12 2a: Interpret the Word correctly and know its scope

Teach your people to interpret the Bible just as they would a cookbook, a factual news article or any other important book. Teach them to:

• Read God's Word keeping in mind the intent of both the human and divine authors, and not to read into it what they want it to mean.
• Examine the context:

• Look up difficult words in the dictionary and compare difficult passages with other passages on the same subject.
• Interpret a passage literally unless it is identified as a vision or parable, or is obviously a figure of speech.

Remember that we are no longer under the old law, but the New Testament.

• We read the Old Testament for its examples, underlying principles and historical foundations for doctrine.
• The Psalms and many other poetic passages help us to worship.

Find in 1 Peter 1:13-25 the final results of following God's Word.

T&M Student Activity Guide page 15b

For general guidelines for interpreting the Bible, read How to Read the Bible, Fee and Stuart.

For an analytical treatment of biblical interpretation and inerrancy, Protestant Biblical Interpretation, Bernard Ramm.

For a brief, easy-to-read book on the value of Bible study and rules of interpretation, Knowing Scripture, R. C. Sproul.