The quotation of Scripture or a theological statement is not to be preface with the words, “I think,…” It is a statement. If one is uncertain as to where a verse is located in a particular chapter or verse in the Bible, the preface of I think is to a manner that the pastor may have the incorrect chapter or verse. He may have a memory lapse. To state dogmatically that it is in a particular chapter or verse when one is uncertain may lead to being proven wrong. The pastor may use other word choices for his uncertainty of the location of a particular verse.
The application of Scripture or an interpretation of a passage may have various viewpoints. If one asserts that he has THE interpretation or application would be viewed as being arrogant. The pastor may be challenged in his interpretation or application of the Scriptures.
For example on the theological view on the “rapture”, there are divergent views as amillennialists, pre-millennialist, or post-millennialist. Which view is correct? It depends on one’s interpretation of the text. Thus to assert that one’s view is correct and all the other views are wrong would assume that one has a correct interpretation of the text. If theologians can’t agree on that topic, then one has to be cautious in asserting pastoral authority on a theological position.
There has been time I have preference my remarks with “I think” so as to allow the listener to understand that the position advocated or interpreted by me is one viewpoint. The listener has to do their due diligence in searching the Scriptures.
Saying, “I think” can be view as being humble and not arrogant, not necessarily that the pastor is unsure of his own conviction on the text.
For more perspectives: