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Three Simple Steps to
A Life-changing Understanding of the Scriptures
As believers, we don’t just read or study the Bible to stimulate our intellect. We do it to change our lives—to become more like Jesus. In order for that to happen, however, it’s important that we understand what it is we’re reading and that we take specific steps to put what we learn into practice. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).
Here are three simple steps that can help you better understand what the Bible says and make it part of your life.
1. What does it say? Before we try to interpret the Scriptures, we need to understand what they actually say. And yet, we sometimes approach the Bible with a preconception of what it says. We need to make a fresh start. One way to do that is to read a passage several times using different translations. That can keep us from glossing over words we’re too familiar with. It’s also important to make sure we actually understand the words we read. Language changes over time, so using a Bible dictionary to look up unfamiliar words or phrases can be very helpful.
2. What does it mean? This is where we get into interpreting what the Bible says. It’s important to take the passage in context. How does a particular passage fit into the rest of what the author is saying? Is the author or speaker using a metaphor? Are there other places in the Bible that discuss this same topic? They can help us understand what this passage means. What are the implications of the truths we discover?
3. What does it mean for me? This is where the Bible gets personal. This is the life-changing part of Bible study. What do we need to do? Remembering the words of James, how do we “do what it says”? Some believers have found the acronym SPECK to be very helpful is applying biblical truth to their lives.
Here are three simple steps that can help you better understand what the Bible says and make it part of your life.
1. What does it say? Before we try to interpret the Scriptures, we need to understand what they actually say. And yet, we sometimes approach the Bible with a preconception of what it says. We need to make a fresh start. One way to do that is to read a passage several times using different translations. That can keep us from glossing over words we’re too familiar with. It’s also important to make sure we actually understand the words we read. Language changes over time, so using a Bible dictionary to look up unfamiliar words or phrases can be very helpful.
2. What does it mean? This is where we get into interpreting what the Bible says. It’s important to take the passage in context. How does a particular passage fit into the rest of what the author is saying? Is the author or speaker using a metaphor? Are there other places in the Bible that discuss this same topic? They can help us understand what this passage means. What are the implications of the truths we discover?
3. What does it mean for me? This is where the Bible gets personal. This is the life-changing part of Bible study. What do we need to do? Remembering the words of James, how do we “do what it says”? Some believers have found the acronym SPECK to be very helpful is applying biblical truth to their lives.
S Is there a sin I should avoid?
P Is there a promise from God to claim?
E Is there an example I should follow?
C Is there a command I should obey?
K What knowledge about God have I gleaned from this passage?
P Is there a promise from God to claim?
E Is there an example I should follow?
C Is there a command I should obey?
K What knowledge about God have I gleaned from this passage?
