Reading and Understanding God's Word

Neh. 8:8  They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

I love this verse!  Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites clearly explained the meaning of the Word as it was being read to the people so they could understand it.  This must be the duty of anyone who would preach or teach the Word.  Everyone has the right to know what God says and means.

In order to explain the meaning of God’s Word, one must first understand it himself.  Understanding comes from diligently studying and praying over the Word.  There are no shortcuts to gaining an understanding of the Word.  Understanding comes from a desire to know what God means with what He said.  One must have an open heart and mind as he studies the Word.

Much meaning is lost when one reads the Word with preconceived notions about what it says.  Be careful that you don’t allow church doctrine to determine what you understand.  Let the Word speak for itself.  If there is a disagreement between what you have been taught and believe and what the Word is saying to you, diligently pray about it and let the Spirit confirm within you what is true.  The Spirit guides us into all truth.  He will never leave and honest seeker of truth hanging or lead them astray.

The Word proclaimed does the soul no good if it is not understood by those who hear it.  Let all who teach and preach the Word do so faithfully with the goal of always presenting truth in such a way that it is understood and lived.