Module 10: Doctrinal and Devotional Use of the Bible
The Doctrinal Use of the Bible
The Theologian is the one who gives us the Doctrines of the Bible
* Scriptures are the Word of God and are designed for teaching.
*We can approach scripture intellectually, but not limited to an intellectual approach. We can use some logic to examine scripture, but obviously there are often two or more truths that seem difficult to exist at the same time. This is called an "antinomy" ex. the trinity, Jesus' is all man, and all God, the free choice of man vs. Divine providence
*We believe that Scripture is genuine revelation from God, and therefore, must have a theological interpretation. (i.e. 2Tim3:16-17) God has given Revelation of man, to man:
1. The theologian is a redeemed man standing in the circle of Divine Revelation (we interpret scripture because we have been redeemed by God, which gives us the ability to understand God's Word and receive Revelation from the Holy Spirit that lives within us.)
a. The theologian is motivated by his experience with the Gospel, joy and wonder of salvation.
b. Theology deals with morals, ethics, spiritual values, very personal matters, along with the invisible.
c. We must not mistreat passages of scripture in order not to pigeon-hole them, or force them into our way of thinking or experience. (Macro-Eisegetics).
2. We have to rely on the literal interpretation of the Bible.- You don't throw out the symbolic or typical, but seeing the literal first will protect us from the abuses of the past.
3. The main burden of our theology should rest on the teaching of the New Testament. The New Testament is the capstone of Revelation, and that the Old Testament is in seed and preparation form for the New Testament.
OT is Christ Concealed - NT is Christ Revealed! Remember this!!!
4. Exegesis is prior to any system of theology.
a. We've got to first go to the scriptures, and the scriptures give us the parameters for theological interpretation. This is Systematic Theology.
b. Theology must be grounded in Revelation and not in philosophy.
5. You can't extend your doctrine beyond the evidence in Scripture
a. Where Scripture is silent, we should be silent. Good advice!!
b. Don't ask questions beyond what is in Scripture for which there is no answers. (Ex. Where did Cain's wife come from?) This is not to say that scientists can't ask the questions. They may come up with some scientific solutions, but we can't "hang our hat" on them.
c. Exact truth vs. what we know cannot be true. (We know that the Trinity cannot be certain things). Finding truth by stating what is not. Deductive reasoning.
d. The pursuit of a blessing should never be at the expense of truth. We will discuss this in the part B of this lesson.
6. The interpreter has a system, and that is:- Systematic Theology. The reason he has to have a system is because order produces clarity. Ex. Before there was anything, God existed. Everything beyond that was created by God and for His purposes.
7. The theologian must use his proof texts with proper understanding with his procedure.
a. You don't want to misuse a text to prove another text. (It's about upholding the integrity of God and His Word).
b. You have to examine every proof text to know that it honestly and soundly represents the doctrine that you're trying to teach.
8. What is not a matter of Revelation, cannot be made a matter of Creed or Faith
a. Only those teachings that are clearly from Scripture can be binding to us and our lives.
b. We want to avoid the trappings, such as the Catholic Church and the Pharisees, which use tradition as the basis of their faith.
c. Be careful when teaching economics and politics from a biblical standpoint; there is not enough scriptural evidence to support it. God's NOT a Republican or a Democrat; God exists in a Theocracy. He runs everything. No committees or discussions needed.
9. We have to keep the practical nature of the Bible in mind. It speaks to behavior, thinking, attitudes, and actions.
a. The Scriptures don't say or profess to have all the knowledge of God, but only those things necessary for our salvation and Christian growth (2 Tim 3:16-18)
b. The Scriptures don't cover everything because the main purpose of the scriptures is communicate the story of Redemption and God's Love. It is NOT a science book, it is NOT a book of politics, it is NOT a diet book. It is a book of theology, principles and stories to illustrate God's ways.
10. When you interpret, you have to recognize your responsibility to the Church.
a. There are universal beliefs that all believers/teachers should agree upon.
b. Examples:
i. Scriptures are the truth of God
ii. Doctrines of Hell
iii. Doctrines of Heaven
iv. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ (who was the Son of God that came in the flesh, was crucified, and ascended to the right hand of the Father).
11. No doctrine should be constructed from an uncertain textural reading.- This takes great discipline to mignorein. Many ignor this.
The Devotional Use of the Bible (May or may not coorespond with the book.)
Now, we come to what we all have been waiting for. How do we use this book called the Bible for our everyday use in understanding the heart of God for our personal lives.
1. The Bible is designed to be personalized. We can use it, provided we are redeemed. If not, our eyes will be truly blinded to its truths.
2. The Holy Spirit bring to light those truths that are affect us personally. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us (to make us like Jesus). He interprets, makes pertinent these truths as we walk and live.
3. The first step to devotional use is, approaching the scriptures with an open heart and mind. We need to be changed. That often is a painful process.
4. The second step is reading with understanding. Make sure you study to the scriptures in such a way as to understand the context that the scriptures are written. Is it OT or NT? Is it prophecy or narrative? Is it general teaching or specific to a group? When we understand the context, we bring with us very important application data.
5. The third step is to ask, "What principles do I see that apply to me?" Most principles do. We shouldn't wait for warm and fuzzies to come in order to apply truth in a preemptive fashion, that is, to begin memorizing and meditating on truths that one day I WILL have to apply. As a young person without marriage and children, you shouldn't have to wait to be married to understand certain relational aspects so that you can prepare. Look at Ps. 119:9-16 - "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
6. The fourth step is: Ask the Holy Spirit to illumine your mind to truths that you need to see that you currently cannot. This is a good discipline. David prayed this in Ps. 139, "Search me, and try me, and see if there is any wayward way in me." The Lord's prayer is significant as well. Jesus taught us to pray that his Kingdom would come and His will would be done in our lives. The rest of the prayer is significant in that it is preemptive as I described.
7. The fifth step is to respond to the revelation: Engrafting truth is more than just memorizing it. It is not until we apply it, do we truly understand its impact. This is 27 years as a Christian speaking here. What I thought I knew, I really didn't. What I was confident about, I should have been more humble regarding. Look for ways to act out or to incorporate the truths that are revealed.
8. Finally, tell others what you have learned. Find someone to disciple through your life message. Don't be haughty regarding revelation. If you proud, then you will you quickly learn that you never got the point(s) in the first place. Ouch!!!
Modern Day Devotional Use and Early Devotional Use:
1. There is nothing new under the sun, and likely there is no new revelation either. If it is new, it is because it is new to YOU! If you hear someone teaching something that "no one has ever heard" then, likely it is because God has never heard of it either. :-)
2. The early seekers desired an experience with God. Dry reading and revelation was creating a desire for life. God desires this too. That is why it is important that we pray and seek to hear his voice. God can take these verses and cause them to be spoken into our inner ear. This makes us feel very special, very chosen like. This is God's heart. But, we must be very careful that what is spoken agrees with the word of God or it is likely just your own heart speaking or worse, the enemy.
3. Jesus said, my sheep know my voice. It has taken me many years to instinctively recognize the Lord's voice. Even after so many years, I still seek counsel from my elders, my wife, and my pastor for major decisions. Did I doubt God? No, I doubt my own heart. It can deceive me. The word is the only thing that can cut and divide between that which is flesh and that which is Spirit. Heb. 4:12
4. Again, the point of the devotional approach is to be inspired, emotionally charged, to be encouraged or enthusiastic which means to be filled with God. Jerry Daley used to describe this as "getting your soul happy in God". I like this.
5. To avoid error however, we should be careful to focus on the truths that are clear that the Holy Spirit causes to be alive and fresh and encouraging.
6. Don't not use the Bible like a divining rod. That is, the you open it and point to a verse and expect God to speak to you that way. The lot is in the hand of the Lord, but God need not speak to us in that fashion any more with the plain truths and wisdom with find in the whole counsel of God called the Bible.
7. Finally, enjoy the living attribute of the Bible. It will come alive if your heart is hungry and needy. Be careful to stay to what is plain and clear. These truths are plenty to give you the goose bumps you are looking for. :-)
Lecture Question:
Explain the following Doctrinal perspectives: 1. Scripture interprets Scripture 2. Where Scripture silent, we should be silent. 3. OT is Christ concealed, NT is Christ revealed.
The Theologian is the one who gives us the Doctrines of the Bible
* Scriptures are the Word of God and are designed for teaching.
*We can approach scripture intellectually, but not limited to an intellectual approach. We can use some logic to examine scripture, but obviously there are often two or more truths that seem difficult to exist at the same time. This is called an "antinomy" ex. the trinity, Jesus' is all man, and all God, the free choice of man vs. Divine providence
*We believe that Scripture is genuine revelation from God, and therefore, must have a theological interpretation. (i.e. 2Tim3:16-17) God has given Revelation of man, to man:
1. The theologian is a redeemed man standing in the circle of Divine Revelation (we interpret scripture because we have been redeemed by God, which gives us the ability to understand God's Word and receive Revelation from the Holy Spirit that lives within us.)
a. The theologian is motivated by his experience with the Gospel, joy and wonder of salvation.
b. Theology deals with morals, ethics, spiritual values, very personal matters, along with the invisible.
c. We must not mistreat passages of scripture in order not to pigeon-hole them, or force them into our way of thinking or experience. (Macro-Eisegetics).
2. We have to rely on the literal interpretation of the Bible.- You don't throw out the symbolic or typical, but seeing the literal first will protect us from the abuses of the past.
3. The main burden of our theology should rest on the teaching of the New Testament. The New Testament is the capstone of Revelation, and that the Old Testament is in seed and preparation form for the New Testament.
OT is Christ Concealed - NT is Christ Revealed! Remember this!!!
4. Exegesis is prior to any system of theology.
a. We've got to first go to the scriptures, and the scriptures give us the parameters for theological interpretation. This is Systematic Theology.
b. Theology must be grounded in Revelation and not in philosophy.
5. You can't extend your doctrine beyond the evidence in Scripture
a. Where Scripture is silent, we should be silent. Good advice!!
b. Don't ask questions beyond what is in Scripture for which there is no answers. (Ex. Where did Cain's wife come from?) This is not to say that scientists can't ask the questions. They may come up with some scientific solutions, but we can't "hang our hat" on them.
c. Exact truth vs. what we know cannot be true. (We know that the Trinity cannot be certain things). Finding truth by stating what is not. Deductive reasoning.
d. The pursuit of a blessing should never be at the expense of truth. We will discuss this in the part B of this lesson.
6. The interpreter has a system, and that is:- Systematic Theology. The reason he has to have a system is because order produces clarity. Ex. Before there was anything, God existed. Everything beyond that was created by God and for His purposes.
7. The theologian must use his proof texts with proper understanding with his procedure.
a. You don't want to misuse a text to prove another text. (It's about upholding the integrity of God and His Word).
b. You have to examine every proof text to know that it honestly and soundly represents the doctrine that you're trying to teach.
8. What is not a matter of Revelation, cannot be made a matter of Creed or Faith
a. Only those teachings that are clearly from Scripture can be binding to us and our lives.
b. We want to avoid the trappings, such as the Catholic Church and the Pharisees, which use tradition as the basis of their faith.
c. Be careful when teaching economics and politics from a biblical standpoint; there is not enough scriptural evidence to support it. God's NOT a Republican or a Democrat; God exists in a Theocracy. He runs everything. No committees or discussions needed.
9. We have to keep the practical nature of the Bible in mind. It speaks to behavior, thinking, attitudes, and actions.
a. The Scriptures don't say or profess to have all the knowledge of God, but only those things necessary for our salvation and Christian growth (2 Tim 3:16-18)
b. The Scriptures don't cover everything because the main purpose of the scriptures is communicate the story of Redemption and God's Love. It is NOT a science book, it is NOT a book of politics, it is NOT a diet book. It is a book of theology, principles and stories to illustrate God's ways.
10. When you interpret, you have to recognize your responsibility to the Church.
a. There are universal beliefs that all believers/teachers should agree upon.
b. Examples:
i. Scriptures are the truth of God
ii. Doctrines of Hell
iii. Doctrines of Heaven
iv. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ (who was the Son of God that came in the flesh, was crucified, and ascended to the right hand of the Father).
