Studying the Bible can be challenging for both believers and non-believers. Many do not know where to begin when it comes to reading the Word of God. I believe that if you have this one tip that I am sharing with you today, it will help you tremendously in your Bible study. 

CONTEXT

What is context? The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.

When you are reading scripture, it is easy to take what the author is saying out of the original intent (I was, and I can still be guilty of this). Before you begin reading the text, you want to understand the “why”. If you do not understand why the author is writing, it can hinder your ability to fully grasp the meaning of the text. A tip to studying the word of God is to understand the historical, cultural, or/and political background of the scripture you are reading. The best way to do this is by reading the intro or first chapter of the book, reading before and after the verse you intend to study, or purchasing commentaries or study Bibles.

One example that I find many people misinterpret is,

Jeremiah 29.11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV

Many believers apply this verse to their life; however, when you read the context, this verse is not intended for present-day Christians. Jeremiah 29.11 is apart of a letter that the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the remaining exiles, priests, prophets, and people that King Nebuchadnezzar exported to Babylon. Jeremiah was informing them on specific things that God wanted them to do and encouraging them that God still had a plan for their life, despite their circumstances. I am sorry to say this, but Jeremiah 29.11 is not about God’s dream or plan for your life. This scripture was for an intended audience, to bring them hope during their current situation.

One of the reasons I feel like we mis-interpret scripture is because we have a desire to relate everything back to us and our situation. Is this wrong? Not necessarily. But sometimes the text is all you need for the Holy Spirit to reveal something to you. Every Bible verse you read does not have to be so “me-centered” or “how can this apply to my situation”. We should go into Bible study with a heart to understand the message that the author is trying to convey, instead of trying to make it relatable to us.

Do I believe God has a plan for you to prosper and not harm you? Of course, if you study scripture, you will see that God is for us and not against us. 

Is it wrong to apply scripture to your current situation? No, but it is wrong to make Bible study about you and your own problems. The purpose of the Bible is to point you back to Jesus. The more you chase after him, the more you will see your life change.

The best way to live a Christian lifestyle is to understand the Bible, which leads us to better understanding Christ.

Linked below are commentaries to help you in your Bible study.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVfwlh9XpX2Y_tQfjeln9QA

https://store.tonyevans.org/category/bibles/tony-evans-study-bible-hard-cover

https://store.tonyevans.org/category/bibles/tony-evans-bible-commentary

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/christ-centered-exposition-commentary-series