11
Feb '22
Hermeneutics – The Right Interpretation
11
Feb '22
Introduction: Is there a right way and a wrong way to interpret our Bibles? Does it really matter? Can anyone decide what a text means to them and be right? How should we read, study, meditate and memorize the Scriptures? How should we prepare to teach the Bible? Hopefully, these guidelines will help you in your preparation as you both teach the Word of God and share the Word of God.
Five Proper Principles in The Interpretation of Scripture With Teaching Prophecy or Any Other Subject:
1. Literal, Grammatical/Not Allegorical! (Ezra 7:10)
When plain sense of Scripture makes common sense make no other sense! Let the Bible speak; do not read into it what you think.
When plain sense of Scripture makes common sense make no other sense! Let the Bible speak; do not read into it what you think.
Example – 1,000 year reign of Jesus literal? Jesus in the rapture?
Note: It is true that Paul uses an allegorical illustration in his letter to the Galatian believers. However, please do not confuse the allegorical method of interpretation and the use of an allegorical illustration.
2. Historical/Prophetical
Apocalyptic define
Apocalyptic define
Illustration
Dan 9; Zech 14;Rev 6-22
Daniel 7- 10 horns
Daniel 7- 10 horns
In other words, what did God have in mind as He inspired these writers in their day and in their culture? In particular, how does this fit with other prophetic passages?
3. Contextual
From Genesis to Revelation
Each book
Each verse before and after
From Genesis to Revelation
Each book
Each verse before and after
Examples
1Thess & 2Thess
Matt 24
Luke 21
Mark 13
(Luke 24)
Matt 24
Luke 21
Mark 13
(Luke 24)
How do these verses relate to the overall message of the Bible? What do the verses before the text and after the text mean in relation to the whole passage, book, and other bible books?
4. Inspirational – (2Tim 3:16; 2Pet 1:16-21; 1Cor 2:1-14)
Since the Holy Spirit inspired the Bible, then He is the key to interpreting the Bible. Both Peter and Paul make that clear.
Do you ask the Holy Spirit to open your understanding?
Since the Holy Spirit inspired the Bible, then He is the key to interpreting the Bible. Both Peter and Paul make that clear.
Do you ask the Holy Spirit to open your understanding?
5. Applicable (James 1:22)
Prophecy (1John 3:1-3; Titus 2:11-14; 1Cor 15:58)
Prophecy (1John 3:1-3; Titus 2:11-14; 1Cor 15:58)
When all is said and done, the purpose of the Bible is to apply it to our life by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Do you ask how… how does this apply to me?
Conclusion: According to James, there is more accountability for the teacher and preacher to rightly divide the Word of God accurately.
“1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1)
The word “master is διδάσκαλος, (did-as’-kal-os), which means an instructor or a teacher, master. Much is given….much is required. Let’s work hard at staying true to the text and sharing the Word of God in a lost and dying world.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese