Interpretation (Part 2)

Review: 3 Steps for inductive Bible Study

1. Observation - What does the passage contain?

2. Interpretation - What does the passage mean?

3. Applications - What do I need to do with the information I have learned?

Last week we looked at 3 common mistakes people make when coming to the Bible

1. Asking what does this mean to me(before following the other steps)?

2. Interpreting the passage verse by verse instead of thought by thought

3. Allowing my beliefs to interpret scripture instead of scripture my beliefs.

Today we are going to look at a few more items to help guide our interpretation

Last week we talked about flow. How one paragraph links to another. There is a logic to the thought process. Here are a few examples that will help us follow the logic of the author. We must understand that the author may use a combination of these throughout the book.

1. Possible logical processes (maybe more)

Problem-Solution

Cause-Effect Contrast (Not this, but this)

Chronology (First this happened, then this, then this)

Promise-Fulfillment

Lesser to Greater

Argument-Proof

Explanation-Application

Principle-Example/Amplification

2. Are there Old testament quotes in the passage?

If yes, what do I need to know from the Old Testament that will shed light on the current passage?

Assume if the author takes the time to mention it, it must be important to the general understanding .

Most of the time the O.T. quotes will either refer to prophecy(proof) or the author will use the teachings of Christ to shed light on O.T.   religious practices.

There will be many times before you move on in your study that you will need to read the O.T. account first.

How does the O.T account fit into the authors main idea?