Misinterpreting the Bible
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a prayerful invitation to consider how Scripture is often misused, likening it to other forms of abuse that leave lasting wounds. The teacher emphasized that believers are called, as 2 Timothy 2:15 states, to rightly divide the word of truth, warning that both ignorance and malice can lead to harmful misinterpretations. He highlighted Jesus’ confrontation of the Pharisees in Matthew 9:12‑13, noting the quotation from Hosea 6:6 that demands mercy over sacrifice, and illustrating how Jesus prioritized compassion over legalism. Continuing, the teacher examined the Sabbath incident in Matthew 12:1‑8, showing how Jesus applied Scripture with humanity and challenged restrictive traditions. He encouraged the congregation to adopt the Berean spirit (Acts 17:11), examining teachings daily to safeguard against distortion. Practical suggestions included diligent personal study, accountability within the church, and cultivating a heart of compassion when interpreting God’s Word. The session concluded with a call to become faithful stewards of Scripture, ensuring its truth is preserved and lived out in love.
Key Scriptures
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom; and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth and drinketh your master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said, They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.