Scripture Study Techniques:
Why Learn to Understand Scripture
The Benefits of Understanding Scripture
Relationship with the Almighty As believers, we want to build our relationship with the One Most High and grow closer to Him. As with any relationship, the one with the Almighty grows by spending time together and getting to know each other better. One of the best ways we have to do this is to read His words that are written to us which are recorded in Scripture. Reading Scripture will remind us of our Creator, of His relationship with mankind, the promises He makes to His people, the expectations He has of His people in worshipping Him, and many guidelines to living a full life. Because of this, we should make every effort to not only read His Word, but also ensure we are understanding it.
Discerning the Truth In the modern world, the skills of understanding Scripture will give a person the ability to discern what is truth and what is false. There are many philosophies, cultures, and ideas that want to take our attention away from the Almighty and have us forget the truth about creation and life. Be knowing and understanding His word, we can stand strong in the truth and resist what is false.
Live a Life with Blessing Scripture instructs us on the physical and spiritual aspects of life. This includes the covenant relationship that mankind has with the One Most High as described in Scripture. What is described in those pages is the favor and blessing that His people can receive. They also describe the curses that exist as well. By learning how the covenant relationship works, we can better understand how to live in His blessing.
The Difficulties of Understanding Scripture
The Barriers There are many barriers to understanding Scripture. One barrier is that the original writings of Scripture were given to a different people. Those who now live in an industrialized society can have difficulty relating to those who had a farming or agrarian style of existence. A second barrier is that the original writings of Scripture were written in a different language. It is difficult to accurately transfer the meaning of something from one language into another. A third barrier is the different customs used by the people.
Theological Differences
Although no translation is perfect, the King James Version still stands out as one of the best options available on the market.
Recommended Translation
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The translations that we read in our own language may not accurately state what the author was writing long ago. This is often due to the mixing of Scripture with either the doctrines or the theology of those who produced the translation. These translations are often produced by organizations or individuals that have an agenda. By studying the Scriptures for oneself, the effects of those agendas can be overcome. To properly learn from Scripture, one must come with an open mind ready to learn because a mind filled with doctrine or preconceived ideas will have difficulty in clearly understanding the message presented by the author.
Blessing and Cursing on Mounts Gerizim and Ebal
Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; {27} A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: {28} And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. {29} And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.
Deuteronomy 11:26-29 (KJV)
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The Example Study Throughout the Scripture Study Techniques series, the passage of Deuteronomy 11:26-32 will be the base passage for an example of each study technique. The study will look at the blessings and cursings pronounced on Mounts Gerizim and Ebal when the Israelites first entered the promised land. As the series progresses, many details about why this was done and the impact it had on the Israelites through the centuries will be discovered and brought out in detail.
Summary
Learning to understand the Scriptures and overcoming the barriers of a different people, culture, and custom can take time and practice. Yet the rewards of being close to the Almighty and of having peace in life through the understanding of Scripture are well worth the effort.
Todd Elder is a believer in Messiah who wants to help people understand Scripture and know the message of Salvation. For more information from the Scripture Study Techniques series, please visit my website http://www.exploringsalvation.info and look under 'Scripture'.
Additional Information
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