Studying the Word in Context and Perspective

The Word of God is the original omniscient, third-person point of view, kind of story. God, Himself, is the main character. A book like this differs from any other in that we can’t possibly try to put ourselves in God’s mindset to understand what we’re reading. After all, Isaiah 55:8 tells us that his thoughts are not our thoughts and his ways are not our ways. With that in mind, how can we ever fully comprehend His Word?

“As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.” 1 John 2:27

I don’t know about you, but it comforts me and assures me that the Bible is always relevant to my challenges as a woman. It is filled—and overflowing!—with God’s wisdom and 100 percent guaranteed guidance. He is by your side as your teacher and Helper. With the assurance of God’s guiding hand, you’ll be well on your way and more confident as you study His Word.

I love that God assured believers He would provide them with a “Helper,” the Holy Spirit. Jesus, himself, first mentioned the promised Helper to His disciples not long after He told them He would soon leave. They were distraught by the news, so to encour­age them, He said, “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).

The Holy Spirit was sent to guide, direct, and motivate them just as the Son of God had when He was physically present here on this earth. As a final assurance that He wasn’t leaving the disciples without the resources they needed to serve Him, Jesus promised, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8).

Isn’t that wonderful! You have a helper! Like Jesus’ early fol­lowers, you have the same Helper and power that transformed the uncertain and confused followers of Christ into emboldened missionaries of the Gospel. And He will teach the Gospel to you himself through the Holy Spirit.

• Always ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight, wisdom, and revelation during your study time.
• Thank Him when you get that burst of joy in your spirit because you finally fully understand a portion of His Word.
• Take time to meditate on what you’ve learned and let it become a part of you.

When studying His Holy Word, another technique I use is to put myself in the shoes, or sandals, of the many characters I’m reading about. This causes me to consider the scenery, atmosphere, time, customs, linguistic, cultural, historical, and religious layers. These are all things that played a significant role in the stories.

The omniscient, third-person point of view perspective in the Bible is not merely a literary device. It allows us to have the “God perspective” on life. The Bible, when understood, provides life-changing insight. As you read with the help of the Holy Spirit, you are transformed and become more like Him. This is how you live out Christ’s righteous charac­ter.

Because we’re equipped with this power, it allows us to live virtuously. We can live with confidence and without fear. This is how we can have a positive impact on others. This is how we can love Jesus and glorify Him by being pure and excellent in all our ways.

RESPOND:

Father, I know you never ask us to do something without providing what we need to do it. I thank you that with the help of the Holy Spirit, I can live as a man or woman after God’s own heart. I yield my life fully to the Spirit and know it will produce fruit that is consistent with being a new creature—a child of God. Please open my eyes and ears as I read your Holy Word. In Jesus' name. Amen

RENEWING RESOURCES:

REFLECT:

When studying His Word, what techniques do you use to truly understand? How you can take it a step further?

REMEMBER:

The omniscient, third-person point of view perspective in the Bible is not merely a literary device. It allows us to have the “God perspective” on life.