One of the several pastoral counsels given by Paul to Timothy is the one on the imperativeness of accurately interpreting and teaching the word. You will shudder at the mess that many men on the pulpit are making of scriptures these days. Many are so comical that you wonder why they have not chosen Nollywood over the pulpit. I remember one encounter that we had with the police sometime ago. We had been stopped at a check point where RCC placed their logo. What should have been a routine check was almost turning to another opportunity to extort money. We introduced ourselves as church people. Immediately one of them replied that they actually had a church going on at that spot and we may as well give offering. He pointed to the RCC sign, and informed us that it stands for Roman Catholic Church! Well, I know enough that it was for Ronnier Construction Company. We laughed at his ludicrous interpretation of an innocuous sign and were left off the hook.
“When next you try to interpret scriptures, don’t force words into God’s mouth. Rather rely on the Holy Spirit to show you the mind of the Father.”
That encounter reminds me of how some people interpret the Scriptures. They like to interpret God’s word in a way to suit them. People know how to explain responsibilities away and jump on the promises of God. This sort of approach will not deliver maximum benefit to the user. While referring to the writings of Paul, Apostle Peter said some things are difficult to be understood. These are being twisted by insincere souls. The danger of wrongfully interpreting the Bible is that it brings ruin to the soul. One thing to keep in mind as far as God’s word is concerned is stressed in our passage today; that is, it does not have private application. There is universality in God’s word both in interpretation and application. When next you try to interpret scriptures, don’t force words into God’s mouth. Rather, rely on the Holy Spirit to show you the mind of the Father.
