Understanding Scripture: The Connection to Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Word in Human Form

Understanding the relationship between the written Word of God and the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, is foundational for grasping the depth of Scripture. Just as Jesus, the Divine Son, took on human flesh, God's divine thoughts are expressed through human words in the Bible. This analogy highlights the importance of reading Scripture with the intent to understand the author's original thoughts and intentions. By engaging with the text in this way, believers can more fully appreciate the divine message conveyed through human language. This understanding is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission, as it equips us to teach others about the commands of Jesus. [14:19]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach your Bible reading today with the intent to understand the original thoughts and intentions of the author?

Day 2: Engaging with Language Conventions

Reading Scripture involves more than just decoding words; it requires engaging with the language conventions shared with the author. This means understanding vocabulary, grammar, and how propositions relate to one another. By doing so, we can accurately interpret the divine message conveyed through human language. This process is akin to thinking the author's thoughts after them, allowing us to grasp the depth and richness of Scripture. As we engage with these conventions, we become better equipped to understand and apply the teachings of Jesus in our lives. [19:37]

"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: What steps can you take today to improve your understanding of the language conventions used in Scripture?

Day 3: The Interconnectedness of Words and Propositions

Words gain definitive meaning within propositions, and propositions are understood in relation to one another. This interconnectedness means that reading Scripture requires more than just knowing the words; it involves understanding how those words and propositions relate to convey the intended message. By recognizing this, we can more accurately interpret the divine message and apply it to our lives. This understanding helps us to see the bigger picture of God's Word and how each part contributes to the whole. [25:06]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice seeing the interconnectedness of words and propositions in your Bible study today?

Day 4: The Accessibility of Scripture's Riches

The riches of Scripture are accessible even in translations like the English Bible. While knowledge of Greek and Hebrew can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for discovering the profound truths contained in Scripture. By diligently reading and seeking to understand the language conventions, we can uncover the glories of God's Word. This accessibility ensures that all believers, regardless of their linguistic background, can engage with and be transformed by Scripture. [20:08]

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can deepen your understanding of Scripture today, even if you don't know the original languages?

Day 5: Transformation Through Scripture

The ultimate goal of reading Scripture is transformation. We are called to not only know what Jesus commanded but to do it. This transformation is a work of God, and as we read and understand His Word, we are equipped to teach others and fulfill the Great Commission. By allowing Scripture to transform us, we become more like Christ and better able to reflect His love and truth to the world. [12:32]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific command of Jesus that you can put into practice today to allow Scripture to transform your life?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound connection between the written Word of God and the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. Understanding this relationship is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission, which calls us to make disciples of all nations by teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded. This task requires us to read and understand Scripture deeply, as it is through reading that we can grasp the divine thoughts and intentions conveyed through human language.

The analogy between the incarnation of Jesus and the inspiration of Scripture is significant. Just as Jesus, the Divine Son, took on human flesh, God's divine thoughts are expressed through human words in the Bible. This underscores the importance of reading Scripture with the intent to understand the author's original thoughts and intentions. Reading is not merely about decoding words but involves engaging with the language conventions shared with the author to think their thoughts after them.

We also discussed the importance of understanding language conventions, such as vocabulary and grammar, to accurately interpret Scripture. Words gain definitive meaning within propositions, and propositions are understood in relation to one another. This means that reading Scripture involves more than just knowing the words; it requires understanding how those words and propositions relate to convey the intended message.

Furthermore, we emphasized that the riches of Scripture are accessible even in translations like the English Bible. While knowledge of Greek and Hebrew can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for discovering the profound truths contained in Scripture. By diligently reading and seeking to understand the language conventions, we can uncover the glories of God's Word.

Ultimately, the goal of reading Scripture is to be transformed by it, to not only know what Jesus commanded but to do it. This transformation is a work of God, and as we read and understand His Word, we are equipped to teach others and fulfill the Great Commission.

