Lesson 4- Observation

So far we have learned why we study the scriptures, we have looked at some tips for getting started, and we have established some ground rules for the process of studying the scriptures.

Today we will begin the process of actually studying a particular passage of scriptures.

Over the next three weeks we will explore Matthew 7:1-5 using the tools we have discussed and following the ground rules that we have laid out.

This will be done in three parts beginning with Observation, moving to Interpretation, and ultimately making Application of this portion of scripture.

The Observation step is all about gathering information to help us properly interpret the passage and rightly apply it to our lives.

In the Observation stage we will ask a number of questions to find out more information about the particular portion of scripture that we are examining.

Question #1- What is the context?

To answer this question, we will need to take the time to read the scripture immediately surrounding the passage we are studying.

Answering this question helps us to understand how the verses we are studying fit into the larger narrative of scripture.

One of the most dangerous mistakes a person can make is to fail to consider the context of a portion of scripture for this often leads one to draw false conclusions or to make wrong interpretations.

Sometimes we may only need to read a few verses before and after the verses we are studying, while at other times it may be necessary to read an entire chapter before and after the text we are examining.

So what is the context of Matthew 7:1-5?

We see that this passage is a part of what is commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Mount.

This was a time when Jesus was teaching primarily his disciples and elevating their ideology above that which was taught by the Pharisees

Question #2- Who is Speaking?

As we study the scriptures it is always important to take the time to see who is speaking or in some cases who is writing/observing the events recorded.

We can easily discern that in this passage it is Jesus who is speaking.

Why is this important? We should always give careful attention to anything that comes directly from the lips of Jesus.

Often knowing who is speaking can add special value to what is being said.

2 Corinthians 4:8–10 KJV 1900

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

In this passage it is Paul who is writing and because we have a record of Paul’s life we know that he is not speaking theoretically here but from personal experience.

1 Peter 1:7 KJV 1900

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Here it is Peter who writes and once again we have a record of the trials which Peter endured, so we know that he speaks from personal experience as well.

Question #3- Who is the audience?

Answering this question requires us to take a look at who the speaker or the author is addressing.

This can have a significant impact on how a passage is interpreted and applied.

Who is the audience in Matthew 7:1-5?

To determine the answer to this question we must go all the way back to the beginning of the sermon in Matthew 5:1-2. Here we find that Jesus had taken His disciples aside and is addressing them in particular. This does not mean that there were not others who were listening in, but what Jesus is teaching is directed specifically to His disciples.

The audience here is clearly Jesus’ disciples.

Sometimes knowing the audience is a vital part to understanding how the text is to be applied.

For Example:

Exodus 14:14 KJV 1900

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Here the audience is the people of Israel, so as we interpret a text such as this we must be careful not to go too far in our application.

There is here a principle that can be applied, but not a promise to be claimed.

Question #4 What is the setting?

Sometimes knowing where the events recorded in scripture took place will have significance.

What is the setting for Matthew 7:1-5-?

The Sermon on the Mount is set on a mountain apparently in the region of Galilee near to Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the Jordan river.

There are passages where knowing the setting is vital to understanding the text. For Example:

John 4- The fact that the encounter with the woman at the well takes place in Samaria is highly significant to our understanding of the passage.

Question # 5- Are there words that need to be defined?

What words might we choose to look up in Matthew 7:1-5?

A good place to begin in defining terms is with words that are repeated multiple times since these will greatly influence the meaning of the text.

Judge- the word here translated judge (G2919-Strong’s concordance) has the idea of distinguishing between two things determining one to be better than another.

Mete- To measure; to ascertain quantity, dimensions or capacity by any rule or standard. (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)

Mote- A small particle/speck (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)

Beam- The largest, or a principal piece in a building, that lies across the walls, and serves to support the principal rafters.

We can see that defining these terms certainly helps us to gain a deeper understanding of the text.

Conclusion

In the end, asking and answering these questions and any others that may help us to gain a greater understanding of the information contained in the text will enable us to be certain that we have all the facts when we begin to interpret the passage.

Some other information we may also consider:

Is there something of cultural significance in the text?

Is there figurative language being used?

Are there other passages that deal with the same theme?

Now that we have this additional information it is good to read and re-read the passage a few times with this information in mind to make sure that there is nothing we have missed.

Take the time this week to read and re-read Matthew 7:1-5 and jot down any additional observations or questions that come to mind.

Next week we will take what we have learned and begin the process of interpreting the text.