Misunderstanding Scripture

I have heard a specific verse being quoted a lot lately.  I have also heard some teaching on that scripture that just doesn't jive with the actual meaning.  The key in interpreting scripture is "context".  A common mistake in reading and interpreting scripture is reading just one verse and making it say what we want.  The beauty in scripture is that it was written in harmony over a few thousand years; meaning it does not contradict itself. 

Another important aspect of understanding what your reading is understand the literal translation from the Greek and Hebrew.  The Old Testament was originally penned in Hebrew, but was translated into Greek between 285-247 b.c.  When we look in context at scripture and with the aid of the original meanings, we have a more accurate understanding of the meaning and how it applies to "me".

For instance the words used in Isaiah 53:5 are often misunderstood by most. Often because the teacher is teaching out of context.  Many people quote "by His stripes we are healed" to mean physical healing. When in truth, based on the Greek and Hebrew words used, the word "healing" in this particular verse would better be rendered "forgiven".  Isaiah 53 in Context is a prophecy about the Messiah and the suffering He would endure to bring man into a reconciled relationship to God. 

As a teacher and preacher of the Word, I take great lengths to be as accurate as possible, because those who teach are held accountable for what they teach.  I want to teach truth, but I am imperfect and may do the very thing I am trying not to do. If I do teach something wrong or out of context, I want to be made aware of the wrong.  In my desire to declare truth, I would be irresponsible if I did not show how this kind of misunderstanding can lead people astray.

My challenge in all of this is, to bring about a revolution in Bible reading and understanding.  Don't just hear what people are teaching and believe what they are saying.  We need to be like the Bereans, who Paul declared were "more noble" than the rest because they listened intently and then went and studied the scriptures for themselves to make sure the teaching was the truth.  There are many deceiving spirits out there who want nothing more than for us to misinterpret and misunderstand scripture.  There are a lot of false teachers out there disguised as "sheep", but in truth they are "ravenous wolves".  I think there is a litmus test for knowing who is a false teacher and who is not is.  Are they teaching "feel good" messages or are they teaching the "truth in love"?  If a message is hard to hear because it "steps on our toes", there is a good chance it is truth.  The opposite can also be true.  If the message makes us "feel good" or spends to much time on the physicality of man instead of the glory of God, chances are it is false teaching.

This may be a hard read for some who have fallen for the misinterpretation.  Please understand, my desire in all of this is to "declare truth" and that is all.  I would love to talk further about this, if you want give me a shout, ja4slovenia@gmail.com.