How to Read your Bible without Getting Confused
How to rightly divide the word of truth
(2 Timothy 2:15)
Have you ever been confused by a passage in the Bible that seemed to contradict something else in the Bible?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”. (2 Tim. 3:16)
But we also need to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We divide the word whenever we interpret one scripture through the lens of another.
So how do we divide the word rightly?
In essence there are two questions we should ask when reading any scripture in the Bible: (1) What does this passage mean in light of the cross? And (2) who is the writer writing to or about?
The filter of the cross
To hear some people preach you might conclude that the cross was of no significance. But Jesus’ death on the cross is the single most important event in human history.
Before the cross the old law covenant reigned. But after the cross a new covenant made the old one obsolete (Heb 8:13).
Under the old covenant you were blessed if you were good, but under the new covenant we are blessed because God is good.
Consider these contrasts:
Before the cross we were blessed when we obeyed and cursed when we disobeyed (Deut. 11:26-28). But after the cross we are blessed because Jesus obeyed and we are redeemed from the curse of the law (Eph. 1:3; Gal. 3:13).
Before the cross we forgave in order to earn God’s forgiveness (Matt 6:14). But at the cross we were unconditionally forgiven and we now forgive because Christ has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
Before the cross loving your neighbor meant not coveting his wife or property (Deut. 5:21). But after the cross we love and accept others because Christ loves and accepts us (1 John 4:19; Rom. 15:7).
Before the cross God was distant and unapproachable (Ex. 19:12). But because of the cross we have been brought nigh to God to receive mercy and find grace (Eph. 2:13; Heb. 4:16).
Before the cross God held us responsible for our sins and not even sacrifices could clear a guilty conscience (Lev 5:17; Heb 9:9). But because of the cross Jesus’ blood cleanses us from a guilty conscience and he remembers our sins no more (Heb 8:12, 10:22).
Before the cross we said “We will” (Ex 19:9). But after the cross God says “I will” (Heb 8:8-12). Before the cross it’s “do, do, do”. After the cross it’s “done, done done”.
Before the cross righteousness was demanded of sinful man (Deut 6:25). But at the cross righteousness was freely given (Rom 5:17).
Before the cross Adam’s sin meant condemnation for all men (Rom 5:18).
But because of the cross there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1).
When we read the Bible we should ask, is this scripture describing the old law covenant which condemns sinners or the new grace covenant which makes sinners righteous? If you are a Christian, you need not fear the condemnation of the law. Instead, rejoice that you are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21).
Consider the audience
It’s also important to ask who the words were written for, otherwise you might end up taking someone else’s medicine. Ultimately there are two kinds of people – those who put their faith in Jesus and those who don’t.
Consequently the Holy Spirit brings two different convictions:
1. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of unbelief (John 16:9).
Many things in the New Testament are written for unbelievers. Paul, Peter, John, Jude and James all had things to say to those who did not see their need for a Savior (e.g., 1 John 1:5-10). The apostles also wrote to warn the church about false people masquerading as prophets and preachers (e.g., 2 Pet. 2). Words of judgment given to unbelievers do not apply to those whom Christ has qualified.
2. The Holy Spirit convicts Christians of their righteousness (John 16:10).
We do not need to be reminded of our shortcomings, but we often need to be reminded of our right standing before God (2 Cor. 5:21). Much of the New Testament was written to assure Christians that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from his love (Rom. 8:38-39). Not even our sin (Rom. 5:15).
When we fail the Holy Spirit does not condemn us – there is no condemnation to those in Christ. Rather He reminds us that we are righteous, that we are kept by Jesus (Jude 24), that we are the Father’s sons (Gal 4:6), and that our hope is firm and secure (Heb. 6:19).
When we make mistakes Jesus doesn’t condemn us, He defends us (1 John 2:1), and he teaches us how to say no to ungodliness (Titus 2:12).
How to rightly divide the word of truth
Rightly dividing the word means reading the Bible in the context of the finished work of the cross. It means we interpret scripture in light of what Jesus has done.
The entire Bible reveals Jesus.
Read the Bible to see Jesus.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”. (2 Tim. 3:16)
But we also need to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We divide the word whenever we interpret one scripture through the lens of another.
So how do we divide the word rightly?
In essence there are two questions we should ask when reading any scripture in the Bible: (1) What does this passage mean in light of the cross? And (2) who is the writer writing to or about?
The filter of the cross
To hear some people preach you might conclude that the cross was of no significance. But Jesus’ death on the cross is the single most important event in human history.
Before the cross the old law covenant reigned. But after the cross a new covenant made the old one obsolete (Heb 8:13).
Under the old covenant you were blessed if you were good, but under the new covenant we are blessed because God is good.
