Have you ever read the Bible and thought, “I don’t understand this at all”? First, you need to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you read the Bible. Jesus promised, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13a) Also, in order to understand the Bible, you have to ask the right questions.
Here are 4 important questions to ask in your Bible study.
“Who was this written to?”
If you have a good study Bible, look at the introduction to the book of the Bible you are reading. It will usually list the audience. For the Old Testament, the audience is usually God’s people, the Jews. In the New Testament, the audience could be Jews, Gentiles, or even the Christians in a certain city.
Knowing the audience will help you understand the writer’s perspective. It will help you know how to apply the passage to your life today, too.
“Why was this written?”
For some books of the Bible, the purpose was to call God’s people to repentance (Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.) For other books, the writer wanted to encourage young churches in their faith. If you have a good study Bible, look at the notes for more information. Also, you can always contact us at the local church’s prison ministry if you have a question about the Bible.
“What does this teach me about Jesus?”
“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,”
Psalm 40:7
In this Messianic psalm, the writer prophesies of Jesus. He declares that the Bible speaks of Christ long before His coming.
Throughout the Bible, there are many “types” of Christ. A type is a person that foreshadows Jesus and teaches us something about Him. For example, Isaac was a type of Christ when he went to be sacrificed on Mount Moriah. Like Christ, he obeyed his father even to the point of death. These types of Christ can help us appreciate and know Him even more.
“What does this teach me about myself?”
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
When we read God’s Word with a humble heart, the Holy Spirit will teach us things about ourself. He may point out our habit of lying, or pride, or bad attitude. If we confess these sins, He will forgive us and help us overcome them. This is how Christian growth happens.
Like a mirror, the Bible shows us our sin—and God’s prescription for forgiveness. If you want to have forgiveness, you need to turn from your sins and believe on Jesus to be saved. Contact us at the local church’s prison ministry to learn more.
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Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!
For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
