47
WHEN teaching others, more is required than merely reading verses
from the Bible. The apostle Paul wrote to his associate Timothy: “Do
your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with
nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.”
—2Tim.2:15.
To do this means that our explanation of scriptures
must be consistent with what the Bible itself teaches.
This requires that we take into account the context, in-
stead of simply selecting expressions that appeal to us
and adding our own ideas. Through the prophet Jer-
emiah, Jehovah warned against those prophets who pro-
fessed to speak from the mouth of Jehovah but who actu-
ally presented “thevision of their own heart.” (Jer. 23:16)
The apostle Paul warned Christians against contaminat-
ing God’s Word withhumanphilosophies when hewrote:
“We have renounced the underhanded things of which
to be ashamed, not walking with cunning, neither adulterating the
word of God.” In those days dishonest wine merchants would dilute
their wine to make it go further and to bring in more money.We do
not adulterate the Word of God by mixing it with human philoso-
phies. “We are not peddlers of the word of God as many men are,”
Paul declared, “but as out of sincerity, yes, as sent from God, under
God’s view, in company with Christ, we are speaking.”—2 Cor. 2:17;
4:2.
At times, you may quote a scripture to highlight a principle. The
Bible is filled with principles that provide sound guidance in deal-
ing with awidevariety of situations. (2 Tim. 3:16,17) But you should
make surethat your application is accurate and that you are not mis-
using a scripture, making it appear to say what you want it to say.
66
SCRIPTURES CORRECTLY APPLIED
What doyou need to do?
Make sure that any application of a scripture is in harmony
with the context and with the Bible as a whole. The applica-
tion should also be in harmony with what has been pub-
lished by “the faithful and discreet slave.”
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Itisaseriousthingto teach
others God’sWord. Hiswill
isthatpeoplecometo “an
accurateknowledgeof
truth.”(1Tim.2:3, 4) That
imposes onustherespon-
sibilityto teachGod’sWord
correctly.
153
54
(Ps.91:11,12; Matt.4:5, 6) Theapplication mustbe in harmony with
Jehovah’s purpose,consistent with the entire Word ofGod.
“Handling the word of the truth aright” also includes getting the
spiritofwhattheBible says.Itisnota“club”withwhichtobrowbeat
others.Religious teachers who opposed Jesus Christquoted from the
Scriptures, but they were shutting their eyes to the weightier mat-
ters—those involving justice and mercy and faithfulness—which are
required by God. (Matt. 22:23, 24; 23:23, 24) When teaching God’s
Word, Jesus reflected his Father’s personality. Jesus’ zeal
for the truth was coupled with his deep love for the peo-
ple hetaught.We should endeavor to followhis example.
—Matt.11:28.
How can we be sure that we are making proper appli-
cation of a scripture? Regular Bible reading will help. We
also need to appreciate Jehovah’s provision of “the faith-
ful and discreet slave,” the body of spirit-anointed Chris-
tians through whom he provides spiritual food for the
householdoffaith.(Matt.24:45)Personal study as wellas
regular attendance at and participation in congregation
meetings will help us to benefit from theinstruction pro-
vided through thatfaithful and discreet slave class.
If the bookReasoning From the Scriptures is available in
your language and you learn to use it well, you will have
at your fingertips the guidance that you need for correct
application of hundreds of scriptures that are frequently
used in our ministry. If you are planning to use an unfamiliar scrip-
ture,modesty will moveyou to doneededresearch sothatwhenyou
speak, you will behandling the word of the trutharight.—Prov.11:2.
Make the Application Clear. When teaching others, make sure
that they clearly see the connectionbetweenthesubjectthatyou are
discussingandthescriptures that you use.If you lead upto the scrip-
ture with a question, your listeners should see how the scripture an-
swers thatquestion. Ifyou are using thescriptureinsupportofsome
statement, be sure that the student clearly sees how the text proves
the point.
Just reading the scripture—even with emphasis—is usually not
enough. Remember, the average person is unfamiliar with the Bible
HOW TO DEVELOP
THE ABILITY
ReadtheBibleregularly.
Carefully studyTheWatch-
tower, andpreparewellfor
congregationmeetings.
Besurethatyouknowthe
meaningofthewordsinany
scripturethatyouplanto
use.Readthetextcarefully
sothatyoucorrectly under-
standwhatit issaying.
Makeit apracticetodo
researchinourChristian
publications.
154
Scriptures Correctly Applied
39
and will probably not grasp your point with just one reading. Draw
attention to the portion of the text that directly applies to what you
are discussing.
This usually requires that you isolate key words, those that have a
direct bearing on the point being discussed. The simplest method is
to restate those thought-carrying words. If you are talking to an in-
dividual,you might ask questions that will help him to identify the
key words. When talking to a group,some speakers prefer to achieve
their objective by using synonyms or by restating the idea. However,
if you choose to do this, exercise care that the audience does not
lose sightof theconnection between the pointof discussionand the
wording in the scripture.
Having isolated the key words, you have laid a good foundation.
Nowfollowthrough.Did you introducethescripturewith aclear in-
dication as to your reason for using the text? Ifso,pointout how the
wordsthatyouhavehighlighted relatetowhatyou led your audience
to expect. State clearly what that connection is. Even if you did not
use such an explicit introduction to the text,there ought to be some
follow-through.
The Pharisees asked Jesus what they thought was a difficult ques-
tion,namely: “Is itlawful for a man to divorce his wife on every sort
ofground?” Jesus based his reply on Genesis 2:24.Notice thathefo-
cused attention on just one part of it, and then he made the need-
ed application. Having pointed out that the man and his wife be-
come “one flesh,” Jesus concluded: “Therefore, what God has yoked
togetherlet no manput apart.”—Matt.19:3-6.
How much explanation should you give in order to make the ap-
plication of a scripture clear? The makeup of your audience and the
importance of the point being discussed should determine that. Let
simplicity and directness beyour aim.
Reason From the Scriptures. Regarding the apostle Paul’s minis-
try in Thessalonica, Acts 17:2, 3 tells us that he ‘reasoned from the
Scriptures.’ This is an ability that every servant of Jehovah should
try to cultivate.For example, Paul related facts regarding the lifeand
ministryofJesus,showedthatthesehad beenforetold in the Hebrew
Scriptures,andthengaveaforceful conclusionby saying:“This is the
Christ,this Jesus whom I am publishing to you.”
Scriptures Correctly Applied
155
39
When writing to the Hebrews, Paul repeatedly quoted from the
Hebrew Scriptures. To emphasize or clarify a point, he often iso-
lated one word or a short phrase and then showed its significance.
(Heb. 12:26, 27) In the account found in Hebrews chapter 3, Paul
quoted from Psalm 95:7-11. Notice that he then enlarged on three
portions of it: (1) the reference to the heart (Heb. 3:8-12), (2) the
significance of the expression “Today” (Heb. 3:7,13-15; 4:6-11), and
(3)themeaning of thestatement:“Theyshall notenter into my rest”
(Heb. 3:11,18, 19; 4:1-11). Endeavor to imitate that example as you
make application of each scripture.
Observe the effectiveness with which Jesus reasoned from the
Scriptures in the account found at Luke 10:25-37. A man versed in
the Law asked: “Teacher, by doing what shall I inherit everlasting
life?” In reply Jesus first invited the man to express his view of the
matter, and then Jesus emphasized the importance of doing what
God’s Word says. When it became clear that the man was missing
the point, Jesus discussed at lengthjust one word from the scripture
—“neighbor.”Instead ofsimply defining it,he usedan illustrationto
help the mancome to the proper conclusion himself.
It is evident that when answering questions, Jesus did not sim-
ply quote texts that gave a direct, obvious answer. He analyzed what
these said and then made application to the question at hand.
When the resurrection hope was being challenged by the Saddu-
cees, Jesus focused attention on one specific portion of Exodus 3:6.
But he did not stop after quoting the scripture. He reasoned on it
to showclearly that the resurrection is partofGod’s purpose.—Mark
12:24-27.
Mastering the ability to reason correctly and effectively from the
Scriptures will be a significant factor in your becoming a skilled
teacher.
EXERCISE:
Reason on the meaning of 2 Peter 3:7. Does it prove that the earth will be
destroyed by fire? (When defining “earth,” also consider what is meant by
“heavens.” What scriptures show that “earth” can be used in a figurative
sense? Who or what is actually destroyed, as stated in verse 7? How does
that agree with what occurred in Noah’s day, which is referred to in vers-
es 5 and 6?)
156
Scriptures Correctly Applied
46
WHETHER you are speaking to anindividual or to alarger audience,
it is unwise to assume that your listener(s) will be interested in your
subject just because you are interested in it. Your message is impor-
tant,butifyoufail to makeclear its practicalvalue,you will probably
not hold theinterest of your audience very long.
This is trueof even aKingdom Hall audience.They may
mentally tune in when you use an illustration or experi-
ence that they have not heard before. But they may tune
out when you talk about things they already know, espe-
cially ifyou fail tobuildonthosethings.You need to help
them seewhy and how whatyou aresaying is ofreal ben-
efitto them.
The Bible encourages us to think in practical terms.
(Prov.3:21) Jehovah used John the Baptizer to direct peo-
ple to “the practical wisdom of righteous ones.” (Luke 1:
17) This is wisdom that is rooted in wholesome fear of Jehovah. (Ps.
111:10) Those who appreciate this wisdom are helped to cope suc-
cessfully withlifenowand to lay hold on the real life,theeternal life
to come.—1 Tim. 4:8; 6:19.
Making a Talk Practical. If your talk is going to be practical, you
must give careful thoughtnotonly to the material but also to the au-
dience.Do not thinkof them merely as a group.That group is made
up of individuals and families. There may be very young ones,teen-
agers, adults, and some who are elderly.Theremaybenewly interest-
ed ones as well as those who began serving Jehovah beforeyou were
born. Some may be spiritually mature; others may still be strongly
influenced by certain attitudes and practices of the world. Ask your-
self: ‘How might the material I am going to discuss benefit those in
the audience? How can I help them to get the point?’ You may de-
cide to giveprincipal attentionto justone or two of the groups men-
tioned here.However,do not completely forget the others.
67
PRACTICAL VALUE MADE CLEAR
What doyou need to do?
Help your audience to see how your subject affects their lives
or can be used by them in a beneficial way.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Ifpeopledonot seethe
practicalvalueofwhatyou
aresaying, theymaytell
youthatthey arenotinter-
ested,or theymaytune
out mentally,allowingtheir
minds towander.
157
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