Bibliology Session 21-Illumination & Interpretation

Illumination & Interpretation Steps of Study 1. Preparation 2. Observation 3. Interpretation 4. Application Preparation Preparation is how we approach the text before we even begin to read it. This involves three things… 1.Preparation begins with finding a quiet place if possible (Mark 1:35; Matt. 6:6). 2.Preparation must include an understanding of the promises concerning illumination of the Holy Spirit, and praying to receive those promises. 3.Preparation must entail a literal approach to the Bible. Illumination I. Illumination Defined: A. “Illumination” comes from a Greek word that means “to bring light and understanding.” B. In Ephesians 1:15-19 Paul prays that God would grant to the believers in Ephesus a supernatural understanding . C. The word translated “enlightened,” in verse 18 is the greek word φωτίζω, from which we get the English words “photo,” or “phosphorescent.” Illumination II. Illumination is Necessary: A. Because of the nature of spiritual truth (1 Cor. 2:14). B. Because of the nature of sinful mankind & the powerful working of Satan (Isaiah 6:9-10; 29:10-12; Hos. 8:12; Matt. 13:13; John 9:39-41; Acts 26:18; 2 Cor. 3:14-4:6). Illumination III. Illumination is Promised: A. To those who Fear God (Proverbs 1:7; 2:1-6; 9:10) B. Through the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ezek. 36:25-27; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 John 2:27). Illumination C. To those who pray to be taught (Psalm 119:18; Jer. 29:13; Eph. 1:18-19; James 1:5). D. To those who humbly confess their sin & are willing to submit to what they learn (John 7:16-17; Col. 2:6-7; James 1:21-25). Illumination IV. Illumination is Limited: A. It is a progressive process that takes time & effort (Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Tim. 2:15). B. It is a continual process which will not end until glory (Isaiah 55:8-9; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:26-27; 1 Cor. 13:12; Heb. 8:8-12). Interpretation Though we have a role in “Illumination,” it is ultimately God’s part. Interpretation, however, is our effort (2 Tim. 2:15). It is the art of how we study the Bible in order to read what God says, and learn what God means (2 Peter 1:20). Biblical Examples of Interpretation I. Daniel Interpreted 70 years Literally (Dan. 9:1-3) II. Ezra Read, and then Explained Plainly (Neh. 8:4-8, 12, 15) III. Jesus & Paul Noted the Importance of Every Word (Matt. 22:29-32; Gal. 3:16) IV. Jesus & Peter Paid Special Attention to Context (Matt. 22:41-46; 2 Peter 3:15-16) V. Jesus Saw the Bible as Historic (Matt. 12:40; 15:1-9) & Predictive of Himself (Luke 24:27, 44-45) • Note the Prophesies of Christ’s 1st coming were fulfilled literally (e.g. born in Bethlehem, of David’s lineage etc.) Rules for Interpretation I. Interpret the Bible Literally A. Historically (not myth or legend) B. Grammatically (every word is important) C. Christologically (i.e. ultimately the Bible Points to Christ) II. Rules for Interpretation Interpret the Bible in Context (2 Peter 3:15-16). A. In its Cultural Context (e.g. “The Lord is my Shepherd”) B. In its Immediate Context (who wrote the book you are studying, when, where) C. In its Broader Biblical Context (Compare Scripture with Scripture) Preparation Equipped with this understanding, one can now approach the Scriptures with eager anticipation of what they will learn, thereby experiencing the transforming power of the “engrafted” Word of God (James 1:21). Steps of Study 1. Preparation 2. Observation 3. Interpretation 4. Application (The Five Interrogatives) Observation 1. Who is involved in the text? (Identify the Main Characters) 2. When is this text occurring? (Identify what significant events occur around your text) 3. Where is this text occurring? (Identify the setting for your text) 4. What is going on in the text? (Note what the main characters are saying or doing) Interpretation 5.Why is this text present in the Bible? • Scholars call the Bible “economic,” meaning it will cover huge swaths of history in merely a few words. • So all the accounts, and words in the Scripture are especially selected for a reason. • The Interpreter of Scripture must attempt to answer the questions “Why is this passage here?” “What does this passage teach about God, Mankind, Sin, or Salvation?” “What would we be missing without this passage?” Next Week Next Week we will take the opportunity to walk through a passage together as a sample passage. We will practice these steps of Observation & Interpretation.