Rules for Bible Study – 2
See full series: 2024-sermons
Rules for Bible Study – 2
Sermon by Thomas Thornhill Jr
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COMMUNICATING WITH GOD (38)
Bible Study (12) – Rules for Bible Study (2)
Continuing with our 2024 theme, we are currently focusing on Bible study. Last Sunday, we examined some rules to consider as you study the Bible. We did not complete that lesson, so today, I want to continue with these rules. These are principles we need to understand if we are to “rightly divide the word or truth.”
In our last lesson, we established the following: 1) We addressed that our goal is to exegete (to extract) from the text its intended meaning. We should not eisegete (put int, insert) our personal views and preconceived beliefs. We also discussed the “inductive method” which involves rules to help us find and apply the intended meaning of the text. 2) We addressed the need for reasoning and logic as we study the text; 3) Understand that the text was typically written with one intended meaning, and as we study, we do our best to extract that meaning; 4) We must remember that the Bible is God’s perfect guide and does not contradict itself. When there are supposed discrepancies or challenging passages, this rule will help us determine what it can and CANNOT mean; 5) We began a discussion of context – clearly one of the most important rules of study.
Today, I want to emphasize context a little more with some examples, and then we will proceed with some more rules to aid us in Bible study.
- Context!!!!
- Context is fundamental in determining the meaning of a passage or word. There are several different contexts for us to consider: 1. The immediate context – When examining a text, ALWAYS consider it in light of verses before and after; 2. The section (pericope); 3. The book where the text is found; 4. The remote context – the Bible as a whole; and 5. The historical and cultural context.
- Some (more) examples to consider.
- Luke 10:27, a lawyer answering the question of Jesus about what to do to be saved mentions 2 things: 1) Love God with your all and 2) Love your neighbor as yourself? Who is our neighbor? That is what the lawyer asked and it prompted Jesus to tell the parable of the good Samaritan. If we read only vs. 27, we might think that our neighbor is only the person who lives next door (or maybe our block), or maybe our city OR those of our “tribe”. But the CONTEXT, as Jesus defined it for the lawyer, defines it for us as well – our neighbor is ANYONE we have the opportunity to help.
- Romans 12:19, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay’, says the Lord.” By itself one might argue that capital punishment is wrong. But if you keep reading the book, Romans 13:1-7 addresses the authority of government and includes the right to punish – Vs. 4 says, he does not bear the sword in vain. The context of Rom. 12:19 is about personal vengeance.
- Colossians 2:21, “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle.” WHAT is Paul talking about? Can we use this passage to tell someone they should not drink alcohol (or even touch it)? I can show you that in other places, but the context here is directly related to the binding of religious liberties.
- Ephesians 3:10-11 – “that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church.” Some have used this text to teach that the church is to make known the “manifold wisdom of God.” While that is a function of the church (e.g.,1 Timothy 3:15 – where the church is the pillar and ground of truth), when you examine the context, even the verse itself, it has to be something else. Note to whom the declaration is made, “to the principalities and powers in heavenly places” – this is talking about heavenly beings (such as angels). That requires a different interpretation. It is also seen in the context beginning in vs. 1-11ff. Vs. 9 ties it to the “fellowship of the mystery”. Paul defined and wrote about the “mystery” that he revealed in vs. 3-6 noting “That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel…” WHEN you put all of this together, the obvious meaning is that the church IS A demonstration of the God’s manifold wisdom. NOTE: This is an illustration that we must be careful HOW we quote a passage to prove a point. Even if the point is true, don’t twist OTHER passages to prove it.
- Consider the background of the text.
- Understanding background is critical to properly interpreting a text. And there are many sources available to help us appreciate the background of a text. There are study Bibles that focus on background, commentaries that emphasize the background of a text, etc. When I teach a book of the Bible, I always begin with a lesson addressing the background. We need to understand key factors to help us properly interpret what is being said.
- It is often helpful to ask:
- Who was speaking in a text and to whom – was Jesus speaking to friends or foes? The content of the conversation matters;
- Who wrote the book? Whatever we can learn about the background of an author can help us as we look at details. Both Paul and Luke were educated men. It is reflected in their writings.
- Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14). When you read his gospel you find details that show His education and medical pedigree – e.g., Luke 1:1 – an orderly account (Doctors need to be orderly to diagnose, etc.); Luke 4:38 ads the word, “high fever” concerning Peter’s mother-in-law, while the other accounts only say, “fever” (Mark 1:39, Matthew 8:14). Luke is more specific. He also is the only gospel describing the depth of despair Jesus faced in the Garden (Luke 22:44-45). Matthew 26:37 & Mark 14:33 only mention He was sorrowful and distressed.
- Paul was educated both in Roman culture and Judaism. His letters show logic and he make his case by presenting arguments to prove his declarations. He also anticipates objections and addresses them (e.g., see Romans 6:1, 15, 7:7, etc.).
- The 4 gospels were written to different groups and with different purposes.
- What is the subject being addressed (the context); What period of Bible history?
- When was the text written? (Old or New Testament?) In the NT, the time of a letter helps us determine how far “Christianity” had spread when written. This also factors into how it applies to us today.
- Where was it written – e.g., Paul was writing Philippians from prison, yet he writes about rejoicing
- Why was a particular book written? Background factors can be a tremendous help in understanding the context of a passage, or a particular statement.
- There are facts about which history helps or enhances our understanding of a text.
- Why when references are being made about going to Jerusalem it always says, they went “up to Jerusalem”, even when they going south (Matthew 20:17-19)? The answer lies in the fact that Jerusalem is an elevated city.
