Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

118 / CORNERSTONE CURRICULUM STUDENT WORKBOOK

Conclusion • The Three-Step Model of biblical interpretation takes seriously the need to understand the meaning of the Bible in its own context, to draw out biblical principles, and to apply them in our lives today through the Spirit’s direction and leading. • This method is a sure and certain way to approach the Word with reverence and clarity as we seek to become disciplined students of the Word of God. Please take as much time as you have available to answer these and other questions that the video brought out. In this session we saw how 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. As students of Scripture, we need a method that respects the nature of the Scriptures as ancient literature, as well as the living Holy Spirit in the Church who is our teacher and guide as we seek the mind and will of God (1 Cor. 2.9-16). Review the materials of the video through the following questions, and use the Scriptures themselves to support your claims. 1. What is the definition of the Three-Step Model of biblical interpretation? How is this method particularly designed to help us bridge the gap between our ancient and contemporary worlds? Why is this activity of overcoming the distance between us and the world of the Bible so important for an accurate interpretation of the Bible? 2. Where in the Bible does it mention that an attention to method is important for understanding its meaning (cf. Acts 17.11; Isaiah 8.20; Ezra 7.10; etc.)? 3. What are the benefits and cautions associated with using any method in biblical interpretation? What safeguards do we have against becoming overly dependent on methods and our own understanding as we seek to discover the truths of God in Scripture and apply them to our lives? 4. Why is it always important to keep the “big picture” and “whole message” of the Bible in mind when engaging in studies of particular “parts” of the Scriptures? In what way should any study of the Word of God somehow directly connect with and explain the meaning and message of God’s final revelation to us in the person and wok of Jesus Christ? Give examples of your answer.

Student Questions and Response page 79 & 3

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B i b l i ca l S tud i e s

Not Just Knowing What It Is, But Also How to Handle It When Paul tells Timothy to strive to be someone who “correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2.15), the assumption is that it is dangerously possible to be someone who does not correctly handle the word of truth. And that raises important questions about how to interpret the Bible. To approach the Bible wisely it is necessary not only to know what it is, but how to handle it. ~ Donald A. Carson. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition . (electronic ed. of the 4th ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997.