Consider these contrasts:
Before the cross we were blessed when we obeyed and cursed when we disobeyed (Deut. 11:26-28). But after the cross we are blessed because Jesus obeyed and we are redeemed from the curse of the law (Eph. 1:3; Gal. 3:13).
Before the cross we forgave in order to earn God’s forgiveness (Matt 6:14). But at the cross we were unconditionally forgiven and we now forgive because Christ has forgiven us (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).
Before the cross loving your neighbor meant not coveting his wife or property (Deut. 5:21). But after the cross we love and accept others because Christ loves and accepts us (1 John 4:19; Rom. 15:7).
Before the cross God was distant and unapproachable (Ex. 19:12). But because of the cross we have been brought nigh to God to receive mercy and find grace (Eph. 2:13; Heb. 4:16).
Before the cross God held us responsible for our sins and not even sacrifices could clear a guilty conscience (Lev 5:17; Heb 9:9). But because of the cross Jesus’ blood cleanses us from a guilty conscience and he remembers our sins no more (Heb 8:12, 10:22).
Before the cross we said “We will” (Ex 19:9). But after the cross God says “I will” (Heb 8:8-12). Before the cross it’s “do, do, do”. After the cross it’s “done, done done”.
Before the cross righteousness was demanded of sinful man (Deut 6:25). But at the cross righteousness was freely given (Rom 5:17).
Before the cross Adam’s sin meant condemnation for all men (Rom 5:18).
But because of the cross there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1).
When we read the Bible we should ask, is this scripture describing the old law covenant which condemns sinners or the new grace covenant which makes sinners righteous? If you are a Christian, you need not fear the condemnation of the law. Instead, rejoice that you are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21).
Consider the audience
It’s also important to ask who the words were written for, otherwise you might end up taking someone else’s medicine. Ultimately there are two kinds of people – those who put their faith in Jesus and those who don’t.
Consequently the Holy Spirit brings two different convictions:
1. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of unbelief (John 16:9).
Many things in the New Testament are written for unbelievers. Paul, Peter, John, Jude and James all had things to say to those who did not see their need for a Savior (e.g., 1 John 1:5-10). The apostles also wrote to warn the church about false people masquerading as prophets and preachers (e.g., 2 Pet. 2). Words of judgment given to unbelievers do not apply to those whom Christ has qualified.
2. The Holy Spirit convicts Christians of their righteousness (John 16:10).
We do not need to be reminded of our shortcomings, but we often need to be reminded of our right standing before God (2 Cor. 5:21). Much of the New Testament was written to assure Christians that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from his love (Rom. 8:38-39). Not even our sin (Rom. 5:15).
When we fail the Holy Spirit does not condemn us – there is no condemnation to those in Christ. Rather He reminds us that we are righteous, that we are kept by Jesus (Jude 24), that we are the Father’s sons (Gal 4:6), and that our hope is firm and secure (Heb. 6:19).
When we make mistakes Jesus doesn’t condemn us, He defends us (1 John 2:1), and he teaches us how to say no to ungodliness (Titus 2:12).
How to rightly divide the word of truth
Rightly dividing the word means reading the Bible in the context of the finished work of the cross. It means we interpret scripture in light of what Jesus has done.
The entire Bible reveals Jesus.
Read the Bible to see Jesus.
OFFENCES COMMITTED BY THE BELIEVER
CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT
a) Grieving the Spirit. Eph. 4:30, 31; Isa. 63:10. To grieve means to make sad or sorrowful. It is the word used to describe the experience of Christ in Gethsemane; and so the sorrow of Gethsemane may be endured by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the most sensitive person of the Godhead.
b) Lying to the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:3-4. The sin of lying to the Spirit is very prominent when consecration is most popular.
c) Quenching the Spirit. 1 Thess. 5:19—"Quench not the Spirit." The thought of quenching the Spirit seems to be used in connection with fire: "Smoking flax shall he not quench" (Matt. 12:20); "Quench the fiery darts" (Eph. 6:16). It is therefore related more to the thought of service than to that of life. The context of 1 Thess. 5:19 shows this.
From what has been said the following may be summarily stated:
Grieving has to do with the indwelling Holy Spirit; Quenching has to do with the enduement of the Spirit for service. Lying to the Holy Spirit has to do with rebellion.
b) Lying to the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:3-4. The sin of lying to the Spirit is very prominent when consecration is most popular.
c) Quenching the Spirit. 1 Thess. 5:19—"Quench not the Spirit." The thought of quenching the Spirit seems to be used in connection with fire: "Smoking flax shall he not quench" (Matt. 12:20); "Quench the fiery darts" (Eph. 6:16). It is therefore related more to the thought of service than to that of life. The context of 1 Thess. 5:19 shows this.
From what has been said the following may be summarily stated:
Grieving has to do with the indwelling Holy Spirit; Quenching has to do with the enduement of the Spirit for service. Lying to the Holy Spirit has to do with rebellion.