- What about the mention of Herod in the gospels and Acts? A study of Roman history tells us there were several Herods – a family of leaders of influence in Palestine during the time of Jesus and the beginning of the church.
- Multiple high priests – Luke 3:2 describes a specific time period at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus and John and notes that Annas and Caiaphas were high priests. If you know ANYTHING about the Levitical priesthood, you know there is only one High Priest at a time and it is a lifetime office. A background study of the High Priesthood during the time of Jesus reveals the political nature of the office. We also find that Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas. While Annas had been deposed ~15 AD, he still held influence of the priesthood.
- The 10 plagues of Egypt – Exodus 7-12 records the 10 plagues of Egypt. A study of Egyptian history shows that each of these plagues was likely a strike against their various gods (Egypt was very polytheistic). Thus you have a demonstration of the power of YHWH as the ONE TRUE and ONLY God.
- There are statements in scripture that are made that are false. Context helps you identify what is false.
- For example: Genesis 3:4, where Satan told Eve, “You shall not surely die”. What the serpent said was a lie. We know that because of the context – WHO was speaking and to whom he was speaking.
- Paul in Titus 1:10 quoted an uninspired philosopher saying, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
- The book of Job – his friends make statements, some of which are erroneous.
- The POINT: The more you know about WHY a particular text was written, the more helpful it will be as we seek to get out of it, what was intended.
- What type of literature is it?
- The Bible is written in various different types of literature. Is something written as law or command, historical, poetic, prophetic, proverb, instructional, etc.? Determining the type of language is helpful as we seek to determine meaning.
- know the difference between figurative and literal. This is very important in determining the meaning of a text. Figurative language is communicating by using symbols, stories and other ways to describe things. Examples include:
- The visions of Daniel, John (Revelation) and Ezekiel.
- Parables of Jesus are figurative as Jesus uses something familiar to explain a spiritual application.
- Exaggerations to make a point – e.g., cut your hand off or pluck your eye out (Matt. 18:8-9). Matthew 19:24 – easier for a camel to go through the ye of a needle”, etc.
- Absurdities – Luke 9:60 – “Let the dead bury their own dead”
- And there is a set of rules that apply to figurative language. Determine the TYPE of figure it is. 2. Include whatever is explained by the author (e.g., Luke 8:11 – the parable of the sower explained); 3. Don’t press the language further than the text; 4. A figure of speech can change from one conversation to another (e.g. Matthew 13:33 – the kingdom like leaven; Matthew 16:6 – beware of the leaven of the Pharisees…).
- Consider the importance of principles – we addressed this as we studied authority. Much of what is written in scripture gives us principles that we can apply to our lives. As we study, we need to distinguish between an event and the principles that are being taught. For example: John 13:1-15 where Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. 15 (and the context) helps us to understand this is not an intended religious ritual, but an emphasis that we need to be willing to serve others when we can.
- Learn and know the major Biblical divisions
- We have the Old and New Testaments
- There are 3 dispensations of time – patriarchal, Mosaic and gospel ages.
- Familiarity with the major covenants is also helpful. There are covenants made with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Israel (the LOM), David and of course the gospel.
- Knowing their timing and what fits where is helpful in properly applying a text. For example: Luke 23:43, “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. Spoken to Jesus by the penitent thief on the cross. Many appeal to “the thief on the cross” to dismiss the need for baptism (all he would do was believe and Jesus saved him). There are many problems with that, but here I mention one. When Jesus said this, the Old Law was still in effect. It was not until He died that the New Testament went into force.
- Always allow an author’s own explanation of a phrase determine its meaning. When an author takes the time to define a statement, or his text defines it – that is it.
- For example: Matthew 16:6 where Jesus warned, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Even the disciples didn’t understand what Jesus meant because of where their minds were. But Matthew proceeds to explain how Jesus prompted them to think based on all the facts. Matthew then gives the ONLY meaning Jesus had in mind – vs. 12.
- Example: Revelation 12:9, 20:2 – the dragon is Satan, the devil. As you read about the “dragon” in Revelation you know what it is talking about. About 13 times. The dragon might include others, but ALWAYS those under the sway of Satan.
- Daniel 7 gives a vision that he sees of 4 different beasts (7:1-14) and they interact. Then in vs. 15-28, we find an explanation of some of the features of these beasts. WHATEVER interpretation we reach, we must consider the details that are specified. g., the beasts represented kings and kingdoms (7:17, 23), horns on the 4th beast are kings (24), etc. When you put all these together, the fulfillment is tied to the timing of Jesus coming to this earth. My conclusion is that it deals with His kingdom which was established then.
- When examining a subject, put together EVERYTHING about that subject. Most subjects are not only addressed in one passage. If you want to whole picture, you need to study everything about that subject. For example: Matthew 7:1 – judge not that you be not judged. There are numerous passages that deal with judging – who, when and how to judge. The context (a sermon, dealing with corruption in serving God, etc.) helps us understand that Jesus is referring to a specific TYPE of judging – prejudicial and hypocritical judging.
These are some rules to consider as we study the word of God. There are others we add to this list, but this is what we have time for now. It is my hope that what we have seen is that Bible study is very important, but for it to be effective there are rules we HAVE to respect, or our understanding will be skewed. Remember what our goal is – to “rightly divide the word of truth.” That will take work, but I can promise that the more work you put into it, the more you will get out of it. How are you handling God’s word in your life – both in what you learn and as you apply it? Think about it!