Preserving Sound Doctrine

From the outset, it’s imperative to address and answer basic questions pertaining to the title Preserving Sound Doctrine.  These questions will serve to help explain my purpose for this manuscript. In this Introduction, three key questions will be asked: 1) What does preserving sound doctrine mean? 2) Why is preserving sound doctrine important? and 3) How does one go about preserving sound doctrine? In the pages to follow, these and other questions connected to Preserving Sound Doctrine will be discussed as they relate to the need for, and importance of, pursing truth and biblical integrity.

Before addressing these three questions, I would like to give a personal anecdote of when I first became aware of the need for preserving sound doctrine. At the age of 19, I surrendered my life to Christ as my Savior. I was fortunate to be a part of a large church which was committed to both evangelism and discipleship. Nonetheless, as a neophyte believer in Christ, I was confronted with various theological concepts and bible-related questions which I wrestled with comprehending and answering. These puzzling questions included:

• Who is responsible for attaining salvation, God or us?
• Can someone pray for their family or friends to get into heaven?
• Is sexual purity necessary for someone to go to heaven?
• What does it really mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Having only a limited and sporadic church experience in my early teens, coupled with no religious upbringing in my family, I needed to quickly get up to speed on understanding what the Scriptures actually taught about the above questions. I was hungry to be grounded in theological truths and sound doctrine. Consequently, I have spent a lifetime (over 55 years) of pursing a proper understanding of God’s word through personal study, church-based instruction and formal training in higher education at the university, seminary and graduate school levels. In doing so, I have acquired a passion for knowing the truths found in the Bible and seeking to teach sound doctrine to others, while confronting unsound teaching when needed. While I recognize that there will always be varying views concerning some theological concepts and doctrines, I have sought to be a student committed to “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:28) and to teach God’s word with “integrity, seriousness and soundness.” Titus 1:7  

What Does Preserving Sound Doctrine Mean?

It is interesting to note that the phrase “sound doctrine” was used or implied by the Apostle Paul a number of times in his writing letters to Timothy and Titus, his two young prodigy’s and missionary companions. In the pages to come, we will look more intently into how and why Paul exhorted both of them to preserve sound doctrine.

In the Greek language, the word “sound” is Hygiano and refers to the ideas of being “safe, physically well or healthy” while, in reference to faith and doctrine, it is being “true, pure and uncorrupted.” The Greek word for “doctrine” is Didaskalia and refers to “that which is taught, detailed instruction or indoctrination. It carries with it the ideas of “divinely revealed truth” or instruction requiring “theological elaboration and accurate interpretation.” The Apostle Paul spoke to this very point when he challenged Timothy by writing, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).  Unless otherwise noted, all bible references will be taken from the New International Version.

Obviously, this challenge to Timothy applies to anyone else who takes up the important role of teaching the Scriptures. Perhaps, this is the reason that James, Jesus’ brother and leader of the newly formed church in Jerusalem, wrote these sobering words, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1

This phrase, “sound doctrine” is used 4x’s in Paul’s writings to Timothy and 5x’s to Titus, if you include the phrase “sound in faith” (Titus 1:13 & 2:2). Certainly, The Apostle Paul had a rightful concern for both Timothy and Titus to be careful to handle the word of truth and challenges them to admonish others to do the same. Later, we will consider Paul’s rationale and reasons for so strongly exhorting them, and us, to “keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9) as the basis for preserving sound doctrine.

It’s worthy to note that the phrase “false doctrine” is also used by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:2. In addition, the Greek word “truth” is used fifteen times by Paul in his writings to Timothy and Titus. It is most commonly used in connection with one’s beliefs or teachings. The Greek word for truth is Aletheia and includes the synonyms “true, reality, fact, integrity, virtue.” In respect to theology, the word implies “absolute, ultimate and divinely revealed truth,” or in other words, true truth! This is the type of truth that is dependable, faithful and in perfect fidelity to God’s drevealed truth found in his word. When praying to his Heavenly Father, on behalf of his struggling (and soon to be doubting) disciples during the last supper, Jesus exclaimed, “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth” (John 17:17). The Key Word Study Bible provides this additional input on truth. “Jesus Christ is the embodiment of truth himself, God, and the consummate disclosure of God to man…In biblical terms, truth is determined by divine viewpoint, and is expressed through revelation, both creational and redemptive.” ¹

It is not insignificant that Paul chooses to call both Timothy and Titus, “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2 and Titus 1:4). Paul needed to, and did, have complete confidence in both of these young, yet wholly dedicated, men. He was convinced that they would stay true to the faith, teach the gospel truth and be proper examples to others they would lead and train. Paul remarked, “That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Tim. 4:10-12

Paul also expected Titus to be a worthy example to both the older and younger men and women he would teach and lead so that they would, in turn, be good examples to others. “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the men to be temperate and worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith…In everything, set them an example by doing what is good.” Titus 2:1-2, 7

Paul also realized the necessity of him, first and foremost, setting the proper example for Timothy and Titus, as well as for others, who looked to him for leadership and guidance. Paul declared, “And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles” (1 Tim. 2:7). In other Epistles written by Paul, he spoke to this crucial need of being a proper example for others. To the Corinthian church, he simply intoned, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). To the Philippian church he elaborated more by stating, “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.” Phil. 4:8-9 AMP

An Important Observation

Thereare several characteristics of sound doctrine to be gleaned and identified from Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. Paul reveals that Sound Doctrine will…

1. “conform to the glorious Gospel of God.” (1 Tim. 1:10-11)
2. “agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 6:3)
3. “keep a pattern of sound teaching” shared by Paul and others. (2 Tim.1:13)
4. “correct, rebuke and encourage with…careful instruction.” (2 Tim. 4:2-3)
5. “hold firmly to the trustworthy message.” (Titus 1:9)
6. “not pay attention to myths…or reject the truth.” (Titus 1:14)
7. “teach what is…sound in faith.” (Titus 2:1-2)

In the above verses, you may have noticed the connection between sound doctrine, sound instruction/teaching and sound faith. It’s important to not only have an understanding of what comprises sound doctrine and biblical truth, but also to recognize the rationale for why it is so important for the church and for us as believers. Afterall, it was Jesus Christ who declared, “I am…the truth.” John 14:6

Why is Preserving Sound Doctrine Important?

Roy Zuck, past Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, made the following assessment in his scholarly book, Basic Bible Interpretation – A Practical Guide to Discovering Biblical Truth. “We are responsible to seek to know the truth, as presented in God’s word. This is essential for our own spiritual lives and for effectiveness in ministering to others. Ensuring the word of God, whether impersonal counseling, teaching a class or Bible study group, or preaching, the knowledge we impart, based on our understanding of the Scriptures, will definitely affect others. Their lives are in our hands. Without proper Biblical interpretation, the theology of an individual or of an entire church may be misdirected or superficial and as ministry unbalanced.” ²

Certainly, the Apostle Paul was deeply concerned that those he ministered to had a clear understanding of the truth and sound doctrines which he taught them. He also made sure that both Timothy and Titus had a keen sense of their significance. In his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul continually describes the vital importance of preserving sound doctrine. And, by extension, the words of admonition and exhortation he gives to them indirectly applies to anyone involved in teaching God’s word, whether it be formal or informal, in the church or outside of the church in bible study groups, at Christian schools and institutions of higher learning or, no less importantly, in the home.

Roy Zuck continues to underscore its importance in stating, “It is essential for understanding and teaching the Bible properly…Others unknowingly come away from the Bible with faulty interpretations. Why? Because of inadequate attention to the principles involved in understanding the Scriptures.” ³ This important matter will be discussed later in in the upcoming pages.

Exhortations to Timothy:

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul expressed his concern for the people in Ephesus who were being misled by false teachers teaching “myths” and “false doctrines” (1:3). Paul sent Timothy there to help the people in the church and to train leaders. Why was he concerned? Because this false teaching was “promoting controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work” (1:4). He was concerned that they were being swayed by these teachings which was leading them away “from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1:5). Worse yet, these false teachers had “departed from these and turned to meaningless talk and do not know what they are talking about or what they confidently affirm” (1:7). Therefore, Paul vehemently warned Timothy to confront these “liars” who were teaching what was “contrary to sound doctrine” (1:10). Sadly, Paul commanded Timothy to “fight the battle well, holding on to faith…which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith” (1:18-19).

Paul goes on to remind Timothy that God “wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2:3-4). In fact, Paul uses the term “truth” seven times in his first letter to Timothy. Below is a list of the many times and reasons that Paul addresses the importance of teaching truth and sound doctrine to those in the Ephesian church.

