… If you search for it as for hidden treasure,
 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:3-5

Even as recent as last year, I wanted to take the easy way out. I wanted someone else to interpret scripture and give me the SparkNotes version.

After years of Bible study, I still didn’t know how to interpret some of the difficult passages.

I gravitated toward Christian books and podcasts to help me interpret the Bible.

But I found a lot of “soft” and controversial teaching among “Christians.”

More and more, I see 2 Timothy 4:3 come into play. Both believers and non-believers turn to teachers who tell them what they want to hear.

Why is this?

Well, besides human nature. I have a couple of guesses.

Secular publishing companies now own many Christian publishers. Book publishing is big business — not a ministry.

Also, Progressive Christianity has gone mainstream. A growing number of believers want to re-interpret scripture based on culture. They put heavy emphasis on social justice and freedom in Christ. We should celebrate our freedom in Christ. However, this is not freedom to sin.

So how do we counteract this?

We must learn to interpret scripture. We must go back to basics. When reading a passage, ask yourself these four questions:

1. What does the text say?

2. What did the author intend for the reader?

3. What is the timeless truth?

4. How can I apply this today?

Fortunately, we have many free resources today online. So you don’t have to go it alone.

After reading the passage, read a couple of commentaries to give you the background from the time period. This will help you understand the passage in its historical context. Only then can you learn the timeless truth and apply it today.

Yes, this takes some digging and some effort. But God’s Word promises that we’ll find treasures when we seek Him.

I challenge you to take your Bible study to a deeper level.

How can you do this today?

Stacy