Study Notes
How we go about Bible Study
1. Our goal is to understand the meaning of the text in its original culture, then translate its equivalent meaning into our own language and cultural context. Theologians have given technical terms to the two steps involved in this process.
a) Step 1 (Exegesis)—understand what the text said in its original historical and cultural context (what Idea A was in the mind of the author of Scripture)
b) Step 2 (Hermeneutics)—translating the original meaning of the text into our own cultural context today .
Audio- Encode/Decode Diagram Explanation
· Careful exegesis must be done before a proper hermeneutic can be accomplished
2. There are two basic approaches we can take in studying scripture
3) Inductive Study should always precede (come before) Deductive Study - Audio - Inductive vs Deductive Study Methods
a) Both approaches can complement each other, but inductive study must be done first.
b) Induction must have priority over deduction or we easily live in our own pre-conceived conclusions without ever being dislodged, challenged, or disturbed by the text as it confronts our own beliefs and ideas.
c) We do not grow spiritually or intellectually unless we willingly and with determination cross-examine our pre-judgments, assumptions, and presuppositions, rather than always attempting to defend our own ideas.
4) Jesus used an inductive approach (discovery approach) in how he taught his disciples. He wanted to lead his disciples in discovery of truth, not just tell them. If people discover truth, they remember it. If people are merely told the truth, or taught principles to live by (usually out of context), they find it hard to apply them and easily forget them. (illustrations: Lk 4:16-21; Jn 6; Jn 13:1-17)
