Biblical Hermeneutics: Principles and Application
Understanding Biblical Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics Defined: Comes from the Greek word hermeneuo, which means to interpret.
The Importance of Proper Biblical Interpretation
What happens when preachers and teachers ignore proper principles of Biblical Interpretation?
Why Jesus Used Parables
In Matthew 13, why did Jesus speak to the people in parables they could not clearly understand? Because they had not obeyed the old truth already given.
Maturity and Scriptural Understanding
What is the key to becoming mature and able to enjoy scriptural meat rather than milk? By using and obeying what we have first been taught.
Hermeneutics and Spiritual Nourishment
How does this relate to hermeneutics? Milk is used to illustrate instruction about the basics of Christianity, while meat is for advanced instruction about righteousness.
The Usefulness of Scripture
Scripture is useful for what three things? Scripture is useful for Ministry, Doctrine, and Personal Application.
Doctrinal Scriptures
Which scriptures were clearly written for doctrinal purposes? The Epistles.
Avoiding Doctrinal Misinterpretations
What must we be careful not to base doctrine on? We cannot base doctrine on the greetings, personal matters, and non-transferrable cultural issues in the Epistles.
The Universality of Biblical Promises
Are all of the promises of the Bible for each Christian to claim personally? Yes. Explain: This is because the entire Bible is inspired and is ours to use.
Defining Historical Context
Define historical context and list what it includes: It refers to the set of circumstances into which a text is woven. It includes the author and date, the people to whom he wrote, their culture and customs, and the problems the author wrote to solve.
Determining Historical Context: Three Steps
What are the three steps necessary to determine the historical context? They are: Step 1: Answer questions about the author. Step 2: Answer questions about the readers. Step 3: Identify the problems the author wrote to solve.
Understanding Literary Context
Define literary context: This means the written words and verses that surround a text.
The Sword of the Spirit and Context
Can the sword of the Spirit become the sword of Satan? Explain: Yes, if it is removed from its context.
Observing Literary Context: Five Steps
What are the five steps for observing the literary context? State the main topic of the book or the topic of a major section of the book containing the text’s subdivision. Answer primary questions about the subdivision. Answer secondary questions.
Examining Word Meaning: Rules
What are the rules for examining word meaning? Look up words you are sure you do not know. Investigate words and phrases you think you know. Ask questions that force you to interpret and apply the text.
Interpreting Verses Literally
What is meant by saying a verse should be interpreted literally? In the simplest, obvious, natural meaning.
Figurative Language in the Bible
List three types of figurative language used in the Bible: Parable, Allegory, Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole, and Personification.
Examples of Figurative Language
Explain the meaning of two types of figurative language listed above: Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration to make a point. Personification is figurative language that gives human or living characteristics to non-humans.
Harmful Scripture Quotations
When is a scripture quotation harmful rather than helpful? When it is not in harmony with the rest of Scripture.
The Role of Teachers and the Holy Spirit
If the Holy Spirit teaches us, do we need other teachers? Yes, because God appoints and anoints some teachers as a gift to His Church.
The Christian and the Old Testament
Write a paragraph on the relationship between Christians and the Old Testament. (Include what the O.T. law is, who it belongs to, what we need to know about O.T. requirements, ethical principles, and what it should be to us.)
The Kingdom of God: Already and Not Yet
In what ways is the kingdom of God “already” but “not yet” present? The kingdom of God began with the coming of Jesus. However, it is not complete on the earth.
The Dangers of Allegorizing Parables
Why is allegorizing a parable dangerous? Because we reject God’s Word when we do not accept the natural, obvious meaning of a text.
Interpreting Parables: Three Steps
What are the three steps required to interpret a parable? Determine the historical context of the parable. Recognize the few symbolic mountain points in the parable. Identify the one main lesson the parable illustrates.
Defining a Prophet and Prophecy
Define a prophet and explain his two-fold work and the purpose of prophecy: Is God’s spokesman, foretelling and forthtelling, to help people know God and His will for them.
Guidelines for Interpreting Prophecy
Give three guidelines for interpreting prophecy: Determine the historical context of the prophecy. Identify the figurative language in the prophecy. Decide whether the prophecy will be fulfilled literally or figuratively.
Harmonizing Verses
Harmonize the following verses:
- For God so loved the world
- Do not love the world or anything in the world
Salvation and the Kingdom of God
In what sense has the kingdom of God “already” but “not yet” brought to us salvation? Christians are forgiven and growing in grace; Christians will be perfect, having reached the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The Kingdom of God: Health and Wealth
Summarize the already and not yet aspects of the kingdom of God in respect to a) health & b) wealth: The prayer of faith heals the sick; God supplies our needs, but not our lust for things, as we seek His Kingdom first.
Applying Hermeneutical Principles
Explain how you will apply the principles outlined in this course regardless of your work in the church.