How to Study the Bible (Part 5)

Hello Friends!

Welcome Back! Let’s continue our with our series titled “How to Study the Bible” for our Christian walk with our Lord Jesus Christ…

How to Study the Bible (Part 5)

Interpreting the Bible ~ Bridging the Gaps

Here are a few important “gaps” to negotiate when interpreting the Biblical text…

Bridging the Gaps

To interpret the Bible properly we have four main “gaps” to negotiate:

Language:

We primarily speak English today. But the Bible was written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic (similar to Hebrew). Many of the Bible translations available today are excellent, but no translation can get across everything that the original language conveys. For example, the Apostle Paul says:

Let a man regard us in this manner, as ministers of Christ – 1 Corinthians 4:1

When we think of the English word “minister,” we think of a prime minister or a minister of defense. It is indeed a lofty term. However the Greek word translated "minister" – huperetes – originally spoke of a third-level galley slave. Hardly a lofty concept! Paul wanted it to be said of him that he was nothing more than a “third-level galley slave” for Jesus Christ. We would never get that understanding out of the English term. That's why we need to bridge the language gap!

There are some excellent tools available to assist us in this challenge. W. E. Vine's An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words is helpful for someone who doesn't know Greek. In addition, there are several language helps that are keyed to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, which has a numerical code to English definitions of all the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic words in the Bible. You'll learn to trace how a particular word is used throughout the entire Bible – or just in the passage you are studying. Bridging the language gap will bring you to a new level of understanding!

Culture:

Parts of the Bible have been written as long as four thousand years ago. Times have certainly changed since then! If we don't understand the culture of the time in which our passage was written, we'll never understand its true meaning. For example, the Apostle John says:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God – John 1:1

Why didn't John just simply say, "In the beginning was Jesus"? By studying the culture of the time, we discover that the Greek term "the Word" – ho logos – was highly significant to both Greek and Hebrew culture. To the Greeks, it was a philosophical term representing the sum total of cosmic energy or that which causes everything to exist. To the Hebrews, “the Word” of the Lord was the personal expression of God Himself. John drew in both audiences by describing Jesus Christ as the personal manifestation of the Almighty Creator – Brilliant!

Similarly, if we don't know anything about the Pharisees, Sadducees and other aspects of Jewish culture, we won't understand the Gospel of Matthew. If we don't know something about the false teaching of Gnosticism, we won't understand the book of Colossians. Some books to help bridge the culture gap are: The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim  and Eerdmans's varying handbooks on Bible culture.

Geography:

There are also many geographical references in Scripture. For instance, we read of going down to Jericho and up to Jerusalem as well as other such references. For instance, the Apostle Paul says of the Thessalonians:

For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth – 1 Thessalonians 1:8

From other portions of Scripture, we learn that Paul was just recently in Thessalonica. Knowing something about the geography of the area explains how the Word of God spread so fast in the first century! The Ignatian Highway – the main concourse between the East and West – ran through the middle of Thessalonica. Whatever happened there was passed down all along the way.

Do you see how an understanding of geography can enrich your comprehension of the text? Consult a good Bible atlas or geography text and reap these wonderful benefits!

History:

Knowing the historical background of the text also enriches our understanding. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew we learn about the interplay between Pontius Pilate and Jesus Christ:

When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death.  And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor – Matthew 27:1-2

Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly – Matthew 27:11-14

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified – Matthew 27:15-26

The key to understanding this tragic false-sentencing of Jesus Christ is knowing what happened at this time – historically.

When Pilate was first assigned to the jurisdiction of Judea, he infuriated the Jewish population by trying to force pagan culture and emperor worship upon them. There were several such incidents and Rome was displeased with Pilate's inability to keep the peace. Pilate was afraid of what the Jewish leaders might instigate at this “hearing.” That's why he allowed Jesus Christ be crucified! He already had a rotten track record with the Jews and his job was on the line…

Do you see the importance of historical context pertaining to our study of God’s Word? To assist us with this challenge, Bible dictionaries are good sources for historical background…

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s continued investigation of How to Study the Bible…

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

Blessings!

Shane <><

How to Receive God's Blessing

32 So all the work on the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was completed. The Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses.
...
42 The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses.43 Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.  Exodus 39

In my study bible, it explained that in the original language, the verbs here are the same verbs used that described the work of creation in Genesis as being completed.  The meaning is the same, but the players are different.

In Genesis, God creates everything, sees that it is good and then blesses the inhabitants of the earth.

In Exodus, the crafters create the items God requested through Moses, Moses sees that the work is good, and Moses blesses the crafters.

There's a fundamental difference between these two situations though.  The crafters had to do something to receive the blessing from Moses.  However, what did the inhabitants of the earth have to do to receive God's blessing after creation?  Nothing at all.

