HERMENEUTICS And Some Homiletics To Boot!

WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE FOR TODAY?

To grow in our understanding and handling of the Word of God both in the Church and home – some meat to chew on

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent (complete, mature), equipped (fitted out) for every good work.

Hunting, sports, camping, etc. all require the proper gear to maximize the experience

DEFINITIONS

Hermeneutics - a method or principle of interpretationA set of norms we go through between the words on the page and us.Homiletics – The art of preaching/teaching

HERMENEUTIC PRINCIPLESHistorical-grammatical – is the most common method used – what did the words mean to the author and original hearers, and what grammar is being used

Others - Election, Covenantal, Predictive, Dispensation, Numerical, Symbolic, Allegorical, Ethnic Division – Jews, Gentiles and the Church, etc. etc. etc.

Historical-grammatical uses a general three-fold approach to the text: 1) observation, 2) interpretation, and 3) application.

THE WORD OF GODThe Bible is not an English book written for 21st century Americans – Middle Eastern in nature

“We believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God; that it is inerrant in the original manuscripts and has been supernaturally preserved by God, and that, as such; it is the Supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.” Hope - SOF

Our hermeneutic principles determine our understanding/application of the Scripture

THE BIBLE66 different books, multiple literature types

Historical narrative, poetry, letters, apocalyptic, prophetic, Gospel, etc.

The Scripture is made up of words, sentences, verses, paragraph, section, book and the entire book covering thousands of years of time

Exegesis - lead the meaning out of the text

Isogesis - bring a meaning into the text

"The best teacher is the one who does not bring his meaning into the Scripture but gets his meaning from the Scripture." Luther

THE BIBLE INCLUDESNarrative – stories of real people

Parables – short stories illustrating one principle truth

Metaphors, figures of speech, similes

Hyperbole – strain a gnat, swallow a camel

Figurative language – stomach like heaps of wheat or much in Revelation

Prophetic language – double fulfillments – both present and future – Messianic

Types and symbols – snake on the pole, sacrificial lambs, Melchizedek

POP QUIZ – LITERATURE TYPES Judges – Psalms – Song of Solomon - Daniel – Mark – Acts – 1 Timothy – Revelation -

Historical Narrative Wisdom/Poetry Wisdom/Poetry Historical/prophetic Historical/Gospel Historical Narrative Letter Apocalyptic

OUR ENGLISH BIBLE1535 AD: Myles Coverdale's Bible; The First Complete Bible printed in the English Language (80 Books: O.T. & N.T. & Apocrypha).

1537 AD: Tyndale-Matthews Bible; The Second Complete Bible printed in English. Done by John "Thomas Matthew" Rogers (80 Books).

1539 AD: The "Great Bible" Printed; The First English Language Bible Authorized for Public Use (80 Books).

1560 AD: The Geneva Bible Printed; The First English Language Bible to add Numbered Verses to Each Chapter (80 Books).

1568 AD: The Bishops Bible Printed; The Bible of which the King James was a Revision (80 Books).

1609 AD: The Douay Old Testament is added to the Rheims New Testament (of 1582) Making the First Complete English Catholic Bible; Translated from the Latin Vulgate (80 Books).

1611 AD: The King James Bible Printed; Originally with All 80 Books. The Apocrypha was Officially Removed in 1885 Leaving Only 66 Books.

1782 AD: Robert Aitken's Bible; The First English Language Bible (KJV) Printed in America.

1791 AD: Isaac Collins and Isaiah Thomas Respectively Produce the First Family Bible and First Illustrated Bible Printed in America. Both were King James Versions, with All 80 Books.

1808 AD: Jane Aitken's Bible (Daughter of Robert Aitken); The First Bible to be Printed by a Woman.

1833 AD: Noah Webster's Bible; After Producing his Famous Dictionary, Webster Printed his Own Revision of the King James Bible.

1841 AD: English Hexapla New Testament; an Early Textual Comparison showing the Greek and 6 Famous English Translations in Parallel Columns.

1846 AD: The Illuminated Bible; The Most Lavishly Illustrated Bible printed in America. A King James Version, with All 80 Books.

1885 AD: The "English Revised Version" Bible; The First Major English Revision of the KJV.

1901 AD: The "American Standard Version"; The First Major American Revision of the KJV.

1971 AD: The "New American Standard Bible" (NASB) is Published as a "Modern and Accurate Word for Word English Translation" of the Bible.

1973 AD: The "New International Version" (NIV) is Published as a "Modern and Accurate Phrase for Phrase English Translation" of the Bible.

1982 AD: The "New King James Version" (NKJV) is Published as a "Modern English Version Maintaining the Original Style of the King James."

2002 AD: The English Standard Version (ESV) is Published as a translation to bridge the gap between the accuracy of the NASB and the readability of the NIV.

TRANSLATION IS THE ART OF EQUIVALENCE

All English Bibles are a translationRead the Translation Philosophy in the front

Basically 3 types:

Literal word for word (impossible) – KJV, NASB, ESV (essentially literal)

Dynamic Equivalence or thought for thought – NIV, HCSB, NRSV

Paraphrase or rephrasing – The Message, Living Bible, Good News, Amplified (Multiple Choice Bible)

JOHN 3:3KJV -Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

NIV - In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no-one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

NASB - Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.“

MSG - Jesus said, "You're absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to--to God's kingdom."

AMPLIFIEDJesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.

Interlinear Greek-English – Answered Jesus and said to him truly truly I tell thee except anyone is born from above he cannot to see the kingdom of God

Let’s not even go to Russian or Chinese

FOUR BROAD NORMS OF HERMENEUTICS

1. Illumination of the Holy

Spirit is required

2. New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament (filter the Old through the

New)

3. The literal interpretation

is basic

4. Scripture interprets Scripture

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT ILLUMINATES

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13-14 - And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT ILLUMINATES

The Word of God is God-breathed and the Holy Spirit is required to understand the truths contained within.

John 14:16-17 - And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

We need to pray for wisdom, understanding, and revelation when we read the Word – the Bible is not a secret Book for God wants to speak to His children

2. THE OLD TESTAMENT IS VIEWED THROUGH THE NEW

TESTAMENTProgressive Revelation – God revealed Himself in the Old Testament differently than in the New – Jesus is the final revelation – If you have seen Me you have seen the Father!

Types/shadows, simpler in form focusing primarily on a people group – Israel

Everything revealed moved along toward the conclusion in Christ – all shadows give way in the Light of Jesus!

Law was a tutor to bring us to Christ -Galatians 3:24

2. THE OLD TESTAMENT IS VIEWED THROUGH THE NEW

TESTAMENT“you have heard it said…but I say”

Jesus fulfilled the Law – Matthew 5:17

Types/shadows are fulfilled in Christ – Tabernacle/Temple, animal sacrifice, Adam,

Beware of allegory - adding deeper meanings, hidden truths, be clear on what is clear

Distinguish between what the Bible records and commands or approves – making doctrine from historical narrative is dangerous!

3. THE LITERAL INTERPRETATION IS BASICAssume literal unless context forbids it

But, we must understand what type of literature we are reading - Song of Solomon, Revelation, Daniel, etc. literal can get weird

“Today” in Hebrews most likely means now, not some mystic code word. Jesus wept means?

Jesus saying “Eat my body” is not literal

Anthropomorphisms are in the Scripture

Assigning human emotions and body parts to God – the Bible is an accommodating Book – God to humans – infinite to finite beings

4. SCRIPTURE INTERPRETS SCRIPTURE

"Obscure passages in Scripture must give way to clear passages.“

Be clear on what is very clear

Interpretation is one, basic meaning, application can be diverse and many.

Scripture will not contradict Scripture – if your understanding of a passage is violating some other verse – you are mistaken

If you know the exact date of Christ’s return you are violating this principle of Hermeneutics

4. SCRIPTURE INTERPRETS SCRIPTURE

We are different than Jesus and the New Testament writers

They often brought the Old Testament into a new light in the New Testament – we are not them so be careful

1 Timothy 5:18 – “do not muzzle the ox” is equated with paying a pastor

But where they did, we are safe to go there – Acts 2 – Peter said this is what Joel meant!

Gospels, Hebrews, Epistles – are full of expounded OT quotes

SOME CAUTIONSThe Bible is not full of secret codes and meanings beneath the meaning – shun allegory methods and secret interpretations

Be careful using the Bible as a promise book – We must consider if the promise is universal, personal, conditional, for the present or future

The Bible is not a magic book - let if fall open and poof, there is truth. “Go and hang yourself”

SOME GOOD TOOLSConcordance – shows every place a particular word is used in Scripture

Lexicon – list of the words and typically includes the definition

Handbook –an overview of manners, customs, background material

Commentaries – someone’s interpretation of what the Scripture says and means

Greek/Hebrew to English dictionaries – helps you make your own conclusions about the meaning of the words

SUMMARIZE PART ONEWhat did the text/letter mean to the original recipients? It was not primarily written to us

What type of literature am I reading? Do I understand what the words meant to the author?

Have I read the other places where this/these words are used?

