Interpretation (Part 1)

Review:

Last week we began with what is known as the "Inductive Study Method" starting with our three steps. Can any on you remember what they are?

1. Observation

2. Interpretation

3. Application

1. Observation - This helps to form a general context or in other words, helps us travel back in time to view the text as it was intended

6 questions:

Who wrote it?     When was is Written?     To whom was it written?     What was going on in their world at the time it was written?     What was the occasion for its writing?     What did the author hope to accomplish by writing it? Keywords/Phrases

repeated words repeated phrases repeated themes

2. Interpretation(exegesis)

Intro:  How observation (context) shapes interpretation:

Illustration: The word "fire". There's a fire! 3,2,1,.....fire! Our hearts were set on fire! Your fired! How do we know which type of "fire" is meant?            A: context

What does this mean? It means that one cannot force a modern day interpretation on a word, phrase, or theme. (Bible dictionary)

Common mistakes during the interpretation phase:

1. Asking "What does this mean to me?" (rushing the process).

2. Reading verse-by-verse instead of paragraph-by-paragraph or thought-by-thought.

3. Allowing my beliefs to interpret scripture instead of scripture defining my beliefs(eisegesis)

1. Asking "What does this mean to me?" . Why shouldn't we ask this question? By asking this question we force our own meaning into the text instead of asking what does the text actually mean? We are looking for meaning not application. The main goal of this step in the process is to draw our the meaning from the text as it would have been understood by it's original audience. 2. Reading verse-by-verse(incorrect) instead of paragraph-by-paragraph or thought-by-thought (correct)

What is the purpose of this paragraph?

What does it mean? (Theme) How do these ideas connect to the broader theme of the book?

(Flow) How does this paragraph fit into the ideas expressed previously(if applicable) and immediately following?

Why did the author choose to say this now? Look for connecting words  and phrases (therefore, so then, now,) Why did he choose these particular words? Are there other passages of scripture that deal with the same ideas that could help me better understand this one?

3. Allowing my personal beliefs(cultural, denominational, or emotional) to interpret scripture(eisegesis) instead of scripture defining my beliefs

Example # 1 Deuteronomy 22:5 (CSBBible)   “A woman is not to wear male clothing, and a man is not to put on a woman’s garment, for everyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord your God." I grew up around people that thought it was wrong for women to wear pants. They took this verse above and added their own meaning into the text. The logic went something like this... Men and women should dress distinctively different(good so far.) Since men primarily wear pants all of the time then women should not wear them. So now they have taken a cultural norm and presupposed it into the text.

Now instead of making the text about distinction(not cross dressing) they have now relegated it to particular items of clothing. The problem with this is, in middle eastern culture at this time, pants were never a cultural norm. Robes were the order of the day. In which both men and women wore them. So then if its not about individual style what is it about? It is about distinction. One idea can only be applied to cultures where pants are worn and the other can be universally applied to every culture everywhere. Men and Women should not try to achieve the appearance of the opposite sex. * This is why we cannot interpret scripture in light of our current cultural context. If you do you will actually be limiting its meaning. This will especially becomes a problem when a pastor begins to form dogma off of a wrong idea...this then becomes legalism. Example # 2 Romans 12:2 (CSBBible) Do not be conformed to this age(or world), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. I have heard this passage of scripture used to attack everything from drums, wearing jeans, tattoos and particular hair cuts. The logic again goes something like this....We are to be different from the world(good so far). So the world likes drums and jeans. So therefore if we are not to be conformed, then we must not indulge in these things. However, if one applies that logic in the interpretation one must find fault with Ice Cream, lawn-mowing and air-conditioning.

Why? Last I checked the world is pretty accepting of these things. So then what does it mean? Well the first part of the chapter starts with the word "therefore". Immediately previous Paul quotes a Hymn of praise about the greatness of God. If you do further study you'd find out that not being "conformed to this world" is not so much about individual practices. The focus is not on what you do as much as it is about what you love. A right love results in right actions. Are you enamored with the greatness of God and his ways or are you enamored with "your way of life". Many bad ideas have been formulated by poor exegesis, resulting in bad doctrines and theology. Some of these ideas are held onto for generations......We cannot under estimate the importance of understanding how to study.