Hermeneutics: The Right Interpretation Flashcards
If the old covenant no longer applies to us, then what is the purpose of the old testament
As examples for us
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Cor. 10:11-12)
As a teaching aid, to provide encouragement and hope
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” Rom 15:4
How do we guard our hearts
Prov 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
according to Paul, we guard our hearts by renewing our minds
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” Romans 12:2
STOP Luke 15
Situation: What is the historical and cultural context?
The context is given in Luke 15:1
“15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews] were coming near Jesus to listen to Him. 2 Both the Pharisees and the scribes began muttering and complaining, saying, “This man accepts and welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
The Lost Sheep is one of a set of three parables: The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Lost Son
Type of literature and literary devices
Gospel. The Gospels are autobiographical narrative. The writers of the Gospels did not include much theology in these writings. They acted mainly like reporters, simply reporting on what Jesus said and did, without explaining the implications of His teachings, The implications of the Gospels are poured out later in the epistles
The Gospels also contain a lot of parables.
Luke 15 the “lost sheep” is a parable. Parables are stories used to make a point indirectly, sometimes to communicate a truth in a way to get people to think without offending them.
Object? Who is this addressed to?
It is addressed to Us, And the pharisees
Prescription or Description?
It is a prescription for both us and the pharisees
There are two prodigal sons, not only one, both are lost. One by his bad deeds, and the other by his good deeds (self-righteousness) , but only one returns in the end, the one who realizes that he is lost, and repents. The older brother doesn’t realize that he is just as lost as his younger brother, and therefore doesn’t repent.
Different types of literature and literary Devices in the Bible
History Law Poetry Prophecy Wisdom Epistles Apocalyptic Hyperbole Metaphors Parables
How can Good works damn you
“Elder brothers may do good to others, but not out of delight in the deeds themselves or for the love of people or the pleasure of God. They are not really feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, they are feeding and clothing themselves.” Tim Keller, Prodigal God, 70
What is fake knowledge
it’s not what you don’t know that is always the problem. The bigger problem is what you think you know that really ain’t so!
How does Jesus destroy fake knowledge with the parables in Luke 15
If you think…
I am a good person I can earn my way to God Since I am morally better than I am too good to associate with Since my good outweighs my bad.. After all I do for HIm, God owes me..
Then you falsely believe that you are your own saviour
3 choices illustrated by the parable of the prodigal son
- RUN from God, like the younger son
- WORK and try to put God in your debt like the Older brother
- REST in what Christ has already done for us.
9 out of the 10 commandments are repeated in the new testament except one, Why?
Keep Holy the sabbath, because Christ is the sabbath
Should we be moral?
God wants us to act morally as the result of salvation, not as a means to it! We act morally out of love for God, not to earn our way to Him
