Scripture Interpreted: Approaching God’s Word with Reverence and Clarity.

Beloved, as we begin to explore what it means to correctly interpret Scripture, let’s remember the seriousness of our calling as teachers and disciples. Paul’s charge in 2 Timothy 2:15 rings out: “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” To rightly divide is to cut straight—a picture of careful, skilled craftsmanship. Interpreting the Bible isn’t about clever opinions or personal agendas; it is about handling Yahweh’s Word with awe, humility, and accuracy so that His voice—not ours—is what shapes lives.

The Bible itself models this approach. In Nehemiah 8:8, the priests “read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” True teaching goes beyond reciting words; it explains, clarifies, and connects the passage’s original meaning to the listeners’ real lives. It is the Spirit’s work through both the teacher and the hearer that brings understanding and transformation.

To interpret rightly means we start with context: Who wrote this book? To whom? What was happening at the time? What kind of literature is it—history, poetry, prophecy, or teaching? The Spirit, Ruach HaKodesh, is our ultimate Guide, but He often works through diligent study—cross-referencing passages, consulting trusted resources, and learning from the church’s collective wisdom. 2 Peter 1:20-21 reminds us, “No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation… but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

A story: Imagine a Bible study where each member brings their own perspective, but together they seek to understand the author’s original intent before drawing modern applications. The result is clarity, unity, and a deeper respect for the authority of the Word. When the Word is honored, the church is protected from error and confusion.

Pause and journal: Where have you struggled to interpret Scripture accurately? Are there passages you’ve misunderstood, or places where cultural assumptions have colored your reading? Write a prayer asking Ruach HaKodesh to teach you, sharpen your understanding, and keep your heart reverent before the Word.

Beloved, as you handle God’s Word with skill, reverence, and Spirit-led clarity, you lay a foundation that will bear fruit in your life and in those you teach. May Yahweh make you a trustworthy steward of His truth.

Context Is Key: Bridging the Ancient Text and the Modern World.

Beloved, to interpret Scripture correctly is to honour both its ancient context and its ongoing relevance for today. The Word of God was not written in a vacuum; it speaks through real people, in real places, facing real challenges and hopes. When we open our Bibles, we enter a world of prophets and priests, kings and commoners, deserts and upper rooms—and we seek to understand what Yahweh was saying then, so we might hear what He is saying now.

In Acts 17:11, the Berean believers modelled this beautifully. “They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They brought open hearts and active minds, examining each teaching in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. Their diligence protected them from error and deepened their faith. In our context, this means resisting the urge to grab a verse out of context or force a modern meaning onto an ancient truth. Instead, we ask: What did this mean for its original audience? How does it point us to Yeshua? What timeless principle or promise does it reveal for us now?

Let’s make this practical. If you’re teaching on Psalm 23, go beyond its comforting poetry. Consider David’s background as a shepherd, Israel’s relationship with Yahweh as their Shepherd, and how Yeshua declares Himself the Good Shepherd in John 10. The ancient story comes alive, and suddenly its comfort, correction, and hope meet your congregation in their daily struggles.

This approach also guards us from “private interpretations” (2 Peter 1:20), reminding us that the Spirit-inspired Word has a meaning bigger than our personal experience or current trend. Humility is key. We are not the authors—we are listeners, students, and servants of the text.

Pause and journal: Are there passages where you’ve overlooked context—jumping to application before understanding the original meaning? Is there a book or section of the Bible you need to study more deeply to teach accurately? Write a prayer inviting Yahweh to open your eyes to both the history and the heart of His Word.

Beloved, as you bridge the gap between the ancient world and our own, you reveal the timeless wisdom, power, and grace of Scripture. May your teaching bring life, clarity, and reverence for the unchanging Word of God.

The Spirit and the Sword: Letting God’s Word Do Its Work.

Beloved, handling the Scriptures with accuracy is not a purely intellectual pursuit—it is a partnership with Ruach HaKodesh, who inspired every word and brings every verse to life. Hebrews 4:12 proclaims, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” When we teach and interpret Scripture with prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, the living Word accomplishes what no human explanation can—convicting, healing, and transforming hearts.

It is tempting to rely on clever outlines, persuasive language, or cultural trends. But the true authority of our teaching rests not in our skill, but in our surrender. Every lesson should begin and end with prayer: “Ruach HaKodesh, reveal truth, speak through me, and do what only You can do.” As we faithfully interpret and communicate God’s Word, we make space for Yahweh to speak directly to the hearer’s soul.

