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Biblical Hermeneutics Grammatical-Historical Overview

Biblical Hermeneutics Grammatical-Historical Overview. Biblical Hermeneutics Table of Content Overview. Goal. Reduce Biblical Ignorance among Believers. http://www.theologicalstudies.org/page/page/1572910.htm. Objectives. Enable believers: To defend the faith ( 2 Pet 3:15 )

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Biblical Hermeneutics Grammatical-Historical Overview

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  1. Biblical Hermeneutics Grammatical-Historical Overview Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  2. Biblical Hermeneutics Table of Content Overview Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  3. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  4. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  5. Goal • Reduce Biblical Ignorance among Believers Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton http://www.theologicalstudies.org/page/page/1572910.htm

  6. Objectives • Enable believers: • To defend the faith (2 Pet 3:15) • To contend for the faith (Jude 3) • Prepare for discipleship and teaching work (Matt 28:19) • To enable believers to “correctly” interpret scripture on their own • Correctly discern between good and evil (1 John 4:1, Eph 4:14, Heb 5:13-14) • To equip and build others within the church (Eph 4:11-12, Acts 18:24-26) Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  7. Introduction The fact that God has spoken in Holy Scripture is at the heart of our faith. Therefore it’s important for us to make certain what God has said This task should not be approached carelessly or half heartily but with fear, trembling and prudence Upon the “correct interpretation” of the Bible rests the doctrine of the foundation of our faith i.e., doctrinal understanding of person of Christ, salvation, sanctification, the nature of God, the study of prophecy and other important biblical doctrines and ultimately our eternal destiny The correct interpretation can be done only if we have carefully, thoroughly and systematically apply the system of bible interpretation which will yield the meaning that the bible writer intended to convey as they wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  8. Introduction • Further, we need to know the correct method of Biblical Interpretation so that we do not confuse the voice of God with that of man • This should leads us to the questions: • How do we bridge the linguistic, cultural, and historical gaps between us today and that of the writers of the Bible • What are the guiding principles that will help us build the bridge as we address these gaps? Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  9. Introduction • In order for the local church to grow in grace and knowledge of God's word, remain healthy, be ready to address an every changing culture, remain strong during times of adversity. God’s “whole” eternal truth must be consistency taught by its servants, obeyed in the walk of life, expressed in worship, utilized in the work of service. • Neh 8:8-9 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  10. Hermeneutically Teaching the Word • There is a distinct difference between preaching and teaching. • "Preaching" (Greek: ceruse) is to proclaim, publish, or herald the Good News. • “Teaching (Greek didaskō, did-as´-ko) is to systematically and objectively instruct, guide, and apply others through the Word of God. With the direction of the Holy Spirit, both can ultimately lead to a person's salvation. • In general, preaching should be used for the unsaved while teaching should be used for the saved. In comparing the two, the Bible clearly places greater emphasis on teaching over preaching. Jesus himself was often times referred to as "Teacher" (Matt. 8:19, 12:38, 19:16, 22:24) or "Rabbi" (John 1:38). Additionally, many New Testament passages allude to teaching more clearly: • "Command and teach these things." (1 Timothy 4:11) • "You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1) • "Those who oppose him he must gently instruct..." (2 Timothy 2:25) • However, we are not to neglect preaching. Jesus tells us to, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15). Paul tells us to, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2) • Within our society today we can clearly see two distinct types of pastors and ministers within our churches. • There are those who "preach" the Word • Then there are those who "teach" the Word. • The Study of Hermeneutics can and will enable the servant in the Lord to be a workman that’s equip to perform the ministry God call has called them to. (2 Tim 2:15) A teacher or preacher who employs hermeneutics no doubt will be more effective for the cause of Christ in both preaching and teaching believers. (Eph4:11-12) Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton (http://www.bibleteacher.org/con_4.htm)

