Simply Scripture

Between Women
Written By Pastor Jeff Moorehead

Simply Scripture | A simple way to study using your Bible and Five Questions

The Bible contains the very words of God. He wrote and preserved it for us so we could know Him and how to live in a way that reflects and glorifies Him. Biblical interpretation is not a mysterious or impossible task limited to the elite or studious with lots of time. It is the delight and joy of every Christian woman to grow in understanding her marvelous God and His ways. We should approach scripture with the normal methods and rules that we would use to understand any written form of communication. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that the Bible is the word of God, so we should be diligent to handle it rightly by thoughtful reading, careful interpretation, and willing application of its words to our lives. 

 The goal of studying the Bible is to understand and apply the original meaning of the Scriptures as the God-ordained writers intended. It is not just to gain facts or knowledge but to be changed by the words of Scripture to be more like Christ.   

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15  

There are five (5) questions that must be asked and answered in order to understand, apply, and communicate God’s Word. 

#1 – Your approach: How should I prepare to receive God’s Word? 

Remember the Bible is God’s special revelation of Himself (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21). 

Prepare to receive it with prayer (Ps. 119:5, 18; Eph. 1:16-18; Col. 1:9-12; James 1:5), high respect (Is. 66:1-2; 1 Thess. 2:13), a humble readiness to be judged and transformed (Heb. 4:12; John 17:17; Jas 1:21-25). 

 #2 – Your Observation: What does the Bible say? 

Remember that Scripture is only understood through the eyes of faith (1 Cor. 2:10-15; Col. 2:3) and the illumination of the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:10-13; Ps. 119:130). 

  • Read the Scripture slowly and repeatedly.  

  • Ask questions - who, what, when, where, why, how 

  • Look for connecting words (and, but, if, for, because, therefore, in, into, with, in order that), verbs, repeated words, related concepts, comparisons (things similar), contrasts (things different), cause and effect, warnings, lists, commands, promises, questions, answers, problems, solutions, missing things, main points, cultural clues, statements about God the  Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. 

  • Record your observations for further study 

#3 – Your interpretation: What does the Bible mean? 

Remember that the goal is to understand the author’s intent which has only one meaning in each text (with multiple possible applications). 

  • Recognize the rules of interpretation:  

  • Literal - take the text at face value unless there is sufficient cause to take it otherwise. 

  • Grammatical - look at words, syntax, context, and genre for keys to understanding the meaning. 

  • Historical - the time, place, language, and culture provide helpful insight.  

  • Correlated - Scripture agrees with itself, so interpret Scripture with other Scripture. The unclear passages are understood in light of the clear passages.   

  • The golden rule of interpretation states: “When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studies in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths indicate clearly otherwise.” (David L. Cooper) 

  • Research within God’s Word using cross-references and concordances.   

  • Research outside God’s Word using dictionaries, encyclopedias, and commentaries.  Request help as needed from others (pastors, trusted and mature Christian family/friends, etc.) 

 #4 – Your application: How does the Bible apply to my life? 

Remember that God’s Word is written to change your life personally and specifically in how you think, believe, emote, speak, and do (James 1:22; 2 Tim. 3:15-17).   

  • Respond to God’s Word by renewing your mind by it: 

  • Respond to God’s Word by conforming your life to it: 

#5 – Your communication: Who should I share this truth with? 

Remember that God’s Word comes with a privilege and obligation (2 Cor. 1:3-4) to understand, believe, and proclaim it to one’s self before others (Matt. 7:1-5). 

  • Reveal the truth of God’s Word to others by: 

Pastor Jeff Moorehead
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