Rodriguez Project

Bible Fun Toolbox Tip: Compare Your Translations

matt.rodriguez — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:00:42 +0000

By Matt Rodriguez

Compare your translations!

Ever wonder why we have numerous translations of the Bible? Why does one translation differ from others. Which translation accurately reflects the words of the original authors? Or are there multiple reliable ones?

Many of us get frustrated with sifting through questions like this. We want to know which translation is the best. We feel uncomfortable with acknowledging multiple translations may offer a reliable interpretation. To us, we see different translations as problematic—not advantageous.

But the reality is most good translations, such as the New International Version, New American Standard Bible, or New English Translation employ a host of experts in Hebrew and Koine Greek. These translators have gained the respect of the academic community for their fine scholarship in accurately interpreting the Masoretic and Koine texts.

So why does the NET interpret passages differently than the NIV? The simple reason is because we don’t have the original writers of Scripture alive to explain what they wrote! Instead, Bible interpreters rely on the best manuscripts available to them. And because the Bible was originally written a long time ago, cultural and language differences make it challenging to figure out the original meaning of Bible passages.

But this doesn’t mean translation is impossible. Instead, linguists use their expertise in making educated decisions on what certain ancient terms and phrases mean. For example, the Hebrew term Har carries the meaning of a mountain, hill, or hill country. Because there are multiple meanings associated with this one term, translators must decide which interpretation best fits the biblical author’s original meaning. In doing so, linguists choose which interpretation they believe the ancient author meant.

At first glance, this sounds problematic. “Which one is it, mountain, hill or hill country?” we mumble. “Why can’t there be only one term?” But once we trust the scholarship behind each good Bible translation, we can utilize the different translations to our benefit. By comparing translations with each other, we can see how each translation surfaces different nuances. And in doing this exercise, we get a more balanced view of the range of meanings a certain passage may contain.

So go for it! Get a few different translations. And when you read a difficult passage, consult one of your other translations to see another perspective. In doing so, you’ll gain a better understanding of what the Bible means.

Biblical Priorities

matt.rodriguez — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:17 +0000

Setting priorities is crucial. Leaders schedule them in the workplace. Parents teach their kiddos which ones prove worthwhile. And Scripture teaches us about those we should value.

Everyone practices prioritization. We prioritize where our resources go. We prioritize how we will spend our time, money, and devotion. How we prioritize our lives reflects how we view God.

Do we respect Him? Do we rely on His guidance? Do we love Him? Is He a priority in our lives?

One person who prioritized God was Ezra. This Jewish priest, who lived after the fall of Babylon, set his priorities right. Let’s see what he valued.

Now Ezra had dedicated himself to the study of the law of the Lord, to its observance, and to teaching its statutes and judgments in Israel. (Ezra 7:10 NET)

Ezra prioritized studying, obeying, and teaching the Bible. Notice the order. What he read he obeyed. And what he obeyed he taught. Ezra dedicated himself to obeying God as revealed through His Word.

In light of Ezra’s example, how might we re-prioritize our lives?

Developing Your Bible Muscles

matt.rodriguez — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:49 +0000

Have you flexed your muscles lately? That is, your Bible muscles? Have you exercised the spiritual discipline of Scripture reading?

If you’re like me, reading the Bible takes effort. It doesn’t come naturally. I need to train myself to spend time in God’s Word. Reading the Bible takes hard work, just like serving others does.

Paul encouraged Timothy to persevere in serving others when he wrote:

Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5 NET)

In the ancient world, “rules” included training requirements and competition rules. To be crowned the winner, the athlete must commit himself to exercise. Hard work went into the preparation for each competition.

Serving others requires hard work. And the same preparation should go into reading the Bible. Studying Scripture takes effort, just like training for a competition. The more time you spend in the gym, the better you get.

Scripture Sings Grace

matt.rodriguez — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:58 +0000

Grace is amazing. Always has been. Always will.

So what is grace? And if it could be heard, what would it sound like? What is this melody we call grace?

No other voice better represents grace than Jesus’s. While hanging on a cross, Jesus responded to one thief’s request. The thief humbly asked Jesus to remember him in His Kingdom.

Instead of critiquing this criminal, Jesus sang grace into this man’s soul. Let’s hear what He told this thief.

And Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NET)

Have you heard His voice of grace in your own life? Or just criticism of past mistakes? Perhaps today you can let His symphony of love swell over you as you humbly draw close to Him.

The Right Attitude

matt.rodriguez — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:35 +0000

Attitude is important. It affects how we respond to others. It reflects our inner selves.

Paul teaches our attitudes should mimic Christ’s. He is our perfect example. With meekness and humility, He came and served sacrificially.

But let’s be honest: having a good attitude is hard. Life can wear us down. Frustrations cause us to lose our patience with others. Time has a way of increasing our cynicism. Optimism gives way to pessimism.

Paul reminds us to check our attitudes. He pens:

You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,
who though he existed in the form of God
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
but emptied himself
by taking on the form of a slave,
by looking like other men,
and by sharing in human nature.
He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
– even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8 NET)

Notice Christ’s attitude is one of submission to the Father’s will. He willingly serves the needs of others with humility. He doesn’t complain about taking on the form of a servant. Think about it. God incarnate took on the form of a servant for you and me!

Now how does a right attitude apply to reading Scripture? Is there a connection between our attitude and ability to observe, interpret, and apply the Bible to our lives? Is a right attitude important to studying Scripture?

Just like Christ, we must approach the Bible in humility. We must submit our will to the Father’s. We must allow Him to direct our lives.

When when we read Scripture, let’s practice having Christ’s humble attitude. We will learn more and grow spiritually. And we will model for others Christ’s sacrificial love.

