Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture The Bible is inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16) Definition of inspiration: God “breathed into” the human writers the exact thoughts and words he wanted them to write. Verbal inspiration: Every word is inspired Not a “general” inspiration in which God moved writers to write something and then let them go on their own to do the writing Not inspired in the sense that Shakespeare was “inspired” to write good literature or Bach was “inspired” to write great music

Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture –The process of inspiration –3 ways Direct revelation Prophets Moses on Sinai Inspiration through dreams/visions Ezekiel John Indirect inspiration Most common: unseen and unheard, God moves writers –Matthew (an eye-and-ear witness) –Luke (using interviews and research) –Paul (writing his letters) –David (writing his psalms)

Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture –Not "mechanical dictation" but making use of differences in authors’ background, style, language, method of gathering information Luke was a physician Matthew wrote for Jewish audience John, the closest disciple emphasized Jesus words Mark, a close associate of Peter, wrote from Peter’s perspective David was a shepherd and a king; Moses was educated in Pharaoh’s court Paul was highly educated while Peter was not; difference in language

Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture The Bible is inerrant (without error or contradiction) –In all areas: history, geography, archaeology When Quirinius was governor of Syria Location and existence of Sodom The water tunnel of Hezekiah –Even when "science" claims to have proof that the Bible is wrong Age of the earth Creation account vs. evolution Beginning of human life

Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture The Bible is infallible (Isaiah 55:11) –Infallible means that God’s Word always accomplishes his purpose The Bible is relevant to life in today's world –The Bible is not just a dusty collection of old wisdom that no longer applies; Solomon said that there is nothing new under the sun; therefore what was relevant in Bible times is relevant today

Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture The Bible is practical Practical means “useful.” The Bible is not just theoretical, but it provides answers and directions for life in today’s world The Bible is powerful and able to change people’s hearts “Sharper than a two-edge sword;” the picture of the Roman short sword (Heb 4:12)

Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture The Bible is understandable –God speaks in human language simile and metaphor hyperbole phenomenological language (full of description and experience) –The purpose of human language is to communicate clearly, not confuse –God speaks in ways that we can understand –God speaks clearly about things which may be hard to understand and grasp in themselves

Basic Assumptions as We Study Scripture "I am a sinner; part of me resists hearing, reading, learning, believing, and using God's Word."      "I am a believer; because I know God's love and the power of his forgiveness, a part of me wants to hear, read, know, learn, and use God's Word and to put it into practice in my life."

Basic Rules of Interpreting Scripture Know the context –Who is speaking or writing? –Who is the audience? –Where and when is the action taking place? –What is the general subject matter? –What happened before and after? –What kind of literature (history, poetry, prophecy, figurative language, etc.)?

Basic Rules of Interpreting Scripture –Take the words at face value; keep it simple –"Let Scripture interpret Scripture“ –When you come to a problem in understanding something in the Bible, always ask the question, “What does the rest of Scripture have to say about this?” –Determine whether passage is Law or Gospel

Basic Rules of Interpreting Scripture Ask basic questions: –What does this tell me about God? –What does this tell me about me? –What does this tell me about God’s actions toward me? –What does this tell me about my actions toward God? –What does this tell me about my actions toward others? –What does this tell me about the world? –What does this tell me about the future? –Is this a threat or a promise? Does it tell me what to do or what God has done for me?

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