Have I read this verse or section in several different versions to glean insight?

Consult commentaries/handbooks carefully – know who wrote it and why – they all have bias and agendas.

WHAT ARE THE FOUR BROAD NORMS OF HERMENEUTICS?

1. Illumination of the Holy

Spirit is required

2. New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament (filter the Old through the

New)

3. The literal interpretation

is basic

4. Scripture interprets Scripture

POP QUIZ HOW DO I DEAL WITH THESE?

Must I keep the Sabbath or the Big 10?

I can not eat pig, the Scripture forbids it

Let’s place a fleece out or cast lots to decide

Job brought on his problems by fear and a bad confession

God wants you rich and faith is the key

Should my wife wear a head covering?

Acts shows the early church patterns for __________

Revelation, Daniel, and Zechariah clearly teach _____________

QUESTIONS?

HOMILETICS – THE ART OF PREACHING

“The art of moving men from a lower life to a higher life.” – Beecher

“The communication of truth through personality.” – Anonymous

“Preaching is divine truth voiced by a chosen personality to meet human need.” A. W. Blackwood

The clothing of ideas in words - Longino

PREACHING Declaring God’s Word

as recorded in the Bible

It is not about man’s ideas of God, but what God has done for man.

The uniqueness of a Biblical sermon (as opposed to a speech) is due to the subject matter, the material used, and the results promised!

THE WORDGod is the God that speaks – not a lifeless idol, but One that communicates

From the beginning God has spoken to man through other men

OT prophets preached, Ezra and Nehemiah taught detailed messages, Early Church typically would reason together, Early Church Fathers and Reformers wrote, etc.

Today, just about every method is used

As long as Christ is preached…

SOME TRENDS AND TERMSHigher Criticism – attempts to investigate the origins of a text, especially the text of the Bible. Higher criticism, in particular, focuses on the sources of a document and tries to determine the authorship, date and place of composition of the text.

Lower Criticism, known as textual criticism, which is the endeavor to establish the original version of a text.

Since the 1800’s modernism/evolution (devalue the supernatural) has been an issue

In our day a trend to be relevant to our society rules

ON TO THE PRACTICAL Spontaneous vs.

being prepared –comfort comes from being well prepared

We need to be current in our walk with God

We should consider our audience – home vs. congregation vs. young, etc

WHAT DO I PREACH/TEACHThe Scripture – read and explain

Personal experiences either victory or defeat tied back to the Word

It is ok to share books and such in your family devotions…but if in the pulpit, the Word should be the focus. – “It is the foolishness of preaching that brings results” 1 Corinthians 1:20-22

The Word produces life – Isaiah 55:10-11 the Word will not return empty or void

THE ATTITUDE OF THE TEACHER

Reverence of the Scripture carefully handling the Word of God – we will be held accountable for the words spoken for God

Humility – we do not have all the answers, nor have we arrived in any arena

Our message should match our life – no one is perfect, but preaching against immorality whilst living in it, is worthy of great judgment

Jesus was not kind to the religious folks that lived differently than what they preached

TYPES OF SERMONSThree basic types – topical, textual and expository

Topical – Parenting, love, joy, end times, sin

Easiest to keep unity of the message and easily grasped by the audience

Great latitude in selecting ideas and topics

Allows a wide range of Scriptures to be used

Easy to get into a rut – water baptism, family

Easier to get into error since context is not the primary issue

TEXTUAL SERMONSA shorter unit of verses than an entire book or chapter2 Peter 1:3-9 – His divine power has granted…Basically same advantages and disadvantages as topical2 Chronicles 27:2 – He did not enter the temple as his father had done…context should rule

EXPOSITORY – PRINCE OF SERMONS

Expository – An entire book, a chapter, etc

Forces the teacher to deal with topics not normally addressed

Helps keep verses in their context

What does it say and what does it mean?

Helps limit “proof texting”

DISADVANTAGESCan lose focus over long periods of time

Can limit ability to deal with current issues if you refuse to break lose

Get lost in the details and potential for unlimited rabbit trails

Still, my favorite because it keeps the speaker close to the text – limits error and pet peeves

Good Material!

MANY WAYS TO SKIN A SERMON

Point to point – a progressive line of thought

Twin – conflicting or contrasting points or positive vs. negative

Interrogative with the text – Journalist questions – who, what, where, why, when, and how.

Jewel – turning the verse around and around looking at all sides of it – not cinnamon roll

Thematic – It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming” or “better to be a live dog than a dead lion”

SERMON TYPESRebuttal – to correct false teaching – a qualification of an elder

Life-situation – marriage, finances, dispair

Word studies – chase a word through the Bible

Character studies – life of David or Paul

Drama, poetry, music – the point is to preach Christ!