  11. Who should take this course • All of those who have been “Born again by the Spirit of God” so that we may effectively engage in the good works of God in which we where save to serve in. (Eph 2:10) Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  12. Keep in Mind "The Bible was written in an environment that is now unfamiliar to most of its readers. The individual realization of the modern world with its new facilities, products, and problems is quite different from the social and economic conditions described in the Bible. Some of its language is puzzling, and can easily be misconstrued if one does not have some explanation of the ancient background." Merrill C. Tenney Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  13. Terms to Be familiar with • Hermeneutics • Exegesis • Eisegesis Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  14. What is Hermeneutics • Hermeneutics is the science and art of biblical interpretation to discover what the author’s intended meaning was, when he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. • It is a science because there exists a systematic, mechanical, and formulated approach to the interpretation process. • It is an art because it involves an individual's talent, skills, and knowledge to perform the task of interpreting the Scriptures. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  15. "What is Biblical Exegesis?" • Exegesis is the “application of hermeneutics” which seeks to extract from the Scriptural text that meaning which is already present. (Roy B. Zuck, Basic Bible Interpretation, p.22) • Good biblical exegesis is actually commanded in scripture. “Study [be diligent] to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  16. Eisegesis • Eisegesis - A subjective method of interpretation by which one introduces their own opinions into the text. This typically is done at the expense of either the language (Hebrew, Greek) and or context of passage or the historical setting or the context of the subject as found in the whole of scripture • Avoid this method at all Cost Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  17. What do you think about the state of today’s church? • The purpose of showing you this video is give you a sense of mission and focus as it pertains to the study of Hermeneutics Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  18. Bible knowledge Survey 1 • According to a Gallup Poll: • Only half of adults interviewed nationwide could name any of the four Gospels of the New Testament. • Just 37% of those interviewed could name all four Gospels. • Only 42% of adults were able to name as many as five of the Ten Commandments correctly. • Seven in ten (70%) were able to name the town where Jesus was born, but just 42% could identify him as the person who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. http://www.theologicalstudies.org/page/page/1572910.htm Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  19. Bible knowledge Survey 2 • Researcher George Barna has also documented the lack of Bible knowledge in the United States: • 38% of Americans believe the entire Bible was written several • decades after Jesus' death and resurrection (While this is true of the New Testament, the entire Old Testament was written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus Christ). • 12% of adults believe that Noah's wife was Joan of Arc. • 49% believe that the Bible teaches that money is the root of all evil. (The love of money is said to be the root of all types of evil). • 75% believe that the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves. 10 http://www.theologicalstudies.org/page/page/1572910.htm Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  20. Bible knowledge Survey 3 • Consider the following statistics regarding “born again” believers:[1] • 35% believe that Jesus Christ was crucified but He never had a physical resurrection • 28% believe that when Jesus Christ lived on earth He committed sins • 46% claim that Satan is “not a living being but is a symbol of evil.” • 1/3 believes if a person is good enough, then he or she earn a place in Heaven. • 1 out of 4 believes it doesn’t matter what faith you follow because all religions teach the same lessons. • 52% reject the existence of the Holy Spirit. • Only 5% adults have a biblical worldview. • Only 9% born between the yrs. 1984-2002 base their moral choices on the Bible. • Only 32% born between the yrs. 1965-1983 say that moral truth is absolute. • [1] The Barna Group of Ventura, California: www.barna.org Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  21. Discerning the Will of God as to the need for Accurate Biblical Interpretation (1) • 1 Chron 12:32 • 32  Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, (i.e. what God wanted to accomplish) • Eph 5:15-17 • 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, • 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. • 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (i.e. what God wants to accomplish through us) Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  22. Discerning the Will of God as to the need for Accurate Biblical Interpretation (2) Discerning the Will of God • Keeping in mind the points discussed in the video; the Gallop Poll survey and Barna surveys and lets discuss the will of God using 1 Chron 12:32 and Eph 5:15-17 to understanding the mind of God for the times we live and the course of action that we should be pursuing. • 1 Chron 12:32 32  Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, Understood = ‘biynah / bee-naw‘ n – comes from the root Hebrew verb bene. The verb and its derivatives are used 247 times. The background idea of the verb is to “discern • The men of Issachar were the fewest of all, only 200. • They understood the natural times: • , could discern the face of the sky, were weather-wise, could advise their neighbors in the proper times for ploughing, sowing reaping, etc. • They understood the ceremonial times: the hour that • Or the ceremonial times, the times appointed for the solemn feasts; therefore they are said to call the people to the mountain (Deut 33:19) to offer sac sacrifices of righteousness.In this critical juncture they knew Israel ought to make David king. It was not only expedient, but necessary; the present posture of affairs called for it. Application : They had discerned God’s will in this matter. These were people who saw with prophetic vision and responded with action. Just as we should respond in the same spirit—rightly discerning the need for accurate Biblical interpretation. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  23. Discerning the Will of God as to the need for Accurate Biblical Interpretation (3) • In Eph 5:15-17 Paul tells the church at Ephesus and by way of application the church individually and universal to understand what the will of God is and act accordingly just as the men of Issachar. Eph 5:15-17 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (i.e. what God wants to accomplish through us) • How to Walk Eph 5:15 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, “See” is blepō, “to discern mentally, observe perceive, consider, contemplate, look to in the sense of taking care, take heed.” “Walk” is peripateō, “to order one’s behavior, to conduct one’s self.” “Circumspectly” is akribōs - ak·ree·boce , “exactly, accurately, carefully.” Believers then, are to walk (live) carefully, so as to be wise or skillful and thus please the Lord. The manner for this careful, precise walk is making the right use of every opportunity Can be translated , “Be constantly taking heed how accurately you are conducting yourselves.” That is, see to it that your conduct is accurate with respect to the demands of the Word of God. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  24. Discerning the Will of God as to the need for Accurate Biblical Interpretation (4) • Objective of the Walk 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. • 16 “Redeeming” is exagorazō - ex·ag·or·ad·zo, (The middle voice indicates the subject performing an action upon himself (reflexive action) or for his own benefit. E.g., “The boy groomed himself) .” “to buy up.” • Therefore In the middle voice as it is used here, it means, “to buy up for one’s self or one’s advantage.” Metaphorically, it means, “to make a wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good,” • “Time” kairos - kahee·ros (καιρος), “time as regarded in its strategic. The idea is taking advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. The right time; a limited period of time. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  25. Discerning the Will of God as to the need for Accurate Biblical Interpretation (5) • The reason for redeeming the time V 15 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. • “Evil” - poneros /pon·ay·ros , “evil in active opposition to the good, pernicious” . Evil is always aggressive in its opposition to good • Our redemption of the time is of special significance as we approach the end of the church • The use of the word time indicates opportunity is limited accordingly to the duration of the presented oppportunity Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  26. Discerning the Will of God as to theneedfor Accurate Biblical Interpretation (6) 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (i.e. what God wants to accomplish through us) • (5:17) “WhereFore or By Ye - Mood — Imperative The imperative mood corresponds to the English imperative, and expresses a command • Example Jesus’ phrase, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mk.1:15) is not at all an “invitation,” but an absolute command requiring full obedience on the part of all hearers. • “Unwise” is aphrōn (ἀφρων), “without reason, senseless, foolish, stupid, without reflection or intelligence, acting rashly.” • “Understanding” is suniēmi (συνιημι), “to set or bring together, to put the perception with the thing perceived, to set or join together in the mind,” thus, “to understand.” The word speaks of reflective thinking. • The active voice represents the subject as the doer or performer of the action. e.g., in the sentence, “The boy hit the ball,” the boy performs the action. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  27. Summary of why we need to Discern the Will of God as to the need for Accurate Biblical Interpretation • There are 4 four points I would like to bring to your attention: • Point 1 • The ability to correctly analyze situations through discernment is what is required and should be a normal part of the Christian life. Just as it was for the men of Issachar, so should it be for those who are born again believers. • Point 2 • It’s imperative that we understand what God wants to accomplish through us. The conception of the will of God is the basis and purpose of salvation; In other words God save you for a reason according to his will and for his purpose. • Point 3 • The new life of believers through the new birth is conducive and created to understanding and doing the divine will of God. • Point 4 • God commands that we act in accordance to his will • Point 5 • AS we approach the end of the age there will be teachers instructors, laity who will …” shine brightly like the brightness of the  expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness …“(Dan 12:3), these will understand Dan 12:10e) how to redeem the time. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  28. Objections to learning proper Bible Interpretation • Christians who don't know the rules of Bible Interpretation will still benefit on reading the Bible.  • Many Bible verses are so simple and clear that our bigger problem today is not interpreting the difficult verses but  obeying those parts of the Bible that we clearly understand. Objections • "Having rules in Bible Interpretation will take the Bible away from the common or not highly educated Christians.“ • Some Christians don't believe that there are certain rules that they need to apply in Bible interpretation other than just reading and praying for guidance.  They feel that such rules will take their right to be able to understand the Bible on their own, and that they will have to depend on scholars or experts to explain the Bible for them.  • First, proper interpretation only requires more time studying and a little common sense.  An average Christian who can read and follow simple instructions can understand and apply the principles and guidelines of proper interpretation.   • Second, these guidelines and principles will give everybody the tools needed to objectively question and make an educated criticism on different interpretations of the Bible today, even those made by Bible experts. Thus heightening ones level and ability to discern biblical truth from error. • You will no longer be forced to follow a doctrine or a teaching that you feel is not an accurate interpretation of the Word of God, just because it is being taught by a "teacher" or  an "expert". Or is just part of a particular denominational teaching. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton Information from site http://www.bible-interpretation.com used as a base.

