Getting More Out of The Bible

The Bible is filled with treasures.  Often quoted and given a positive place of respect.   Plaques are made of verses.  A single verse of Scripture may become the foundation of a mission or movement.  Enlightening and transforming truths are found in the Bible.  But we all run into a bump when it comes to the Bible.  It is what the Apostle Peter said about Paul’s writings like other Scripture there are some things “hard to understand.” Indeed.  So, how do we handle understanding the Bible?  A variety of approaches have been offered through the ages and among various groups.  I would like to offer something as well:  A key to Biblical interpretation.  I appreciate the design and discipline of Bible study methods.  But this key is vital to getting more out of the Bible. 

My daughter recently went shopping with my wife.  (Months before Christmas) They were discussing Christmas and gifts and an item caught my daughter’s eye.  My wife thought that would be a good Christmas gift and purchased it.  My daughter then asked to have it as an early Christmas present.  My wife gave in.  So, in much the same way, instead of holding out to the end to reveal the key I am going to provide it as an early present.   Ready?  Here it is: Divine Permission.  Let’s see if we can make some sense of that by looking at what we have to work with in Bible study. 

Each book of the Bible has a story.  It was written by someone far removed in time and history from today.  If you read something like “David’s triumph was heard throughout the land” it isn’t referring to a motorcycle.  Getting the setting is of immense help in grasping what is being said in the book. 

The Bible is a collection of 66 books.  The relationship of one book with the others forges wonderful truths, principles, and doctrines.  Getting the connections enhances the understanding of both the details and the whole of the Bible. 

As the writers wrote in the language of their day we are in need of language study as well.  From Hebrew and Aramaic of the Old Testament to the Greek of the New Testament there are few who can call those their native language.  We are fortunate today to have in almost all the languages of the world a copy of the Scriptures.  Even without knowing the original languages we have assistance from translators putting the words of the Bible in a language we can understand.  We can also study and learn those languages.  We can turn to reference books to aid in understanding the languages of the Bible. 

Practicing a systematic approach to the study is important.  Observing what is there in a passage.  Interpreting the words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs within the book and with a look at the original meanings of the words and the intent of the author is of great help to understanding. 

After all that there is still the need for the key.  Divine Permission.  After all, when Jesus spoke to the people of His day they knew the culture, historical setting, the language, the author and they still often didn’t get it.  Who did get it?  Those given Divine Permission.  Here, take a look at what Jesus said to the disciples:

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not.  Matthew 13:11 (NLT)

There is a Divine Permission given by the Triune God to those He chooses to reveal His truth.  It is not accessible to everyone or just anyone. 

Jesus asked who people said He was and Peter told Him he thought He was the Messiah.  Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.  Matthew 16:17 (NLT)

At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.  Luke 10:21 (NLT)

Jesus let the disciples know there was more to teach them and that He would send the Holy Spirit to teach them further.  “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 

¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.  John 16:12-13 (NLT)

The Apostle Paul instead of relying on great preaching skills leans on the power of God to communicate.   And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NLT)

He emphasizes the Divine Permission needed for understanding.  But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT)

Many read, study, and explain the Scriptures, but without Divine Permission they may be missing what God is communicating.  Great scholars with impressive intelligence will not be able to grasp the simplest truths without Divine Permission.  The Bible is God’s book.  He watches over it.  He reveals its wonders to those who are humble and contrite of heart and tremble at His Word. 

Getting more out of the Bible requires getting closer to God.  May you receive Divine Permission to understand great and wondrous things from God’s mighty Word.