Understanding Hermeneutics: Key Concepts and Interpretations
Hermeneutics: Comes from the Greek word hermeneuo, which means to interpret.
In Matthew 13: Because they had not obeyed the old truth already given.
Scriptural Meat Rather Than Milk: By using and obeying what we have first been taught.
Relate to Hermeneutics: Milk is used to illustrate instruction about the basics of Christianity, while meat is for advanced instruction about righteousness.
Scripture is Useful For: Ministry, Doctrine, Personal Application.
The Epistles:
We Cannot Base Doctrine On: The greetings, personal matters, and non-transferable cultural issues in the Epistles.
Are All of the Promises: Yes. Explain: This is because the entire Bible is inspired and is ours to use.
Define Historical Context: It refers to the set of circumstances into which a text is woven. It includes the author & date, the people to whom he wrote, their culture & customs, and the problems the author wrote to solve.
What Are the Three Steps: They are: Step 1: Answer questions about the author, about the readers, and identify the problems the author wrote to solve.
Define Literary Context: This means the written words and verses that surround a text.
Yes, If It Is Removed From Its Context:
What Are the Five Steps: 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, and answer secondary questions about the subdivision.
What Are the Rules: Look up words you are sure you do not know, investigate words & phrases you think you know, and ask questions that force you to interpret & apply the text.
In the Simplest, Obvious, Natural Meaning:
List Three Types of Figurative Language: Parable, Allegory, Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole, and Personification.
Explain the Meaning of Two Types: Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration to make a point, while personification gives human or living characteristics to non-humans.
When It Is Not in Harmony With the Rest of Scripture:
Yes, Because God Appoints & Anoints Some Teachers: As a gift to His Church.
“Already” But “Not Yet” Present: The kingdom of God began with the coming of Jesus. However, it is not complete on the earth.
Why Is Allegorizing a Parable Dangerous: Because we reject God’s Word when we do not accept the natural, obvious meaning of a text.
Interpret a Parable: Determine the historical context of the parable, recognize the few symbolic mountain points in the parable, and identify the one main lesson the parable illustrates.
Is God’s Spokesman: Forthtelling and foretelling, to help people know God and His will for them.
Interpreting Prophecy: Determine the historical context of the prophecy, identify the figurative language in the prophecy, and decide whether the prophecy will be fulfilled literally or figuratively.
“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.
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.