10 Mistakes People Make with Bible Study and Interpretation (plus 1 bonus)

Lightning fast read meant to make you think…

10 Mistakes People Make with Bible Study and Interpretation (plus 1 bonus):

1. They read into the Bible what they want it to say (eisegesis, proof texting) instead of leading out the meaning in its context (exegesis).

2. They don’t rely on and ask the Lord (in prayer) for insight. (Luke 24:27, 45-47)

3. They overlook the Church Fathers and their perspectives on interpreting certain passages (though the Church Fathers ARE NOT divinely inspired).

4. They forget to let Scripture interpret Scripture (the Bible is the best commentary on the Bible – look to the cross references).

5. They mishandle / misapply / misappropriate Law and Gospel (at its fundamental level, the Law – Mosaic Covenant – in Scripture shows us we are sinners while the Gospel – New Covenant in Jesus’ blood – shows us our sins can be and are forgiven through trust in Christ). (Matthew 19:16-22; John 3:16)

6. They come under the spell of false teachers who tickle itching ears (there are many authors, preachers/speakers who twist Scripture in our day – there is much money to be made by doing it). (2 Timothy 4:3)

7. They overlook the fact that the Bible is only book in all the world that is God-breathed, divinely inspired / theopneustos and no other revelation is needed. (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:2)

8. They draw prescriptions (how to’s) from historical (Bible) narratives (e.g. the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost IS NOT normative for all times and all people).

9. They read themselves (narcigesis or narcissistic eisegesis) into the Bible (e.g. You are not David defeating your Goliath; You are not Joshua entering your promised land, etc).

10. They believe everything that comes out of a preacher’s mouth and overlook the exhortation to discernment. (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1)

BONUS They submit to fanciful ideas like God wants them to prosper financially (Prosperity Gospel) or they can speak reality into existence (Word of Faith Heresy) or if they just yield and surrender more (try harder) then God will really bless them (Keswick Theology) or healing happens every time they pray with faith (then why do people still die?).

(Person Holding Bible via pixnio)

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