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

difficulties associated with understanding what the Bible teaches as an ancient text written in languages which are no longer spoken or used as they were at the time of the Bible’s writing ? Explain your answer thoroughly. 8. How do humility, thoroughness, and a love of liberty in Christ affect our ability to know and apply God’s Word? What is the relationship between attitude and method in seeking to discern the Bible’s meaning? Which is most important? Give an example that illustrates your opinion. 9. Explain and defend the statement: “all legitimate biblical interpretation seeks to discern God’s Word for the purpose of life transformation , not mind information .” How does the Three-Step Model help keep our focus on life transformation and not just analysis of texts and words?

Biblical Hermeneutics: The Three-Step Model

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Segment 2: Using the Model: A Pauline Case Study

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

The Three-Step Model of biblical interpretation is an effective method to discern the meaning of Scripture, and can be practically demonstrated through a case study of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, in his first epistle, 9.1-14. By using the method in analyzing this passage, we see just how fruitful a disciplined approach to the study of Scripture can be. Our objective for this segment, Using the Model: A Pauline Case Study , is to enable you to see that: • The Three-Step Model is an effective method of biblical interpretation that may be fruitfully employed with a number of units of Bible materials (words, paragraphs, chapters, books, sections). Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 9.1-4 offers us a clear case study of the application of our method that illustrates its usefulness. • 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.

Summary of Segment 2