As we continue to study the Book of Romans, we will continue to examine passages that are difficult to fully understand, but just because we may not be able to fully grip a text, doesn’t mean that we should neglect it.
So how should we approach such passages? Sometimes it’s easier to begin with the things to not do, so let’s start there.
First, don’t be overly tempted to feel like you have to understand everything perfectly. You’re going to have a really hard time with Bible study in general if you feel this way. God is not understandable or explainable in any kind of way that is satisfactory to me, so it goes to reason that many things regarding God will also be the same.
Second, don’t be overly persuaded by commentaries. Do you know who writes commentaries? People. People just like you. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t read or consider their thoughts on the Scripture, but just don’t make the mistakes of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day and treat the opinions of men on the Scripture as Scripture itself.
The overly strong opinions of many theologians, even great theologians, are the root cause of many irresolvable disputes in the church today.
Third, don’t think too highly of your own opinion of what the Scripture means. Most of us have a strange tendency that when we make our mind up about something, it may take an act of Congress to change it to another position. Be willing to change your stance if the Scripture demands you do so.
For some positive approaches, I’d simply say, approach every text as if it is fresh and new, put away from your mind what you would have the text say, or what you think it says, and allow it to speak to you anew. Be sure to take in the full context – we must always consider who the author is speaking to, what the author said prior and after the text we’re considering, and also what other texts in the Bible are similar.
Most importantly, I encourage you to pray over every text you read or study that God word so that, as Ephesians 1:17 says:
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
For our good and His glory!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
