To's and For's
First Published August 6, 2010
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord. Psalm 102:17-19
My daughter Jennifer is in the mist of writing her dissertation for a Ph.D. in History. Some of her research involves reading personal diaries and letters of people who lived during the early 1900’s. When she has had the privilege of transcribing famous large letter collections, she comments that she learns much more than the economic conditions of that time. She learns about life on a personal level. She gains wisdom and appreciation for people of the past. Yet, the letters were not written to her.
The richness of the Bible is part of its wonder. It is so full of life lesson, that some spend an entire lifetime in deep (and I mean really deep) study of the scriptures. But we, nor they, can fully understand the inspired words. This does not mean we give up on study. We do, however, need to have a proper initial orientation in interpreting the words of the Bible: The To’s and For’s.
We need to determine to and for whom Bible books and letters were written. First we start with the earthly author. In some cases, as in Hebrews, authorship may be up for debate. But for many books, the author is known. Now we need to look at the intended audience. Was the writing and account for future generations? Was the writing for a specific person? Once these are established we now read in the context of the author and the audience. What are the truths we gain from this reference? Now, what can be learned today from this verse or passage based on this “to and for” context?
When we begin to study with a proper perspective, we will learn and grow in the glory of Jesus Christ. Today, let’s strive to studying our Bible first with this concept in mind.
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Dear Lord, I want to learn what the Bible truly says. Please help me to remember to and for whom the scriptures were originally written. Let me gain insight and understanding when I study from this prospective. In Jesus’ name I ask, amen.
Copyright 2010 Karen Vaughn
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord. Psalm 102:17-19
My daughter Jennifer is in the mist of writing her dissertation for a Ph.D. in History. Some of her research involves reading personal diaries and letters of people who lived during the early 1900’s. When she has had the privilege of transcribing famous large letter collections, she comments that she learns much more than the economic conditions of that time. She learns about life on a personal level. She gains wisdom and appreciation for people of the past. Yet, the letters were not written to her.
The richness of the Bible is part of its wonder. It is so full of life lesson, that some spend an entire lifetime in deep (and I mean really deep) study of the scriptures. But we, nor they, can fully understand the inspired words. This does not mean we give up on study. We do, however, need to have a proper initial orientation in interpreting the words of the Bible: The To’s and For’s.
We need to determine to and for whom Bible books and letters were written. First we start with the earthly author. In some cases, as in Hebrews, authorship may be up for debate. But for many books, the author is known. Now we need to look at the intended audience. Was the writing and account for future generations? Was the writing for a specific person? Once these are established we now read in the context of the author and the audience. What are the truths we gain from this reference? Now, what can be learned today from this verse or passage based on this “to and for” context?
When we begin to study with a proper perspective, we will learn and grow in the glory of Jesus Christ. Today, let’s strive to studying our Bible first with this concept in mind.
****
Dear Lord, I want to learn what the Bible truly says. Please help me to remember to and for whom the scriptures were originally written. Let me gain insight and understanding when I study from this prospective. In Jesus’ name I ask, amen.
Copyright 2010 Karen Vaughn
posted by Karen Vaughn | 11:45 AM
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