BIBLE STUDY & INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES

INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY

BIBLE STUDY & INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES

By Dennis Schmidt 9/2007

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This paper discusses how to understand, interpret, & use the Bible. God provided the Bible to be our guide. The key use of scriptures is to learn about God and what God wants from us. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME: Guidelines are needed to read scripture & interpret them correctly.

Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." God's Words can teach any person open to learn truth.

1 Corinthians 10:11 "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." People in the Word are our example.

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture <is> given by inspiration of God, and <is> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" God breath the Word for helps to us.

PURPOSE:

A) GROW IN GRACE BY GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD:

Grace is un-merited flavor from God to us. We can not earn it, but God gives it to us because we seek to know Him.

2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord," Knowledge by study.

B) INCREASE FAITH:

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith <it is> impossible to please <him>: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and <that> he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

KEY VERSE:

WHO: God mainly by Bible authors David, Matthew, Luke, John, and Paul

TO WHOM: Elected Christians

WHAT: Guidelines are needed to read scripture & interpret them correctly.

Following are several directions:

A) LITERAL:

Just like you read a newspaper, literal or normal interpretation is a natural description. Making each word mean something other than what the word means is not a correct biblical interpretation. The word means what its meaning is in a dictionary.

2 Peter 1:20-21 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. {21} For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake <as they were> moved by the Holy Ghost." God put every Word there.

B) HISTORICAL:

The Bible is a Jewish book written by Jewish authors about Jewish historical events and a Jewish Messiah in the Jewish land of Israel. Find out about the people what, where, & events and rules of the period by a searching a bible dictionary.

Psalms 147:19 "He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. {20} He hath not dealt so with any nation: and <as for his> judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD."

C) GRAMMATICAL:

Understand the placement and usage of words in the contexts.

D) CORRELATION OR INTEGRATION:

It should fit with the rest of scripture. Use scripture to interpretive scriptures. Look first at the verses and chapter and book around the verse. Look next at other books by the same author. Finally look at the entire Bible. One scripture should not be used to generate a doctrine. The doctrine should be in other biblical places also.

WHY: Motivations for interpretation of scriptures.

A) GROW IN GRACE BY GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD:

Grace is un-merited flavor from God to us. We can not earn it, but God gives it to us because we seek to know Him.

2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord," Knowledge by study.

B) INCREASE FAITH:

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith <it is> impossible to please <him>: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and <that> he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

WAY: God wants his people to earnestly seek Him. He promises to bless those that persistently search the scriptures.

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

WHEREAS: Jesus is the Word of God

Psalms 40:7 "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book <it is> written of me," Fulfilled in Hebrews 10:7 by Jesus.

Hebrews 10:7 "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God." Bible teaches of Jesus

Luke 24:27 "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." The scriptures were written to tell about God and Jesus.

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus is the eternal Word of God.

John 5:39 "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." Me = Jesus

WHERE: Earth

WHEN: All Times

WANT: Rules for interpretating scriptures - What does it say?

1 Thessalonians 2:13 "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received <it> not <as> the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." The Word is truth and so is Jesus. (John 14:6 Jesus=truth)

B) INTERPRETATION:

What does it mean? It means what is says unless it is a clear case of a parable with a spiritual meaning.

Proverbs 30:6 "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." God's Words are perfect as they are.

Revelation 22:19 "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and <from> the things which are written in this book." Interpret the Words correctly.

C) CORRELATION OR INTEGRATION:

How does it all fit together with the rest of scripture?

John 20:30-31 "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: {31} But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Jesus is the center of the Bible.

D) APPLICATION:

How does it work - by the way that I live?

Psalms 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." The Word can change us.

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture <is> given by inspiration of God, and <is> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" The Word is our standard & guide.

E) CORRECTION FOR ONES LIFE:

Make the Word change my life.

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God <is> quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and <is> a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

F) PRACTICAL:

The Word of God can do for you many of the following:

1) Convicts 2) Re-generates

3) Nurtures 4) Encourages

5) Cleans 6) Consults and guides

7) Protects against sin 8) Revives

9) Strengthen 10) Provides wisdom

11) Delivers 12) Help

G) NOT READING SCRIPTURE:

The Christian should read his Bible each day. He should read in a systematic way, for example, a section from the Old Testament, New Testament, and poetry such as Job through Song of Solomon. These readings are like daily food which the Christian body needs. The Christian, likewise, needs scripture reading for his spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:2 "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able <to bear it>, neither yet now are ye able." Bible is spiritual food to help us grow in faith.

1 Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" First learn elementary doctrines.

Hebrews 6:1-3 "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, {2} Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. {3} And this will we do, if God permit." God allows us to move on to Bible meat.

H) NOT STUDYING SCRIPTURE:

The Christian should also study his Bible. He should use a method, as outlined above, to do a Topical, Biographical, Study Book or Study Chapter and important passages. In this way God will speak, through the Word, to him for his ministry and his life.

Hebrews 5:12 "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which <be> the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." Let God's Word change you into His child.

WAIT: For God’s Holy Spirit to guide the Christian an understanding the meaning.

