Why Are We Content With Less?

I think for too often we are content with a surface level understanding of the Bible. If we truly understood the importance of the Bible we would not be content with just the surface level understanding that comes from simply reading it (although this too is very important). In my Berean classes I have been learning the importance of digging deeper into the Word of God and it has proven to be beneficial to learn different methods in studying scripture. The book gives a series of simple questions that require some "digging" to answer.

The first set of questions pertain to the author.
1) Who was he?
2) When did he write the book?
3) What setting was he in?
4) What relationship did he have with those to whom he wrote?
5) What was his purpose?

The second set of questions pertain to those who received the book.
1) Who were they?
2) What was their city or town like?
3) What was their social status?

The final set of questions pertain to the passage.
1) How does the specific passage relate to the author's purpose?
2) Are there any specific historical details to explain?
3) Are there any specific cultural details to explain (social roles, values or customs/economic concerns/political matters/religious beliefs or practices)?

Answering these questions not only help us understand what we are reading but they also help us accurately understand what we are reading. If we interpret the Bible based on how we feel or what we think there is much room for error. Our applications of the Word must be rooted in a correct understanding of the Word.

Paul the Freeman