Trailhead Guide
Important foundations for understanding God's Word.
1. The Bible is first about God
Its primary purpose is to reveal who God is—His character, His nature, His ways, and ultimately His redemptive work through Jesus. Before asking, "What does this mean for me?" ask, "What does this show me about God?"
2. The Bible was not originally written to us, but it's been given to us for our instruction
Every book was written in a particular time, place, culture, and circumstance, to real people. To understand how Scripture speaks into our lives today, we first seek to understand what it communicated in its original context.
3. Scripture interprets Scripture
We don't build our understanding on one isolated verse. We read a passage in light of the verses around it, the book it belongs to, and the larger story of Scripture. When something is unclear, we look for what the rest of God's Word helps us understand.
4. Scripture is meant to shape us
We aren't only gathering information. God uses His Word to teach, correct, train, equip, and transform us.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Read in relationship with God
Slow down. Ask questions. Follow the thread. Leave room for wonder. Invite the Holy Spirit to teach you, and be willing to let what you read shape how you know God and how you live.