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How Do We Read the New Testament?

Understand the New Testament through personal, historical, and community perspectives to uncover deeper meanings and applications. Explore the text for universal truths, historical contexts, and communal significance.

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How Do We Read the New Testament?

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  1. How Do We Read the New Testament?

  2. 1. Personal Meaning As if the Words were written to me As if the Words apply to my context

  3. 1. Personal Meaning • Pros: • God, through His Spirit often speaks to us in this manner • Dangers: • Meaning of a text becomes “subjective.” I become the sole source of meaning • Every time the word “you” appears in the Bible, I assume it refers to me.

  4. 1. Personal Meaning Example: 1. Read Jeremiah 29:11 2. Now Read Jeremiah 29:10 Answer this question: Is this passage a universal promise for all people of all ages?

  5. 2. Original (Historical) Meaning • As if the Words were written to others • As if the Words apply to a real historical context • Summary: • 1st Ask: What the Text MEANT • 2nd Ask: What the Text MEANS • What principles from the passage apply to me today? • What aspects are time or culture bound to the ancient world?

  6. 2. Original (Historical) Meaning • Pros: • In writing through his apostles, we hear God speaking in history • Words have a “stable, objective” meaning • Dangers: • Does God cease to speak directly to me?

  7. 2. Original (Historical) Meaning • How do we find the Historical Meaning? • 1st Ask: What the Text MEANT • 2nd Ask: What the Text MEANS • What principles from the passage apply to me today? • and • What aspects are time or culture bound to the ancient world?

  8. 3. Community Meaning As if the Words were written to the church (think “WE” not “ME”) As if the Words were given to a real historical context and still have an eternal significance

  9. 3. Community Meaning • Pros: • We read according to how the Bible wants to be read • We read “in context” Literary Context Historical Context Cultural Context Remember, CIE • Dangers: • We must learn the NT materials and the NT World in order to be disciples

  10. How Did the New Testament Come to be Written?

  11. How did the NT Come to Be Written? John 17:8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. John 17:14 I have given them your word • Given by Jesus • to his Apostles

  12. How did the NT Come to Be Written? Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Luke 1:1-2 2. Given by Apostles and/or Eyewitnesses to others (Luke).

  13. How Does the NT Want to Be Read?

  14. How to Read NT [Jesus says] All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:25-26

  15. How to Read NT • In Small Group, answer • Who will do the instructing? • What is being taught? • Describe how this teaching take place? Be specific • 4. So, How does this apply to us today? Note: Remember CIE (Context is Everything)

  16. How to Read NT Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

  17. How to Read NT • In Small Group, answer • Who is speaking? • Who is listening? • What is being taught? Who is doing the teaching? Be Specific. • So, how does this apply to us today? Note: Remember CIE (Context is Everything)

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