When Reading the Bible

[FaithT]

When reading the Bible, which I’ve been doing more often lately, is this really God speaking to me? The reason I ask is because some Scripture sounds personal and relatable but then when I read the entire sentence or paragraph it sounds more like I’d originally read it out of context and isn’t relatable.

 

[FaithT]

[STAFF EDITED ]

Do you have an answer to my OP?

 

[Nancy Allebach]

I think you will know, you will feel in your spirit that God is speaking directly to your heart. But don't forget Satan tries his best to confound us as we read also - just re-read it and focus on Christ speaking right to you

 

[Tigger45]

It’s all about context. Some verses are for specific times and people and others are for all who apply.
Good question by the way. Some people read scripture as if it all applies to everyone and end up misapplying the teaching of said scripture.

 

[JosephT]

This is good as long as when you read, be sure to read in context so that you understand . It is wonderful that you trust the words of our savior. Also remember that the Lord will speak you in non-scriptural ways as well. I find God most frequently speaks to me through other people. Just keep an open ear and an open heart and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ask God for wisdom to understand.

 

[tampasteve]

It can be both, and it is really important to understand that some may be only applicable to certain people (Jews), in a certain place (Israel) at a certain time....and other parts are applicable at all times to all people. Context really matters a lot, but God can also speak in individual parts, use discernment, prayer, and if something does not square with another part of scripture then use the other scriptures to interpret it.

 

[FaithT]

It can be both, and it is really important to understand that some may be only applicable to certain people (Jews), in a certain place (Israel) at a certain time....and other parts are applicable at all times to all people. Context really matters a lot, but God can also speak in individual parts, use discernment, prayer, and if something does not square with another part of scripture then use the other scriptures to interpret it.

It seems to me that all Scripture is meant for certain people.

 

[Tigger45]

It seems to me that all Scripture is meant for certain people.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

This verse is for everyone because of the whosoever.
Does that make sense?

 

[FaithT]

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

This verse is for everyone because of the whosoever.
Does that make sense?

Yes, but I was thinking more about all (many?) the “Fear not” and “ Peace be with you” Scriptures. They’re said to other people, not me.

 

[Tigger45]

Yes, but I was thinking more about all (many?) the “Fear not” and “ Peace be with you” Scriptures. They’re said to other people, not me.

Yeah I get that I’m the same way. The truth is those scriptures are for you but it’s by faith that we realize those concepts.

 

[FaithT]

Yeah I get that I’m the same way. The truth is those scriptures are for you but it’s by faith that we realize those concepts.

But how are we to know these Scriptures are for us, today? Source?

 

[FaithT]

But how are we to know these Scriptures are for us, today?
Do Bible verses apply to every Christian personally?

Source?

 

[FaithT]

But how are we to know these Scriptures are for us, today? Source?

?

 

[J_B_]

But how are we to know these Scriptures are for us, today? Source?

2 Timothy 3:16

Someone thought it was worth preserving the very words of God for you to read. I think that makes all of it worth reading. Just don't do it in a vacuum (at least not all the time). If there are parts from which you don't get anything, ask your pastor and/or fellow Christians what they think about the passage. I'm always amazed by what people say.

 

[Daniel9v9]

That's a great question, and I wish more people would think to ask it!

In our day, it's very common to read the Bible as either an instruction manual or as a guide on how to succeed in life or overcome certain issues. The Bible certainly holds the wisdom to help guide and direct us, but it's so much more than that!

All of the Bible is about Jesus Christ. There is a sense in which we can summarise that the Old Testament points forward to Christ, and the New Testament points back to Christ. So, the Bible, for the most part, is not about us directly, but is applied to us through Jesus. That is, instead of flipping up any random page and reading a single verse, then closing the book and go "Hmmmmmm. What does this verse mean to me?" - We are much better off reading entire passages in their natural context, considering their immediate context (what's written before and after the verse or passage) and their broader context (the whole Bible).

Take the example of the resurrection of Lazarus. It's gotten popular to rip a few verses out of context, allegorise it, and then shoestring it together into something like: "God can raise up your dead business" or "God can revive your dream". This is just not what the text is about. The application is much better - it's assurance and comfort in God's grace and the living hope of a new life in Christ. It's about our salvation and resurrection, not merely about our career or vision for the future etc.

As a bit of practical advice, I find the Lutheran Study Bible and the Small Catechism With Explanation super helpful for reading the Bible, and it's something I would recommend to anyone who wants a greater appreciation for how the Bible ought to be read and understood - that is, in a Christological way.