PALM VALLEY CHURCH EQUIPPING U FALL SESSION 2011

 Narrative  Epistle  Wisdom Literature  Poetry  Prophecy

“The whole point of Christianity is that it offers a story which is the story of the whole world. It is public truth.” (N.T. Wright)

 Narrative was God’s favorite Biblical form of communication. Biblical scholars estimate that somewhere between 60-77% of all scripture was written in narrative form.  Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, and other New Testament writers used stories to make major theological points in their speaking and writing.

 II Timothy 3:16 argues that all scripture is profitable, which includes the stories of the Bible.  Narrative is essential to the way we live since we dream, remember, hope, plan, anticipate, etc. in story form. Without stories we have no culture, civilization, or history.

 We must examine the passage for setting, purpose, context, form and words.  The narratives (or storybooks) include the books of history and biography found in both the Old and New Testaments. Genesis through Esther in the OT Matthew through Acts in the NT

 The narratives are the inspired words of God handed down to us through the hands of His chosen writers.  They are storybooks in the sense that they tell a story of the history and/or lives of God's people - told from God's perspective.  God tells us only what He wants us to know and He does not expect us to fill in the blanks.

 "The Bible narratives tell us about things that happened - but not just any things.  Their purpose is to show God at work in His creation among His people.  The narratives glorify Him, help us to understand and appreciate Him, and give us a picture of His providence and protection.  At the same time, they also provide illustrations of many other lessons important to our lives." (Fee and Stuart)

 They are not just stories about people who lived in Bible times.  They are not allegories or stories filled with hidden meaning.  They do not always teach in a direct manner.  Each individual episode within a particular narrative does not necessarily have a moral all its own.

 OT narratives do not usually teach a doctrine in a direct manner.  They usually illustrate a doctrine or doctrines taught elsewhere.  Not every narrative has an identifiable moral, because they record what happened, not what should have happened.  The actions of the people in the narratives are not necessarily a good example for us to follow.

 Most of the characters found in the OT narratives are far from perfect and their actions depict their weaknesses as well as their strengths.  When a narrative ends we are expected to judge whether what happened was good or bad based on God's teachings found elsewhere in scripture.  All narratives are selective and incomplete. What is included is everything God wanted us to know.

 They are written with a particular specific limited purpose in mind. They are not written to answer all of our theological questions.  Sometimes narratives teach explicitly (by clearly stating something) or implicitly (by clearing implying something, without actually stating it).  God is the hero of all of the Bible narratives.

 Do not make passages symbolic that are not meant to be symbolic.  Do not remove the passage from its context. If you focus your attention too minutely you can make the scriptures say anything you want them to.  Do not remove a word or phrase from a passage and make that your only focus. This technique of bad Bible study is even more dangerous than taking a passage out of context.

 Do not take elements of a passage that are not directly connected and make a point of this false combination.  Do not redefine the plain meaning of a passage because you do not like its point.  Do not rely on the writings of man to interpret the scriptures for you. Especially avoid any writings that claim special authority from God or claim to be "a key to the scriptures."

 Do not think that principles for godly living can be derived from every passage of scripture. Not every passage has a moral.  Do not try to find God's message to you in every passage of scripture. It is not there. Monkey-see-monkey-do Bible reading is dangerous. The stories of Joseph or Ruth are their stories, not ours. What God chose to accomplish through them is not what God has in mind for us.

PALM VALLEY CHURCH EQUIPPING U FALL SESSION 2011