Do you know how to interpret and apply the Bible?

Interpreting and applying the Bible: The interpretation it is to discover the meaning of a passage, the main thought or idea of ​​the author. Answering the questions that arise during the observation will help you in the interpretation process. Five clues (called "the five Cs") can help you determine the author's main points:

Context. You can answer 75 percent of your questions about a passage when you read the text. Reading the text involves observing the close context (the verse immediately before and after) as well as the distant context (the paragraph or chapter that precedes and / or follows the passage you are studying).

interpreting and applying the Bible: important references

Cross references. Let Scripture interpret Scripture. That is, let other passages in the Bible shed some light on the passage you are looking at. At the same time, be careful not to assume that the same word or phrase in two different passages means the same thing.

Culture. The Bible was written a long time ago, so when we interpret it, we need to understand it from the cultural context of the writers.

Conclusion. After answering your questions for understanding through context, cross-references, and culture, you can make a preliminary statement about the meaning of the passage. Remember that if your passage has more than one paragraph, the author may present more than one thought or idea.

Consultation. Reading books known as commentaries, written by Bible scholars, can help you interpret Scripture.

Application is why we study the Bible

The application that's why we study the Bible. We want our lives to change; we want to be obedient to God and become more like Jesus Christ. After observing a passage and interpreting or understanding it to the best of our ability, we must then apply its truth to our life.

Ti we suggest ask the following questions about each scripture you study:

Does the truth revealed here affect my relationship with God?
this truth affects about my relationship with others?
How does this truth affect me?
How does this truth affect my response to the enemy, Satan?

The phase of'application it is not completed by simply answering these questions; the key is to apply what God taught you in your study. While you may not consciously apply everything you are learning in the Bible study at any given time, you can consciously apply something. And when you work to apply a truth to your life, God will bless your efforts, as noted earlier, by conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ.