Interpretation of Scripture II Peter 1:20 I. Introduction. A. It is apparent that people "understand" the scriptures in many different ways. 1. The denominational world is evidence of such. 2. Even true among brethren. 3. And--manifest in individuals. 4. Likelihood that not any of us would agree 100% on every subject and/or verse in the Bible. 5. We can grant that there are matters of opinions. a. Paul and Barnabas had separate opinions about John Mark: Acts 15:37-40. b. A judgment call: not a dispute over truth. c. Opinions are opinions: should never divide the body. 6. Truth is truth: faith is the result of accepting and obeying the truth. B. Read: II Peter 1:20. 1. Both the speaking of prophecy and the fulfillment were not left to man. 2. No human has a right to place a meaning on a passage that sets aside the truth from God. a. Pre-millennialism is a major culprit. b. Brethren get involved in such areas as marriage and divorce. 3. We are addressing correctly understanding and applying the scriptures. II. Body. A. One must respect the authority of the scriptures in order to please God. 1. An appeal to scripture was evident in the Old Testament. a. Note: Daniel 10:21(KJ). b. Joshua 23:6. 2. Jesus used scripture to teach those of his day. a. His challenge: Matthew 21:42. b. His will: John 5:39. 3. The writers of the New Testament referred to scripture. a. Paul did: Romans 15:4. b. Timothy was encouraged: II Timothy 3:15(KJ). c. The word scripture appears 32 times in Bible; scriptures appears 21 times. B. Searching the scriptures is the path of all faithful disciples. 1. What does the book say? Where is the book, chapter, and verse? 2. Is it not right to ask: Romans 4:3; Galatians 4:30. 3. Many consider book, chapter, and verse preaching to be out of date. C. We need authority from God for all we do religiously. 1. Even Jesus was challenged: Luke 20:2. 2. Titus was told: Titus 2:15. a. Hence: Colossians 3:17. b. There is no other authority than the New Testament of Jesus Christ: II Timothy 3:16- 17. c. Never put too much confidence in men. D. Authority can be(must be) established for all we do. 1. There are direct commands: Acts 2:38. 2. There are apostolic examples: Acts 20:7. 3. There are necessary inferences: Acts 8:39. 4. Even opinions must have some basis in scripture. E. Is it right to "interpret" scripture? 1. Word means: To explain, solve(verb); explanation, solution(noun)-Vine. a. Anglicized Greek word: Hermeneutics(the science of interpreting scripture). b. Illustrate with expounded: Acts 18:26. c. Remember, however, that one cannot interpret privately, that is, put one's own interpretation on a passage independent of the word of God. 2. Can the scriptures interpret themselves? a. One of the best methods of understanding. b. Too many seek human authorities rather than the Lord's word. 3. When one gives an interpretation(explanation) for a passage, there are principles to remember. a. The interpretation must be in harmony with all other scriptures. b. There must be no conflicts with other passages. c. A single passage seldom contains all the revelation on a subject(but does happen). 4. Within the scope of a command, all that is necessary to obey that command is present. a. Assembling(place, seats, etc.). b. Singing(leader, song books). c. Baptizing(place, water, etc.). d. Lord's supper(plates, table, storage, etc.). 5. In no area of the Lord's work can liberty be taken to alter, change, or ignore what the Bible teaches. a. Some are crying for a "new hermeneutic" (explain).(Mostly among those walking the liberal path.) b. They would ignore the commands, patterns, and the examples of New Testament times to strengthen their appeal to the world(we live in a changing society--so did they!) III. Conclusion. A. The Lord made no provision for departing from the teachings of the New Testament. B. The same gospel revealed in the New Testament has saved souls for 2000 years: do you think man can improve on what God did?-jy