Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

biblical interpretation seeks to discern God’s Word for the purpose of life transformation , not mind information . The Three-Step Model may be fruitfully employed with a number of units of Bible materials (words, paragraphs, chapters, books, sections). All study of the Word of God begins with our submission to the Holy Spirit, who alone is the author of the Scriptures and the only one sufficient to instruct us in its meaning and significance for our lives today. Our dependence on the Holy Spirit enhances our diligent study of the Word and is not meant to be a substitute for it . The first step in employing the Three-Step Model is observing the details of the text, establishing the background of the book, its author and audience, its purpose for being written, as well as its rendering in different translations. Finding general principles of the text or passage is the second step of the Three-Step Model , and involves finding the central messages, truths, commands, or teachings contained in the text. This step involves going from what the text meant in its original setting , to what the text now means to us in our lives today . These principles must be stated clearly, compared with teachings throughout the Scriptures, and made plain for further study and application. After we have observed the details and drawn out principles, we go to the third step of the Three-Step Model which is our goal to apply the spiritual principles in the power of the Holy Spirit. An application is an expression of the heart to the truth of God as the Spirit leads . It demands discernment and a readiness to obey God’s will for our lives. All biblical interpretation is given in order to strengthen our discipleship in Christ, and is essentially a variation on the common themes emphasized throughout the Scriptures. Love for God and neighbor, using our freedom to build up others and glorify God constitute the heart of the Bible’s ethic in both the Old and New Testaments.

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