Keys of Understanding How to Unlock The Treasures of Scripture Royce P. Bell MV Church, SB v MV Church, SB MV Church, SB

2 Timothy 2: “14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

The Approved Workman... F Diligent, showing personal sense of obligation GDedication GPrayer GConsistency F Handles the Word of God correctly F Has no need of shame

Romans 11:33-36 “33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has became his counselor? 35 Or who has first given to him that it might be paid back to him again? 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”

Respect God F Unsearchable judgments GIncomprehensible ways GNot subject to human counsel, indebtedness F He is the summum genus of all things... GFrom Him - as originator GThrough Him - as sustainer GUnto Him - as object F Worthy of praise, glory

Respect the Context F “Context, fr. com-, together+texere, weave, thus that which goes with (con- ) the text to form meaning or influence. F Forms of Context GImmediate - “5 vss before, 5 vss after” GExtended - the book, author & cultural factors, including vocabulary patterns GBroad - the entire Word of God, and governing historical/geographical factors

Seek the Full Counsel Of God’s Word F Nothing is taught by “proof-texting” GEven Satan quoted scripture! F God’s full counsel is discovered in… GWhat is actually said GParallel passages that expand, clarify GRelated themes that cast light on the meaning, eg. the nature of God GConsistency with other truths

Interpret Scripture With Scripture F Have confidence in the inspiration of the scriptures - 2 Timothy 3:16; cf. 2 Peter 1:21, “men…spoke from God” F Use the words of scripture (generally, translators are experts in word usage) F Seek the simplest meaning consistent with other scriptures, eg. “faith” F Never base your faith on obscurity!

Interpret Literally, Unless The Figurative is Essential F Two important principles GThe figurative is intended to simplify and clarify, not mystify GThe figurative rests upon the literal F Clear teaching, not hidden meaning F Literary style - historical, prophetic, proverbial, biographical, didactic, poetic, epistolary

Look for One Meaning F Understand the author’s intent F Don’t twist scripture to fit theory GOpinionation ~> Regimentation GStagnation ~> Condemnation! v“Pray it, because I say it!” F Approach prophecy with care, looking for Divine fulfillment to interpret F Be wary of those who “preach it, whichever way you read it” F Pray for wisdom!

You Can Unlock the Treasures of Scripture FWith Diligence FIn Prayer FDetermined to Obey