Picturing Theology

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P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

Keys to Bible Interpretation (continued)

Key Perspective

Note: In this diagram, Kuhatschek’s categories refer to the three steps of Biblical interpretation outlined by Jack Kuhatschek in Applying the Bible Downer’s Grove: IVP, 1990.

Key Steps to Interpretation

Step One: Understanding the Original Situation

The focus of this step is on understanding the world of the Bible, the author, and God’s message to a particular group of people at a particular time and place .

A. Ask God to open your eyes to truth through the ministry of the Holy Spirit as you read his Word. Tell God that you want to be changed as well as informed by your reading of the Scriptures. Ask him to reveal specific actions and attitudes in your own life which need to be changed or disciplined. Ask God to use the Word to reveal Jesus and to make you more like his Son. Thank God for the gifts of his Spirit, his Son, and the Scriptures. Many believers began their study of God’s Word by simply praying the words of Psalms 119.18. Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see wonderful things in your word. Amen.