Warnings to Pursue Truth and Preserve Sound Doctrine

• Paul warns women to “continue in faith, love and holiness” (2:15).
• Timothy is to only select men as elders or deacons who are “able to teach” (3:2) and “keep hold of the truths of the faith with a clear conscience” (3:9).
• Paul explains “how people ought to conduct themselves in…the church…the pillar and foundation of the truth” (3:15).
• Paul shares how he expects them to “believe and who know the truth” (4:3).
• Paul encourages Timothy by telling him that in following his instructions, that he “will be a good minister of Christ Jeus, nourished on the truth of faith and the good teaching” provided by Paul (4:6).
• Paul then gives Timothy a series of commands and warnings that included, “train yourself to be godly” (4:7); which “has value for…both the present life and the life to come (4:8). Paul declares, “that is why we labor and strive” (4:10). “Command and teach these things…set an example…devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching” (4:11-13). Paul then ends the chapter with these strong words: “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them. Because if you do, you will say both yourself and your hearers” (4:15-16).
• In chapter 5, Paul writes about current issues related to the newly founded Christian church meeting the needs of widows and about paying elders who faithfully preach and teach God’s Word. But, in chapter 6, Paul once again picks up on the theme of teaching truth and confronting false teachers. “These are the things you are to teach and insist upon. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and know nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife…and constant friction between people who have been robbed of the truth” (6:3-5). Paul ends his letter with this charge and rationale to Timothy, “In the sight of God…I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ… Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge…some have departed from the faith” (6:13-14, 20-21).

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, it is easy to see how Paul reiterates again and again to him the importance of the properly teaching the church members and training the church leaders (Overseers, Deacons) to stay true to “the foundation of truth” and that which is “true godliness” (1 Tim. 3:15-16). All this reinforces what Paul had taught him about the means and reasons for preserving sound doctrine. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, Paul once again addresses the importance of these commands, as well as passing them on to others. Paul reminisced, “What you heard from me keep as a pattern for sound teaching, with faith and…guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Paul continues in chapter 2, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2:1-2).

In Paul’s second letter he invokes the word “truth” six times. Sometimes the term is used in positive references to those who “correctly handle the word of truth” (2:15) and come “to a knowledge of the truth” (2:25). While in other instances the term is used in a negative reference pertaining to those “who have departed from the truth” (2:18) or “these teachers who oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected” (3:8). And others “who will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (4:4).

Paul finishes his second letter to Timothy with last, but hefty, charge. “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their earsaway from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5 AMP

It goes without saying that there are quintessential reasons given by Paul to Timothy as to the need to oppose false teaching, passionately guard the truth and preserve sound doctrine. He also tells Titus similar reasons for him doing the same.

Exhortations to Titus:

Paul began his letter toTitus in this manner, “This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.”  Titus 1:1-2 NLT

Previously, it was mentioned that Paul addressed Titus on the matter of teaching sound doctrine to the older and younger men. (Titus 2:1). Paul also mandated Titus to properly teach and train the church leaders (elders) in Crete (Titus 1:5). Titus was to instruct each leader about the critical importance of preserving truth and sound doctrine. Paul also emphasized why it’s important for these leaders to do so. “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception…They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach…Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or… to those who reject the truth.” Titus 1:9-11, 13-14

Later, in chapter 2, Paul again provides Titus with a litany of reasons for why teaching truth and sound doctrine is so crucial. He contends, “Teach what is good…so that no one will malign the word of God…In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say…to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. These, then, are the things you should teach.” Titus 2:7-8, 10

Just as Paul had affirmed Timothy’s call to leadership, Paul likewise affirms Titus. “Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you” (Titus 2:15). Paul concludes his reasoning regarding the value of sound teaching by explaining, “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies… arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:8-9

One can readily see through the above passages, that preserving sound doctrine is essential to the well-being of the Body of Christ in order to keep it spiritually healthy and more impervious to the lies and deceptions of Satan often evidenced in false teachings and doctrines. The last, but certainly not least, important question to address with respect to preserving sound doctrine, is knowing the How, as well as the What and Why.

How Does One Go About Preserving Sound Doctrine?

