WEEK 1: ANY QUESTIONS? – what do we do when we have questions about truth and application?
HEAD – understanding, comprehension, fathom
HEART – belief, conviction, passion, motivation
HANDS – application, practice, exhibition, expression, obedience
HEAD:
1. The truth is in the TEXT – God’s Word – the Bible
Deuteronomy 29:29 (ESV) – 29“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. John 17:17 (ESV) – Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
2. The truth in the text is understood in its CONTEXT
Proverbs 16:25 (ESV) – 25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death
Biblical Exegesis & Hermeneutics – Biblical exegesis is the actual interpretation of the Bible, the bringing out of its meaning; hermeneutics is the study and establishment of the principles by which it is to be interpreted.
‘Pardes’ Exegesis:
Peshat – surface, straight, direct or literal meaning. (Genesis 1:1)
Remez – hint, hidden, allegorical, symbolic meaning. (Matthew 27:46 & Psalm 22) Derash – inquired, sought, or comparative meaning. (Matthew 2:15 & Hosea 11:1) Sod – secret, mystery or esoteric meaning. (John 1:1-10)
Principles of Hermeneutics:
1. Literal principle – what does it say in context?
2. Grammatical principle – what does it say in its original language?
3. Synthesis principle – scripture interprets scripture; what does the bible say on the subject as a whole? 4. Historical principle – what historical nuances are there that helps us? (geography, politics, culture)
5. Practical principle – how do I put what I have learned into practice?
6. Illumination principle – asking the Holy Spirit to help you apply scripture in your life
HEART:
3. The understanding of truth (HEAD) leads us to belief, conviction and motivation from it (HEART). We have heart change when we experience truth, from the application of truth, not just the pontification about truth.