Reading the Bible this week? What are you looking for as you read? What's your method for reading and interpreting (for understanding) the words of God?
Give this a shot- The goal of good and true interpreting is to understand 3 things: 1) What did it mean? 2) What does it mean for me? 3) How do I share it with others?
Of these 3, which are the ways that you have been traditionally taught in Church? Which of these ways do you most often study the Bible? What happens if you leave out one of these methods?
Remember that our goal is to find the text's basic meaning, rather than bring meaning to the text. It's always important to recognize the genre of what you are reading, and read it accordingly. Are you reading narrative or poetry, law or hymns, history or personal letters, prophecy or gospels? This is important, because if you read a genre in the wrong way, you might not catch the irony (sarcasm) of Amos, and believe that he was actually intructing God's people to increase their sins (Amos 4:4)!
Below is my personal map for studying the Bible, I hope it is helpful! *printable version HERE.
Full printable version at this link: HERE
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