Hermeneutics

I've been pondering this post for a long time- It is difficult to put faith into words sometimes! After a request to more fully explain what to take literally and not, we enrolled in a Hermeneutics class. I gleaned a great deal from the class, but have been unsure of how to verbalize it. I think sharing notes is the easiest way to explain it? We'll see.

Hermeneutics refers to your method of interpreting the Bible.
I don't know what I'm classified as- when I read things about "literalist," they are terribly limiting by their own definitions and assumptions- This may just be the different authors or what, but I would say that their perspectives definitely skew their opinions!

However, I do agree with these statements regarding Bible study:
* God means what He says, and says what He means.
* The Bible is an integrated whole: Every detail is there by design.
* Nothing is trivial: All things are for our learning.
* God is His own interpreter. (Not such and such teacher, or translation, or denomination!)

I also have been long vexed by the arguments for the different translations, as they all have their pros/cons, but obviously, none is perfect. Some are better than others, *most* all can be used to bring someone to faith, but for study purposes, it's better to get as close to original as possible, right? The conclusion I believe I was given is that no matter what "translation" I am using, none of them are the direct word of God. The Words of Scripture are God's own- in the original languages. (That's why I look up what the Greek definition is, not Websters!)
This is why I find it so exciting that I do not have to know Hebrew or Greek to be able to find out what God was originally saying; we live in an age where research is open to all, and thanks to computers, I don't have to have a personal library to do it. (Not to say I shouldn't be building one, but you know...) Example: blueletterbible.com with just a click you can access lexicons, translations, concordances.... It's amazing!

A few other notes:

All Scripture is given by inspiration [Godbreathed]
of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
I like this expansion....
“All Scripture is . . . profitable” in four ways: for
doctrine—that’s what’s right; for reproof—that’s
what’s not right; for correction—that’s how to get
right; and for instruction in righteousness—that’s
how to stay right.

*What about figures of speech?
There are over 200 different types of figures of speech in Scripture- No, we don't take them literally, as they are not meant to be. But they are more than worthy of study and consideration; the deeper meanings are such a treasure! Often, they can be used to help interpret a different scripture because of the correlating figures of speech... it's a treasure hunt!

Pitfalls to be aware of regarding bible study:
1. Analysis Paralysis: Data lacking relevance- This is a spiritual study, not intellectual only.
2. Textual Doubts: Founded in "scholarship" or arrogant skepticism?
3. Relying on Church History: Set aside your traditional teaching and read the Word!
4. Not "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth"
5. Distinguish between Israel and the Church: the Lord deals with Israel and the church mutually exclusively; their origin, mission, and destiny are each unique.
6. The Hazards of Presuppositions: Examine the texts for yourself- sometimes we are taught theories that are more simplistic than accurate. Line them up Biblically and make your own decision.
7. Lacking the Whole Counsel of God: the entire Word is the final test, don't let single contexts drag you down without comparing them to what the whole context says.

Preconditions to Study:
* Are you saved? Essential prerequisite.
* Prayer! Always! Be under the tutorship of the Author!
* Obedience. Be pre-commited and surrendered, not in a rebellious frame of mind.

A love of the Bible requires knowing your Bible; Knowing your Bible leads to a deeper love of Him.

Why would I say this method of interpretation is correct? I find freedom in making God responsible for what I believe because of what He has inspired instead of having myself be responsible to decide what in the Bible is truth and what isn't.

Why would I say I'm right in my understanding or learning? Other than the obvious written Truths, such as the Gospel, I wouldn't, not for sure. This is a lifelong journey! But you know those little bites of wonder that the Spirit shares with you? Those I will cling to with certainty, until the Spirit or the Word tells me differently. There is no greater high than having Him give me a treasure, and that alone will keep me on my journey. They may sometimes be far and few between, but the Word has lots to keep me busy! :-) It's probably a good thing, because some lessons take years to fully grasp and apply in obedience- that is definitely a personal experience! It's hard to "put off the old... and put on the new" but it is a blessing to obey!

And a further note: I don't agree with everything that one person teaches. Oftentimes I have this persistent thought to reconsider and examine something myself which makes me not immediately agree; than later as I research it, there is a deeper lesson or a different perspective that I need to consider, either for or against. The Word needs to be our prioritized reference, not man.

I hope this encourages most of you! I find that it helps me to be able to reiterate what I have learned, and this was certainly an exercise! And feel free to agree to disagree- with me! Not with Him! ;-) Your comments and questions are welcome, as there was tons of info and examples I did not include in the interests of brevity. (I know...what brevity?!!)