19 - Step 4 - Interpretation - Part 5

The Preaching Matters Podcast

As we interpret the text, we must use proper methods of biblical interpretation. Good hermeneutics are indispensable in excellent sermon preparation, 2 Timothy 2:15.” The phrase “rightly dividing” means “to cut straight”. It suggests the image of a surgeon using his scalpel. The slightest twitch could spell death for the patient. The preacher is dealing with matters of life and death. A good book on hermeneutics will provide much help to the preacher at this point. The following brief guide will give some insight into this matter of proper biblical interpretation.

The ethnic division principle. In 1 Corinthians 10:32, the entire human race is divided into three categories. All Scripture is addressed to one of these three categories. Always ask when reading a passage: Who was this written to?
The first mention principle. The meaning of a passage. The first time a subject is mentioned is very often the key to its meaning.
The full mention principle. Often, subjects in the Bible are given one comprehensive treatment somewhere in the Bible. For instance, faith is given full treatment in Hebrews 11. Love is mentioned quite comprehensively in 1 Corinthians 13.
The principle of proportionate mention. The amount of space given in Scripture to a particular theme needs to be noted.
The principle of repeated mention. Often, the Holy Spirit will first give only the bare outline of a subject.
The gap principle. On occasion God ignores certain periods of time, leaping over many centuries without comment. This is seen in Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:17-20.
The salvation/fellowship principle. Often one is helped to know whether a passage is a salvation passage or a fellowship passage. Scripture distinguishes between being in God’s family and God’s fellowship. If a passage of Scripture deals with salvation, we understand the verses in one way. However, if the verses have to do with the matter of fellowship, we understand them in another way. This principle is important in accurately interpreting such passages as John 15.
The threefold principle. God’s great truth of salvation is presented in a threefold way. One can be biblically correct in saying, “I have been saved; I am being saved; I will be saved.” Salvation is presented in these three ways in the Scriptur

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