Bible Fun Toolbox Tip: Dangers of Neglect

matt.rodriguez — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:00:37 +0000

By Matt Rodriguez

There are dangers in neglecting God’s Word

“Moses my servant is dead. Get ready!” the LORD said to Joshua. Have you ever wondered what it must have felt like to be the new leader of God’s people, Israel? That’s the situation Joshua embraced as he obeyed God’s Word to lead His people to the promised land.

For those who’ve lead others, you know the difficulty of guiding people. Joshua would have faced this challenge while leading the Israelites. Remember, the Israelites descended from Jacob—the heel-grabber who deceived his father Isaac and stole his brother Esau’s birthright (Gen 27). It’s no wonder why Jacob, later named Israel, fathered a people (i.e. the Israelites) the Bible describes as stiff-necked (Exo 32:9).

Neglecting the LORD’s commandments (Exo 20), the Israelites fashioned a golden idol at Mount Sinai. They disobeyed God’s very first command: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Instead of listening to God, the Israelites used their gold earrings to mold a calf. “These are your gods, O Israel…” they said.

So when Moses died, Joshua found himself in charge of leading these stiff-necked Israelites. “How am I gonna get these stubborn people to listen to me?” Joshua likely said to himself. “C’mon God, give me some help here!”

Ever felt like Joshua? “C’mon God, these people won’t listen!” “They won’t do what I say!” Every leader has shrugged these same thoughts while encountering opposition. People, like you and me, are stiff-necked. We neglect what God says. We neglect God’s Word.

It’s no wonder why the LORD provides Joshua a little tip:

Make sure you are very strong and brave! Carefully obey all the law my servant Moses charged you to keep! Do not swerve from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be successful in all you do. This law scroll must not leave your lips! You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. Then you will prosper and be successful. (Joshua 1:7, 8 NET)

Joshua was to treasure God’s Word, if he wanted to be successful.

Do you also want success? Do you want to lead others with wisdom? Do you find yourself questioning whether you have what it takes? If so, you are in familiar company. We all need help. We all need His help.

Rather than neglecting the Bible, consider treasuring God’s Word like Joshua. Obey it, don’t swerve from it, memorize it. Then you will prosper and be successful in carrying out God’s will for your life.

The Bible and the Body

matt.rodriguez — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:01 +0000

The Bible and the body of Christ help us grow spiritually. One without the other can prove dangerous. We need both to guide our thinking and understanding of how to love God and others.

Without the Bible, churches limit their understanding about who God is. When they fail to read Scripture, they have no basis for discerning between right and wrong. The church must teach from Scripture and encourage their members to obey God’s Word.

Without the body of Christ, we can err in our observation, interpretation, and application of Scripture. We need other believers to help us understand what the Bible teaches. By reading Scripture in the context of community, we guard against eisegesis (i.e. reading into Scripture one’s own opinion rather than the meaning the biblical author intended).

Luke writes of the early Christian church:

They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NET)

They valued the apostles’ teaching. They enjoyed each other’s fellowship. They remembered Christ’s sacrifice. And they prayed. In doing these practices, the early church obeyed God’s Word.

Bible Tool: Living By the Book

matt.rodriguez — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:15:54 +0000

In my first year at Dallas Theological Seminary, I took Bible Exposition 101 from Dr. Howard Hendricks or, as we affectionately called him, “Prof.” My wife was also a student in the class and we both learned how to study the Bible. It was a memorable experience.

My favorite part was our final project. We were to take a passage of Scripture and creatively illustrate the text. I chose to do a painting of the scene in Acts 3 about the man at the gate called Beautiful.

This project was so much fun. It was the first time I learned I could use my artistic abilities to showcase God’s Word. And so can you!

Prof has made it easier for you to learn how to study and apply God’s Word. He and his son William have written an excellent book Living By the Book. This tool will teach you the importance of observation, interpretation, and application. You will find this book helpful as you seek to know God better by studying and enjoying His Word.

Scripture Is Sacred

matt.rodriguez — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:31 +0000

The Bible is one of the most printed books. It has been translated in many languages. Scripture is definitely a world renowned book.

Although popular, the Bible transcends all other works. Scripture communicates God’s Word to us. It reveals who God is and how we can know Him.

In a world full of trends, the Bible is here to stay. It is not just a collection of nice thoughts and stories. The Bible is inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16). It reveals His Word of truth, which is the good news of our salvation from sin (Eph 1:13).

Scripture is perfectly right and set apart from all other literature. It is sacred. Sweet.

The law of the Lord is perfect
and preserves one’s life.
The rules set down by the Lord are reliable
and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.
The Lord’s precepts are fair
and make one joyful.
The Lord’s commands are pure
and give insight for life.
The commands to fear the Lord are right
and endure forever.
The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy
and absolutely just.
They are of greater value than gold,
than even a great amount of pure gold;
they bring greater delight than honey,
than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb. (Psalm 19:7-10 NET)

Scripture is special. It is sacred. It glorifies God. And it shares how you can have eternal life in His Son Jesus.

The Bible Is Illuminating

matt.rodriguez — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:08 +0000

Like a Maglite in a dark forest, God’s Word illumines our path. It reveals dangers. It provides comforting light. It shows us where to walk.

The Bible guides us. It shows us where the danger points are. Those icky sinful areas to guard against.

Scripture points us toward God. It reveals who He is. And how to grow in our relationship with Him.

And when something gets in the way between us and God, the Bible signals an S.O.S. It encourages us to confess whatever sin is in the way so we can draw close to Him. Scripture always moves us toward the Light of the world.

The psalmist pens:

Your word is a lamp to walk by,
and a light to illumine my path. (Psalm 119:105 NET)

How encouraging it is to know we have a light to walk by in God’s Word. We have His teachings to guide us. We have His encouragement to continue our spiritual journey in the power of His Spirit.