The answer is, you do not.
Why do some pastors insist on teaching/translating the Bible for you?
So that they become your final authority, rather than allowing the scripture.
If you speak English and you have a Bible written in English, why do you need to know the Greek or Hebrew?
The answer is, you do not.
This issue actually comes down to, what is your final authority?
Once we come to the realization that scripture is our final authority, then we will understand that we have been given everything we need to understand scripture. That being said, we DO NOT need to know or understand Greek or Hebrew to fully understand scripture.
The problem we have is that it takes time and effort to understand scripture properly. We have to study God's word and we are told how to study. The only verse in the Bible that tells us to study also tells us how to study the word is :
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The purpose of our studying is not to boast about our knowledge, but rather to be workman. The manner in which we are to study is by rightly dividing the word of truth. That in and of itself is a completely different study.
The next thing we need to get a grasp on is that we have been given everything we need in order to understand scripture once we study it properly. That is found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Verse 17 starts with the word "that". Which tells us the purpose of verse 16. Why was scripture spoken out of the mouth of God? Why did God put His spirit in His word? Why is scripture profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness? So that we are perfect. What does perfect mean? According the verse, perfect means to be throughly furnished unto all good works. That means we are completely and totally equipped to live the life God expects us to live. That is to say that we do good things because of who God made in what Christ did for us on the cross. We no longer do good works to gain favor with God, but because we have favor with God, we now do good works. No that does not mean we do good to keep our salvation. It is by grace through faith we are saved and it is be grace through faith we are to live.
Colossians 2:6-10 KJV
[6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. [8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
We are compete in Christ and we must live that way and study that way.
Therefore, we must move forward in our walk with Him.
The last question I have for you or your pastor is, what is the title of this post?
Grace and Peace.
Greg Resor
Complete in Him
