Lesson 5 Interpreting the Bible Part 2 Interpreting

Lesson 5: Interpreting the Bible (Part 2)

Interpreting the Bible VI. The Bible Authorizes By Direct Statement. A. To say the Bible authorizes by direct statement is to say the Bible says something and teaches it explicitly! God comes right out and says some things explicitly! B. Direct Statements include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Imperative Statements Declarative Statements Interrogative Statements Hortatory Statements Conditional Statements

Interpreting the Bible VII. The Bible Authorizes By Implication. A. Everything that the Bible teaches it teaches either explicitly or implicitly. B. There is a vast difference between “implication” and “assumption. ” C. To say that the Bible authorizes by implication is to say that it is impossible for direct (explicit) statements to be true and yet the implied statements to be false. D. Notice a few truths that the Bible teaches implicitly 1. First of all, implication is really the only way the Bible authorizes itself to be personally applied to any person living today. E. One can be absolutely certain that the Bible’s implicit teachings are just as true, just as binding and just as authoritative as its explicit teaching, for God is the one who gave the explicit statements, along with their implications.

Interpreting the Bible VIII. The Bible Authorizes By Accounts of Approved Action. A. An “account of action” is the description of what some individual or group did (or said). B. While the law of the Old Testament has been repealed and is no longer in force, there are principles set forth in the O. T. that are binding on and applicable to men living today. C. Actions in the N. T. can be classified generally in two ways: 1. Action which is acceptable to God. 2. Action which is not acceptable to God. D. Actions in the N. T. can be classified specifically in these 5 ways: 1. Action which was permanently sinful 2. Action which was optional and temporary 3. Action which was optional and permanent 4. Action which was obligatory and temporary 5. Action which was obligatory and permanent

Interpreting the Bible IX. The Bible Authorizes By Expediency. A. In order to carry out the Christian’s obligations from direct statements, implication and accounts of approved action, there is the area of expediency. 1. No propositional revelation can be exhaustive to cover every detail of every area of special revelation. 2. Every obligation that God ever gave involved expediency; therefore, expedients themselves are authorized by God. Expedients are implied in the obligation. 3. Expediency involves human judgment.

Interpreting the Bible IX. The Bible Authorizes By Expediency. B. We must follow some logical criteria in choosing expedients. 1. Expedients are essential to carry out authorized actions. 2. The type of expedient is optional. 3. Expedients do not and must not add to authorized actions. 4. Expedients must be lawful & advantageous to authorized actions. 5. Expedients must truly be beneficial (1 Cor. 6: 12; 10: 23). 6. Expedients must not be enslaving (1 Cor. 6: 12). 7. Expedients must be edifying (1 Cor. 10: 23; 14: 26). 8. Expedients must be to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10: 31 -33). 9. Expedients must be done in love (1 Cor. 16: 14). C. There is a difference between an “expedient” (an aid) and an “addition. ” D. Expediency increases the practicality, endurance and farreaching application of God’s revelation.

Interpreting the Bible X. Understanding Generic and Specific Authority Is Crucial in Biblical Interpretation. A. God’s instructions authorize through both generic authority and specific authority. B. Generic authority and specific authority determine the inclusive and exclusive nature of the commands. 1. Generic commands are both inclusive and exclusive. 2. Specific commands are both inclusive and exclusive. C. God utilized Generic Authority and Specific Authority in the commands of the Bible. D. We must properly understand God’s use of Generic Authority and Specific Authority in the commands of the Bible. E. We must examine every command direct statement to Christians in the New Testament carefully.

Interpreting the Bible XI. Understanding and Respecting “The Silence of the Scriptures” Is Crucial in Biblical Interpretation. A. There are some matters about which it could be stated that the Bible is “silent. ” 1. What does “silence of the Scriptures” mean? 2. “Silence” has reference to religious teachings or practices of which the Lord did not speak. 3. Some advocate that if a teaching or practice is not explicitly forbidden in Scripture then it is permissible to practice. 4. Others hold that if some teaching or practice is not authorized in Scripture (explicitly or implicitly) then it is not permissible to practice. 5. We must have a “Thus saith the Lord”! If God didn’t say it, how can we do it?

Interpreting the Bible XI. Understanding and Respecting “The Silence of the Scriptures” Is Crucial in Biblical Interpretation. B. Remember these vital truths. C. All responsible adults understand “silence” as a basic principle of authority (in everyday life) without any problem at all. D. The Old Testament makes arguments from the silence of the Scriptures. That is, the Bible makes arguments based on things that the Scriptures did not say. E. The New Testament makes arguments regarding Jesus from the silence of the Scriptures. That is, the Bible makes arguments based on things that the Scriptures did not say. F. Apply this basic principle of Biblical authority to the question of using mechanical instruments of music in N. T. worship today. G. We have NO RIGHT to go beyond that which is written!