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

Confusing the Twigs for the Trees and the Forest

One of the immediate problems with those who discover the Three-Step Model is that they begin to use their new-found methods to analyze the specific details of numerous passages as a single part. With no guidance as to how to connect and integrate their insights into the overall meaning of the Scriptures, they multiply themes, topics, and studies without ever bringing them all together under a single, understandable banner. In your opinion, do the Scriptures have a single, coherent theme that would allow all of our study to be placed underneath it, allowing us to interpret our insights in light of it? How do we as students of the Bible avoid becoming focused on the details of single passages so much so that we miss the “big picture,” the larger message and meaning of the Bible itself? How do we avoid the distinctive problem of the Pharisees, who mastered the details of the Scriptures but had great difficulty in seeing and applying the weightier matters of Scripture to their lives (i.e., they saw trees fine, but missed the forest). How can we see the Bible as a whole and still find nourishment as we study its parts ? The Three-Step Model is an effective method of biblical interpretation designed to help us understand the truth of Scripture and bridge the gap between our ancient and contemporary worlds. The Three-Step Model defined is “to so understand the meaning of the original situation that we may discover general principles of truth which may be applied in our personal lives in the Spirit’s freedom.” This method corresponds to the grammatical-historical method of Scripture interpretation, affirms the plain sense of the Bible’s meaning, and respects the integrity of the text as it communicates to us in different genres and forms. The Bible’s central message of salvation in Jesus Christ must take precedence over all study of individual words, phrases, paragraphs, chapters, sections, and books of the Scriptures. All study demands a spirit of humility, diligent thoroughness, and a love for Christ’s liberty as we seek to be transformed by the life-giving message of Scripture. 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 steps of the Three-Step Model are simple and clear. First, we observe 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. Next, we discover general principles which summarize our findings about what the text meant in its

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Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis