 | |
| A proper understanding of Scripture is not a daunting task! |
Previously in “Growing in Christ” I posted about the critical importance of curriculum as a means of monitoring what is being taught in Bible studies. While only one comment is visible, several others have questioned the phrase “science of interpretation.” I totally understand how this phrase has created some confusion. Allow me to kindly clarify what I was trying to express.
To begin, we need working definitions of the word “science” and “hermeneutics.” According to Webster’s Dictionary science may be defined as: “a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study (i.e. the science of theology).” Additionally, Webster’s defines hermeneutics as “the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible).” The question was raised regarding where is this supported in the Bible. The Scriptures are filled with commands and declarations of the benefits of Bible study. Here are just a few: Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:13; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 111:2; 2 Timothy 2:15.
The Holy Spirit has to be involved if we are to understand and apply God’s Word. However, believers must participate in the Work of the Holy Spirit. We do that by spending time in the word, asking questions and searching the Scriptures for answers.
A specific example of this can be found in Acts 17:10-11. Paul and Silas traveled to Berea where the people “welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (HCSB) The Jews at Berea tested the truth of Paul's message by the standard of Scripture rather than judging it by political and cultural considerations. So they examined the Scriptures daily to see whether what Paul proclaimed was really true, and many believed. In short the Bereans demonstrated the “science of interpretation.”
Bible study leaders have an obligation to rightly understand the Scriptures. Incorrect doctrine, theology, and inappropriate usage of Scripture often occurs when a person does not devote himself to the Bible as “an object of study.” Specifically, what happens is misquotes of scriptures, but most often misapplications. When repeated these misquotes and misapplications become accepted resulting in the spread of false doctrine.
To begin, we need working definitions of the word “science” and “hermeneutics.” According to Webster’s Dictionary science may be defined as: “a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study (i.e. the science of theology).” Additionally, Webster’s defines hermeneutics as “the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible).” The question was raised regarding where is this supported in the Bible. The Scriptures are filled with commands and declarations of the benefits of Bible study. Here are just a few: Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:13; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 111:2; 2 Timothy 2:15.
The Holy Spirit has to be involved if we are to understand and apply God’s Word. However, believers must participate in the Work of the Holy Spirit. We do that by spending time in the word, asking questions and searching the Scriptures for answers.
A specific example of this can be found in Acts 17:10-11. Paul and Silas traveled to Berea where the people “welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (HCSB) The Jews at Berea tested the truth of Paul's message by the standard of Scripture rather than judging it by political and cultural considerations. So they examined the Scriptures daily to see whether what Paul proclaimed was really true, and many believed. In short the Bereans demonstrated the “science of interpretation.”
Bible study leaders have an obligation to rightly understand the Scriptures. Incorrect doctrine, theology, and inappropriate usage of Scripture often occurs when a person does not devote himself to the Bible as “an object of study.” Specifically, what happens is misquotes of scriptures, but most often misapplications. When repeated these misquotes and misapplications become accepted resulting in the spread of false doctrine.
No comments:
Post a Comment