Perhaps you are wondering, in order to preserve sound doctrine, how do I study and interpret the Bible and how do I know if my interpretation is correct? In the closing pages I will attempt to answer those two crucial questions. Certainly, correctly interpreting the Bible can seem to be a formidable challenge. I have had the privilege of learning from seminary professors, seminary graduate students and several authors who have taught me most of what I have learned about Hermeneutics (principles of Bible interpretation). Each of these sources have provided me with helpful input and assistance in meeting this challenge. We will discuss three key aspects for preserving sound doctrine. They are: Suggestions Worth Implementing, A Word to the Wise and Tools of the Trade!

Suggestions Worth Implementing!

Kay Arthur, in her book, How to Study the Bible – The Lasting Rewards of the Inductive Method offers a simple, yet affective 3-step approach to effective and accurate Bible study. 1) Observation – Discover what it says!  2) Interpretation – Discover what it means! 3) Application – Discover How it works! Kay Arthur would chime this catchy and memorable phrase, “Observation before Interpretation and Application must follow interpretation.” ³

It is not in the scope of this Introduction to go into great detail on each of these steps and approaches. Instead, I would encourage you to read Kay Arthur’s excellent book. Even so, I feel that providing the reader with a basic understanding of these three steps would be both appropriate and helpful.

Observation focuses on looking intently at the Bible passage you are studying or teaching. This involves reading and re-reading the passage several times in order to note repeated words, connecting themes and underlying principles. Popular Bible teacher and Pastor, John MacArthur would read the passage over 20x’s before giving a sermon on it. I suggest that you not only read and re-read the passage but also its surrounding context (chapter before and after) in order to see the bigger picture.

Interpretation focuses on searching out the true meaning and actual intent of the author in writing the passage. It involves using a number of biblical resources (see below) before drawing any conclusions, principles, moral lessons and applications. This step requires taking ample time and effort to arrive at an accurate interpretation of the passage at hand.

Dade Ronan, in his book, Conquering Bible Interpretation argued, “There are many problems (and principles) that must be considered when interpreting the Word of God. While looking at each of these problems (and principles), a good understanding can help a person to realize the importance of Bible study.” ⁴

In his thought-provoking book, Ronan also has a chapter entitled, General Principles of Interpretation. This chapter identifies eight basic principles to assist the serious Bible student in arriving at more accurate interpretations of the Bible’s life-giving, life changing and life-enduring truths and message.

Principle 1. Interpret the Bible from the assumption that the Bible is authoritative. Why is the Bible the authority, quite simply, the Bible is a divine book. 2 Peter 1: 19–21

Principal 2. Interpret the Bible with the Bible itself; Scripture best explains Scripture. Matthew 13:18–19 & 2 Peter 1:20-21

Principal 3. Interpret personal experience in light of Scripture and not Scripture in light of personal experience. 2 Corinthians 11:14 & 2 Peter 1:16-19

Principal 4. Interpret the Bible as its primary purpose being to change lives in light of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done, not to increase knowledge. Heb. 4:12 & 2 Tim. 3:15-16

Principal 5. Interpret the Bible as each Christian has the right and responsibility to investigate and interpret the word of God. Acts 17:11 & 2 Timothy 2:15

Principal 6. Interpret the Bible in the customary (literary) usage of language. Rev. 20:6

Principal 7. Interpret the Bible passage as having only one primary meaning. Mark 4:30-33

Principal 8. Interpret the Bible when there is something to interpret. When scripture is silent, we too should be silent. Mark 13:32-33

Application focuses on personalizing the Bible study or sermon by seeking to provide practical applications of God’s Word and its implications for our lives. This can be accomplished by presenting biblical principles, moral lessons and personal anecdotes drawn from and connected to the passage of Scripture being taught.

In his very practical book, How to Study the Bible and Enjoy it, Skip Heitzig gives us the following explanation for the value of application. He writes, “It is the application of scripture that makes a difference in our lives. Application is where the rubber meets the road. That’s why observation and interpretation always lead to application. Some people become experts in the Scriptures, but their lives are unchanged. In the end, what good does it do to have a full head and an empty heart? The joy comes in applying the truth to our own lives. Only then, can we see that the Bible works!” ⁵

We must also take to heart the words of Jesus in the parable of two houses. Jesus predicted, “Therefore, everyone hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock…But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down…and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:24–27). Just prior to his parable, in verse 21, Jesus said these sobering words, “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father, who is in Heaven.”      

