Importance of Bible Interpretation in Our Lives
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Morality
Morality
i. Morality is defined as principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Therefore, it is concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior.
c. Objective or Subjective
i. Many of the concepts that run through our principles of interpretation will overlap.
ii. For example, if we deny objective truth, we must also deny objective morality.
iii. If we deny objective morality, then we will also deny the utility of Scripture to express what is right or wrong.
d. 1 John 3:4 (NKJV)
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
i. The Scripture defines what sin is, does it not? It defines it as lawlessness. How do we reconcile that with Gal 5:18
1. Galatians 5:18 (NKJV) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
2. Romans 6:14 (NKJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
3. 1 John 5:18 (NKJV) 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.
Galatians 5:18 (NKJV)
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Romans 6:14 (NKJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
1 John 5:18 (NKJV) 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.
ii. Our interpretive method will determine whether or not we think of sin as a category that doesn’t apply to the believer, or perhaps we will begin to believe we need to follow all of the mosaic covenant concerning morality.
iv. Some people argue over whether or not it is moral or immoral to eat certain foods, worship on certain days, store up financial savings, or become destitute by giving, and these are all moral issues.
e. Popular opinion or biblical morality
i. If we are not willing to work out what God says about what is right or wrong, we will be inevitably lured into adopting popular opinions.
ii. The Scripture describes people who decide what is right for themselves.
1. Judges 17:6 (NKJV) In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
2. This language is first found in Numbers in contrast from doing what Yahweh says.
3. Numbers 15:39 (NKJV) And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined,
And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined,
4. Deuteronomy 12:8 (NKJV) “You shall not at all do as we are doing here today—every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes—
“You shall not at all do as we are doing here today—every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes—
f. If we do not know and study the Scritpure, then we will ultimately be given over to do what is right in our own eyes, which is to do away with the instructions, the commandments, the expectations of our God.
g. Unless we have the Scripture as the standard of morality all questions of right and wrong are reduced to an opinion.
h. The New Testament continues this theme of objective morality.
i. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, for instance, emphasizes the spirit behind the law, focusing on internal attitudes as well as external actions. Proper interpretation of these teachings reveals a comprehensive moral framework that governs not just actions but also thoughts and intentions.
ii. Regarding God's disposition towards subjective morality, Scripture indicates that God expects adherence to His moral standards and views deviation from them seriously.
iii. In the New Testament, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their legalistic and hypocritical approach to morality (e.g., Matthew 23). They adhered to the letter of the law while neglecting its spirit, demonstrating a form of subjective morality that focused on external appearances rather than genuine righteousness.
iv. Additionally, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against a lifestyle that disregards God’s moral standards.
v. For example, in Romans 1, he describes how turning away from God's truth leads to moral corruption and a wide array of sinful behaviors. This passage shows the consequences of rejecting God’s objective moral law in favor of subjective individual reasoning.
i. In the end, our interpretation of Scripture defines morality for us in as much as we rightly discern what God says.
Ethics
Ethics
Introduction to Ethics
i. Ethics Defined
ii. Ethical decisions are decisions that are related to moral principles or the branch of knowledge concerned with these principles.
iii. So where, when I speak of morals, I am talking about principles; when I say ethics, I speak of how decisions are made.
iv. Interpreting biblical ethics is crucial for applying its teachings appropriately in contemporary life, bridging the gap between ancient texts and modern contexts. Understanding the context of the Bible is essential, as it was written in a different cultural and historical landscape. For example, consider the dietary laws of the Israelites in light of the teaching of God’s admonition to Peter in his dream
1. Acts 10:9–16 (NKJV)
The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
3. 9The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
v. and the rules communicated to Gentiles, which did not place the whole law upon them.
1. Acts 15:18–21 (NKJV)
“Known to God from eternity are all His works. Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
2. 18“Known to God from eternity are all His works. 19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”
3. Acts 15:24–29 (NKJV)
Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment—it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell.
vi. Discerning between time-specific instructions and universal moral principles is another key aspect of interpretation. The Ten Commandments, given in Exodus 20, represent timeless ethical directives that transcend their original Old Testament setting, applying universally across cultures and ages.
vii. Harmonizing the diverse writings of Scripture is crucial in forming a coherent ethical message. This is seen in how Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels, such as the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, can be understood as fulfilling and clarifying the Old Testament laws rather than contradicting them. Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17).
viii. Additionally, Proper interpretation leads us to understand how we are not under the ceremonial laws of the sacrifices as the Isrealites were in the Old testament.
ix. The practical application of biblical teachings is also heavily reliant on interpretation. Jesus' commandment to love one's neighbor, found in Matthew 22:39, "Love your neighbor as yourself," necessitates interpreting how this principle applies in various modern contexts, from personal relationships to social issues and the application of justice.
x. Through these examples, it's evident that interpreting Scripture is vital in extracting and applying the ethical wisdom contained within the Bible, ensuring that its timeless teachings continue to guide moral living in the contemporary world.
xi.Important intreptrative issues to consider.
