“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV
As a believer, you have the responsibility to look at the word of God and be able to judge what is true. There are three simple things to note when studying the Bible.
First, you need a good Bible teacher. In Acts 8:31, the Ethiopian Eunuch asked Philip, “How can I understand except someone teaches me?” He understood the need for a good teacher of the Word.
We can see from the anchor scripture that it is important that you have a Bible teacher that is able to rightfully divide and interpret scriptures. You must be particular about those you adopt as teachers.
There is no place for individualism in the body of Christ. In Acts 2:42, we see that as soon as the people in the early church believed they became committed to fellowship and to the doctrine of the apostles.
Secondly, we have to understand that good biblical understanding will take time, patience and commitment to study. You have to give yourself to it. Just like in the pursuit of knowledge in any field; it takes time and effort.
“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,” 2 Timothy 3:14 NKJV
Paul the Apostle stayed in the places he preached for years, teaching them daily so they could grow (Philippians 1:25). It took years to train Timothy, Titus and other disciples, until they were able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). It takes time to grow.
Finally, start with what is most important. The disciples taught from the Scriptures (Old Testament) but their primary focus was the revelation of Christ in the Old Testament. If you look through the epistles, you will see the Christ-centeredness of their teaching.
They showed the people God’s plan to introduce Christ from the beginning. Jesus also taught from the Scriptures with the intention to reveal Himself in it (Luke 24:25-26).
It is through the New Testament that we understand the Old Testament. How else would we have known that Isaiah 53 was talking about Jesus’ death if it wasn’t explained in the new testament or that the brazen serpent lifted up in the wilderness represented Christ?
This is why it is important to apply all these tools and get the correct interpretation of the Bible so we are not tossed about by every doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).
So, look out for a Bible teacher that is properly grounded in the word of truth, give ample time to Bible study and see Christ at the centre of the Bible. This approach will ensure your growth and progress in the faith.
Bible Reading Plan:
Mark 14:53-65 , Galatians 3:1-14, Psalms 112, 2 Samuel 13