Why Is It So Important to Read Properly God's Word?

It is a necessity that we read properly God's Word!  In order to properly read the Bible is to take into account the whole of its biblical context: that of its wording, (syntax) that are written within its original language.  Even though the original language of the Bible are interpret within its original meaning but that the student of the Bible must seek to understand that of its language according to the standard definition.  Whenever the Church fail by ignoring that of the language of the Bible will miss the importance of its message (2 Tim. 2:15).

   Let's take for example the classic text of John 10:4 where Jesus says, "When he has brought out his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." The question?: Is it important that we look at the immediate passage at the exclusion of its surrounding context (John 10:1-3)? First, and foremost it is quite important that as the student of the Bible read that of the text under study is to read previous biblical passage/s so as to shed light upon its immediate context (John 10:4).  

  Quite unfortunately within many Charismatic and Pentecostal movements there is a deep-seated sanctimoniousness that the louder they sound the holier they are but are ignorant when it comes to properly reading God's Word. Instead they rely upon the Spirit's intuition to give them understanding of God's Word without rolling up their sleeves to do the difficult task of studying scripture. The necessity for reason has been replaced for some "inward" voice of the spirit to give them revelation concerning the Bible (2 Pet. 1:20).  As students of the Bible we cannot substitute the study of God's Word for some "inner" witness of the spirit as proof that we know what the Bible teaches. It is only a "spiritual" cop out to shield that of biblical ignorance.

   Throughout this article I will begin to map out (1) the importance of properly reading God's Word. (2) Also, the importance of properly defining key biblical words in light of the Bible. (3) The necessity in understanding the historical, biblical, and theological analysis of a given passage/s of scripture.

   First, it is important to properly read God's Word. The way by which the student of the Bible can accomplish this task is to read slowly but carefully both the preceding and immediate context of scripture.  There is no need for the student of the Bible to rush in reading God's Word but to ask God for complete understanding of its main message, that of its biblical characters, and the type of literature that are being read. Many people make the mistake by reading over the Bible without taking into account the importance of its message. We must always treat God's Word as a important piece of literature that is inspired by God. Every word of scripture is verbally inspired by God as to its authority and inspiration (2 Pet. 1:19-21 with 2 Tim. 3:16).

   Secondly, why is it very important to define biblical terms according to the standard definition of the Bible? There are many cults and sects that utilize at will the biblical language of the Bible but have "radical" different meanings (Rom. 16:17-18).  Let's take for example "Faith." The biblical concept of the doctrine of Faith that are taught within many Faith circles, "Faith is a force." In so many words many Faith televangelists have in fact "radically" redefine Faith as some "tangible, electrical" spiritual force by which the "Faith" Christian can speak things into existence (Heb. 11:2).

But the true meaning of the doctrine of faith is simply "trusting" God (Heb. 11:6). The whole of the fabric of faith is centered on the Bible, God, Jesus, and salvation.  Words have true biblical meaning but for the Faith cultist to "redefine" Christian biblical terminology is to play into the semantic ploy of Satan (1 Tim. 4:1). In order to strip the Faith cultist of its most powerful arsenal is to insist they define biblical terms according to the standard definition of the Bible (2 Cor. 4:1-4).

   Thirdly, the necessity of knowing the historical context of the Bible.  As the student of the Bible begin to know the language of the Bible they must also understand the historical context for which it is written. In so many words the student of the Bible must understand the language of the Bible from which it was written historically. What the language of the Bible meant then does not mean what is meant within our present-day culture. There is a culture gap between that of the original language of the Bible as our culture vernacular. Even though we as students of the Bible does not have the original but copies of the Bible is for all purposes to seek to understand the original language of the Bible.  There are Bible dictionaries, concordance, and other standard resource materials that can help us to understand the original language ("wording") of scripture in light of its historical context. Never should the student of the Bible attempt to assume that what a word meant is what it means according to their understanding of what they think it means (2 Tim. 2:15).  Postmodernism, feelings of subjectivity, and distortion stems from the sinfulness of man's moral nature in how they come to bring about their own worldview (Col. 2:4, 6. 8, 18, 19).

   In closing it is very important to know how to read properly God's Word, that of the necessity in understanding the language of the Bible in its original context, ans that of its historical, biblical, and theological context from which it is written (2 Tim. 3:16).

Rev. Darryl L. Miller is Founder and president of Darryl Miller International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the Podcast Host of, "Ask Darryl" (www.spreaker.com/user/bishopoflyons) that airs 24/7. Darryl is bestselling author of his book, "The Prosperity Gospel: Where Did It Come From? Gnostic Source? Or Spiritual Revelation? As a apologist, pastor, conference speaker, and lecturer he is in great demand both in the United States and around the world. Darryl lives with his wife Vivian outside Atlanta with their puppy "Little Baby."