Begin by asking what the passage communicates in its own setting before asking how it applies to you.
Read the surrounding paragraphs. Notice who is speaking, who is being addressed, and what issue or situation is being discussed. Pay attention to the kind of writing: a proverb describes wisdom for life differently from a historical account, a poem, or an apostolic command.
Then consider where the passage belongs in the Bible’s unfolding story. God’s revelation develops through his covenants and reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. We should therefore read an Old Testament passage in its original setting and also consider how the New Testament explains its continuing significance.
For example, Israel’s sacrifices genuinely taught God’s people about holiness, sin, cleansing, and access to him. They also anticipated Christ’s sufficient sacrifice. Christians receive their instruction without continuing to offer those sacrifices.
This means that all Scripture is for our instruction, but not every command addresses us in the same covenantal circumstances. We do not discard the Old Testament, nor do we transfer every command directly into Christian practice. We read it as Scripture fulfilled in Christ.
Four questions can guide you:
- What does the passage actually say?
- What did it mean in its original setting?
- How does it relate to Christ and the rest of Scripture?
- What response of faith, love, repentance, or obedience follows?
Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, use reliable helps, and remain teachable. A meaningful application should grow from the passage’s meaning rather than replace it.
Read in the Bible
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