Foundations for Biblical Study I. What are some of the things that will help to lay a foundation for deeper biblical study?

As you approach the idea of deeper Bible study there are some important foundations to lay in your own experience of the Bible (Note: The following points taken from unpublished notes by Lanny Hubbard entitled Committed to the Study of God’s Word).

A. A general working knowledge of the Bible. B. An understanding of the chronology and main events of the Bible. C. An understanding of the basic themes of the Bible. D. An understanding of basic doctrine.

II. What are some of the principles of interpretation that will help me to rightly divide the word of God? There are a few simple guidelines that can help us not to get off track in the area of biblical interpretation. A. Let scripture interpret scripture (Acts 17:11).

B. Interpret individual passages of scripture in the light of other scriptures. C. Interpret the text literally unless something in the text suggests that it cannot be taken literally. 1. Always use the literal sense unless there is some good reason for departure (Example: Revelation 7:1-8).

2. Use the figurative sense when the passage is stated to be figurative (Example: Zechariah 12:6). 3. Use the figurative sense if the literal involves impossibility (Examples: Jeremiah 1:18). 4. Use the figurative sense if the literal commands immoral action (Example: John 6:53).

5. Use the figurative sense if the expression fits into one of the classes of the figures of speech (Example: Zechariah 12:2). 6. Use the figurative sense if the literal involves a contradiction with other clear parallel passages. 7. Use the figurative sense if the literal involves a contradiction in doctrine.

8. We could add one more and that is, use the figurative sense if the literal sense in any way violates what we understand about the character and nature of God.

D. Interpret the unclear passage in light of the clear passages. E. Pay careful attention to the context of the verse. A text out of context is a pretext. F. Look for specific features of the text that will help bring out meaning. G. Look for divine principles that apply to any age, any people, anywhere.

III. What are some practical guidelines to ensure that you get the most out of your study? A. Always start a study project with prayer. B. Read the passage several times. Read it in several translations to get different perspectives.

C. Establish the boundaries of the passage. Determine which verses before the passage and after it are necessary to understand it. D. Research background material related to the passage. E. Discover the content of the passage. F. Evaluate the passage: