Principles of Bible Study

2. Principles of Bible Study

9. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for Instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete - thoroughly equipped for every good work.

10. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Scripture God-Breathed Useful - It is the truth. - Doctrine - It is authoritative. - Reproof - Correction - It is relevant. - Instruction

11. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Beliefs (1) Doctrine - Right beliefs (2) Reproof - Correction of wrong beliefs Behavior (3) Correction - Correction of wrong behavior (4) Instruction - Right behavior

12. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 As a means to what end? All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for Instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete - thoroughly equipped for every good work. Application

13. The Bible Hermeneutics Biblical Theology Practical Theology How do we arrive at the proper application? Application

14. 1 Corinthians 8:1b But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

16. How Do We Interpret the Bible? 2 Concepts 1. LITERAL / NORMAL Interpretation

17. Literal and Normal Literal = “It means what it says.”

18. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

19. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 5 …and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.

20. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

21. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

22. Non-Literal or Mythical Interpretation An interpretation of the Bible that believes the Bible is not accurate historically, but that the ‘myths‘ of the Bible are intended to teach ‘truths.’ That is, the Bible is filled with false stories with good moral lessons.

23. Non-Literal or Mythical Interpretation Adam & Eve The Resurrection

24. Literal and Normal Literal = “It means what it says.” “Normal” in the sense that it makes allowances for... 1. Figures of Speech 6. Estimations 2. Hyperbole 7. Sarcasm 3. Metaphor 8. Etc. 4. Parable 5. Poetic License

25. How Do We Interpret the Bible? 2 Concepts 1. LITERAL / NORMAL Interpretation 2. OBJECTIVE interpretation (vs. SUBJECTIVE)

26. Rhema Interpretation An interpretation of the Bible that believes that God presently reveals individual and personal interpretations of the Bible to the reader today, and that these private interpretations are biblically authoritative even though they are completely unconnected from the original context of the passage.

27. Rhema Interpretation Examples: Jeremiah 34:4-5a - For the person going into battle... John 11:4 - For the person dying of cancer... Ezekiel 27:32 - Actual case: Marriage or missionary...

28. Rhema Interpretation 4 Problems: 1. It is forbidden in Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21) 2. Bible interpretation becomes subject to us, instead of us being subject to it. 3. The original interpretation gets ignored. 4. We trust in promises that were never intended for us. If God does not follow through in the way we imagine (or desire), we lose confidence in Him.

29. How Do We Interpret the Bible? 2 Concepts 1. LITERAL / NORMAL Interpretation 2. OBJECTIVE interpretation (vs. SUBJECTIVE) - Historical Context - Literary Context

31. Literary Genres in the Bible Genres Prose Poetry Prophecy Narrative Psalms w/Conditions Law Wisdom Literature w/Assurances Letters Parables w/o Qualifications

32. Tips for Interpreting Narratives 1. Understand that Narratives are descriptive, not necessarily prescriptive. See 1 Kings 11:1. Is that an argument for polygamy? 2. Look for the overall theme of each story. Watch how the story unfolds. 3. See how the smaller stories contribute to the greater story of the Bible.

33. Tips for Interpreting LAW 1. Understand the relationship between Israel and the Church. The Church does not equal Israel. The Church is not under the “Letter of the Law.” 2. Look for the “Spirit” of the Law; not the letter. Leviticus 1:3 - Do we need to offer that sacrifice at the tent? Deuteronomy 5:18 - Is it OK to commit adultery now?

34. How to we arrive at the “Spirit” of the Law Civil Moral Symbolic 1. The Symbol 2. The Purposeof the Symbol 3. Application

35. How to we arrive at the “Spirit” of the Law Civil Moral Symbolic 1. The Sacrifices 2. Remember the forgiveness of sin (Heb. 10:1) 3. Lord’s Supper/ Grateful attitude

36. How to we arrive at the “Spirit” of the Law Civil Moral Symbolic 1. The Feast Calendar (Lev. 23) 2. Remember what God has done, is doing and will do. 3. Christmas, Easter, Lord’s Supper, Praying before we eat, etc.

37. How to we arrive at the “Spirit” of the Law Civil Moral Symbolic 1. The Symbol 1. Civil Law 2. The Purposeof the Symbol 2. The Moral Lesson 3. Application 3. Application

38. How to we arrive at the “Spirit” of the Law Civil Moral Symbolic 1. The Rebellious Son (Deut. 21:18-21) 1. The Symbol 2. The purging of evil from among God’s people 2. The Purposeof the Symbol 3. Discipline & Expulsion from the church 3. Application

39. How to we arrive at the “Spirit” of the Law Civil Moral Symbolic 1. The Symbol 1. Civil Law 1. Moral Law 2. The heart condition 2. The Purposeof the Symbol 2. The Moral Lesson 3. Application 3. Application 3. Application

40. How to we arrive at the “Spirit” of the Law Civil Moral Symbolic 1. You shall not commit adultery 1. The Symbol 1. Civil Law 2. The Purposeof the Symbol 2. Heart condition = lust 2. The Moral Lesson 3. Guard the eyes, look away when tempted, etc. 3. Application 3. Application

41. How to we arrive at the “Spirit” of the Law Civil Moral Symbolic 1. The Symbol 1. Civil Law 1. Moral Law 2. The Purposeof the Symbol 2. The Moral Lesson 2. The heart condition 3. Application 3. Application 3. Application

42. Because, Therefore, For this reason, For, so then, However, Now concerning..., As for..., In the same way, Although, But, etc. Tips for Interpreting Letters 1. Research the Occasion. 2. Try to Outline the Argument of the Book. 3. Use “connector” words and phrases or repeated words to see how chunks of information relate to each other.

43. Tips for Interpreting Psalms 1. Pay attention to the historical context if given. Psalm 51 - written after David’s sin with Bathsheba. 2. Don’t interpret it too literally. Expect “flowery” language. Psalm 11:1, 42:1, 73:1-2 3. Treat it like poetry. That’s what it is!

44. Tips for Interpreting Wisdom Literature 1. Understand Proverbs as basic principles of wisdom. Proverbs 3:9-10 - Promise or tendency? Proverbs 10:27 - Is that a guarantee? 2. Look at other Wisdom literature to deal with the deeper issues (and apparent exceptions to the rules.) See Job or Lamentations. 3. The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Don’t assume we get all the answers this side of heaven.

45. Tips for Interpreting Parables 1. Don’t push the parables too far! Luke 16:1-15 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager Is the point that it is ok to cheat your boss? 2. Look at the context. Why was a parable used in the first place? What were they intended to teach? See 2 Samuel 12.

46. Tips for Interpreting Prophecy 1. Prophecies qualified by Conditions 2. Prophecies qualified by Assurances 3. Prophecies without Qualifications

48. Principles of Bible Study Part 2: The Hermeneutical Context

49. The Problem of the Magnifying Glass

50. The Analogy of the Puzzle