Interpreting the Bible: Why Method Matters

If we want to understand God’s Word, we must approach it with purpose. Reading the Bible without a plan—flipping randomly through pages, assuming verses speak to us without context—is like trying to solve a puzzle with no picture to guide us. God gave us Scripture to be understood, not mystified. That means we need a method—an approach to interpretation that honors the way God communicated His will.

Why People Resist Having a Method

Some avoid a structured approach out of fear. They’re afraid of what the Bible might say about their own lives—or what it might mean for loved ones who’ve lived or died outside of God’s truth. If they don’t “know,” they think they’re safe. But ignorance is not innocence (Acts 17:30–31). Others claim to receive direct revelations from the Holy Spirit and therefore feel no need for interpretation rules. Yet if the Holy Spirit wrote the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:20–21), why would He contradict Himself through private “revelation”? God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

The Bible Is Understandable

Many people wrongly believe the Bible cannot be understood like any other book. But Scripture was written in common language—Greek in the New Testament, Hebrew in the Old—not angelic or secret code. Paul himself said he wrote so others could understand the mystery now revealed (Ephesians 3:3–5). The Bible is not a riddle or a chameleon text that shifts its meaning with every reader. Truth is absolute. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth” (John 8:32), not that everyone will have their own version.

False Methods of Interpretation

Throughout history, people have misused the Bible by adopting flawed methods:

• Mystical Method: Suggests a hidden, spiritual meaning behind every text. Only a few “enlightened” people can supposedly interpret it correctly. This denies that the Bible was written for all (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
• Allegorical Method: Treats every narrative as a symbolic story. While the Bible uses allegory (Galatians 4), not every account is one. Over-allegorizing twists meaning and creates confusion.
• Hierarchical Method: Found in Roman Catholicism and similar groups, this method claims only church leadership can interpret Scripture. But God calls all men to study and understand His will (Acts 17:11).
• Dogmatic Method: Begins with a belief system or creed and then searches for verses to justify it. This reverses the process—we should derive doctrine from Scripture, not impose it on Scripture.
• Rational Method (Modernism): Rejects anything that defies human reason—miracles, prophecy, even resurrection. But faith requires us to believe in the power of God, not just the logic of man (1 Corinthians 1:18–25).
• Literal Method Misused: This takes all scripture literally, even symbolic texts like Revelation. Not everything in the Bible is literal—some of it is clearly poetic or figurative.

The Right Way: Inductive Bible Study

Jesus used the right method. In Luke 24:25–27, He rebuked the disciples on the road to Emmaus for failing to believe the prophets. Then “beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” That’s inductive study: gathering all God has said on a topic, examining it in context, and drawing a conclusion.

This method doesn’t start with our feelings or traditions. It begins with the inspired text, asks questions of the text, and seeks to understand it as God intended—using grammar, history, and context. It’s not mystical. It’s not shallow. It’s the process of letting God speak and us truly listen.

The Bible Was Written to Be Understood

God’s Word is written in ordinary human language. That means we should apply the same principles we use in understanding any message: grammar, syntax, authorial intent, and context. A science textbook has one meaning in its pages. A newspaper article conveys specific facts. So does the Bible. It’s not a magical book where everyone gets a different truth. It’s a divine book where we must all seek the same truth.

Conclusion: Don’t Be Told—Be Taught by God

Too many are satisfied to be told what the Bible means rather than taught by the Bible itself. Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me” (John 6:45). God gave us a book to be studied, not a mystery to be feared. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105)—but only if we open our eyes and walk in it.

Sermon Outline: “Interpreting the Bible—The Right Way”

Introduction:

• God gave His Word to be understood.
• We need a method of interpretation to avoid confusion and error.

I. Why People Avoid Bible Interpretation

• Fear of truth (John 3:19–20)
• Claims of special revelation (1 Corinthians 14:33)
• Belief that Scripture is unknowable (Ephesians 3:3–5)

II. Flawed Methods Throughout History

• Mystical
• Allegorical
• Hierarchical
• Dogmatic
• Rationalism (Modernism)
• Hyper-literalism

III. Jesus’ Method: Inductive Bible Study (Luke 24:27)

• He used all Scripture to teach about Himself.
• Truth comes from gathering, comparing, and understanding all that God said.

IV. The Bible Is Meant to Be Understood

• Written in normal language
• Requires effort, not special revelation
• Same rules as normal communication

Call to Action:
God expects us to study (2 Timothy 2:15), search (Acts 17:11), and rightly divide His Word. Don’t rely on others to tell you what to believe—go to the Bible yourself. Use the method Jesus used. Open your Bible, gather the truth, and let God speak.