Understanding the 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.

The heart of most problems in the church today is our failure to keep the Word of God at the center of our preaching and teaching.  We generally only give lip service to the Bible.  We may teach and preach from it, but we don’t live it like we should be doing.  In many churches, the Bible plays second fiddle to other resources people use.  In many churches, people don’t even bring their Bibles (if they even own one) to church because it is seldom used.  The Bible is often considered as one of several resources used to make a “sermon”.  Many would be hard pressed to know where to find a passage suited for their needs.

Another problem I see in the church today is that most people fail to properly understand the Word, let alone live it out.  The Word is mishandled from the pulpit and in the classroom.  Things are taken out of context to suit one’s own opinions.  Things are said that are simply not true.  Few put in the time and effort to gain a real understanding of what the Word says.  Many sermons are canned speeches, created by someone else and reproduced for others to use.  How can people who hear the Word understand it if those who proclaim it don’t understand it?

Without a proper understanding of the Word, how can we know what we believe and why we believe it?  Is it no wonder that so many professing faith in Christ don’t live like they have faith in Christ?  Every believer in Christ has a need and right to know what the Word says. 

If you don’t understand what you read or are being taught, don’t just ignore it.  Ask questions and study the Word for yourself until you do.  If you can’t get what you need from your church family, find one where the Word is being properly taught and proclaimed.  It is the only way to a right relationship with God and far too much is at stake if you don’t.