What kinds of questions should we ask ourselves when reading the Bible so that we understand it better?

Answer 1

That's a good question. I personally think that it's really important to relate the Bible to our lives and Jesus. I regret to say that I don't have much of an answer, but I have a few ideas.

1) How does this passage, if at all, relate to the overarching theme of man's fall and redemption in the Bible?
2) What are the many ways in which God rewards righteousness?
3) What consequences of sin does this passage in the Bible illustrate?
4)What are the tactics or traps used (by Satan?) to encourage human vice?

I only have three, but I think there are many other questions you can pose to yourself to help understand the Bible better. For example, because there are many false doctrines out there, take a particular doctrine and see to what extent the doctrine is substantiated by the Bible. Also, ask yourself a question about anything at all, such as how God thinks, or whether God would approve of a certain practice, and attempt to answer it with the Bible.

Answer 2

You should ask God for wisdom of what you are reading. People think that the Bible contradicts itself, but it doesn't. Sometimes the Bible is symbolic. Some things have different meanings in different parts of the Bible. Also, if you read something and don't understand it, give yourself some time and reread it again in a few weeks. You'll be amazed that you'll understand it then. It's all about growing. We don't understand things because we don't know how to accept it. Knowledge is power. All of the people that think God doesn't exist don't have knowledge. They don't know how to accept God or His ways, so they run from Him and make fun of Him and Christians.

Answer 3

awful reaction and stay away from the J.W.'s except it drift's your boat, those human beings fall in to a Christianized cult via the way-i'm specific God would not have a concern with birthday events nor youngster's toys my humble opinion. in any case it could have been the kind you posed the question and the lack of the human beings that spoke back to describe it. Theologians have a place know-how the writings and words are extremely substantial pondering the translations and how many human beings communicate Arimatic and characteristic the educational on historical writings and what the Greek translation to previous English translation to widespread English and so on. it somewhat is complicated and DOES take time to comprehend it somewhat is symbolic and multilayered. Literal translation misses the evaluate many passages so speaking with theologians would somewhat be a sturdy course to take. there are different bible better half books with diverse denomination backgrounds. Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox theology understandings of the parables inspite of the shown fact that Catholic and Orthodox theologians concure in lots of cases. My suggestion could be stay away from fundalmentalist and Christianized cults do to the actuality of very narrow perspectives and finished literalism. Allegorical writings not ultimate interepted this form.. In a communicate board like this one, and having communities of folk that have a mini war attacking bible passages and thinking faiths and vise versa human beings writing approximately hearth and brimstone; an harmless question attempting to comprehend a non secular writing may well be attacked in errors or recommendations-set. shop examining and asking questions ultimately you will locate somebody that would assist you recognize different perspectives of the metafors and parables. sturdy luck and remember not something is trouble-free on any religious course, even Zen may well be tedious and Satori is unusual. ultimate suggestion ask a Christian monk with verifiable lineage for the deep questions, pray for guidence, meditate on the gospels and you'd be able to locate what your searching for and extra. NIV, King James, New American Bible for Catholics are sturdy variations. Getting one set up for college pupils can help besides.

Answer 4

What were the authors trying to communicate to the audience the writings were intending to address?

What was the context of these writings?

What are the differences between those days and circumstances and the circumstances of today?

Would anyone who's written in the Bible understand what it's like to have flush toilets, automobiles, microwaves, savings accounts, televisions, pavement, air conditioning, telescopes, vaccines, the internet, or a constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion?

Answer 5

We should read it in context. Who is the target audience? What is the message? How do I apply it?

Not everything in the Bible is for everyone. Example: God is probably not telling us to build an ark. But some verses are for everyone, such as John 3:16, where it says that God so loved the WORLD.

Answer 6

Ask who God was talking to and why. What was the situation. ?? BE sure you read all the surrounding texts to understand this, and dont base a meaning on just that one text. Be clear what its about. and, then ask God to show you what this means to you and your life. Is there a sin you are needing to give up, something you are needing to do... and just how does this apply to your own life. Ask God to show you this and He will. Ask, and then wait, to hear His voice as He shows you, and He will. We arent just to read the Bible, but to study it and meditate upon it, to check all things in life against what God says. If something or someone is contrary to Gods word, we know they have faulty believs. Study, pray, and God will show you.

Answer 7

Make up a list of the five most important questions that you are seeking answers to. After you are done your reading, try to answer these questions.
A good concordance is helpfull.

Answer 8

ask yourself how long it's been since the last time you read it and then if the answer is over a month, flip it open to whatever part you come across and read it. then try and figure out what it has to do with your life.

Answer 9

many christians including myself struggle with this. but some are

what is GOd's lesson in this? what does He want me to get out of this book? WHat is he teaching? can apply this to my own life situation and how? does anything spark my interest and stand out to me? it helps if u meditate on the word and reflect. talk to God about it. its His way of communicating to us thru the bible

Answer 10

I am agnostic, but when I read the bible I asked only questions that came to my mind not what other people wanted me to question or think.