2. Course Outline 1.Process of Divine Communication 2.Preparation for Interpretation 3.Principle of Literal Interpretation 4.Practice of Literal Interpretation

3. Process of Divine Communication

4. Preparation for Interpretation 1.We must be spiritually reborn. 1 Cor. 2:14 2.We must be spiritually guided. 1 Cor. 2:12 3.We must be spiritually diligent. 2 Tim. 2:15 4.We must be spiritually hungry. 1 Pet. 2:2-3

5. “The literal interpretation of Scripture is giving to it the same meaning one would give to any normal conversation or piece of writing.” Principle of Literal Interpretation

6. “Thou shalt understand, therefore, that the Scripture hath but one sense, which is the literal sense. And that literal sense is the root and ground of all, and the anchor that never faileth, whereunto if thou cleave thou canst never err nor go out of the way. And if thou leave the literal sense, thou canst not but go out of the way.” —William Tyndale, 1536

7. 1.It is consistent with the principle used in interpreting all literature. 2.It makes us less apt to “spiritualize” Bible verses or speculate as to their meaning. Advantages of Literal Interpretation

8. 3.It makes us less apt to use “magical” ways of applying Bible verses. 4.It forces us to interpret all passages using the same methods, protecting us from doctrinal error. 5.It keeps us focused on our task—finding the literal meaning of the passage.

9. Problem of Figurative Language He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge. Psalm 91:4

10. Plethora of Figurative Language Parables of Jesus Psalms of David The Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek—two languages filled with figurative language.

11. Literal Interpretation seeks One Literal Meaning expressed by Plain Literal Statement (Normal Sense of the Words) Figurative Literal Statement (Figure of Speech) Either Or

12. Literal Interpretation seeks One Literal Meaning expressed by Either Or Usain Bolt runs…

13. Steps to Deciding between Plain-Literal & Figurative Literal Statements 1.Assume Plain Literal —Psalm 122:6 —Isaiah 11:6 —Matthew 28:6

14. 2.If it contradicts clear Scripture or known fact, look for a figure of speech. —Joshua 10:12-13 —Galatians 2:9 —Ezekiel 28:13-15 Steps to Deciding between Plain-Literal & Figurative Literal Statements

15. 3.Seek an explanation for the figure in the immediate context. —Revelation 1:12, 20 —Revelation 20:1-3 —Revelation 20:2-6 Steps to Deciding between Plain-Literal & Figurative Literal Statements

16. 1.My dog is a real gem! 2.The ship sailed around the world. 3.Harry’s mind went blank. 4.In 6 days God created the heavens and the earth. 5.My sister is a pig! WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is it plain-literal or figurative literal?

17.  Psalm 119:11  Psalm 119:105  Matthew 1:23  Luke 13:32  Isaiah 11:7  John 6:48  Revelation 21:18-21 WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is it plain-literal or figurative literal?

18. 1.Why the Context Matters a.The Immediate Context b.The Historical Background c.The Geographical Setting For next time… Practice of Literal Interpretation

19. 2. How to Do a Word Study a.Picking the right word b.Knowing how to study it c.Using the right tools For next time… Practice of Literal Interpretation