Biblical Interpretation - Part 2

Inspiration

The Spirit’s work in the human authors so they wrote God’s word

Illumination

The Spirits ongoing work bringing believers to understand and receive

No contradiction

Dont set experience/tradition/consensus above the Word

The Spirit may blow where, but not what, he wills

He is the Words empowering presence

Can we Grasp God’s Word Apart from the Spirit - Yes

Unbelievers using valid methods grasp much (words, grammar, logic)

Cognitively the Spirits role is minimal

Can we Grasp God’s Word Apart from the Spirit - Yes but only to a degree

Limited by sin dulling discernment, unbelieving pre understanding and understanding engages the whole person

Can we Grasp God’s Word Apart from the Spirit - No

Won’t accept or apply it; grasps the meaning but wont let it grasp them

How the Spirit Works

Little in the cognitive
More in discerning truth

Most in application

The Spirit does not

Make interpretation automatic

Create new meaning/new revelation

Change the bible to fit our feelings/situation

The Spirit Does

Expect us to use our minds, methods and study helps

Deepens our grasp of the meaning already there (ears to hear)

Bring the meaning to bear - convict, impress the mind, open the heart

The Spirit sanctifies us in that he transforms our character to the character of God. This is the process of becoming spiritually mature

The Spirt uses prayer and devotional reading to encourage spiritual growth

Devotional Reading

Listening with the heart

Silencio

Quiet

Lectio

Read slowly

Meditatio

Let it sink in

Oratio

Pray it back

Contemplatio

Rest & Yield