The Holy Spirit & Interpretation

When I became a Christian I was introduced to books about theology.

I didn’t understand most of them. The text was often obscure and irrelevant. I needed help. But then I read a book written by a friend of mine, and the text came alive.

I realized that a knowledge of the author changes the way we interpret a book. That discovery changed the way I read the Bible.

Since God authored the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is the Helper we need to understand them.

As the sixteenth century preacher, William Perkins, wrote, “…The principal interpreter of the Scripture is the Holy Spirit…” And, as the Bible says, “…his anointing teaches you about all things…” (1 John 2:27).

The reading of the Bible helps us to know God, but the knowledge of God also helps us to read the Bible.

Now, when I read the Bible, I ask for the Author’s help in reading His book.

It may seem obvious, but do you ask God to open your eyes when you open the Scriptures?

Do you seek the Holy Spirit’s help when interpreting a passage in the Bible?

Do you pray for an anointing in your study and not just in your pulpit?

Robert