5 Practical Tips to Overcome Common Obstacles When Studying the Bible

Do you struggle to comprehend the Bible's ancient context and strange language? You're not alone if reading Scripture often feels confusing or bizarre. This post provides five practical tips on how to read and understand the Bible more effectively, even as a modern reader.

If that resonates with you, you're not alone.

The Bible is an ancient text from a vastly different cultural setting. Yet God's word is just as relevant today as when it was written. With the right approach and tools, you can grasp the timeless truths spoken to generations of believers.

This post will explore five common obstacles that often make the Bible appear confusing and obscure. But fear not—you'll also discover practical, actionable tips for overcoming these hurdles and gaining a deeper understanding. By tackling these challenges head-on, you can transition from a state of frustration to confidently engaging with the profound wisdom contained in Scripture.

Obstacle 1: Lack of Context

Overcoming the Challenge of the Bible's Ancient Cultural Context

One major hurdle is the lack of understanding of the cultural context in which the Bible was written. Laws about cleanness in books like Leviticus can seem random without knowing the Bible's background information. Why would God care about such trivial matters? The solution is to dig into the background behind these passages.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary is a fantastic resource that unpacks the cultural mindset and societal norms of the ancient Near East. By studying this context, you cannot only understand how rules about cleanliness were linked to spiritual wholeness and health for the ancient Israelites but also gain practical insights for interpreting these seemingly strange rules within their ancient frame of reference.

(Here are my recommendations for resources to help you understand cultural context).

Obstacle 2: Weird Language

Decoding Difficult Biblical Language, Idioms, and Metaphors

Speaking of strange-sounding things, the language and idioms used in the Bible can confuse modern readers. A classic example is in John 3:3 when Jesus tells Nicodemus, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." If taken literally, the concept of being "born again" comes across as bizarre. How can someone be reborn physically?

The solution is to use modern translations and study notes to explain the biblical language and idioms. Modern translations combined with good study notes are invaluable here. The NIV Life Application Study Bible notes that John 3:3 refers to spiritual rebirth and new life, not a physical rebirthing process.

A basic grasp of biblical language, metaphors, and literary devices goes a long way. For instance, in Psalm 17:8, the Psalmist asks God to "hide me in the shadow of your wings." Human wings are not literal but a metaphor for God's spiritual shelter and protection.

Obstacle 3: Missing the Big Picture

Grasping the Overarching Bible Narrative and Theological Themes

Sometimes, readers can get so bogged down studying individual verses, stories, or characters that they miss out on the Bible's overarching narrative and thematic purpose. While details are important, it's also crucial to step back and trace the general plot movement and development of major theological themes. This allows you to see how everything fits together into a cohesive whole.

 Resources like The Bible Project's videos, books, and podcasts lay out these larger biblical foundations and frameworks. For example, their material traces the overarching narrative of creation, fall, and redemption through Israel's covenant family, the coming of the Messiah Jesus, and his commission to the church. With this high-level perspective, you can see typological patterns and deeper symbolic meaning. The sacrificial system is not just about ancient rituals but a symbolic foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Obstacle 4: Reconciling Contradictions

Making Sense of Apparent Contradictions in the Bible

Another obstacle is encountering apparent contradictions or inconsistencies within the Bible itself. Some passages contradict scientific facts or even other biblical passages when read in isolation. For example, the two creation accounts (Genesis 1 and 2) raise questions, or God's commanded violence can appear to contradict his mercy. Bible scholars shed light on different genres and contexts to reconcile difficult Bible passages.

The solution is to study Scripture as a unified whole and seek resources that provide clarifying insight into these challenging texts. Bible scholars and commentaries can illuminate different literary genres, contextualize difficult passages, and reconcile seeming discrepancies. With thorough investigation, the Bible can be self-interpreting and remarkably unified in truth.

Obstacle 5: Getting Bogged Down

Avoiding Getting Lost in Bible Study Minutiae and Details

On the flip side, we can get lost in minor details like census numbers and overlook the core spiritual lessons and meanings conveyed in Scripture's intricate symbolism and visions. The Bible contains everything from genealogies to puzzling symbolic visions packed with layers of meaning. It's easy to get sidetracked trying to decipher every element rather than grasping the truth conveyed.

While studying every word of Scripture, it's wise to rely on quality teaching and commentaries to provide guardrails and identify the main objectives of each text. Don't get so caught up splitting hairs over complex prophetic symbols or debating every name's meaning that you overlook how Jesus is revealed. Both the zoomed-out and up-close perspectives are needed for balanced understanding.

Studying the Bible fruitfully doesn't have to remain an enigma. By employing the right resources and mindset, you can overcome the obstacles of ancient contexts, bizarre language, scriptural contradictions, and getting lost in the details.

Use study Bibles, background commentaries, and big-picture resources to grasp the culture, metaphors, overarching narrative, and literary genres. Don't get bogged down—keep the core truths in view.

With patience and the proper tools, the richness of God's word can come alive, nourishing your soul with timeless wisdom. The journey of comprehension leads to the sweet reward of divine revelation. Lean in and let Scripture unfold before you.

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