Why interpret the Bible? Salvation Personal (2 Tim 3:15) Evangelism (1 Tim 4:16) Beware (John 5:39b-40) c. Apologetics 3. Ministry (2 Tim 2:15; 3:17) a. Discipline/Rebuking b. Preaching/Teaching c. Benevolence 4. Unity 5. Blessing a. Spiritual (Psa 19:7-14) b. Intellectual 2. Maturity a. Know God b. Conform to Christ’s image c. Overcome sin d. Wisdom (Psa 19:7)

Is There Really Only One AIM? God is the source of the Bible. He is not schizophrenic and does not change. What he says is consistent and singular (Jn 12:49; 1 Cor 14:37; Gal 1:12; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pet 1:20-21).

1 Thess 2:13, “When you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.”

Is There Really Only One AIM? God is the source of the Bible. He is not schizophrenic and does not change. What he says is consistent and singular (Jn 12:49; 1 Cor 14:37; Gal 1:12; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pet 1:20-21). 2. The Bible expresses the expectation that we read and understand God’s word (2 Cor 1:13; Eph 3:4-5; 2 Tim 3:15).

2 Cor 1:13, “For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. Eph 3:4, “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.

Is There Really Only One AIM? God is the source of the Bible. He is not schizophrenic and does not change. What he says is consistent and singular (Jn 12:49; 1 Cor 14:37; Gal 1:12; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pet 1:20-21). 2. The Bible expresses the expectation that we read and understand God’s word (2 Cor 1:13; Eph 3:4-5; 2 Tim 3:15). 3. We are told to hold to the traditions. How can we hold to something inherently unstable? (2 Thess 3:6; 1 Tim 6:20; 2 Tim 1:13-14; Jude 3).

2 Tim 1:13-14, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”

Is There Really Only One AIM? 4. We are instructed to rebuke deviants. How can we do that if there is no “rule”? (Mt 15:3-9; Gal 1:6-9; 2 Thess 2:10-12; 1 Tim 4:1-4; 1 Tim 6:3-5; 2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Pet 3:16-17)

1 Tim 6:3-4, “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy.”

Is There Really Only One AIM? 4. We are instructed to rebuke deviants. How can we do that if there is no “rule”? (Mt 15:3-9; Gal 1:6-9; 2 Thess 2:10-12; 1 Tim 4:1-4; 1 Tim 6:3-5; 2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Pet 3:16-17) We are told to have “one mind” (John 17:20-21; 1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:1-6; Phil 2:2-5).

1 Cor 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Is There Really Only One AIM? 4. We are instructed to rebuke deviants. How can we do that if there is no “rule”? (Mt 15:3-9; Gal 1:6-9; 2 Thess 2:10-12; 1 Tim 4:1-4; 1 Tim 6:3-5; 2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Pet 3:16-17) We are told to have “one mind” (John 17:20-21; 1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:1-6; Phil 2:2-5). 6. It is a necessity of human language. It is an obvious and indispensable characteristic of human language.

What AIM Does NOT Mean: 1. There are no genre exceptions.

What AIM Does NOT Mean: 1. There are no genre exceptions. 2. Meaning/Interpretation/Application -- Meaning is singular -- Interpretation is plural -- Application is infinite

What AIM Does NOT Mean: 1. There are no genre exceptions. 2. Meaning/Interpretation/Application -- Meaning is singular -- Interpretation is plural -- Application is infinite 3. Inference is necessary but not inspired.

What AIM Does NOT Mean: 1. There are no genre exceptions. 2. Meaning/Interpretation/Application -- Meaning is singular -- Interpretation is plural -- Application is infinite 3. Inference is necessary but not inspired. 4. Ambiguity is a valid and important literary device.