However if someone comes in Sunday late with a gun…please stop them for me

WHICH ONE IS THE RIGHT ONE?

How long should a piece of rope be?Depends on the need, leading of the Holy Spirit, and the audienceIt’s not a matter of right and wrong, but right and left and obedience to the Lord’s leadingI prefer textual or expository of large sections of ScriptureEasier to stay closer to the context and get the full picture and limit tangents and error, however I also teach topical at times

OUR POINT MUST BE TO COMMUNICATE TRUTH

Text – what does it say, what does it mean?

Context – what else is being said, the paragraph and chapter and book all add information and clarification

Illustrations – other texts, word pictures, graphics, etc.

Illustrations should illustrate not dominate

Use carefully – circumcision – think it through – how many of us remember commercials, but not the product they advertised?

DOCTRINEThe Scripture teaches us how to live

Doctrine is made up of many texts, not one

If a doctrine is central to Christianity it will surface everywhere – Gospels, Paul, Peter, James, and John – Cross, love one another, the Resurrection, Lordship of Jesus, etc.

Beware of doctrines based on limited texts

Major on what is major and minor on what is minor, if it is important it will surface often

Know history, creeds, and councils – if your understanding doesn’t fit these, question it

WHAT DO I DO FIRST?

Whether at home or asked to share…Remember one task of the teacher is the clothing of ideas in words…Pray and seek the LordChoose your passage(s) depending on length of time and audience making sure you pick something appropriate

THINK THROUGH THE OBJECTIVE

What type of sermon are your going to give – topical, textual or expository

Study your text asking the Holy Spirit to assist your understanding

STUDY, STUDY, STUDYRead your text in as many translations as possible – why?

Consult resource materials – dictionaries, lexicons, concordances, word studies, etc

Consult commentaries - use a variety and understand the underlying presuppositions – Calvinist, Armenian, liberal, anti-Catholic, fundamentalist, Charismatic or not –they are all written by men with a particular bent

DON’T FORGET HERMANAnswer the journalist questions for each verse – what is he talking about here? What did he say about this elsewhere in his writings? What did others say about it in the Scripture?

What type of literature am I reading? Parable, poetry, proverb, narrative, letter?

Get your thoughts organized and outlined

All your points should connect and make sense

Sub points divide main points – not an excuse to ramble

WHAT ARE WE AFTER WHEN WE TEACH OR PREACH?

The message should seek to change lives in some specific way

The message should exalt Christ in some way

The message should challenge the listeners to be doers of the Word

A message should challenge a way of thinking – forsaking gathering together or a faulty underlying worldview

Our goal must be to be used of God in the presentation of truth to affect change

ANSWER THE “SO WHAT” QUESTION

Think about what you are attempting to communicate and write it down – the “so what” of the message – what is your point?

What difference does it make to anyone listening to you? If is helpful, corrective, instructive, or pointless?

Make it as personal as possible in order to relate to those that are listening to you

Ask those that love you to help you – listen to your own teaching and be brutally objective

BASIC SERMON PATTERNI

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Main text or texts followed by points and sub points

Illustrations to enhance, reinforce, and clarify the points

Conclusion – the purpose is to summarize, reinstate the main point, ask for a response and to conclude – not simply to end.

BASIC PREPARATION“I don’t use notes,” the preacher boldly declares, and we all say, “we can tell!”

Spontaneous most times means unprepared!Studying is not quenching the SpiritGod can and does anoint your preparation – you will be much more comfortable if you are well prepared

Go over your teaching several times

Practice it out loud

Boil it down to one sentence

Breath, relax, give as unto the Lord

HOW TO IMPROVE…Read and listen to good sermons with an ear to the details – why did I like this or not?

Listen to your own and ask your loved ones to honestly help you - mispronounced words, nervous ticks, fill words – then don’t react if they do!

Practice, be prepared and have a heart to serve

We do our best – the results are in God’s hands – did we do what He asked us to do – if so, then we will be just fine

SOME SUMMARY THOUGHTSWe have the honor of sharing God’s very words with others –our families and a body of believers

We must take it seriously and apply ourselves to the pursuit of excellence – we never arrive

2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

AS I CONTINUE TO CLOSE…It is better to leave your listeners longing for more than to have them wishing you were finished…the brain can adsorb no more than the rear can endureGod’s Word will not return void – it will accomplish the task for which He sent it forthBe strong, be men of the Word – keep at it!

Any Questions