“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15 NAS)
One of my favorite issues is the accurate interpretation of Scripture. I focus on this issue because over my lifetime, from a variety of pulpits, I have heard some horrendous things preached that had no scriptural foundation.
Now, I don’t claim perfection in hermeneutics. I am sure that I have room for improvement as well as anyone. Yet, I love the blessed old book and insist that it has all the answers for mankind’s problems and sin. I love preaching the truths that God has revealed to us about himself.
And I don’t want to just preach broad generalizations either. I think a pastor is mandated to be as specific as possible and confident of his/her interpretation. The more exact we can be, the safer the sheep are from deceptions and heresies. In addition, accurately interpreted Scripture gives them confidence in God and assures them of an eternal home with him.
Now, as disciples of Christ, we cannot simply wait for Sunday and expect the pastor to teach us everything in the book. We would never live long enough to get it all. It is difficult, I know, as busy adults to set aside quiet study time and wait for the Holy Spirit to arrive. Yet, we need to hear God speak to us. We need the confidence of knowing that we have carefully thought through the issues in a passage. We need the confidence that comes from the Holy Spirit revealing truth to us.
If I want to grow and develop spiritually, I have to make the effort to discover for myself what God is saying to me. What is he challenging me to deal with in my life? We really ought to figure out this discipleship thing for ourselves. Of course, there is a point at which we need someone to help us. That is where the Church and the pastor comes in.
All of this brings me to this question: Am I interpreting Scripture for myself or just to preach it to others? Am I just giving directions instead of seeking direction? I listen to myself preach and sometimes it’s more like I am giving prescriptions to others. So here’s my New Year’s resolution: Study the Bible for me . . . Interpret scripture for me . . . Preach to me.
Dear Father, thank you for your Word. Empower us to study the Scriptures for ourselves that we might hide it in our hearts and not sin against you. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your study of Scripture,