How to Study Scripture

3 Days

What Does This Mean?

Day 2

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On day two, we are going to review the data we collected yesterday out of our passage and answer: what does this really mean? Or in other words, why was it written?

Let’s get started.

Summary

Context is the key to understanding. When we approach a passage of scripture, it’s important to gain a deeper look into what we are reading. How do we do this? We ask questions!

What do you observe about this text? Look back to your notes from Day One.
What other verses in scripture help me understand this one? Use scripture to interpret scripture!
Who is the author writing to?
Who is who? Look at words like “them,” “you,” and “I”

We have found that Context + Observation = Interpretation.

As you look to interpret the Scripture you read, review these three steps:

Pray. Ask God, “Am I understanding this right? Can you help me understand this text?”
Study scripture in community. Diamonds are best seen in the light and from different angles. The same is true about scripture. When we gather around the word of God together, looking from different angles at who he is and what he's done, we're gonna be built up and equipped for every good work.
Use a resource. Use a study bible or a commentary for a deeper look into what you read.

When we move from what we saw to what it means, it changes how we move. The goal is not to gain more information for information’s sake but to be changed and challenged by the inspired Word of God.

Scripture References

12.For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

16.All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17.so that the servant of God3:17 Or that you, a man of God, may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

25.but the word of the Lord endures forever.”1:25 Isaiah 40:6-8 (see Septuagint) And this is the word that was preached to you.

24. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26.But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

24.Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

22.Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23.Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24.and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25.But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

About the Contributor

Jonathan Pickens leads the Student Ministry for Passion City Church Cumberland. He graduated from the University of Georgia and is currently finishing his Masters in Theology from Dallas Seminary. He lives in Marietta with his wife, Mary, and their daughter Rae. He loves anything outdoors, time with family, and the church. View more from the Contributor.