We don't have to do anything to receive God's blessing.  It's there!  We only have to accept it.  Jesus died for everyone's sins, not just the sins of the believers.  I have a few friends who do not believe.  I pray for them frequently.  Jesus still died for their sins.  They only have to convert and accept the gift he's given them.  They don't have to try to undo anything in their lives, and they don't have to work to be forgiven for their sins.

Last week, I sat behind a woman in a shirt that had a checklist on the back.  I don't remember it perfectly, but here's what I do remember.

Christian - Yes
Perfect - No
Forgiven - Yes
Worthy - No
Redeemed - Yes
Loved - Yes

We do not need to be perfect, God's love and forgiveness is there for us before we've done anything to deserve it.

Calm Jesus versus Nervous People

I forgot to post this devotional to this website last Thursday... I'm sorry this is late!

As we look forward to celebrating Easter this Sunday, we can take some time to remember all Jesus endured leading up to His death and resurrection.
Tonight would have been the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested.
Matthew 26:47-56     
 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” ⁴⁹ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 
⁵⁰ Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. ⁵¹ With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
⁵² “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
⁵⁵ In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. ⁵⁶ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

What do you notice about Jesus during this whole interaction?
What do you notice about everyone else?

I see a very calm and confident Jesus who is sure of God's Sovereign power and plan.
I see very nervous priests and disciples who are trying to control situations with their own wisdom and strength.

Who are you and I like?
Are we more like calm and confident Jesus, who trusts completely in God?
Or are we more like the others who are trying to control situations in our own wisdom and strength?

Join me in thanking Jesus for calmly enduring all of this for your sake and mine!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - How long is your arm?

Are you able to reach everything you need to reach or fulfill all your promises that require the use of your arms? Do you have any limitations?

How long is God’s arm? Does He have any limitations?  

During the Israelites’ desert travels to the promise land, they complained frequently. After about a year of travel, they wailed about not having any meat to eat. God had faithfully and miraculously provided manna for them to eat, but they weren’t satisfied with His choice of provision. Hearing their wailing, He promised to give them meat not just for one day but until they loathed it. However, Moses wondered where God was going to get all that meat!

Numbers 11:21-23         ²¹ But Moses said, “Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!’ ²² Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?” ²³ The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”

When God promises something, you can be sure it will happen! His arm isn’t too short. He doesn’t have any limitations.    

Do you and I believe all of God’s promises in His Word? 
Do you and I believe all His commands and warnings, as well?

What God says is fully trustworthy, whether it’s a promise, command or a warning.   

Alice

Who We Are

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”  Daniel 3:16-18

Lately I feel convicted to talk about something that very few of us our comfortable with.  As a follower of Christ, I found that we struggle to fit into a politically correct society.  We feel like it is taboo to mention that we are Christian while other groups are able to speak openly and freely about their lifestyle and promote their agenda.  Now before there is a debate on morality, I am a firm believer in both the diversity and inclusion of all people regardless of their sex, color, religion, or creed. Whatever you might feel, that is what I believe.  My point however focuses on what it should have always been; us as Christians.

Our mission as Christians is to represent the light of God in a way that honors Him. We are often characterized by the things we oppose.  However, we as a people do not oppose anyone’s choice.  As today’s verses point out, what we will say is we serve our God first and foremost.  No other.  Will there be causes that we passionately dispute?  Of course!  Yet all because my wife and I don’t always agree with how best to discipline our child does not mean we love each other or our daughter any less.  We are a people filled with hope, compassion, and love willing to give to all whether they believe or not.  We are not perfect, but we strive tirelessly to be better representatives of Jesus Christ, who indeed was perfect.  That is who we are, and it’s time we let the world know as much.

Over the next few weeks, my devotions will be centered on the idea of how we as followers of Christ can turn the tide against a world that sees us only for what we do not represent.  So let’s speak openly and honest.  We can be at times some combination of judgmental, hypocritical, exclusive, and devoid of love.  But this does not define us.  These are, like all sin, flaws that display our imperfections just like anyone else.  However, we strive to do better, and we have hope that we will continually grow and be better representatives of God.  It does not make us better than anyone else, but it states like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego unequivocally who we serve.  How will you respond when others question what you are for?  What will you do to better represent God in the discussion?  My prayer is when world begins to tear you down, we stand and say who we really are.  Amen.

Tues Devo: Easter is over

Romans 10:11-15 “For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!’”(NASB)

Hello,

So, Easter is over…one of the few days a year where it seems to be OK to be a follower of Jesus and mention that publicly. What now? Will we shrink back into our shells and not share Christ or discuss what He has done for us? It is easy to share what we believe when it is expected or feels popular…but what are we called to do?

We are called to always be sharing. If we only share when it feels safe or accepted, how many people are there who may not hear? We like to make our sharing about ourselves – but it is not about us it is about the people we share with and their eternal destination.

Yup, Easter is over….but the sharing should not be.

Will Hill