Interpreting Scripture: A United Methodist Perspective
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to gather together, whether you're here in person or joining us online. Today, we continue our series on what it means to be United Methodist, focusing on the importance of Scripture in our faith. Last week, we discussed John Wesley's teachings on giving, emphasizing that giving deepens our spiritual lives. Today, we delve into how we, as United Methodists, approach and interpret Scripture.
We began with a humorous historical reflection on indoor plumbing and how Scripture was once misinterpreted to oppose it. This serves as a reminder that Scripture can be easily twisted if not read with the right intention. We then explored three key terms: inspired, inerrant, and infallible. Inspired means that God is the ultimate author of Scripture, inerrant means it was written without error, and infallible means it accomplishes exactly what God intends.
Our main Scripture passage today is 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. This passage underscores the importance of Scripture in our spiritual growth. As United Methodists, we interpret Scripture through the lenses of reason, tradition, and experience. Reason encourages us to ask questions and think critically. Tradition connects us to the 2,000 years of Christian knowledge and Wesleyan theology. Experience involves the Holy Spirit speaking through us and our community.
We also discussed the role of women in Scripture, highlighting how Paul's letters can seem contradictory. While some passages suggest women should be silent, others recognize women as leaders in the early church. This inconsistency shows the importance of interpreting Scripture holistically, considering context, tradition, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
In conclusion, studying Scripture helps us grow deeper in our relationship with God. John Wesley called us "people of one book," yet encouraged us to read widely, always measuring other readings against Scripture. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to grow us in love, grace, and relationship with God. As we continue this series, let's commit to digging deeper into Scripture, asking questions, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Intentional Scripture Reading: Scripture can be easily misinterpreted if not read with the right intention. Historical examples, like the opposition to indoor plumbing, show how Scripture has been twisted. It's crucial to approach Scripture with a heart open to God's true message, seeking understanding rather than just affirmation of our beliefs. [27:00]
2. Understanding 'Inspired, Inerrant, and Infallible': These three terms are foundational to our understanding of Scripture. Inspired means God is the ultimate author, inerrant means it was written without error, and infallible means it accomplishes God's purpose. Recognizing these distinctions helps us appreciate the divine and human elements in Scripture. [27:59]
3. The Role of Reason, Tradition, and Experience: United Methodists interpret Scripture through reason, tradition, and experience. Reason encourages critical thinking and questioning, tradition connects us to historical Christian knowledge, and experience involves the Holy Spirit's guidance. This holistic approach ensures a balanced and faithful understanding of Scripture. [30:47]
4. The Role of Women in Scripture: Paul's letters show both restrictive and empowering views on women. While some passages suggest women should be silent, others recognize women as leaders. This highlights the need to interpret Scripture contextually and holistically, considering the broader biblical narrative and the Holy Spirit's guidance. [35:38]
5. Scripture as a Tool for Spiritual Growth: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphasizes that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. Studying Scripture helps us grow deeper in our relationship with God, guided by the Holy Spirit. John Wesley called us "people of one book," encouraging us to measure all other readings against Scripture. [28:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:33] - Introduction to United Methodist Series
[21:22] - Ways to Give and Prayer Requests
[22:25] - Opening Prayer
[23:54] - Reflection on History and Scripture
[25:19] - Deuteronomy and Sanitation
[26:17] - Misinterpretation of Scripture
[27:00] - Importance of Intentional Scripture Reading
[27:59] - Inspired, Inerrant, and Infallible
[28:48] - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
[29:46] - Holy Spirit's Role in Scripture
[30:47] - Reason, Tradition, and Experience
[31:46] - John Wesley's View on Scripture
[32:48] - Deeper Dive into 'Inspired'
[34:05] - God-Breathed Scripture
[35:38] - Role of Women in Scripture
[40:34] - Balancing Scripture with Reason and Tradition
[43:26] - Correcting and Growing Through Scripture
[45:17] - Invitation to Wednesday Night Study
[46:19] - Closing Prayer and Communion
[51:38] - Communion Instructions
[01:03:10] - Lectio Divina Explanation
[01:04:47] - Final Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Deuteronomy 23:12-14
- Romans 16:3
### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 say about the purpose of Scripture? How does it describe the usefulness of Scripture? [28:48]