A Word to the Wise! 

R. C. Sproul, in his book, Knowing Scripture, makes this calculated statement. “Private interpretation never meant that individuals have the right to distort the Scriptures. With the right of private interpretation comes the sober responsibility of accurate interpretation…when we do not try to interpret words in a consistent way, the words will become a massive confusion. When this happens in biblical interpretation, the Bible becomes a chameleon, changing the color of a skin against the changing background of the people doing the interpreting.” ⁶

Unfortunately, this is often the case. Even well-meaning Bible teachers and Pastors have, on occasion, misinterpreted the true meaning of Scripture because of a few basic hermeneutical errors:

1. Taking a Bible verse or passage out of its surrounding context.

For example: Some have mistakenly drawn the conclusion that the phrase “and by his wounds we are healed” found in Isaiah 53:6 is referring to, and promising, physical healing. In actuality, this passage is referring to one’s spiritual healing through Christ’s death on the cross. When considering the immediate context before and after verse 6, a different meaning becomes abundantly clear. By observing the surrounding verses, it becomes quite evident that they are referring to spiritual, not physical, sickness. Key phrases appear such as: “He took up our infirmities” (v. 4), “He was pierced for our transgressions…He was crushed for our iniquities…the punishment that brought us peace” (v. 5), “each has gone astray…turned to his own way…the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (v. 6) and “for the transgression of my people he was stricken” (v. 8). There is no mention here of God healing one’s limbs, body parts, or internal organs.

Kay Arthur gives this warning, “Never take a Scripture out of its context to make it say something that is contrary to the text. Even if what you might say would be considered a blessing to that person; always handle the word objectively…Blessings will be based on truth, not error. Discover what the author is saying – remembering that the ultimate author is God – and do not add to his meaning. When you know, God’s Word thoroughly, you will not accept a teaching simply because someone has used one or two isolated versus to support that teaching. Those verses could have been taken out of context, or other important passages might have been overlooked or ignored – passages that might have led to a different understanding.”

• Presuming to know the meaning and original intent of the author.

For example: 1 Corinthians 7:9 declares, “But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry than to burn.” Some mistakenly think this passage is saying they will burn “in hell.” Rather, the verse indicates that a person may “burn” with passion, lust or desire. A simple observation of the context of the passage and/or an examination of the meaning of the word would easily prove otherwise.

•  Assuming that one’s own ideas or the teachings of others are correct.

For example: A student leader of a college Bible study group I attended, promised that if we prayed for a loved one or a friend’s salvation, God would answer that prayer. The student leader used two passages to support his contention. He mentioned 1 John 5:14 which states, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything, according to his will, he hears us.”  He then incorrectly used 1 Timothy 2:4 as a proof-text for his view implying that since it is God’s will for everyone to be saved, God is obliged to answer those prayers. However, the word for “will” used in his KJV translation is actually translated as “desires, wants, wishes or longs for” in other translations. In fact, there are distinctly different Greek words being used in the two passages. In 1 John 5:14 the word is thelema which refers to God’s decree, choice or determination. While the word in 1 Timothy 2:4 is boulomai which refers to God’s kind disposition, willingness or desired intent. Yes, God does desire that everyone would come to him in saving faith because he is loving, gracious and merciful. But this desire does not mean that God has decreed or predetermined that all people will be saved. Sadly, it’s an incorrect use of  the verse.

• Not considering the varied meanings in the original languages.

For example: In the Old Testament the word “fear” in Hebrew is yare which can have two very different meanings. The word fear can refer to “an anticipation of harm, danger or sense of dread.” This usage of the word is found in Deuteronomy 2:25, “This very day I will begin to put the terror and fear (yare) of you on all the nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble and be in anguish.” However, the same word can have a positive meaning such as to “be in awe, to revere and worship” God.  This usage of the word is found in Proverbs 1:7 which states, “The fear (yare) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Obviously, the meanings and interpretations of the same word fear used in these passages are diametrically opposed and, therefore, should be determined by considering the context of the passage in which the word is used.

