Bible Reading Tips: Ask These 3 Questions Before You Apply Scripture “What does this say to me?” This is a question that some believers, and even some preachers, often ask when reading the Bible. Now, I don’t think the question is entirely wrong. However, I don’t think it should be our first question, because we must consider the context. Remember, the Bible was not written to us as its original audience, but it was written for us and for our instruction. So, what questions should we ask? Stage one: Observation. What does this passage say? What do I see in the text? Stage two: Interpretation. What does this passage mean in its original context? Stage three: Application. What does this passage require of us? How should I respond to what it says and means? As we consider application, we can think about three areas. The head: How does this passage challenge me to think differently about God, the world, the church, and myself? The heart: How does it challenge my feelings, hopes, fears, desires, and deepest longings in relation to God and His truth? The hands: How does this passage call me to live differently and serve practically, both as an individual and as a member of the community of faith? Why do we ask these questions? Because we do not want to impose our own meaning on the text. We want to discover its intended meaning and apply it faithfully. As Paul charges Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15, we are to be workmen who are approved by God, who are not ashamed, and who rightly handle the word of truth. So, beloved, don’t begin by asking only, “What does this say to me?” First ask, “What does the text say? What does it mean? And what does it require of me?” Let us learn to read the Bible faithfully, understand it rightly, and obey it wholeheartedly. I hope this helps you. God bless you. Cheers! #BibleStudy #HowToReadTheBible #BiblicalInterpretation #ExpositoryPreaching #SolaScriptura - @ts_ntshinga