Handling Scripture Rightly

At Friday Night Study: Handling Scripture Rightly, the women had an encouraging time hearing a lesson from Alyssa about the importance of interpreting God’s Word accurately. Her lesson was primarily based in 2 Timothy 2:14–18, where Paul exhorts Timothy in his faithful preaching of sound doctrine. Alyssa taught us three things we must understand rightly about handling Scripture. First, we must have a right view of the truth of God’s Word: Scripture is precious because it is the very words of God given to us (Hebrews 4:12)! We should have a high view of God’s Word and put in the diligent work and effort so that we truly know it, because God’s expectation for us is to handle His Word rightly (2 Timothy 2:15). Second, we must have the right interpretation of God’s Word. God is the one who determines the meaning of Scripture, not our circumstances or experiences. Often, women can twist God’s Word into hearing what they want to hear. For example, a woman who is discontent in singleness could misinterpret Psalm 34:7 to mean that God will give her a husband when and how she wants. However, we need to have humble hearts so that we allow Scripture to correct and direct us rather than using it to justify our emotions (James 1:21). Third, we must have right counsel. When we counsel through our experiences rather than pointing back to the Word, it is like spreading the deadly disease of gangrene (2 Timothy 2:14)! Instead, we can be resolved to counsel based on the Word, ask for wisdom before giving counsel (James 1:5), and be thoughtful and proactive in sending others specific Scripture to encourage them. Praise God that when we are faithful to interpret Scripture accurately, we can experience true, lasting comfort, because His Word is powerful and never changes.