Wonders of the Word Discovery Zone May 15, 2005 Speaker: Randal Myers

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Interpreting Scripture

Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. - 2 Peter 3:15-18

Three Important Facts about Scripture seen in 2 Peter 3:16:

• Some scriptures are hard to understand.
• The message can be distorted.
• Distortions can lead to destruction.

Interpreting Scripture:

• Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.- 2 Timothy 2:15
  • "correctly handles" - Implies that there is an incorrect way to handle scripture.
  • Example: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. - Revelation 3:20
    • Normally interpreted as the way to become a Christian
    • Actually, the message is directed to Laodicea (vs. 14) and illustrates how to overcome their lukewarm condition.

Entering the Discovery Zone (Understanding the Word):

• Observation
  • Notice the specific terminology
  • Notice the genre.
  • Observe the atmosphere.
• Interpretation
  • Ask questions of every passage read.
    • Who is speaking, What do we know about that person, Who are they speaking to, etc.
    • Read in context
• Application
  • Is there a principle I need to apply?
  • Is there a command I need to follow?
  • Is there an attitude I should possess?
  • Is there a goal I should strive for.

Conclusion:

A Challenge

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. - Acts 17:11

• We must examine the scriptures...but we must recognize that scripture also examines us.
• As scripture examines you, what is the evaluation?

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