Views and Reviews: Living By The Book
It is critically important for each Christian to have a basic understanding of how to interpret the Scriptures. Before we think about an application (how the passage is significant to us today), we must deal carefully with interpretation (what the passage means, in its context). Each of us must “be diligent to present [himself] approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing [skillfully handling] the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15).
An excellent book on this subject is Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks (father and son). A refreshing approach, easy to follow, with lots of charts and illustrations, as well as exercises for you to try. (Now there are workbooks available as well, and a companion video.) The authors begin by explaining why it is important to study the Bible. Then they take the reader through three key steps:
- Observation (including “Six Things to Look For”)
- Interpretation (including “Five Keys to Interpretation”)
- Application (with “Four Steps in Application” and more).
Recommended!