Consider Nehemiah 8:8. The Levites read the Scriptures, gave the sense, and helped the people understand. The result? Conviction fell, tears flowed, and then joy erupted as the people realized the grace and faithfulness of Yahweh. When the Spirit wields the sword, teaching becomes encounter. Transformation goes far beyond mental assent—it is spiritual surgery, bringing repentance, hope, and freedom.

Practical encouragement: As you prepare to teach, take time to pray over your passage, your listeners, and your own heart. Invite Ruach HaKodesh to highlight what is most needed in this moment. Create opportunities in your teaching for silence, response, and prayer, allowing the Word to “pierce” and minister where only God can reach.

Pause and journal: Where have you seen the Holy Spirit use the Scriptures to cut through resistance, comfort pain, or reveal truth in unexpected ways? Are there places in your own teaching or study where you need to depend more on the Spirit and less on your own wisdom? Write a prayer surrendering your teaching to Ruach HaKodesh.

Beloved, the sword of the Spirit is living and active in you and through you. As you honour both the Word and the Spirit, your teaching will carry eternal weight, drawing others to Yeshua and building up the Body of Christ.

From Understanding to Application: Teaching with Relevance and Integrity.

Beloved, true interpretation of Scripture is not complete until it moves from understanding into faithful application. The goal is not only to “give the sense” of the text (Nehemiah 8:8), but to lead listeners to live it out in practical, Spirit-empowered ways. Good teaching builds a bridge from the original meaning of the passage to the realities and decisions of daily life, so that Yahweh’s truth is not only known but also embodied.

Yeshua Himself modeled this perfectly. He taught with clarity, but also with relevance—bringing Kingdom truth into the marketplace, the synagogue, the home, and the everyday struggles of ordinary people. When He taught about forgiveness, generosity, or prayer, He invited His followers not just to agree, but to practice. In the same way, effective teachers ask: “How does this Scripture transform our thinking, relationships, priorities, and mission?”

Consider a real-world story: A teacher led a group through the parable of the Good Samaritan. Rather than stopping at theological explanation, she challenged each person to look for opportunities to show mercy in their week—at work, in their neighborhood, or with a stranger. The Word came alive as stories were shared of compassion, courage, and unexpected breakthrough.

Practical encouragement: When teaching, always land your lesson with a call to action, reflection, or prayer. Encourage journaling, group discussion, or a specific assignment based on the Scripture. Remind your listeners that the Word of God, rightly interpreted and applied, is the source of breakthrough and transformation. Don’t rush to application without doing the work of interpretation—but never leave a message in the realm of theory.

Pause and journal: What passages have you understood in the mind, but struggled to live out in practice? Where do you need Ruach HaKodesh to help you bridge the gap between insight and obedience? Write a prayer for courage and integrity in both teaching and living out the Word.

Beloved, as you teach with relevance and integrity, you become a living example of the Word—showing that the Scriptures are not just ancient wisdom, but the roadmap for every season and circumstance of life.

Legacy Teaching: Equipping Generations to Interpret and Live God’s Word.

Beloved, as we bring this message on interpreting Scripture to a close, let’s embrace the sacred responsibility and privilege of equipping others for a lifetime of fruitful study and faithful obedience. Our goal as teachers is not merely to provide answers, but to train disciples who will rightly divide the word of truth for themselves—who can feed others, disciple new believers, and build up the Body of Christ for generations to come.

Paul’s vision in 2 Timothy 2:15 and the model of the Bereans in Acts 17:11 remind us that sound interpretation is both a personal and communal journey. It is personal—because each of us is called to study, question, and seek Ruach HaKodesh for wisdom. It is communal—because the Church grows strong when we search the Scriptures together, test each other’s insights, and hold one another accountable to biblical truth. This is how we guard against error, division, and spiritual drift.

Let’s illustrate: A church invests in regular “How to Study the Bible” workshops, where all ages learn tools for context, interpretation, and application. As parents and teachers model humble, prayerful study, children and young believers become curious, confident, and equipped to walk in truth long after they leave home. In this environment, the legacy of accurate teaching multiplies across families, ministries, and even nations.

Activation moment: Who is Yahweh inviting you to mentor, disciple, or encourage in handling the Scriptures? Pray about starting a study group, investing in a young leader, or simply modeling faithful study in your home. Journal the names of those you sense the Spirit is highlighting, and ask for boldness and creativity to pass on what you’ve received.

Beloved, as you pour yourself into raising up interpreters and doers of the Word, you are leaving a legacy that will shine long after you are gone. May Ruach HaKodesh use your teaching, your example, and your prayers to equip generations for truth, unity, and Kingdom impact—in the name of Yeshua.