11. No doctrine should be constructed from an uncertain textural reading.- This takes great discipline to mignorein. Many ignor this.
The Devotional Use of the Bible (May or may not coorespond with the book.)
Now, we come to what we all have been waiting for. How do we use this book called the Bible for our everyday use in understanding the heart of God for our personal lives.
1. The Bible is designed to be personalized. We can use it, provided we are redeemed. If not, our eyes will be truly blinded to its truths.
2. The Holy Spirit bring to light those truths that are affect us personally. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us (to make us like Jesus). He interprets, makes pertinent these truths as we walk and live.
3. The first step to devotional use is, approaching the scriptures with an open heart and mind. We need to be changed. That often is a painful process.
4. The second step is reading with understanding. Make sure you study to the scriptures in such a way as to understand the context that the scriptures are written. Is it OT or NT? Is it prophecy or narrative? Is it general teaching or specific to a group? When we understand the context, we bring with us very important application data.
5. The third step is to ask, "What principles do I see that apply to me?" Most principles do. We shouldn't wait for warm and fuzzies to come in order to apply truth in a preemptive fashion, that is, to begin memorizing and meditating on truths that one day I WILL have to apply. As a young person without marriage and children, you shouldn't have to wait to be married to understand certain relational aspects so that you can prepare. Look at Ps. 119:9-16 - "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
6. The fourth step is: Ask the Holy Spirit to illumine your mind to truths that you need to see that you currently cannot. This is a good discipline. David prayed this in Ps. 139, "Search me, and try me, and see if there is any wayward way in me." The Lord's prayer is significant as well. Jesus taught us to pray that his Kingdom would come and His will would be done in our lives. The rest of the prayer is significant in that it is preemptive as I described.
7. The fifth step is to respond to the revelation: Engrafting truth is more than just memorizing it. It is not until we apply it, do we truly understand its impact. This is 27 years as a Christian speaking here. What I thought I knew, I really didn't. What I was confident about, I should have been more humble regarding. Look for ways to act out or to incorporate the truths that are revealed.
8. Finally, tell others what you have learned. Find someone to disciple through your life message. Don't be haughty regarding revelation. If you proud, then you will you quickly learn that you never got the point(s) in the first place. Ouch!!!
Modern Day Devotional Use and Early Devotional Use:
1. There is nothing new under the sun, and likely there is no new revelation either. If it is new, it is because it is new to YOU! If you hear someone teaching something that "no one has ever heard" then, likely it is because God has never heard of it either. :-)
2. The early seekers desired an experience with God. Dry reading and revelation was creating a desire for life. God desires this too. That is why it is important that we pray and seek to hear his voice. God can take these verses and cause them to be spoken into our inner ear. This makes us feel very special, very chosen like. This is God's heart. But, we must be very careful that what is spoken agrees with the word of God or it is likely just your own heart speaking or worse, the enemy.
3. Jesus said, my sheep know my voice. It has taken me many years to instinctively recognize the Lord's voice. Even after so many years, I still seek counsel from my elders, my wife, and my pastor for major decisions. Did I doubt God? No, I doubt my own heart. It can deceive me. The word is the only thing that can cut and divide between that which is flesh and that which is Spirit. Heb. 4:12
4. Again, the point of the devotional approach is to be inspired, emotionally charged, to be encouraged or enthusiastic which means to be filled with God. Jerry Daley used to describe this as "getting your soul happy in God". I like this.
5. To avoid error however, we should be careful to focus on the truths that are clear that the Holy Spirit causes to be alive and fresh and encouraging.
6. Don't not use the Bible like a divining rod. That is, the you open it and point to a verse and expect God to speak to you that way. The lot is in the hand of the Lord, but God need not speak to us in that fashion any more with the plain truths and wisdom with find in the whole counsel of God called the Bible.
7. Finally, enjoy the living attribute of the Bible. It will come alive if your heart is hungry and needy. Be careful to stay to what is plain and clear. These truths are plenty to give you the goose bumps you are looking for. :-)
Lecture Question:
Explain the following Doctrinal perspectives: 1. Scripture interprets Scripture 2. Where Scripture silent, we should be silent. 3. OT is Christ concealed, NT is Christ revealed.
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