APR 3

2 Timothy 2:14-18
Memorise 2 Timothy 2:7
“…and the Lord giveth thee understanding in all things.”

The aim of interpretation is simply for one to correctly understand God’s Word and also to gain a deeper understanding of it. Note how diplomats from different countries who do not speak the same language engage interpreters to help them understand each other. If the interpretation is not done correctly, the consequences of miscommunication at high-level meetings between world leaders could be disastrous. Just a single word translated wrongly could lead to far greater consequences, possibly even that of war. World leaders recognise this and take great pains to ensure that this is avoided.

For us as Christians, we are to handle the Word of God even more carefully because the consequences are spiritual in nature and can affect us or the people around us for eternity. This is why 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to “study to shew thyself approved unto God”. To study God’s Word is not merely to read and remember but also to diligently work at gaining a deeper and proper understanding of God’s Word, working hard at it like a labourer in the field would sweat and toil under the scorching sun. We are also told to rightly divide God’s Word. Dividing God’s Word can be likened to a biologist who, having dissected his specimen, scrutinises it and documents every minute detail of what he observes under the microscope. Likewise, we are to dwell on God’s every Word and understand not just the general meaning behind Bible passages but also to know why God uses certain words, phrases and tenses in the Bible in their respective contexts. This involves much time, diligence and attention to detail. When we do so, the Bible assures us that we can be like a workman approved of God, for God takes delight in His children when they take His Word seriously, put in the effort to understand it better, and draw closer to Him.

Unlike every other book ever written, the Bible stands apart and above the rest in its inerrancy, wisdom and richness. To simply be satisfied with just a superficial understanding without delving more deeply into its marvelous truths, or even worse, to misinterpret it, is to deny ourselves the best education possible. Hermeneutics is therefore the tool which can help us to this end for our spiritual benefit, and protect us from the dangers of false teachers and false doctrines.

Thought: The key to having the mind of Christ and a close walk with God is through studying and rightly dividing His Word.
Prayer: Reveal to me, O Lord, the rich treasures of knowledge and wisdom hidden in Thy Word.