  29. TheInternal Claimsof the Importance of Scripture • The source of ScriptureGOD: Over 3800 times the bible says, ”God said” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ... "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.“ 2 Peter 1:20-21... "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecywas ever made by an act ofhuman will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.“ • The Vitality of Scripture • Hebrews 4:12... "For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Continue Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  30. TheInternal Claimsof the Importance of Scripture • The Priority / Authority of Scripture in the life of the believer • Matt 4:4 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  31. TheInternal Claimsof the Importance of Scripture • The Light of Scripture • Ps 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. • The Warning of Scripture • Isaiah 8:20 - To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there isno light in them. • 2 John 9 - Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God;  the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. • 1 Tim 4:16a - “…Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things… “ Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  32. The Internal Claimsof the Importance of Scripture • The Eternal Nature of Scripture 1 Pet 1:24-25 24  For, “All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off, 25  But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you. Cf Is 40:6-8 Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  33. Biblical Spiritual Qualifications of an Interpreter(1) • Spiritual qualifications have an important place in the list of qualifications and cannot be overstated. • The interpreter must have the same spirit (Holy Spirit) which enabled the writers to understand their revelation from God and to record it • 1 Cor 2:14-16 • 14     But  a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. • 15     But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  34. Biblical Spiritual Qualifications of an Interpreter(2) • Must be Born again (John 3:3) cf (1 Corinthians 2:14) • Must have a zeal that consumes: and enthusiasm that breeds both reverence and productivity of the things of God 1 Pet 2:1-2 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby • Long/ desire (epipotheo /ep·ee·poth·eh·o ) - deeply desire; have great affection for to long for something with a deep desire implication of recognizing a lack 2 to pursue with love 3 to lust, harbor forbidden desire. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  35. Biblical Spiritual Qualifications of an Interpreter(3) • Must have a deep reverence for God () • Prov 9:10 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding • Must depend on the Holy Spirit to empower you to deliver God’s Word • (Acts 1:8) but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” • Must be teachable Prov 1:5 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Prov 9:9 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  36. EXPECT PERSECUTION FOR SPEAKING BIBLICAL TRUTH • Accursed as being a divider and trouble makers when standing up for Biblical truth within the church • Kings 18:16-18 • 16     So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is this you, you troubler of Israel?” 18 He said, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, because you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and you have followed the Baals. • John 15:18-19 • 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. • 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  37. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Unbelief • No spiritual life: • 1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. • Tares among Wheat • Matt 13:24-30 24 Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 “But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. 26 “But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. 27 “The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 “And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ 29 “But he *said, ‘No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 ‘Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ” Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  38. Tares Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  39. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Satanic blindness: • 2 Cor 4:3-4 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. • 1 John 5:19 19 We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. Continue Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  40. How Satan Blinds the Mind Tares that Satan has planted in the church are dead in trespasses and sin (Eph 2:1) While in this state their habitual behavior/ walk is according to the world system and its wisdom of which they speak from (1 John 4:5) The characteristics of the world’s wisdom is said to be earthy, natural and demonic (James 3:15) While in a state of unbelief the god of this world works through them to accomplish his will (Eph 2:2) They are under his control (1 John 5:19b) That is not to say all those outside of Christ are possessed by demonic spirits in the common use of the term, but it is to say all men everywhere who are not in Christ an obedient to him are and can be influenced by Satan Continue Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  41. Satan Rulers, Powers, World Forces, Spitual Forces AION KOMOS Opinions Hopes Morals Religion Philosophies Impulses Aims Dead PersonWalking Education Ethics Thoughts Aspirations Entertainment Those who walk in unbelief, walk according to the world system (1 John 4:5), its wisdom (James 3:15) and according to the God of this world (Eph 2:1, 1 Jn 5:19) Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  42. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Cultural (World System) inroads into the church • Teachers Speaking from the world system 1 John 4:5 5  They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. • Teachers that have a hostility toward God James 4:4 4  You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. • Teachers that have a love for the things of the world 1 John 2:15-17    15  Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.    16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.    17  The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. Continue Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  43. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Carnal Blindness 1 Cor 3:1-3 1  And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. 2  I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3  for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? Continue Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  44. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Lack of training • 2 Peter 3:16 16   as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. • He attributes their spurious teachings, in part, to the fact that they are “untaught” • Untaught - amathes /am·ath·ace/] adj: adjective pertaining to one who has not acquired a formal education, and hence with the implication of being stupid and ignorant—‘uneducated, unlearned, ignorant. • Timothy is told to “study to show yourself approved unto God” (2 Tim 2:15) • dokimos - In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation. But some money changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honor who put only genuine full weighted money into circulation. Such men were called “dokimos” or “approved”. Donald Barnhouse. • There is no shortcut to proper biblical understanding; we are commanded to study and be taught by those God has given to the church to equip us. Continue Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  45. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Those who teach that are Unstable • 2 Peter 3:16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. Unstable - [asteriktos /as·tay·rik·tos/] adj: adjective - pertaining to the tendency to change and waver in one’s views and attitudes—‘unstable. Distort - strebloo /streb·lo·o: to twist, turn awry. 2 to torture, put to the rack. • Poor hermeneutics or non at all • 2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. • Heretical teaching • 2 John 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton Continue

