“That’s Your Interpretation!”

Courtesy says… Hand the passage over to the other persons interpretation

 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,

but humility comes before honor.

[13] If one gives an answer before he hears,

it is his folly and shame.

(Proverbs 18:12-13 ESV)

Demonstrates fairness and humility

Courtesy says… Hand the passage over to the other persons interpretation

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the

Scriptures. [25] He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and

taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. [26] He began to

speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him

the way of God more accurately.

(Acts 18:24-26 ESV)

Demonstrates willingness to listen, and even change with the truth

Facts say… there are MANY Interpretations

And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to

you according to the wisdom given him, [16] as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as

they do the other Scriptures. [17] You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that

you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.

(2 Peter 3:15-17 ESV)

Are All Interpretations Equal?

Denominations and Political Correctness say “YES!”

• Don’t judge• Be tolerant• Everybody is right• Choose your

church

We don’t handle other decisions

randomly in this way

• Investments• Car

• House• Medicine• Spouse

We investigate, apply logic, compare

Logic says this is more important than worldly things

The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

(John 12:48 ESV)

 Therefore do not be

foolish, but understand

what the will of the Lord is.

(Ephesians 5:17 ESV)

Judgment/eternity is on the line

Logic says we must consider the EVIDENCE – Opinions cancel opinions

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you

doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” [24] Jesus answered them, “I also will

ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I

do these things..

(Matthew 21:23-24 ESV)

Logic says we must consider the EVIDENCE – Opinions cancel opinions

[25] The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it

among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not

believe him?’ [26] But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” [27] So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell

you by what authority I do these things.

(Matthew 21:23-27 ESV)

There are ONLY two sources of authority

Logic says we must consider the EVIDENCE – Opinions cancel opinions

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing

through the word of Christ.

(Romans 10:17 ESV)

Saving faith comes from the WORD

Logic says we must consider ALL the evidence

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, [27] for I

did not shrink from declaring to you the

whole counsel of God.

(Acts 20:26-27 ESV)

Not just the parts we agree with

Honesty says there is a RIGHT interpretation and wrong ones

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way

is easy that leads to destruction, and those who

enter by it are many. [14] For the gate is narrow and the

way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

(Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)

Takes some effort to find the right path

Honesty says there is ONE truth

 …and you will know the truth, and the truth will

set you free.”

(John 8:32 ESV)

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

(John 17:17 ESV)

Honesty says there is ONE truth

…God our Savior, [4] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

(1 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV)

 …how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. [4] When you

read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,

(Ephesians 3:2-4 ESV)

There IS a legitimate interpretation

We’re Given Four Tools for Biblical Interpretation

 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up

your sincere mind by way of reminder, [2] that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and

Savior through your apostles,

(2 Peter 3:1-2 ESV)

1.Direct command

We’re Given Four Tools for Biblical Interpretation

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you

have in us.

(Philippians 3:17 ESV)

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the

God of peace will be with you.

(Philippians 4:9 ESV)1.Direct command2.Approved example

We’re Given Four Tools for Biblical Interpretation

And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: [32] ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and

the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” [33] And when the crowd heard

it, they were astonished at his teaching.

(Matthew 22:31-33 ESV)

1.Direct command2.Approved example3.Necessary conclusion

We’re Given Four Tools for Biblical Interpretation

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and

to our children forever…

(Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV)

1.Direct command2.Approved example3.Necessary conclusion4.Respect for God’s silence

Here’s the deal…• The FACTS say there are

many interpretations.• LOGIC says they are NOT all

equal.• HONESTY says there is ONE

truth and we CAN know it.• And God has given us the

tools to know the truth… and a challenge, Ephesians 5:17.