Contrastingly, in the New Testament there are several Greek words used to represent the idea of love compared to only one word for love in the English language. The Greek language describes love by using the word agape (God’s unconditional love), Phileo (love among friends), eros (a sensual love or passion) and storge (love for family members). Certainly, the varied Greek words for love can indelibly impact the meaning and significance of its usage in a passage. A perfect example of two different Greek words being used for love within the same verse is found in John 21:17. In this verse, Jesus asks Peter a third time, “Do you agape me? Peter replied, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I phileo you.” Wow! What a contrast and important delineation to note when seeking to understand the true and accurate meaning of this verse. How wonderful it is to know that, even if all we have to offer to God is a phileo (friendly) type of love, he still loves us with an agape type of love that is unconditional, fully devoted, always loyal and unchanging!

Bob Smith, in his insightful book, The Basics of Bible Interpretation, gives the following perspective, “We need to remember that originally the Bible was not written in English but in Hebrew and Greek. What we are reading today are simply translations into English. In this connection, we must also recognize that each language has its own peculiar word usage and grammar, and that a knowledge of these peculiarities will enhance our understanding of the text.” ⁷

The previous examples of hermeneutical (guidelines and principles for interpretation) errors are critical when it comes to properly interpreting a Bible passage. They are especially egregious if little, or no, effort has been made in order to quantify one’s conclusions. If a person has not done their due diligence in studying the passage, they are much more prone to making the aforementioned errors. The Apostle Paul spoke of the importance of serious study and accurate interpretation. He reminds us to, “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 AMPC

On the other hand, Paul praised those who did take the time and extra effort to seek out biblical truth without all the presumptions and assumptions.  “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11

Tools of the Trade!

If you are like me, you don’t have a Master’s in Hebrew or Greek, nor do you need to have one. While teaching at a Christian University, I tried to take a condensed three-week course accurately dubbed “Suicide Greek.” Indeed, after 3 days it almost “killed” me before eventually coming to my wits (end) and dropping the class.

Fortunately, there are a variety of useful Biblical tools and resources available to assist us in better understanding Scripture and eliminating unnecessary interpretive errors. These resources can provide cross-references, definitions of important terms, extensive word studies using the original languages, as well as comparative biblical views and interpretations from experienced Bible scholars. In turn, the use of these resources can lead to having increased confidence and accuracy in one’s preaching, teaching and personal Bible study. These tools are:

• An Exhaustive Concordance such as Strong’s or NIV which have both Hebrew and Greek Lexicons (dictionaries) in the back that provides synonyms and meanings for every word in the Bible. That is why it’s called Exhaustive!
• Old Testament and New Testament Expository Dictionaries such as Vines, Nelson or Thayer’s which offer much more detail on selected words in the Bible.
• The Key Word Bible is available in a variety of translations and does exactly what it denotes. It identifies key words most often used in Scripture and assigns each word a number given right in the text itself. This number is associated with a dictionary in the back of the Bible that will list a number of synonyms, cross-references and expanded definitions for both the majority of Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) words found in Scripture.
• One-Volume of Multi-volume Bible Commentaries such as The Wycliffe Bible Commentary or The Expositors Bible Commentary. Select a commentary that incorporates a Chief Editor and many reputable Bible scholars that provide multiple perspectives and a balanced evaluation of the content.

I have often used and benefited from each of these tools in my own teaching and preaching opportunities as well as for my personal Bible study. You can too! In fact, I have used most of them while writing this Introduction. My prayer is that as a result of having developed enhanced Bible study skills and practices, you will experience more satisfaction and joy in digging into God’s word and will discover more accuracy and credibility in your Biblical observations, interpretations and applications.

A fitting conclusion to this Introduction is found in Revelation 1:3 which promises this encouraging Benediction: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud these words…and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

Bibliographical Notations listed in the order presented:

1. Key Word Study Bible – NIV (1996), AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN
2. Basic Bible Interpretation, Roy B. Zuck (1984). David C. Cook, Col. Springs, CO
3. How to Study the Bible, Kay Arthur (1994). Harvest House, Eugene, OR
4. Conquering Bible Interpretation, Dade Ronan (2002). Xulon Press, Fairfax, VA
5. Knowing Scripture, R. C. Sproul (1977), InterVarsity Press, Madison, WI
6. Basics of Bible Interpretation, Bob Smith (1978). Word Press, Waco, TX
7. How to Study the Bible and Enjoy it, Skip Heitzig (2002). Tyndale, Wheaton, IL