When engaging into new discoveries and learning through investigation it is necessary to follow a formula to help one write/comprehend ideas. For example, historians avoid the social norms of today when studying events and people from hundreds of years ago for the purpose of becoming fully immersed within that time period. It would be considered incomplete research for one to only investigate the issue of slavery prior to the United States Civil War from the perspective of the North. In order for someone to fully grasp the reality of the era, all avenues of research need to be exhausted. Similarly, as Christians, it would be ignorant to cherry-pick God’s Word apart by selecting only verses which we as humans see fit to apply to our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 (the King James Version) states, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Holy Bible ). In order to fully trust in the Lord we need to fully submit ourselves to Him. With this in mind, how are we supposed to properly analyze the Bible as Christians?
To begin with, Charles Spurgeon stated, “How often shall we have to tell people that the Bible is not a mere collection of separate sentences which they may tear from their context just as they please? We are not to treat the verses of the Bible as pigeons might treat a bushel of peas—picking out one here and another there, without any thought of the surroundings of that particular passage! No, this blessed Book was written for men to read right through—and if they are to understand the meaning of it, they must read each sentence in the connection in which it is found” (Spurgeon). To enumerate, Spurgeon is emphasizing the importance of examining the Lord’s Holy Word in the way God intends for us partake in. When engaging in Bible study we need to ask, “who, what, where, when, why, and how”. These are all questions that can help any researcher narrow down their investigative abilities to such an extent they can create properly educated opinions. Research is all about piecing the puzzle with patience. Interestingly enough, many overlook this phase due to the fact that they would like to approach the application phase as swiftly as possible. “Understanding historical, cultural, and social aspects of the Bible will translate into a greater understanding of God’s Word and his purposes for humanity” (Cartwright and Hulshof 137). To put it differently, our approach to Bible study should be reflective of Jesus fully immersing himself within us. Upon salvation He does not send the Holy Spirit to fill only part of our hearts. The Holy Spirit, The Comforter, fills our entire hearts! John 14:26 (the King James Version) states, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (Holy Bible ).
Moving forward, when studying God’s Word we need to fully understand historical context and linguistic translation. The gathering phase of research is of upmost importance because it creates tree branches of research that aid one to the root of their investigation. Additionally, synthesizing in research is the process of connecting the dots through various sources, and establishing how they work together. “Conducting a study of historical context means that you are seeking to understand all that you can about who wrote the book, to whom it was addressed, and what role the social and cultural components of their world play in understanding the content” (Cartwright and Hulshof 137). In like manner when researching, humans are generally aware that with the plethora of verbal dialects around the world, meanings can become essentially lost in translations. Therefore, by demonstrating a connection via synthesizing, and more specifically utilizing the investigative questions, one will be able to break their study/research into smaller steps without becoming overwhelmed. This will ultimately result in a more clear understanding of the Bible as well. “Performing a contextual analysis sets healthy boundaries for what a passage can mean and creates a safe environment for good Bible interpretation and application” (Cartwright and Hulshof 141).
In closing, we should practice patience and openness with the Lord when studying His Holy Word. When we have a clearer more lucid understanding of the Bible, then we are able to share, teach, exhort, shepherd, and counsel others under His Word. “A good understanding of context is a vital part of proper interpretation and a healthy preventive to misinterpretation” (Cartwright and Hulshof 141). When our understanding of the Bible is accurate we grow closer to the Lord, and we are able to resist the temptations of the Devil. James 4:7 (the King James Version) states, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (Holy Bible ) John 15:5 (the King James Version) states, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (Holy Bible ). Be blessed!
Works Cited
Cartwright, John and Chris Hulshof. Everyday Bible Study Growing in the Christian Fatih. Nashville , 2016. E-Book.
Holy Bible . Thomas Nelson Publishers , 1997.
Spurgeon, Charles. “Christian Classics Etheral Library.” 1 April 2014 . Spurgeon’s Sermons Volume 49-1903. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/spurgeon/sermons49.xxi.html. 06 August 2018.
