Introduction

When studying or teaching the Bible, we must distinguish between what Scripture actually teaches and what we personally believe a passage means.

Personal opinions are not always wrong. We may have observations, questions, or conclusions while studying God’s Word. However, we must not present our opinions as direct statements from God unless the Scriptures support them.

A responsible Bible teacher allows Scripture to establish the teaching and clearly distinguishes between the words of the Bible and personal explanations.

In this lesson, we will learn how to recognise this difference and communicate biblical truth honestly.

1. Scripture Reading (KJV)

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

Paul instructs believers to examine things carefully and hold firmly to what is good.

This principle encourages us not to accept every teaching or interpretation without examination. We should investigate what is being taught and determine whether it agrees with Scripture.

Proverbs 30:6 (KJV)

“Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

This verse gives a serious warning against adding to God’s words.

When we teach the Bible, we must be careful not to add our own ideas and then claim that God said them. We should explain Scripture faithfully and acknowledge when we are offering an interpretation rather than quoting an explicit biblical statement.

2. Understanding the Teaching

A. Identify what Scripture explicitly says

Begin with the words of the passage.

Ask what the text directly states, what instruction it gives, or what truth it explains.

For example, Ephesians 2:8 explicitly teaches that salvation is by grace through faith and describes it as the gift of God.

That statement is directly supported by the text.

B. Distinguish explanation from quotation

When explaining a passage, we often use our own words to make the meaning clearer.

That is acceptable, provided our explanation faithfully represents the passage.

However, we should not place our own explanation in quotation marks as though it were a biblical statement, nor should we claim that a passage explicitly says something it does not say.

C. Recognise personal assumptions

An assumption is something we accept without sufficient evidence.

For example, if a person experiences a particular dream, we should not automatically claim that the dream is a message from God. We must distinguish the person’s experience and interpretation from what Scripture actually establishes.

The same principle applies to biblical interpretation: an idea does not become biblical truth merely because someone expresses it confidently.

D. Examine teachings against Scripture

When someone presents a teaching, examine the relevant passages in context.

Ask whether the explanation follows from the text or whether it depends on ideas introduced by the teacher.

Do not accept or reject a teaching merely because of the speaker’s reputation. Give careful attention to the biblical evidence.

E. Be honest about what remains uncertain

Sometimes, a passage allows us to establish certain truths while leaving other questions unanswered.

In such cases, we should state clearly what Scripture says and avoid pretending to know what it does not reveal.

Faithfulness to God’s Word includes being honest about the limits of our understanding.

3. Another Example from Scripture

Acts 17:11 (KJV)

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

The Bereans listened to the teaching they received and searched the Scriptures to examine whether it was true.

Their example demonstrates the importance of testing teaching against God’s Word rather than accepting every claim without examination.

Notice that they were willing to listen, but they also investigated what they heard.

This is a useful model for every Bible student: listen carefully, examine the Scriptures, and allow the biblical evidence to guide your understanding.

4. Practical Example

Imagine a Bible teacher says, “God has promised that every believer will become wealthy within one year.”

Before accepting this statement as biblical truth, ask:

• Which passage explicitly makes this promise?
• Who was the original audience?
• What does the passage say in its context?
• Is the teacher explaining Scripture accurately or adding a personal conclusion?
• Does the Bible actually establish the specific promise being claimed?

If no passage supports that exact promise, it should not be presented as something God has guaranteed to every believer.

A teacher may share a personal hope or opinion, but it must be identified honestly rather than presented as a direct promise from God.

5. Remember

Biblical teaching must be supported by Scripture, while personal opinions and interpretations must be recognised as such. Examine teachings in context, avoid adding unsupported claims to God’s Word, and be honest about what the Bible clearly states and what remains uncertain.