Ben Workman

When you look at that headline, you might be thinking to yourself, who decides what is the right or wrong way of reading the scriptures? Paul tells Timothy that the Law is good if one uses it legitimately (1 Tim. 1:8). Peter also warns in his letter that the immature and the unstable will twist the words of Paul as well as the rest of scripture to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:15). Both Apostles are giving warnings about the dangers of misreading the scriptures.

Inaccurate interpretation can lead to sinful choices. This will result in painful consequences for both the reader and their listeners. Yes, sinful choices will lead to hurt and pain not only for yourself, but those around you as well. But most importantly, we care about the name of Jesus more than our own name. If there is one thing that disciples of Jesus do not want to do, it is to smear His name by our choices. Therefore, I offer a few helpful ideas that will encourage you to be a more accurate reader of your Bible.

First, and this is a given, you must read your Bible. You cannot obey or know what Jesus wants if you simply do not know what the text says. The first question I like to ask people after the sermon is, “what text did we read and what did it say?” How can meaning and application exist without first knowing what the text says? You must read with purpose and intentionality. For me, I retain the text better upon meditation. The more I think about the words of the text and how I need to change as a result of it, the more I retain it. Early in my days when I tried to memorize scripture for systematic theological reasons, the more difficult retention became for me. It can be compared to something similar as memorizing vocabulary flash cards. Therefore, read often, be intentional, and with a purpose. Read with the purpose of changing yourself to become a better servant of Jesus Christ (James 1:23).

Secondly, be involved in your local church. One of the main functions of the local church is to correct any faulty understanding of the Bible. As mentioned above, inaccurate interpretations of the Bible will lead to sinful choices that hurt others and dishonor Jesus. To avoid those consequences, we want to be corrected if our understanding is faulty. And in turn help others serve Jesus with a better understanding of His word. As Christians, we desire to be changed daily that we might better serve Him. But that is a Jesus-centered approach to gathering. Instead, we often gather for self-centered reasons like having our felt needs met. So just as you read the Bible with a purpose, be sure to gather for the right purpose.

Lastly, read sources like commentaries and hermeneutic books. There are men and women who have dedicated their lives to the meaning of the sacred text. It would be good to hear from them, but always be objective. Just because they have a PhD does not mean they are correct. I refer back to the local church to help with this issue. I recommend the New American Commentary series. They are conservative in their theology and are reverent in their handling of the scriptures. I also recommend the book 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Robert Plummer. This is a good read that will lay a strong foundation in your own reading of the Bible.

There is an intentional order to the ideas I have listed above. First, you must discipline yourself to read the scriptures. Demonstrate your love for Jesus by making any necessary changes in your life. This is done through the reading and understanding of the scriptures. A more biblical term for this event is repentance. Secondly, be involved in your local church. Love Jesus and love His people. Finally, take the initiative to read from those who are better skilled at understanding the text. Take your insights from them to your local church. By doing so, you will either help your church or perhaps the church will help you. May you continue serve Jesus and love His people.