When examining Scripture and in everyday life, Christians have the responsibility to be informed, skilled, and anointed in the interpretation and application of the Bible. In James 1:22, we’re challenged to not only listen to the Word but to practice and do what it says. How is this achieved? It is through biblical hermeneutics. Biblical hermeneutics serves as a bridge that connects the meaning of the Bible to the contemporary world. It helps those reading the Word to understand the truths and values the Bible teaches and how they can be implemented into everyday life. These qualities are implemented by watching for patterns in the Bible, reading and comprehending the Bible properly, and viewing the Bible with a holistic perspective.
Jesus was the perfect example of the implementation of biblical hermeneutics. In Luke 24, his disciples were discussing the crucifixion of Jesus, when Jesus approached them. They, however, didn’t recognize him. Through continued discussion, Jesus began to explain his life and the purpose of everything that had happened until then, through the Hebrew scriptures.
John 1:14 states, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Who was this verse dedicated to? It was to Jesus Christ. He was the Word that became flesh.
Jesus’s life was based on helping others understand how the Biblical messages affect their daily lives. He also lived showing how to properly obey and live a life according to the word. This is the essence of biblical hermeneutics.
In order to be a prepared witness to others or help struggling brothers and sisters in Christ, we must be inspired by this action of Christ and display a Gospel-filled life. Was it simply because He was Jesus that He could do this? Not so! At the root of it, Jesus had clear faith and understanding that all things that happened were within the will of God. Through following, Jesus knew a new page in history will be revealed.
With trust in God’s Word, deep study of the Bible, and the help of the Holy Spirit, we too can preach and teach the Word with this same power.
Spiritual maturity involves being completely engaged and dedicated to the input you put into learning and teaching the Scriptures, while also maintaining an eager child-like curiosity to learning new information. YEF hopes that you continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God and use the information learned from the Bible and skills you have already received to act on inspiration from God.
