Bible Study Methods and Contemporary Issues Chad Anderson chadmanderson@hotmail.com http://calvarylibrary.com.br

Abortion IIIII Growth of Islam II Addiction and Social Effects Male Crisis Attack on the church Homosexuality/ Homosexual Marriage IIIIII Break in the family/Relationships II/Broken family/Family Issues Parenthood in Different Family Formats Protests Corruption and violence Religious Liberty Corruption/bureaucracy/viol ence III Sects/Spiritism Cultural Issues Sexuality issues Economic crisis/stability III Socialism vs. Capitalism Environment – II War/War in Syria II Ethical Issus Evolution

Types of Contemporary Issues What are Systemic Issues? What are Personal Issues? Which touch you personally? Which ones are really confusing to you?

Abortion IIIII Growth of Islam II Addiction and Social Effects Male Crisis Attack on the church Homosexuality/ Homosexual Marriage IIIIII Break in the family/Relationships II/Broken family/Family Issues Parenthood in Different Family Formats Protests Corruption and violence Religious Liberty Corruption/bureaucracy/viol ence III Sects/Spiritism Cultural Issues Sexuality issues Economic crisis/stability III Socialism vs. Capitalism Environment – II War/War in Syria II Ethical Issus Evolution

Types of Contemporary Issues Pick one issue you would like to discuss in your group What are the different aspects of this problem? What are the presuppositions about the issue? Values?

The Approach The Bible doesn’t have a chapter on each of the topics. It isn’t always propositional truth. The Bible reveals to us who God is, his character and relationship to us. Reality is outside of us. The authority we live by is not negotiable.

The Approach Our attitude should be one of humility Towards God Towards other people Our attitude should be one of confidence

(Next slide) “The Bible was not written to satisfy your curiosity; it was written to transform your life. The ultimate goal of Bible study, then, is not to do something to the Bible, but to allow the Bible to do something to you, so truth becomes tangent to life.” H. Hendricks

Rules of Interpretation Primary Objective: To discover the original author’s original intent to his original audience and to find the transferable divine principle/patterns so that our minds and hearts and lives may be transformed for the glory of God! Secondary Objective: To know and utilize the interpretation rules, principles, and skills as learned in this course in order to meet the above primary objective. (Next slide) Primary Objective: To discover the original author’s original intent to his original audience and to find the transferable divine principle/patterns so that our minds and hearts and lives may be transformed for the glory of God! Secondary Objective: To know and utilize the interpretation rules, principles, and skills as learned in this course in order to meet the above primary objective.

Rules of Interpretation (Mouse Click Slide) (See handout) Presenting Rules of Interpretation Context, Context, Context: Literary, Historical, Cultural, Geographical. Only when you know and understand the context in which the text is written will you know how the writer intended the passage to be understood. The immediate literary context surrounding a text is the most valuable context available. And yet every truth must fall within the context of all of Scripture as a whole. See page 7 “Context” in defining the terms. (Explain the dangers of “Proof-texting” and give examples, Judas hung himself) (Ex. Taxation, Key dates AD 6 &70, capitol punishment, clothing.) Literal: Golden Rule =“If the plain sense makes common sense, seek no other sense.” The Literal or Face Value principle is accepting what is written in its most normal, natural, customary sense. The literal principle is where the plain truth is plainly stated to be plainly understood. Here again we find the importance of “Context”. Scripture interprets Scripture: Always let Scripture define Scripture. Scripture will never contradict itself so if there seems to be an apparent contradiction we must endeavor to find the common denominator that would harmonize the various passages involved. You do not have truth until you have processed all the passages dealing with a particular subject and found the single solution that accommodates them all. Let the Bible be your dictionary, search, compare, and allow the Scripture’s to define the meaning of words, phrases, and key ideas. We should recognize the profound unity in all the Bible. We need to concentrate on the overall theological coherence, harmony, and divine unity of all of Scripture. One Divine Mind has purposely put it all together. (Prov. 30:5-6, Acts 17:11, 1 Cor.4:6, Rev. 22:18-19) Literary Genre: Is the literary form used that the author’s writings fall under and the rules that govern that particular form. Historical Narrative, Epistles/Letter, Psalms/Poetry, Legal Writings, Prophetic/Apocalyptic, Wisdom Literature, Figurative; Parables, Metaphors, Similes, Idioms, Allegory, and so on. Each genre has its own certain rules, (Ex. Of Prophecy and the “Near/Far principle”) Would you interpret the figurative form in a wooden literal sense? (Give examples, John 6) Even within each particular genre you would still apply the “Literal Rule” (Ex. If the literary genre was a metaphor you would still apply the normal, natural, customary rules that pertain to metaphors.) Many of these rules of interpretation may appear similar or blend into one another but all are needed and necessary for fulfilling our goal of discovering the true meaning of Scripture. And none of these rules are all inclusive in and of themselves. The more rules that you find that apply to the passage or subject being studied the more solid your interpretation will be. Context, Context, Context: Literal: Golden Rule Scripture interprets Scripture: Literary Genre: Grammatical: .

