Beginning to Understand Scripture - Part 1

             Someone recently asked me, “How do you begin to understand the Scripture?”  That’s a tough question—one even the most educated Bible scholars often wrestle with.  Don’t let that discourage you.  There are some special tools that God designed just for our enlightenment.

            First and foremost, for the believer, you must begin with prayer.  I can already hear someone saying, “That’s all well and good for the believer, but what if you are seeking? Then, what?”  Good question.  I think a look at the life and ministry of Christ provides the answer.  Jesus’ disciples were constantly questioning His teachings, His actions, and His statements about the future.  They were often much like us—they didn’t have a clue.  Occasionally, Jesus chastised them for not having grown in their knowledge, but He NEVER refused to answer their questions. He used those questions to teach them more about His message and His purpose.  If someone is genuinely seeking to understand the Scripture, even if they are not yet a believer, I believe that God will welcome their questions and help to lead them to understanding.

            So, then what should we pray?  Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1: 15 – 23 sets out the prayer points for wisdom and understanding of God and His Word.  If you have friends who are believers, ask them to pray for you just as Paul did for the Christians in Ephesus.  I would hope that you will also pray for your friends in the same way.

            Like Paul, ask God, through the Holy Spirit, to give you wisdom and understanding of both Him and His Word.  Pray that God will enlighten you, not just in knowledge, but in understanding who He is and the blessings He has prepared for every believer. 

            Understanding the Scripture requires us to get to know God.  We may know all the Bible trivia, but until we get to know God in an intimate relationship, we won’t truly understand His teachings. 

            Next time, we’ll talk about the next step in understanding God’s Word.  For now, focus on spending time with Him.  Remember conversations should always be two-way—allow time for Him to speak to you as well.

Ephesians 1: 15 - 23

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