Ask Dr. Youssef: What is most important to take into account when studying the Bible?

QUESTION:

"What is most important to take into account when studying the Bible?"

I have always believed that the Word of God has mighty power when it is read, applied, and obeyed.

ANSWER:

God invites us to read and study His Word, but we must do our best to correctly handle the Word of Truth (see 2 Timothy 2:15).

Whenever you read a passage of Scripture, take time to ask yourself these five simple questions:

What did this text communicate to its original audience? Before we can apply the Bible to our lives today, we must first know how it applied to its first readers.
What type of literature am I reading? In other words, what is the genre? Is it poetry or prose? Is the language meant to be taken literally or figuratively?
What is the real meaning of this passage? As best you can tell, what is the plain, straightforward meaning of the text?

How can I apply this message to my life? We must take hold of the Truths of the Bible and allow them to renew our thoughts and actions.
What does this say about God's nature? What Truths does this passage reveal about who He is?

I have always believed that the Word of God has mighty power when it is read, applied, and obeyed. I pray that as you read the Scripture carefully and faithfully, it will spark a revival in your heart.

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