2. According to Deuteronomy 23:12-14, what were the instructions given for sanitation in the camp? How was this misinterpreted historically? [25:19]
3. In Romans 16:3, who are Priscilla and Aquila, and what role do they play in Paul's ministry? [38:59]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of Scripture being "inspired" by God influence our understanding of its authority and reliability? [27:59]
2. Why is it important to interpret Scripture through the lenses of reason, tradition, and experience, as emphasized in the sermon? [30:47]
3. How do the seemingly contradictory passages about women in Paul's letters (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:12 vs. Romans 16:3) illustrate the need for a holistic approach to Scripture interpretation? [35:38]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you may have misinterpreted a Bible passage. How can you ensure you approach Scripture with the right intention in the future? [27:00]
2. How can you incorporate the principles of reason, tradition, and experience into your daily Bible study to gain a more balanced understanding of Scripture? [30:47]
3. Considering the role of women in Scripture, how can you apply a more inclusive and contextual understanding of biblical teachings in your church or community? [35:38]
4. John Wesley encouraged reading widely but measuring all readings against Scripture. What are some non-biblical books or resources you can read that might deepen your understanding of faith, and how will you measure them against Scripture? [31:46]
5. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you more effectively in your study of Scripture and in your daily life? What practices can you adopt to be more attuned to the Spirit's guidance? [29:46]
6. In what ways can you use Scripture to grow deeper in your relationship with God this week? Identify one specific area of your life where you need teaching, correction, or training in righteousness. [28:48]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to engage more deeply with Scripture, using the principles discussed in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to foster a community of intentional Scripture reading? [43:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Importance of Intentional Scripture Reading
Scripture can be easily misinterpreted if not read with the right intention. Historical examples, like the opposition to indoor plumbing, show how Scripture has been twisted. It's crucial to approach Scripture with a heart open to God's true message, seeking understanding rather than just affirmation of our beliefs. When we read Scripture, we should do so prayerfully, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us and reveal God's truth. This intentional approach helps us avoid the pitfalls of misinterpretation and allows Scripture to transform our lives.
[27:00]
Bible Passage:
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a time when you may have misinterpreted a Bible passage. How can you approach Scripture differently today to seek God's true message rather than just affirming your own beliefs?
Day 2: Understanding 'Inspired, Inerrant, and Infallible'
These three terms are foundational to our understanding of Scripture. Inspired means God is the ultimate author, inerrant means it was written without error, and infallible means it accomplishes God's purpose. Recognizing these distinctions helps us appreciate the divine and human elements in Scripture. Understanding that Scripture is inspired by God reassures us of its divine authority. Knowing it is inerrant and infallible gives us confidence that it is trustworthy and effective in guiding us in our faith and life.
[27:59]
Bible Passage:
"For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on how the understanding of Scripture as inspired, inerrant, and infallible impacts your trust in the Bible. How does this understanding influence the way you read and apply Scripture in your daily life?
Day 3: The Role of Reason, Tradition, and Experience
United Methodists interpret Scripture through reason, tradition, and experience. Reason encourages critical thinking and questioning, tradition connects us to historical Christian knowledge, and experience involves the Holy Spirit's guidance. This holistic approach ensures a balanced and faithful understanding of Scripture. By engaging our minds, honoring the wisdom of the past, and being open to the Spirit's work in our lives, we can interpret Scripture in a way that is both faithful and relevant to our current context.
[30:47]
Bible Passage:
"Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider a recent Bible passage you read. How did you use reason, tradition, and experience to interpret it? How can you incorporate these three elements more intentionally in your future Bible study?
Day 4: The Role of Women in Scripture
Paul's letters show both restrictive and empowering views on women. While some passages suggest women should be silent, others recognize women as leaders. This highlights the need to interpret Scripture contextually and holistically, considering the broader biblical narrative and the Holy Spirit's guidance. By doing so, we can better understand the role of women in the early church and apply these lessons to our current context, recognizing the valuable contributions of women in ministry and leadership.
