learning how to read...

[continuing the discussion started here, and continued here and here]

along with "where did the bible come from?", i am often asked related questions pertaining to bible study.
"how do i study scripture?"
"how do i understand what i read?"
"how can i know i am not doing it wrong?"

below is an outline of things to keep in mind when studying scripture. i will break each point down over the course of the next week or so...

How Do I Read/Study the Bible?

• The starting point is NOT
  “What does this verse mean to me ?”
  Avoid this type of interpretation
  in your own Bible study and from others.
  
• Context is king! to ensure that you are
  properly understanding the point of the
  passage, keep the following things in mind
  as you read:
  Who was the author?
  Who was he writing to?
  Why was he writing this?
  
• Know the literary genre (poetry,
  wisdom literature, hyperbole, parable,
  personal correspondence, apocalyptic, etc.)
  Each genre has its own rules of interpretation.
  
• Meaning - Based on the above criteria,
  determine what message the original author
  wanted his original audience to get-that is what
  the passage means.
  
• Seek out implications for your life from what
  the text means. (as opposed to making the meaning
  an implication)

Recommended Resource:
A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible: Playing by the Rules. Robert Stein. Baker, 1997.

According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. Graeme Goldsworthy. Intervarsity Press, 2002.