In terms of ethics an morality some assume that if the New Testament doesn’t talk about it then it must not be binding for the Christian. This issue is usually brought up with the Sabbath. In reformed circles it is in reference to calling Sunday the Christian Sabbath.
There are many men which have explained either why it is or isn’t proper to Call Sunday the Christian Sabbath.
Is it correct or incorrect?
How you come to a conclusion on this question will consider things like
Is it required that the new testament confirm the moral necessity to apply to the christian life?
Is it required that the New Testament Deny the moral necessity to disregard what was taught in the old?
Is it an established creation mandate, or part of the mosaic Law?
If it is the Lord’s day is the Christian Sabath, what are the ethical implications as to how one practices it?
Sanctification
Sanctification
a. Introduction
i. The sanctification I refer to is the ongoing process of being conformed to the mind of Christ.
b. Monergistic or Synergistic
i. Your interpretive process is what informs how you answer questions like, “is sanctification a cooperative effort between God and men, or is it like salvation, a unilateral work of God?”
ii. Interpretation is vital for sanctification, a process deeply rooted in understanding and applying Scripture's teachings. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This passage highlights the need for proper interpretation, as Scripture's role in teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness is central to the believer's growth and sanctification.
iii. The process of sanctification involves not just individual moral improvement but also an ever-deepening relationship with God, which requires understanding His character and intentions as revealed in the Bible.
1. In John 17:17 , Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." This underscores the necessity of engaging with God’s Word truthfully and accurately.
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
2. Misinterpretation can lead to a distorted view of God and His will, thereby hindering the sanctification process.
a. Moreover, sanctification involves applying biblical principles to everyday life, which demands a contextual and nuanced understanding of Scripture. Our sanctification will reflect how our interpretation has taught us to understand morality and ethics.
3. James 1:22 warns, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
a. This implies that correct interpretation is not just about understanding but also about practical application. Misunderstanding Scripture can result in applying biblical teachings inappropriately, which can lead to ethical and moral errors.
b. Furthermore, understanding the broader narrative of Scripture helps believers to see their place in God’s redemptive plan, which is essential for holistic spiritual growth.
4. In Acts 17:11 , the Bereans are commended for eagerly receiving Paul's message and examining the Scriptures daily to see if what he said was true. This example shows the importance of diligent and discerning engagement with Scripture for spiritual growth and discernment.
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
c. Thus, the role of interpretation in sanctification is crucial and multifaceted. It involves engaging with Scripture in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant, ensuring that believers grow in righteousness and godliness in a manner that aligns with the truth of God’s Word. Through careful interpretation, believers are better equipped to understand and live out their faith, progressing in their journey of becoming more like Christ.
d.V. Joy (800)
a. Joy (satisfaction)
i. Poor interpretation of Scripture can significantly impact a Christian's experience of joy and satisfaction, especially considering the belief that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
1. This concept, rooted in Christian theology, emphasizes the importance of finding ultimate joy and fulfillment in a relationship with God.
2. If Scripture is misinterpreted to suggest that joy and satisfaction are primarily found in worldly achievements or material possessions, this can lead to a misplaced focus.
3. Jesus warns against this in Luke 12:15 , saying,
And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
a.
b. Misinterpreting such teachings to prioritize material wealth or earthly success over spiritual richness can lead to a life devoid of the deeper joy and satisfaction found in God.
b. Similarly, a misinterpretation of the nature of Christian joy can be detrimental. For instance, interpreting joy as a constant state of emotional euphoria ignores the deeper biblical teaching that joy often coexists with suffering.
c. James 1:2 encourages believers to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds," indicating that Christian joy is not the absence of hardship but finding hope and trust in God amidst challenges. Misunderstanding this can lead to disillusionment when facing life's inevitable difficulties.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
d. Additionally, if the principles of loving and enjoying God are misinterpreted as legalistic or burdensome religious duties, it can rob Christians of the genuine delight found in a grace-filled relationship with God.
e. Jesus criticizes this kind of burdensome religious practice in Matthew 23:4 , where he speaks of religious leaders who "tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders." Understanding the love of God and our response to Him as a joy-filled, not burdensome, relationship is crucial for true spiritual satisfaction.
For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
f. Moreover, misinterpreting Scriptures that speak of self-denial and sacrifice, like Luke 9:23 , where Jesus talks about denying oneself and taking up one's cross daily to follow Him, could lead to a joyless, ascetic lifestyle.
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
g. Proper interpretation recognizes that self-denial in the Christian context is not about rejecting all forms of joy, but about finding greater joy and fulfillment in aligning with God's will and purposes.
h. In conclusion, correctly interpreting Scripture is essential for experiencing true joy and satisfaction in the Christian life. Misinterpretation that leads to materialism, a misunderstanding of the nature of Christian joy, legalism, or joyless asceticism can detract from the biblical teaching that true joy and fulfillment are found in loving God and enjoying a relationship with Him. This understanding is key to living a life that aligns with the Christian belief that glorifying and enjoying God is humanity's ultimate purpose.
VI. Conclusion (700)