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

Bible study. They approach study as a spiritual discipline not an intellectual one, and want to be taught by the Holy Spirit. This is perceived not as the wooden following of some method, but a heart and soul preparation that allows the Holy Spirit himself to be their teacher. If, in fact, the Holy Spirit alone is the true teacher of the Word of God, what is the usefulness of seeking a method to read, study, and apply the Scriptures? In what ways might a commitment to method in biblical interpretation either help or hinder our understanding of the Word of God?

Attitude vs. Method: Which One Is Most Critical in Biblical Interpretation?

While most acknowledge that some form of disciplined approach to the Scriptures is helpful to understand God’s purpose and meaning in the Bible, it is often not clear how to weigh the importance between attitude and method in study. On the one hand, many believe that without the proper attitude, no understanding of Scripture is possible. Whatever method we employ to discern the meaning of the Bible, it requires the humble, broken, and contrite spirit that God says throughout Scripture is his true sacrifice and the requirement for his leading and teaching. On the other hand, we can point to many examples where humility and kindness, zeal and passion severed from knowledge produced horrible spiritual results. Attitude without knowledge did not produce spiritual discernment but resulted in tyranny, confusion, even heresy. What is the relationship between proper heart preparation and attitude, and following a disciplined method and approach to the Bible? How should we order and place them in our study of Scripture?

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