What can we do when reading a difficult passage of Scripture? Here are ten suggestions:
- Pray for God to provide understanding.
- Read the passage multiple times.
- Read the passage in different translations. My favorites are: the NIV (for ease of readability); and for a more literal rendering, I like the ESV and the NASB.
- Discuss the passage with your pastor and other Christian friends.
- Consult commentaries or study guides or a study Bible.
- Get the big picture of the passage by creating an outline.
- Focus on the verses that do make sense. Don’t fret about the hard ones, and don’t obsess about understanding every verse in-depth. After reading the passage several times and keeping the outline in mind, you will probably find verses that you do understand.
- Is there a particular verse that you find especially meaningful? Spend time meditating on it and memorizing it.
- Work through the four questions of the CRAM method of Bible study:
C – What does this passage teach about God’s character – his attributes and actions?
R – What does God require from people in this text?
A – What does this passage reveal about my attitudes and actions?
M – How does this passage direct me to trust and treasure Christ?
For more on the CRAM method, see Erik Raymond’s article here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/a-tool-for-reading-the-bible-devotionally/ - Utilize the principles and practices of the inductive Bible study method, as presented by Kay Arthur in her book How to Study Your Bible. There are three key steps involved — Observation, Interpretation, and Application. Many Bible students ignore or minimize the first step, and that can make all the difference. https://www.amazon.com/How-Study-Your-Bible-Life-Changing/dp/0736953434
Can you think of anything else to add to the list? Leave a comment below.
I take comfort in this: even the Apostle Peter encountered difficult Bible passages. “His (Paul’s) letters contain some things that are hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16).
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