. I once heard the antidote to that type of approach is this: A text without a context is just a pretext. In other words, always consider the verses which surround a particular verse or passage.
Another method is the hunt-and-peck method. You know, open your Bible and point your finger at a verse; close your Bible, then open it and point again. I once heard of a man who did that and his first verse was “Judas went out and hung himself.” Yikes! Second stab: “What you hand finds to do do it with all your might.” Double yikes! Third stab; “What you do, do quickly.” I think at that point I would abandon that method. 🙂
Here’s another: Romans 8:28 (Please look it up if you don’t know it). Great verse. Powerful promise. Truth verse. A much-loved verse. But it is left dangling in uncertainty (and misrepresentation) without verse 29: “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…” And there it is! Context illuminates the text. Verse 28 is not meant to be a “feel good” verse that stands on its own. The verse which follows what the “good” is that our Heavenly Father wants to accomplish: “to be conformed to the image of His Son.”
I like what Alistair Begg wrote about this verse: “God is far more concerned with your Christlikeness than your comfort.” I see this verse-these verses-as a rallying cry to be like Jesus. May you and I desire to be more like Him.
“Father, that is my prayer this morning. Help me to be conformed to the image of Your Son.”
My spiritual birthday is March 7th. 39 years of my journey to be conformed to the image of Christ, which has been the cry of my heart all these years. And through the fires, I have gone right up till recently and that is still my Abba’s Aim in my life and the desire of my heart.
Great post, Bill, and even the part of “picking” Scriptures!
Congratulations early on your spiritual birthday Diane. That is so cool you can remember. All I can remember is I was 8 and it was Palm Sunday when I went forward and Easter Sunday when i was baptized. I guess I could consult a calendar. He will continue carrying you Diane.
Yes, Lord, help us to be more like Jesus!
Blessings, Bill!
That is my prayer as well Martha.
Before hitting your blog this morning, I found myself continuing a series I started this week called “The Bible Project”.
What struck me was the topic you covered this morning – reading the Bible correctly – and the specific video topic that was covered.
I decided to start from the beginning.
As a Christian for the last 25 years, I still know I have a lot of growth to do.
https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/
I cannot attest to the full Biblical accuracy that is found, but what I have listened to definitely provides some good background, specifically around the types of literature the Bible is made up of as well as the Intentionality of the Bible.
After listening/watching to the 4 video of the first series, It confirmed in me that the Bible is not a once and done or necessarily a read to complete in private and without dialogue and discussion…
1) The Bible is designed by God through its authors to be a complex read requiring many cycles through it to glean the knowledge and wisdom that it has from it.
2) The Bible is designed to be discussed and interpreted, to be carefully dissected.
3) Lastly, the Bible is designed to be applied… to be life changing, the Bible is not to be just any story… The Bible is meant to be OUR story.
Bill, thanks for the confirming post.
I’m excited to hear you are taking your Bible reading a step further Ryan. That is fantastic! I hope it continues to enrich your life and grow your faith. Thanks for sharing what you are learning as well. And thanks for the confirmation that I “listened” to the Spirit today.