Have you ever asked yourself, “What does God mean here?” If so, you’re not alone. This question often arises, especially when we are just beginning our journey of faith. Understanding the Bible is a process, but with the right approach, you can gain deeper insights into God’s Word. Here are three practical tips to help you:
The Bible has many characters, and understanding who is speaking can greatly impact your interpretation of the text. For example, in Matthew 4:1-3, we read:
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’”
Here, three entities are involved: the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and the devil. The dialogue reveals the devil’s tactics of sowing doubt. Understanding who is speaking—in this case, the devil—provides clarity. If the devil tempted Jesus, he can certainly try to deceive us too. The devil knew Jesus was the Son of God, but his strategy was to introduce doubt: “If You are the Son of God…” Recognising the speaker helps us discern truth from lies.
Remember, the Word of God is not “fast food”; it requires patience and careful consideration.
To better understand the Scriptures, immerse yourself in the time, place, and context of the text. Picture yourself as a time traveller stepping into the environment described.
In the same verses from Matthew, imagine the wilderness: a dry, barren desert under the blazing sun. Jesus fasted for 40 days, enduring physical hunger and spiritual challenges. Now, place yourself in that scene. Imagine the vulnerability and the immense strength required to resist temptation.
This practice of “traveling into the Word” makes the Bible come alive. It helps you connect with the experiences of the people in the Scriptures and understand how their lessons apply to your life.
Reading and understanding the Bible is only the beginning. The next step is application. After meditating on what you have read, ask God:
For example, if you feel like you’re in a “desert season”—a time of struggle or hardship—the story of the temptation of Jesus could inspire you to persevere.
Practice this daily, preferably in the morning, and let God’s Word transform your life step by step.
By asking who is speaking, immersing yourself in the context, and applying the lessons to your life, you’ll find the Bible becomes more than just a book; it becomes a guide for your daily walk with God.
Follow these tips, and join us every Wednesday for our Bible study at your local Universal Church to deepen your understanding of the Scriptures and to strengthen your faith.
Event: School of Faith (Bible Study)
Day and time: Every Wednesday at 7:30pm (also at 7am, 10am and 3pm)
Location: Your local Universal Church
