Bible Study Without Bias - Pursuing God’s Truth Over Our Own Opinion

One of the greatest challenges in Bible study isn’t finding the right translation, commentary, or study plan - it’s laying down our pride. All of us come to Scripture with influences: our upbringing, church tradition, theological “camp,” favorite preacher, or even our current feelings and circumstances. Without realizing it, we can read the Bible through a lens that confirms what we already think rather than one that seeks God’s intended meaning.

This isn’t a new problem. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had Scripture memorized but still missed the heart of God (John 5:39-40). Paul warned Timothy to “correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), which implies there’s a wrong way to handle it.

If we want to study the Bible faithfully - free from prideful bias - here are some biblical principles to guide us.

1. Approach Scripture with Humility

Humility is the foundation of faithful Bible study. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This means when we come to Scripture thinking, I already know what it says, we may actually be resisting God’s voice.

How to cultivate humility in study:

• Begin with prayer: Ask God to correct your thinking, reveal truth, and convict you where needed (Psalm 139:23-24).

• Be willing to be wrong: Hold your interpretations loosely until you’ve tested them against the full counsel of God’s Word.

• Remember your limitations: We’re finite; God’s Word is infinite. You will never exhaust its meaning.

2. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

One of the best safeguards against bias is to interpret difficult or unclear passages in light of clearer ones. The Bible is the best commentary on itself.

• If you’re reading a verse about salvation, compare it with other passages on the same topic (Romans 3–5, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16).

• Avoid building a doctrine on a single, isolated verse without considering the broader biblical narrative.

• Keep the whole Bible in view; don’t cherry-pick verses that fit your preexisting view.

  
  

3. Recognize the Influence of Your “Camp”

Many Christians unknowingly filter Scripture through the theological tradition they grew up in or currently identify with - whether Reformed, Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist, or otherwise. While these traditions can offer valuable insights, they can also act like blinders.

Practical steps:

• Read from multiple theological perspectives - not just your “team’s” favorite authors.

• Study church history to see how believers have understood passages across centuries.

• Be alert for language in your own thinking that sounds more like a movement’s slogan than biblical truth.

  
  

4. Prioritize the Author’s Intent Over Your Feelings

We often approach the Bible asking, What does this mean to me? But the better starting point is: What did God mean when He inspired this text? The goal is to understand the original audience, historical context, and intended meaning before asking how it applies to our lives.

Questions to ask:

• Who was the original audience?

• What problem, question, or situation was being addressed?

• How would the first readers have understood this passage?

Only after answering these should we ask, “How does this truth apply to me today?”

5. Test Your Conclusions Against Sound Doctrine

Once you’ve wrestled with a passage, compare your understanding to the core doctrines of the Christian faith. The Bible is consistent - God will never contradict Himself.

Doctrinal checkpoints:

• Does this interpretation align with the Gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

• Does it affirm God’s character as revealed in Scripture? (Exodus 34:6-7)

• Is it consistent with the entirety of God’s Word? (Psalm 119:160)

If your conclusion fails one of these tests, it’s time to revisit the text.

6. Be Willing to Modify Your View

Mature Christians hold to core doctrines firmly (Galatians 1:8-9) but remain teachable in secondary matters. If the Spirit convicts you through the Word, change your mind. If Scripture exposes error in your theology, adjust your theology - not the text.

Remember: Your loyalty is to God’s truth, not to your past self, your denomination, or your favorite teacher.

7. Apply the Word Personally and Obediently

Bias often creeps in because we want to hear what comforts us, not what convicts us. But the Bible is meant to shape us, not the other way around. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.”

• If God’s Word calls you to repentance, repent.

• If it commands you to forgive, forgive.

• If it confronts your sin, don’t argue - surrender.

The goal isn’t to win theological debates. The goal is to be transformed into the image of Christ.

Some Encouragement

Studying the Bible without bias doesn’t mean ignoring wise teachers or refusing to learn from your church tradition. It means placing God’s Word above all other authorities and letting it speak - even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or humbling.

The end goal is not to be “right” according to our own camp but to be faithful to the Author. When we approach Scripture with prayerful humility, seeking God’s meaning rather than our own validation, we will find not just information - but transformation.