Joshua 1 verse 8: ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’

I sincerely believe you have been having a great time as we undertake this study. One of the primary goals of this study is to make bible study interesting, lively and to revive our appetite for the Word of God. Ps119v97, 131. I pray that this will be your experience and testimony in Jesus name, amen. Today, we will be going a step further in how to study the Scriptures. So here we go!

1. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE:

7. THE LAWS OF SCRIPTURAL INTERPRETATION:

VIII. The Law of Literal Interpretation: This law states that the Bible should be interpreted in its literal sense unless the context clearly indicates figurative or symbolic meaning. It is the plain meaning conveyed by its grammatical construction and history context. For example, if the Bible says a man went somewhere it means he went somewhere. If it says he built a house, it means he built a house. This is the understanding of this law. My dear friends as simple as this law looks, it is one of the most abused laws of scriptural interpretation because some people just want to make the Bible say what is not true. So this why we must learn to interpret scriptures as literal as it appear. This will save us from so many heretic teachings and revelations. May God help us all in Jesus name, amen.

Some examples to consider are as follows: Lk10v30-37(The Good Samaritan), 38-42 (Martha and Mary); 16v19-31(The Rich man & Lazarus); Gen1v1-31(The creation story)

IX. The Law of Scripture Interpretation. This law states that scriptures should be interpreted in the light of scriptures not in light of personal revelation. In other words when interpreting scriptures use clearer scripture to interpret those realities used and not otherwise. For instance: Exo20v11 (use Gen1v1-31); Acts2v17-21 (useJoel2v28-32) It is always good to search for other relevant or interconnected scripture before you make a doctrine out of anything. Jn5v39; Isa34v16. My dear friends, if we abide by this rule we will be saving ourselves from a lot of contentions and arguments. So let scripture be interpreted in the light of other scriptures.

X. The Law of Figurative Language. This law helps you in recognizing and interpreting scriptures in its figurative language, making use of metaphors, allegories and hyperbole.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something by saying that is something else.

An allegory is a story, poem or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning typically a moral or political one.

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claims not meant to be taken literally. 

The key principle behind this law lies in you paying attention to the use of metaphors, allegories and hyperbole in the scriptures. When you do, you will see that your understanding of the Bible is greatly enhanced. I pray that this will really be your testimony from today in Jesus name, amen.

Some examples to consider: Ps23v1-4; Ps27v1-2; Matt5v13-16; Jn11v25-26.

Other Scriptural Reference: Rom15v4; 1Tim4v13; Acts18v24-28; Isa34v16; Jn5v39.

Prayer for Today: Holy Spirit, help me to be a doer of this words in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: I am a doer of the word and not just a hearer. As I put this words into practice my life is changing for the better for God’s word is taking root in my heart and life. Glory be to God in the highest.