[35:38]
Bible Passage:
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about the women in your life who have influenced your faith. How can you support and encourage the women in your church and community to use their gifts for God's glory?
Day 5: Scripture as a Tool for Spiritual Growth
2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphasizes that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. Studying Scripture helps us grow deeper in our relationship with God, guided by the Holy Spirit. John Wesley called us "people of one book," encouraging us to measure all other readings against Scripture. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, helping us grow in love, grace, and our relationship with God.
[28:48]
Bible Passage:
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify one area of your life where you need spiritual growth. How can you use Scripture to address this area and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in this journey?
Quotes
1. "We give to grow closer. We give to give to God. And he believed that it was more than just helping the poor and needy, which was a big part of the Methodist movement. It was because when we do so, our spiritual lives grow deeper. Which is a big part of this series. How do we grow deep roots? So I just want to thank all of you that are such faithful contributors to our church. Not only do you help nurture our children. You nurture our young adults and our youth. But you nurture your own souls. When you give to the ministries of our church." [20:33] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Scripture can very easily be twisted if we are not careful. We have to read it with the right intention. And that's what today is all about. I can bring you lots of examples of how we, even as the church, have done this poorly. But I brought you one that hopefully was funny so that we don't have to get a little too uncomfortable this morning. All right? Now, I want to share three words with you that help us understand scripture. They are the word inspired, inerrant, and infallible." [27:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Holy Spirit worked through the biblical writers to write in their own voice, in their own style. It was inspired. That is what we, as United Methodists, believe it is the inspired word of God. You should think about that one for a second. We do not believe that God dictated to a stenographic person to record as he, the Holy Voice, came down. There was not a Siri recorder. Okay. There's no AI. There's nobody who took shorthand for God. The Spirit inspired people in their own creativity space." [28:48] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Reason means using our minds. Wesley believed it was so important that we don't check the brain at the door. We are encouraged to ask questions. Why did God write or encourage his writers to write in this way? Why did Paul write this? Why did Moses write that? The why is encouraging. I know to all of our children, they are not encouraged to ask why many times. We as parents get tired of the why. But God likes the why. We were created to wonder because God gave that into us to wonder, and he wants us to wonder about his Scriptures." [30:47] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we read and study scripture, it helps us to grow deeper in our relationship with God. It is the book. John Wesley called it the one book, which is ironic. See, he said we are people of one book, yet he told his people to read all the time. Not just the one book, all sorts of books. But every book was held against scripture. We have to know it to hold things against it, right? The Holy Spirit grows us in love and grace and relationship with God as we study the story of God and humanity. This is our story." [31:46] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "In Methodism, we call that pervenient grace of the spark of the spirit we all carry within, just waiting for God to set it ablaze. Now, the message translates this passage so well. I'm going to read it for you once more in their translation because they got it. Every part of scripture is God breathed and useful in one way or another, showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the word, we are put together and shaped up for the task God has for." [34:05] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you're not being grown and changed by church, then what is the point of coming? If God's not doing something different in your life, then why do you get up on Sunday morning? Or why do you turn on the live stream? If you feel like God is doing something and you want to mark what God's been doing in your life, I don't want you to forget that October 13th, we are going to have a time for people who want to join the church. They want to be baptized or renew their baptism or any of those things. If you're interested, contact me. Because I believe this is a new season for us as a congregation. And I've seen what God's been doing. I want to know what God's been doing." [46:19] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I want to thank you for all the amazing things that you give and you do. God, I was just speaking with our preteens and the joy that's in that space and the things they were just sharing. The sharing that you shared with them this morning was just wonderful. I'm just blessed by so many things that you're doing here. So I pray, God, that as we leave this space, that you show how your Bible, your Holy Scriptures, your Word, the Word of God, is more than just pages of words. It is alive in the Spirit. Make it alive within us as we go through this week. And bring us back next week ready. We go deeper in what it means to be United Methodists." [01:05:47] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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