אבנימ

SYS 501 – Hermeneutics – Lecture 1 – Why study the Bible?

I. Christian duty to study and know the Scriptures – 2 Timothy 2.15

A. God commands this that we may be approved by Him

1. As an unashamed workman

2. Rightly discerning His truth

B. True knowledge is necessary to faithful practice: Orthodoxy —> Orthopraxy

C. Duty is not an option, but an obligation

D. Lack of knowledge has harmed to the Church

1. Men have not diligently studied the Word

2. Personal experience has been emphasized instead

E. Understanding comes from the Holy Spirit

1. The Holy Spirit has been sent to lead us into truth

2. He brings to remembrance what we have learned

3. We cannot not attain spiritual wisdom without His work in us

II. Christian duty to teach the Scriptures – Deuteronomy 6.4 ff.

A. Duty of all Christians to teach their own

B. Particular duty of those who teach the Word publicly

C. Intimate knowledge of the Word is necessary

D. All scripture is profitable – 2.Timothy.3.16

1. For true Christian teaching

2. To be able to correct, reprove, exhort others

III. Success in life is bound to the Word of God – Josh.1.8

A. Meditation day and night leads to prosperity and blessing – Josh 1.8, Ps 1

B. This applies both as a Christian, and as a minister

IV. The Word is necessary for direction in life – Ps. 119.105

A. We must heed what we have heard – Hebrews 2.1 ff.

B. Hearing must be joined with doing the Word – James 1.22-25

1. Orthopraxy is the best testimony of orthodoxy

2. We must not slip away from what we have heard

3. Scripture is the axiom, the point of beginning, for all Christian practice

C. In Christ are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge – Col. 2.1 ff.

V. We will give an account – Rom 2.4-14

A. Churches and people will be judged by the Word

B. Teachers especially will give an account of how we have handled the Word

C. None shall escape this judgment, if we neglect the Word

VI. It is the only rule of faith and practice – “Sola regula fidei”