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

3. What is the goal of all biblical interpretation, in other words, what ought we to strive for as we study the Bible? What does it mean to “rightly handle the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2.15)? 4. What is a presupposition, and what are the “critical presuppositions” that Christians have always held true about the Bible as they have sought to interpret it rightly? Why are these presuppositions important to know as faithful followers of Christ BEFORE we engage in various methods to understand the nature of Scripture? 5. Why is it important to see the Bible as a progressive revelation that culminates in the revelation of Jesus Christ? What do you think the relationship is between the written Word of God and the personal Word of God, our Lord Jesus? How do they relate to one another? 6. Explain the role of the Holy Spirit in the inspiration of Scripture and the illumination of Scripture in biblical interpretation? 7. What is the Three-Step Model of biblical interpretation, and how does this approach seek to take seriously the historical and linguistic difference between the world of the text and our modern world? 8. Why is it simply impossible to interpret the Word of God without the preparation of the heart, mind, and will to engage it as God determines? Does this mean that we should ignore the necessity of a solid biblical hermeneutic strategy as we read the Word of God? 9. What are some of the roles we ought to take as we seek to use our minds wholeheartedly in our study of Scripture? Why is obedience so central to fully grasping the meaning of Scripture, and not merely study and reflection alone?

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