"And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. 25 He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." 2 Tim. 2:24-25
You can only take another person as far as you yourself have come spiritually, then they could decide to go farther with God.
It is of utmost importance to approach the Bible with diligence, carefully studying its context to rightly interpret its meaning and faithfully apply God's truth to our lives. When we open Scripture, how can we discern which parts are meant to speak directly to us today? How do we integrate the timeless Word of God into our everyday experiences in a way that honors Him and blesses others? How do we distinguish between understanding and applying God’s Word? Both interpretation and application are crucial for anyone desiring to walk in the light of truth.
"Interpretation is the process of determining what a passage of Scripture means, or, more precisely, what it would have meant to the original audience. To interpret properly, one must consider the cultural, historical, and literary context as well as the grammatical structures and the meaning of the words in their original language (using commentaries and language tools if one is not proficient in Hebrew or Greek). Interpretation must come first. One cannot know how to apply a passage of Scripture before determining what it means. “What does it mean to me?” is not a good question to ask in the interpretation stage, but it might be appropriate for application. Too often, Bible readers will skip to application without determining the actual meaning of a text." ~ GQ
Interpretation is the process by which we seek to uncover the intended meaning of a passage, particularly what it meant to the original audience. To interpret Scripture properly, we must immerse ourselves in its cultural, historical, and linguistic context. We may also need to consult commentaries or language resources to grasp the nuances of Hebrew or Greek. By examining the structure of the text and considering the literary genre, we can discern what God was communicating through the human authors. Interpretation must come first, for without an understanding of what the passage means, we cannot know how to apply it.
During the interpretive stage, we resist the temptation to ask, “What does this mean to me?” Instead, we ask, “What did this mean to the people it was first written for?” This approach guards us from the common error of jumping straight to application without first grasping the true meaning of the text.
Application, on the other hand, is the step where we put the truth of Scripture into practice in our specific circumstances. It is where the rubber meets the road. How do we live out the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31)? First, through interpretation, we must understand who Jesus defines as our neighbor—anyone we encounter on life’s journey. We must also understand what biblical love looks like. It is not the romantic love of modern culture, but a selfless, sacrificial care for others’ well-being, as described in 1 Corinthians 13.
Once we have rightly interpreted the command to love, we can then apply it in countless ways. Perhaps it means helping an elderly neighbor with her trash cans on garbage day, or providing support for a friend in need. Application is diverse, and the ways we live out biblical principles will differ depending on our circumstances, but the underlying meaning of Scripture remains consistent. There is one correct interpretation, yet many possible applications.
Application also requires discernment. For example, a mother driving with her children may see a stranded motorist on the highway and wish to help. She must wisely balance her concern for the stranded person with her responsibility to protect her children. Rather than stopping, she might offer to call for help. This decision is based on applying the principle of loving her neighbor while also ensuring the safety of her family. The way one person applies Scripture may look different from how another does, but both are rooted in the same interpretation.
Without application, Bible study becomes lifeless. The Word of God is not given to us merely for academic knowledge but to transform us. As Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39). James also reminds us: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). The Word is living and active, designed to shape our lives and guide us in godly wisdom.
However, attempts to apply Scripture without proper interpretation are equally misguided. It is like embarking on a journey without a map—there may be movement, but no true direction. Misunderstanding the context of a passage can lead us astray, causing us to misapply God’s Word. To avoid this, we must always consider the surrounding verses, the book’s overall message, and how the text fits into the broader narrative of Scripture.
Understanding the Bible in context requires attention to four key principles: literal meaning, historical setting, grammar, and synthesis with the rest of Scripture. Literal meaning refers to what the passage plainly says. Historical setting involves understanding the events, audience, and cultural background. Grammar considers the sentence structure and placement of words within the passage. Synthesis compares a passage with other parts of Scripture to gain a fuller understanding.
For example, the phrase “God is love” (1 John 4:8) must be understood in its full biblical context. This love is not a sentimental or romantic emotion, but a sacrificial love, rooted in the character of God. When John wrote those words, he was addressing believers, emphasizing that true love—sacrificial, self-giving love—identifies genuine followers of Christ. Without context, we might distort this truth into thinking God’s love is permissive or indulgent. But Scripture also reveals that God is holy, just, and righteous, attributes that coexist with His love. Understanding the whole counsel of God keeps us from misinterpretation.
"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 nkjv
As Paul wrote, “All Scripture is God-breathed” (theopneustos, "breathed out" Grk. 2 Timothy 3:16), and it is given to us not only for learning but for living. As we read and study, we must invite the Holy Spirit to guide us, for “the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). By consistently studying the Bible within its context, we can avoid error and live in alignment with God’s will.
In the end, context is king. It is essential to properly interpret God’s Word before applying God's word. Ignoring context puts us at a disadvantage, opening the door to confusion and misapplication. But when we faithfully study, interpret, and apply Scripture, we gain wisdom to glorify God and serve others, fulfilling the call to be doers of the Word, living out the truth with grace and discernment.
When it's time to study the Bible, remember this. There are two starkly different approaches that can lead us either to truth or error: exegesis and eisegesis. These two methods reflect contrasting attitudes toward Scripture. Exegesis is a careful, thoughtful exposition of the biblical text, allowing the Word of God to speak for itself. The term exegesis means "to lead out of," signifying that the interpreter is drawing meaning directly from the text, considering its context and original intent. In contrast, eisegesis, meaning "to lead into," involves inserting one's own ideas or biases into the text, reshaping Scripture to fit personal preferences.
The dangers of eisegesis are clear. When we approach the Bible with preconceived notions, attempting to make it say what we want, we mishandle the Word of God and risk misunderstanding His will. Eisegesis is self-centered, while exegesis is God-centered, intent on uncovering the true meaning of Scripture as God intended.
"Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 amp
Paul the Apostle instructed Timothy to be a diligent workman who correctly handles the word of truth.
What does this passage in second Timothy speak to us about? It challenges us in proper exegesis, the method that respects the original language, cultural context, and setting of the passage. In exegesis, we begin with observation—what does the passage actually say? We then move to interpretation—what does it mean to the original audience? After that, we consider correlation—how does it fit with the rest of Scripture? Finally, we come to application—how does this truth affect my life today?
Eisegesis, however, starts with imagination. The interpreter begins with a personal idea or agenda, then hunts for a Bible verse to support it. The result is a distorted message that often misses the true meaning of Scripture altogether. In eisegesis, there is no true examination of the text, no cross-referencing with other Scriptures, and no real effort to understand God's voice. Instead, it’s the interpreter’s voice that takes precedence.
Consider how these two approaches play out when we study a passage like 2 Chronicles 27:1-2. In eisegesis, a preacher might start with the idea of "The Importance of Church Attendance" and notice that King Jotham did not go to the temple, assuming that this is an example of a leader neglecting worship. The resulting sermon might warn about the dangers of skipping church, but the interpretation would be wrong. In truth, Jotham’s avoidance of the temple was an act of obedience, not neglect. His father, Uzziah, had disobeyed God by usurping the role of the priest, which led to his punishment with leprosy. Jotham learned from his father’s error and wisely refrained from entering the temple in the same inappropriate manner.
An exegetical approach reveals the true meaning of the passage. The story of Jotham is not about church attendance but about learning from the mistakes of the past, avoiding pride, and respecting the boundaries God has set. By taking the time to study the historical and cultural context, the exegete can uncover this important lesson, which can then be applied in many ways.
Application flows naturally from a correct interpretation. Once we understand the original meaning of a text, we can then discern how it applies to our lives. For instance, the lesson from Jotham’s story might lead us to reflect on how we respond to God’s correction or how we honor His boundaries in our spiritual lives.
Both exegesis and application are vital in our walk with God. As James 1:22 reminds us, we are to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only." It’s not enough to simply study the Scriptures; we must put them into practice. However, without proper exegesis, our application may be misguided. Just as a road trip without a map can lead us far off course, so too can applying Scripture without first understanding its true meaning.
Context is key. Whether it’s examining the literal meaning of a passage, considering the historical setting, or analyzing the grammar, we must strive to understand the Bible in its full context. This careful study protects us from error and helps us to apply God's truth in a way that glorifies Him and serves others. For example, when we read that "God is love" (1 John 4:7-16), we might be tempted to interpret it romantically or sentimentally. But when we study the passage in its full biblical context, we discover that God’s love is sacrificial, aimed at the best interests of others, not the sentimental affection we often associate with love.
Ultimately, exegesis and wise application of God's word is the only way to truly honor God's Word. We are to obey Jesus Christ the living Word.
We must allow the Bible to speak for itself, leading us into deeper knowledge of God and His will for our lives. By rightly handling Scripture, we ensure that our understanding and application are faithful to His truth, not our own desires. As we study the Bible, let us always seek to be led by the text and by the Spirit, who guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
Buceroo, you can't impart what you don't possess from God. If he can get it to you, then he can get it through you. Ask to be used of Him.
Factoid: Approximately 80% of why a person picks a church is the communication (not bored out of your goard). The value of the talk is judged not by the talker, but by the listener. Helpful, and engaging.
1. The effective on-fire teacher prays in Jesus' Name, properly uses his Bible, points to Christ as the Solution, and always teaches from the overflow (Matt. 12:34b; Lk. 6:45). If you aren't excited (passionate) about Jesus and the Bible message a.k.a. lesson, how will they be?
2. If you stop growing spiritually today, you stop teaching tomorrow. If you're called to teach, to preach (to minister), you are called to rightly study the Word from a motivation of love. (Eph. 4:15; 2 Pt. 3:18).
3. Good teaching is not the expression of mere words, facts, quotes or knowledge, it is the expression of an obedient growing life submitted to the Word (Jn. 1:14). You also communicate with insight and experiences, not just words. Abundant life is from the Spirit as well as due to the overflow of prayerful effective Bible teaching. We all need understanding and wise application. You cannot pour into others imparting what you've not allowed to be poured into you -- you pass on what you first possess.
4 As long as you live, you learn; and as long as you learn, you live. (Lk. 6:45)
5. If you want to strengthen your teaching, then strengthen the teacher (Phil. 3:13-14). Get with God and others who are strong allowing them to rub off on you. We all need edifying Bible-based fellowship.
The learning process never ends. Past / Future / Present.
If you want to become a change agent, then you must also change.
6. God can't work through you until He first works in you. God works in and through flawed people -- from the inside out. If you aren't excited about Jesus and the Bible message/lesson, how will they be?
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