Reading Bible Passages with Humility and Openness
Reading Bible Passages with Humility and Openness
Reading Bible passages with humility and openness is a virtue emphasized across various Christian traditions. The biblical basis for this approach is rooted in passages that encourage humility and receptivity to God's word. For instance, Psalm 119:130 states, "The opening of Thy words enlighteneth, Instructing the simple" [1]. This verse underscores the importance of approaching Scripture with a simple and receptive heart.
The concept of humility is closely tied to the Christian graces, with Christ being the exemplary model. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, Christ's humility is demonstrated in his taking on human nature, his subjection to his parents, and his association with the despised [3]. This example is echoed in Philippians 2:5-8, where Christ's humility is described as a key aspect of his character.
In interpreting Scripture, humility is essential for understanding and applying its teachings. Matthew Henry notes that David's humility allowed him to walk with God, despite being under censure and temptation [5]. This humility is not limited to personal piety but also extends to the interpretation of Scripture. Adam Clarke observes that Jesus' teaching style was characterized by a desire to be understood, using simple and instructive comparisons to convey necessary truths [4].
The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, emphasizes the importance of humility in the context of Christian discipleship. Gill notes that believers should "have their conversation honest among the Gentiles" [7], demonstrating a humble and respectful attitude towards those outside the faith.
In practical terms, reading Bible passages with humility and openness involves a willingness to be instructed by God's word. This requires a receptive heart, as emphasized in Psalm 119:130 [1]. It also involves a recognition of one's limitations and a willingness to learn from others. As the writer of Hebrews notes, believers should "have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe" [2].
The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, highlights the importance of humility in the context of spiritual liberty. Henry notes that Christ's disciples are freed from the bondage of sin and Satan, and are encouraged to walk in the Spirit [6].
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 119:130 (YLT) — The opening of Thy words enlighteneth, Instructing the simple.”
- Hebrews “Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, -- Hebrews 12:28”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 4:30: Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? - How amiable is this carefulness of Jesus! How instructive to the preachers of his word! He is not solicitous to seek fine turns of eloquence to charm the minds of his auditors, nor to draw such descriptions and comparisons as may surprise them: but studies only to make himself understood; to instruct to advantage; to give true ideas of faith and holiness; and to find out such expressions as may render necessary truths easy and intelligible to the meanest capacities. The very wisdom of God seems to be at a loss to find out”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 131:1: Here are two things which will be comforts to us: - I. Consciousness of our integrity. This was David's rejoicing, that his heart could witness for him that he had walked humbly with his God, notwithstanding the censures he was under and the temptations he was in. 1. He aimed not at a high condition, nor was he desirous of making a figure in the world, but, if God had so ordered, could have been well content to spend all his days, as he did in the beginning of them, in the sheep-folds. His own brother, in a passion, charged him with pride (Sa1 17:28), but the ch”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 8:31: We have in these verses, I. A comfortable doctrine laid down concerning the spiritual liberty of Christ's disciples, intended for the encouragement of those Jews that believed. Christ, knowing that his doctrine began to work upon some of his hearers, and perceiving that virtue had gone out of him, turned his discourse from the proud Pharisees, and addressed himself to those weak believers. When he had denounced wrath against those that were hardened in unbelief, then he spoke comfort to those few feeble Jews that believed in him. See here, 1. How graciously the Lord”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 2:11: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles,.... To have the conversation honest, is to provide things honest in the sight of men; to live and walk honestly before all; to do those things which are right and honest in the sight of God, and among men; to order the conversation aright, according to the law of God, which is a rule of walk and conversation, and as becomes the Gospel of Christ; and which was the more, and rather to be attended to, because these converted Jews were "among the Gentiles", that knew not God; idolaters, and unbelievers, profane sinners,”