Understanding Scripture: The Power of Contextual Reading

Moving to a new place is always a journey, and as my family and I transition to Hope Mills, I’m reminded of how God leads us through seasons of change. This week, we continued exploring “Ancient Words: Finding the Context in the Text,” focusing on how the Bible is described as “sharper than any two-edged sword.” Swords have always fascinated people, not just for their power, but for what they represent—strength, authority, and the ability to cut through obstacles. The story of David and Goliath is a vivid example: David, a young shepherd, defeats a giant not just with a stone, but by taking up Goliath’s own sword to finish the battle. This act became a symbol of God’s victory over His enemies, and even the place where it happened—possibly the “place of the skull”—became a lasting reminder of God’s power.

But the real focus is on the Word of God itself. Too often, we approach the Bible as a rulebook, a devotional, or a reference guide, forgetting that it is living and active. It wasn’t written for our modern context, but to real people in real situations thousands of years ago. To truly understand its power, we need to step into their world. That’s why we’re using six “context lenses” to help us read more deeply: historical, cultural, geographical, visual, linguistic, and literary. Each lens helps us see the text as the original audience would have, revealing layers of meaning we might otherwise miss.

For example, understanding the historical setting—whether God’s people were wandering, under judges, or ruled by kings—shapes how we read their stories. The cultural lens reminds us that their values and daily lives were different from ours. Geography shows us why certain battles or events mattered so much. Visual context helps us picture what the people saw and experienced, like Jesus calling the Pharisees “whitewashed tombs” while standing among actual tombs. Linguistics reveals the richness of words like “love,” which has many shades of meaning in Greek. And the literary lens helps us recognize whether we’re reading poetry, prophecy, or history.

When we read the Bible with these lenses, it becomes more than just ancient words—it becomes a living, active force that can cut through our assumptions and transform our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Word of God is not a static rulebook but a living, active force that penetrates deeply into our hearts and lives. Just as a sword can cut through defenses, Scripture exposes our motives, challenges our assumptions, and brings transformation when we allow it to speak into our context. [05:14]
• 2. Understanding the original audience’s world is essential for grasping the full meaning of Scripture. The Bible was written to real people facing real challenges, and stepping into their shoes helps us see God’s faithfulness and wisdom in new ways. [05:55]
• 3. The six context lenses—historical, cultural, geographical, visual, linguistic, and literary—are vital tools for deeper Bible study. Each lens uncovers a different layer of meaning, helping us avoid shallow readings and discover the richness of God’s Word. [06:34]
• 4. The stories and symbols in Scripture, like David’s victory over Goliath, carry profound spiritual truths that echo through history. Recognizing the significance of places, actions, and even names can reveal God’s ongoing story of redemption and victory over sin and death. [04:39]
• 5. Language matters deeply in understanding Scripture. Words like “love” have multiple meanings in the original languages, and recognizing these nuances helps us grasp the depth of God’s message and apply it more faithfully to our lives. [09:03]
  ** [09:03]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:46] - Family Update and Moving Plans
• [01:25] - Series Introduction: Ancient Words
• [02:08] - Childhood Sword Fights and Stories
• [02:50] - Swords in Pop Culture and Scripture
• [03:27] - David and Goliath: The Sword and the Head
• [04:02] - The Place of the Skull: Golgotha Connection
• [04:39] - The Significance of Victory and Place
• [05:14] - The Bible: Sharper Than a Sword
• [05:55] - Reading the Bible in Context
• [06:34] - The Six Context Lenses
• [07:11] - Geographical Lens: Why Place Matters
• [07:49] - Visual and Linguistic Lenses
• [08:26] - The Many Meanings of Love
• [09:03] - Literary Lens and Types of Writing
• [09:40] - Turning to Hebrews 4

Bible Reading

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) — > For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 4:12, what are some of the ways the Word of God is described? What does it mean for the Word to be “living and active” and “sharper than any two-edged sword”?
2. In the sermon, what did the pastor say about how most people tend to approach the Bible? ([05:14])
3. What are the six “context lenses” mentioned in the sermon that help us read the Bible more deeply? ([05:55])
4. How did the story of David and Goliath illustrate the power and symbolism of the sword in the sermon? ([03:27])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the author of Hebrews compares the Word of God to a sword? What does this metaphor suggest about how Scripture interacts with our lives?
2. The pastor said that the Bible “wasn’t written for us, but it was written to us.” What does this mean, and how should it affect the way we read Scripture? ([05:14])
3. How might understanding the historical, cultural, or geographical context of a Bible passage change the way we interpret its meaning? Can you think of an example from the sermon or your own reading? ([07:11])
4. The sermon mentioned that words like “love” have multiple meanings in the original languages. How does knowing the original language or literary style of a passage help us understand God’s message more fully? ([08:26])

Application Questions

1. The pastor shared that moving to a new place is a journey and compared it to how God leads us through seasons of change. Is there a change or transition in your life right now where you need to trust God’s guidance? How can you invite God’s Word to speak into that situation? ([00:46])
2. When you read the Bible, do you tend to treat it more like a rulebook, a devotional, or a reference guide? What would it look like to approach it as “living and active” this week? ([05:14])
3. Of the six context lenses (historical, cultural, geographical, visual, linguistic, literary), which one do you find most challenging to use? What is one step you could take to grow in that area? ([05:55])
4. Think about a Bible story or passage that has always confused you or seemed distant. How might looking at it through one or more of the context lenses help you see it in a new light? ([06:34])
5. The story of David and Goliath was used as an example of God’s victory and the significance of place and action. Is there a “giant” or obstacle in your life where you need to remember God’s power and faithfulness? ([03:27])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of language and the different meanings of words like “love.” Is there a word or concept in the Bible you want to study more deeply this month? How will you go about it? ([08:26])
7. The pastor said that the Word of God can “cut through our assumptions and transform our lives.” Can you share a time when reading Scripture challenged your assumptions or changed your perspective? What happened as a result? ([05:14])