BIBLE STUDY BASICS September – November 2016 NHCC www.northernhillscofc.org/ biblestudybasics

Rules of Interpretation One meaning, different applications Simple & obvious is often right Let the writer’s explanation be the primary explanation Context, Context, Context Interpret Scripture in light of Scripture

Rules of Interpretation Let plain passages interpret obscure ones Find out about circumstances & culture Rightly divide the Word Use logic & common sense Know the limits of our understanding & divine revelation

Terms & Definitions Exegesis Eisegesis Narcigesis Critical explanation; Bringing out the meaning of the text Eisegesis Putting meaning into a text; reading in your own ideas Narcigesis Putting yourself, your culture, your principles in the text

Terms & Definitions Hermeneutics Epistemology Homiletics Branch of knowledge dealing with interpretation; method of study Epistemology How you know what you know; why you believe what you believe Homiletics The study of preaching; organizing preaching & teaching points

Terms & Definitions Sitz-en-Leben “Situation in life” Places context in the life of the user/subject Example: Rock A Bye Baby Lyrics are HORRIBLE! The sitz-en-leben of the song is a lullaby; changes interpretation of lyrics & how it would be sung

What parts of the Bible “scare” you? Discussion What’s been a time you’ve been changed by what you learned in Scripture? What’s your confidence level of opening the Bible anywhere & learning something from that spot? What parts of the Bible “scare” you?

My personal goal for this course is… Write Down My personal goal for this course is…

Bible Literature

What is Literature?

Literature Writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit “Literary means not only what is written but what is voiced, what is expressed, what is invented, in whatever form” – Harpers Magazine March 2014

History History Genesis Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chron. Creation, Fall, Distribution, Beginning of Nations History Genesis Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chron. 1 & 2 Samuel Ezra Neh. Esther Acts Gaining of Promised Land Israel’s Unfaithfulness Seed Line, Jewish History Formation of Israel, Kings, Jewish History, Seed Line Rebuilding of Jewish Nation God’s Providence Formation & History of Early Church

Law Law Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy History & Law (10 Commandments) Levitical, Mosaic Law Walk of the People, Bridges Law & Promised Land Living Reminders of the Law to a new Generation, Covenant of Blessing & Cursing

Poetry Poetry Psalms Lamentations Song of Solomon Songs and Poems of Praise, war, wisdom, sin, evil, judgment, justice, the Messiah…the songbook of the early Church Poetry Psalms Lamentations Song of Solomon Jeremiah’s Lament for Judah Virtues of the love between a husband & wife

Prophecy-teaching viewing the future Jeremiah Ezekiel Isaiah Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zachariah Malachi MAJOR PROPHETS Deal with Jewish history through a prophetic viewpoint MINOR PROPHETS Aspects of mostly Jewish history concerning specific times, events, & prophecies

Narrative of trying to seek happiness in worldly things & pleasures Wisdom Wisdom Job Proverbs Ecclesiastes God is God, You’re Not Also poetry; generally true axioms concerning different aspects of life Narrative of trying to seek happiness in worldly things & pleasures

Gospels Gospel Matthew Mark Luke John The good news of Jesus’ ministry, life, death, & resurrection from four different viewpoints addressed to four different groups of people

Epistles- a formal letter Romans 1 & 2 Cor. Ephesians Galatians Colossians Philippians 1 & 2 Thess. 1 & 2 Tim. Hebrews 1 & 2 Peter Jude 1,2, & 3 John Titus Philemon James Letters written to specific congregations to address specific problems concerning doctrine, behavior, theology, etc… Letters written to specific people about specific tasks or issues

Apocalyptic- apocalypsis: reveal Daniel Revelation Records actions, prophecies, & visions of Daniel concerning the Jews’ captivity & future trials Records visions given to John concerning the persecution of the church & God’s ultimate victory for those who persevere in the faith

Bible Literature History Law Poetry Prophecy Wisdom Gospel Epistles Apocalyptic Genesis Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chron. 1 & 2 Samuel Ezra Neh. Esther Acts Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deut. Psalms Lament. Song of Solomon Jeremiah Ezekiel Isaiah Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zachariah Malachi Job Proverbs Eccles. Matt. Mark Luke John Romans 1 & 2 Cor. Ephesians Galatians Colossians Philippians 1 & 2 Thess. 1 & 2 Tim. Titus Philemon James Jude 1,2, & 3 Jn. 1 & 2 Peter Hebrews Daniel Revelation

Why Know About This? Letters of your grandmother vs. Abraham Lincoln A Cookbook vs. a mathematics textbook A poem by Walt Whitman vs. Dr. Seuss A History book from 1500 on Europe vs. 2014 on the U.S.

Final Word on Why Knowing what you’re reading & how to read it is half the battle of good Bible Study!!!

Next Time Attitude Where to Start Context, Context, Context Psalm 119 Exercise Obadiah Exercise (Time Permitting)