Fancy word – but it describes how we study the Bible here at Maple Grove. The idea is to undertake a careful and analytical study of the Bible in order to understand the truths God has set before us. We do that by undertaking an objective study of the original meaning of the text, using the original language, a study of grammar, or the narrative it provides, in order to understand what the Holy Spirit through the human author of the text is teaching us. The opposite of this method of study is called “eisegesis,” which is a subjective approach to the meaning of Scripture, often influenced by personal motives and bias.
So, which is better? Well, God’s Word gives us this command in 2 Timothy 2:15:
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
To “rightly divide” literally means “to cut it straight.” We need to be diligent to present God’s Word accurately, completely and clearly.
This is the way we approach our Worship Services, but it is the way we should all approach our personal Bible study also. Will it always be easy? No. I am so encouraged by something the Apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:15-16:
“and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”
Two things we can take from that Scripture – Peter thought that some things Paul said were hard to understand. We can all agree with that – but there’s a warning in there too! Hard to understand – not impossible. And we have a duty to be diligent and “cut it straight” – not twist it.
So, we always need to approach the interpretation of Scripture with a goal of objective analysis – what is God saying? The question is not “What do I want God to say?” Sometimes, the truth of God’s Word cuts us to the quick, as we realize we have sinned against Him. But its entire purpose is to lead us to Jesus Christ, though whom we have forgiveness and eternal life.
So, study – be diligent – ask questions – but “cut it straight.” We’d love to have everyone join us as Maple Grove on our exegetical journey through God’s Word.
Bro. Parks