  46. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Failure to declare the whole counsel of God as an antidote to the doctrine of savage wolves. • Acts 20:27-32 (see Acts 20:17-32 for full context) 27  “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 28  “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29  “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30  and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32  “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Continue Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  47. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Selfishness / Pride / Arrogance • 2 Chron 26:16-19 (Uzziah) 16 But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Then Azariah the priest entered after him and with him eighty priests of the Lord, valiant men. 18  They opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the Lord God.” 19 But Uzziah, with a censer in his hand for burning incense, was enraged; and while he was enraged with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, beside the altar of incense. 20 Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he himself also hastened to get out because the Lord had smitten him. • Beware of the selfish ambition that places oneself above GOD, and the pride that appropriates His glory. Understand that these are characteristic traits of Satan's rebellion which transformed him into the enemy GOD. • Isaiah14:12-21 Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  48. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Failure to mature: • 1 Cor 3:1-2 1  And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. 2  I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, • Heb 5:11-14 11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. • Heb 6:1-3 1  Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2  of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3   And this we will do, if God permits. Continue Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  49. Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? • Undue emphasis on traditionMark 7:1-131 The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem,  2 and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed.  3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders;  4 and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.)  5 The Pharisees and the scribes *asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?”  6  And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me.  7 ‘But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’  8 “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”  9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.  10 “For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, is to be put to death’;  11 but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),’  12 you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; 13 thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.” • Col 2:8 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

  50. To quote the Obvious • It is clear that believers and unbelievers will not have the same goals, aspirations and love for one another. Thus heightening the friction between the two groups Created by Layman Perspective Ministries Hiram E. Sutton

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