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) GOD'S WORD IS ABOVE HIS NAME MAKING IT VERY IMPORTANT TO HIM:

II) JESUS IS THE WORD-BIBLE:

III) HOLY SPIRIT:

IV) STUDY THE WORD:

V) CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDY MOTIVATION:

A) GROW IN GRACE BY GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD:

B) INCREASE FAITH:

VI) BIBLE STUDY METHODS:

A) TOPICAL METHOD:

B) BIOGRAPHICAL METHOD:

C) STUDY BOOK METHOD:

D) STUDY OF CHAPTER AND IMPORTANT PASSAGE:

VII) BIBLE INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES:

A) LITERAL:

B) HISTORICAL:

C) GRAMMATICAL:

D) CORRELATION OR INTEGRATION:

VIII) CORRECT BIBLICAL RULES OF INTERPRETATION:

A) OBSERVATION:

B) INTERPRETATION:

C) CORRELATION OR INTEGRATION:

D) APPLICATION:

E) CORRECTION FOR ONES LIFE:

F) PRACTICAL:

G) NOT READING SCRIPTURE:

H) NOT STUDYING SCRIPTURE:

I) GOD'S WORD IS ABOVE HIS NAME MAKING IT VERY IMPORTANT TO HIM:

The Bible is the revelation of God and how God interacts with mankind. Jesus (God) is the focal point of all scriptures & life.

Psalms 138:2 "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."Word higher then God's name.

II) JESUS IS THE WORD-BIBLE:

See my paper: "God's Word/Bible/Scripture" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Just Who Is God?" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Triunity - Father, Son, & Holy Spirit" for more information on this subject.

Psalms 40:7 "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book <it is> written of me," Fulfilled in Hebrews 10:7 by Jesus.

Hebrews 10:7 "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God."Bible teaches of Jesus

Luke 24:27 "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." The scriptures were written to tell about God and Jesus.

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus is the eternal Word of God.

John 5:39 "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." Me = Jesus

III) HOLY SPIRIT:

See my paper: "Holy Spirit Baptism" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Godhead Relationship" for more information on this subject.

The person who studies scripture needs the Holy Spirit to open the Word to him.

Matthew 13:11-13 "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. {12} For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. {13} Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." Isaiah 6:9-10

John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, <that> shall he speak: and he will show you things to come."

IV) STUDY THE WORD:

God wants his people to earnestly seek Him. He promises to bless those that persistently search the scriptures.

Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

V) CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDY MOTIVATION:

A) GROW IN GRACE BY GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD:

Grace is un-merited flavor from God to us. We can not earn it, but God gives it to us because we seek to know Him.

See my paper: "Grace" for more information on this subject.

2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord," Knowledge by study.

B) INCREASE FAITH:

See my paper: "Faith" for more information on this subject.

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith <it is> impossible to please <him>: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and <that> he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

VI) BIBLE STUDY METHODS:

Bible study, as compared with daily Bible reading, should be done in a systematic method such as one of the following:

A) TOPICAL METHOD:

Select a subject and trace it through the scriptures using a concordance, study Bible (chain reference type), and dictionary.

B) BIOGRAPHICAL METHOD:

Select a person and trace the person through the scriptures using a concordance, study Bible, and dictionary.

C) STUDY BOOK METHOD:

Select a book and understand or master it's authorship, to whom it is addressed, it's purpose, main teaching by using a concordance, study Bible, and dictionary.

D) STUDY OF CHAPTER AND IMPORTANT PASSAGE:

Select a chapter in a book and understand or mastering it's authorship, to whom it is addressed, it's purpose, main teaching by using a concordance, study Bible, and dictionary.

VII) BIBLE INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES:

Guidelines are needed to read scripture & interpret them correctly.

Following are several directions:

A) LITERAL:

B) HISTORICAL:

C) GRAMMATICAL:

Understand the placement and usage of words in the contexts.

D) CORRELATION OR INTEGRATION:

Fits with the rest of scripture. Use scripture to interpretive scriptures. Look first at the verses and chapter and book around the verse. Look next at other books by the same author. Finally look at the entire Bible. One scripture should not be used to generate a doctrine. The doctrine should be in other biblical places also.

VIII) CORRECT BIBLICAL RULES OF INTERPRETATION:

A) OBSERVATION:

What does it say?

B) INTERPRETATION:

What does it mean? It means what is says unless it is a clear case of a parable with a spiritual meaning.

Proverbs 30:6 "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." God's Words are perfect as they are.

C) CORRELATION OR INTEGRATION:

How does it all fit together with the rest of scripture?

D) APPLICATION:

How does it work - by the way that I live?

Psalms 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." The Word can change us.

E) CORRECTION FOR ONES LIFE:

Make the Word change my life.

F) PRACTICAL:

The Word of God can do for you many of the following:

1) Convicts 2) Re-generates

3) Nurtures 4) Encourages

5) Cleans 6) Consults and guides

7) Protects against sin 8) Revives

9) Strengthen 10) Provides wisdom

11) Delivers 12) Help

G) NOT READING SCRIPTURE:

1 Corinthians 3:2 "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able <to bear it>, neither yet now are ye able." Bible is spiritual food to help us grow in faith.

1 Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" First learn elementary doctrines.

H) NOT STUDYING SCRIPTURE:

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This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisschmidt@att.net)