Rules of Interpretation 3-Legged Stool: 1. It’s found in the Gospels. 2. It is practiced in Acts. 3. Taught as doctrine in the Epistles. This works for the NT but what about the OT? The Old Testament truths that carry over into the New Testament still apply. (Hidden Slide) Presenting Rules of Interpretation Cont... Grammatical: Grammar carries its own set of rules. The grammatical principle is to be interpreted according to the proper or correct rules of grammar. Examples: syntax or sentence structure, (is the manner and way in which words are ordered and arranged to form sentences), verbs; tense, voice, and mood, subject and object of sentence, prepositions and so on. There are many useful tools today to help increase your understanding and grasp of the original Greek and Hebrew languages. 3-Legged Stool: 1. It’s found in the Gospels. 2. It is practiced in Acts. 3. Taught as doctrine in the Epistles. (Ex. The Lord’s Supper) (Foot washings John 13) This works for the NT but what about the OT? The Old Testament truths that carry over into the New Testament still apply. Rule of Emphasis: A good rule of interpretation is the rule of emphasis in which numerous truths, verses, and passages build a solid biblical foundation and theology, whereas where little Scriptural support is found one will have a poor foundation and wobbly theology. (See next slide) Consistency Rule: It is important to stay consistent in the manner which you apply your rules of interpretation. (Ex. Tattoos Lev. 19:28) (Holy kiss, Rom. 16:16, 1 Cor.16:20, 2 Cor. 13:12, 1Thess. 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14) Explicit vs. Implicit: The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself. Therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any passage of Scripture, it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly. Always interpret difficult passages in light of the clear passages. Since there are no true contradictions in the Bible, the difficult passages must harmonize with those that are clear, plain, and explicit in their meaning. Never build a doctrine on obscure or difficult or implied passages. The obscure parts are to be interpreted by the clear parts of Scripture. The explicit plain truth always takes precedent over the implicit or implied inference. (Ex. 1 Cor.15:29) Creation Ordinance: If any biblical principle transcend local customary limits, they are appeals drawn from creation. How do we determine whether a portion of Scripture is culture bound or universally applicable? (See Sproul quote page 111) (Ex. Matt.19:4-6) (1 Tim.2:13) (Next slide)

Rules of Interpretation Rule of Emphasis My Conviction and Interpretation My Conviction and Interpretation Rule of Emphasis: A good rule of interpretation is the “Rule of Emphasis” in which numerous Scriptural truths build a solid biblical foundation and theology, whereas little Scriptural support is found one will have a poor foundation and wobbly theology. All of Christianity’s basic foundational, historical, essential, orthodox doctrines are based on this Rule of Emphasis. Example: The standard essential doctrine of Jesus Christ as the one and only way to heaven, or the orthodox teaching of “hell” is coming under fire today (no pun intended) even though there are numerous verses in regards to Hell, Hades, Lake of Fire, Final Judgment or the Day of Judgment, and God’s Wrath found in the Bible in which to substantiate this solid standard orthodox teaching.. Little Scriptural support poor foundation and wobbly theology. Numerous Truths build a solid biblical foundation and theology.

Rules of Interpretation (Hidden Slide) Presenting Rules of Interpretation Cont... Grammatical: Grammar carries its own set of rules. The grammatical principle is to be interpreted according to the proper or correct rules of grammar. Examples: syntax or sentence structure, (is the manner and way in which words are ordered and arranged to form sentences), verbs; tense, voice, and mood, subject and object of sentence, prepositions and so on. There are many useful tools today to help increase your understanding and grasp of the original Greek and Hebrew languages. 3-Legged Stool: 1. It’s found in the Gospels. 2. It is practiced in Acts. 3. Taught as doctrine in the Epistles. (Ex. The Lord’s Supper) (Foot washings John 13) This works for the NT but what about the OT? The Old Testament truths that carry over into the New Testament still apply. Rule of Emphasis: A good rule of interpretation is the rule of emphasis in which numerous truths, verses, and passages build a solid biblical foundation and theology, whereas where little Scriptural support is found one will have a poor foundation and wobbly theology. (See next slide) Consistency Rule: It is important to stay consistent in the manner which you apply your rules of interpretation. (Ex. Tattoos Lev. 19:28) (Holy kiss, Rom. 16:16, 1 Cor.16:20, 2 Cor. 13:12, 1Thess. 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14) Explicit vs. Implicit: The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself. Therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any passage of Scripture, it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly. Always interpret difficult passages in light of the clear passages. Since there are no true contradictions in the Bible, the difficult passages must harmonize with those that are clear, plain, and explicit in their meaning. Never build a doctrine on obscure or difficult or implied passages. The obscure parts are to be interpreted by the clear parts of Scripture. The explicit plain truth always takes precedent over the implicit or implied inference. (Ex. 1 Cor.15:29) Creation Ordinance: If any biblical principle transcend local customary limits, they are appeals drawn from creation. How do we determine whether a portion of Scripture is culture bound or universally applicable? (See Sproul quote page 111) (Ex. Matt.19:4-6) (1 Tim.2:13) (Next slide) Consistency Rule: Explicit vs. Implicit: Creation Ordinance:

Rules of Application Application concerns the use of Scripture. How does it Work? How will I apply the meaning of the text to my life? “The Bible was not written to satisfy your curiosity; it was written to transform your life. The ultimate goal of Bible study, then, is not to do something to the Bible, but to allow the Bible to do something to you, so truth becomes tangent to life.” H. Hendricks (Next slide)

Presenting & Practicing Rules of Application Principles/Patterns Find the universal, transcultural, transferable, timeless truth or theological principle that can be applied to every believer’s life? Is there a universal, transcultural pattern that should be followed? How does one determine if a cultural norm or pattern from the first century should be duplicated and followed in our present day culture? How do we determine whether a portion of Scripture is culture bound or universally applicable? Or to ask another question; What parts of the Bible are binding mandates for us and what parts are not? Remember all of Scripture is culturally bound, yet it is our goal to discover the universal applicable truth and the rationale behind the cultural norms and actions of the original authors. Furthermore we too are culturally bound with our own bias’s, assumptions, and presuppositions that we have learned within our own present culture. Example: 1 Cor. 11 of head coverings for women in church at Corinth or foot washing in John 13. Is this a pattern, action, or expression that is to be followed or duplicated throughout all churches throughout all time or is it a cultural bound norm or pattern? Is there still a principle that can be found and applied from within this particular text? (Proper relationships between husbands and wives and men and women and humility.) Example: Are we to assume that there can be no true repentance apart from rending our clothes and putting on sackcloth and ashes? (Dan.19:3, Luke 10:13) Is a holy kiss the only true Christian greeting that is to be used today? (Rom. 16:16, 1 Cor. 16:20) Example of a transcultural, universal pattern: Meeting with the saints for corporate worship on Sunday. Since the Apostles, Christians throughout history and universally have met corporately with their local assembly’s on Sunday. Why? (Acts 20:7, 1Cor. 16:1-2, Rev. 1:10, Christ Rose on a Sunday!) Example: Are there principles and patterns for prayer that should be followed? (Next Slide) Principles/Patterns Find the fundamental, universal, transcultural, timeless truth or theological principle that can be applied to every believer’s life? Is there a universal, transcultural pattern that can be followed?

Hermeneutical Tools Bible Translations: Concordances: Bible Dictionaries & Encyclopedias: Books on Bible study skills, rules, and principles: Bible Atlases: Commentaries: Grammars & Lexicons: Theological Works: Bible Software: Hermeneutical Tools Bible Translations: NASB, ESV, NKJV, NIV, NLT Concordances: Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias: Books on Bible study skills, methods, rules, and principles: Bible Atlases Commentaries: Grammars & Lexicons: Theological Works: Bible Software: (Next slide)