6 rules to read, interpret, and apply the bible
Use the clear to interpret the unclear. The guard rails of interpretation: Christian Doctrine, the Bible Story of the Bible.
Use the World in Front of the Text to interpret passages that are indirect.
3 Steps: Observe Interpret Apply
The 6 Rules follow the 3 steps of interpretation
Observe: RULE 1
Interpret: RULE 2, 3, 4, 5
Apply: RULE 6
Observe: RULE 1
Interpret: RULE 2, 3, 4, 5
Apply: RULE 6
Download the Guide
This booklet accompanies the lectures and gives you a chance to practice what you are learning.
Rule #1: Observe Well
The first session, Observe Well, presents both an introduction to hermeneutics with a brief overview of Observe, Interpret, Apply. In this opening it is explained that all received communication follows the pattern Observe, Interpret, Apply. Information is perceived in Observe, meaning is evaluated in Interpret, and action is taken in Apply. In the introduction it is explained that the goal of reading the bible is to arrive at application. The reader wants to be shaped into the image of Jesus Christ by reading, properly interpreting, and applying the Bible. The is possible because the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
Rule #2: Put it in its Context
The second session begins the discussion on interpretation. This discussion will span from session two to session five. Interpretation is the process of determining the meaning of communication. This curriculum teaches that meaning is found by determining the author’s intended communication not by reader-response. Every passage has one intended meaning given to the reader by the author, both human and divine. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of the scriptures as He inspired the human writers to communicate. From that one meaning there are endless applications which can be made. All interpretation should begin with prayer as the reader seeks to perceive the mind of God as he communicates through His Word.
Rule #3: Let Scripture Interpret Scripture
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum faucibus accumsan nulla, non faucibus velit convallis et. Nulla tempus placerat massa. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames.
Rule #4: Ask "what is the author doing?"
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum faucibus accumsan nulla, non faucibus velit convallis et. Nulla tempus placerat massa. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames.
Rule #5: Look for Jesus but don't play hide and seek
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum faucibus accumsan nulla, non faucibus velit convallis et. Nulla tempus placerat massa. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames.
Rule #6: Make SMART Applications
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum faucibus accumsan nulla, non faucibus velit convallis et. Nulla tempus placerat massa. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames.