How Do We Read the Bible?

Personal Meaning Sometimes called “Reading Devotionally” As if the Words were written to me As if the Words apply to my context

1. Personal Meaning Pros: God, through His Spirit often speaks to us in this manner Cons: Meaning of a text becomes “subjective.” I become the sole source of meaning Every time the word “you” appears in the Bible, I assume it refers to me.

1. Personal Meaning Example: 1. Read Jeremiah 29:11 2. Now Read Jeremiah 29:10 Answer this question: Is this passage a universal promise for all people of all ages?

2. Original (Historical) Meaning As if the Words were written to others As if the Words apply to a real historical context Summary: 1st Ask: What the Text MEANT 2nd Ask: What the Text MEANS What principles from the passage apply to me today? What aspects are time or culture bound to the ancient world?

2. Original (Historical) Meaning Pros: In writing through his prophets and apostles, we hear God speaking in history Words have a “stable, objective” meaning Cons: Does God cease to speak directly to me?

3. Community Meaning As if the Words were written to the church (think “WE” not “ME”) As if the Words were given to a real historical context and still have an eternal significance

3. Community Meaning Pros: We read according to how the Bible wants to be read We read “in context” Literary Context Historical Context Cultural Context Remember, CIE (Context is Everything) Cons: We must learn the Biblical material and the context in order to be disciples