Key Takeaways

1. The relationship between the written Word and the incarnate Word is foundational for understanding Scripture. Just as Jesus took on human flesh, God's divine thoughts are expressed through human words in the Bible. This highlights the importance of reading Scripture with the intent to understand the author's original thoughts and intentions. [14:19]
2. Reading Scripture involves engaging with language conventions shared with the author. This means understanding vocabulary, grammar, and how propositions relate to one another. By doing so, we can accurately interpret the divine message conveyed through human language. [19:37]
3. Words gain definitive meaning within propositions, and propositions are understood in relation to one another. This means that reading Scripture requires more than just knowing the words; it involves understanding how those words and propositions relate to convey the intended message. [25:06]
4. The riches of Scripture are accessible even in translations like the English Bible. While knowledge of Greek and Hebrew can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite for discovering the profound truths contained in Scripture. By diligently reading and seeking to understand the language conventions, we can uncover the glories of God's Word. [20:08]
5. The ultimate goal of reading Scripture is transformation. We are called to not only know what Jesus commanded but to do it. This transformation is a work of God, and as we read and understand His Word, we are equipped to teach others and fulfill the Great Commission. [12:32]
** [12:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:33] - The Importance of Reading
[10:19] - The Great Commission
[11:28] - Writing "What Jesus Demands"
[12:50] - The Word and the Incarnation
[13:50] - Scripture as Divine Word
[14:44] - The Miracle of the Word
[16:17] - The Nature of Reading
[17:47] - Thinking the Author's Thoughts
[19:37] - Language Conventions
[21:21] - Discovering Word Meanings
[24:51] - Words in Propositions
[28:51] - Propositions and Meaning
[31:11] - Relating Propositions
[33:38] - Being Filled with the Spirit

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Matthew 28:18-20
John 1:1-14
2 Timothy 3:16

Observation Questions:

How does the analogy between the incarnation of Jesus and the inspiration of Scripture help us understand the nature of the Bible? [14:19]
What is the significance of understanding language conventions, such as vocabulary and grammar, when interpreting Scripture? [19:37]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between words and propositions in understanding the Bible's message? [25:06]
According to the sermon, why is it important to read Scripture with the intent to understand the author's original thoughts and intentions? [14:19]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the relationship between the written Word and the incarnate Word influence our approach to reading and understanding Scripture? [14:19]
In what ways can understanding language conventions enhance our interpretation of biblical texts? [19:37]
How does the sermon suggest we approach the task of teaching others to observe all that Jesus commanded? [12:32]
What role does the Holy Spirit play in transforming our understanding and application of Scripture according to the sermon? [33:38]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your current approach to reading the Bible. How can you be more intentional in understanding the author's original thoughts and intentions? [14:19]
Identify a specific language convention (e.g., vocabulary, grammar) that you struggle with when reading Scripture. What steps can you take to improve your understanding in this area? [19:37]
Think of a time when you read a Bible passage but missed its deeper meaning. How can you ensure that you engage more deeply with Scripture in the future? [25:06]
How can you apply the analogy of the incarnation to your reading of Scripture to better grasp the divine message conveyed through human words? [14:19]
Consider the Great Commission's call to teach others to observe all that Jesus commanded. What practical steps can you take to fulfill this mission in your daily life? [12:32]
How can you encourage others in your small group or community to read and understand Scripture more deeply? [12:32]
Reflect on a specific area of your life where you need transformation according to Jesus' teachings. What actions can you take to align more closely with His commands? [12:32]

Sermon Clips

And Jesus came and said to them this the last thing he said in Matthew Jesus came and said to them all authority we're going to see this big time all authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to me you should understand a big therefore right there it's not written just clear therefore go what is there read therefore Make Disciples of all nations yes let's do this let's do this let's get this done baptizing them in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all all that I commanded you you got to do that and not read it all understand it all how can you do that how can you begin to do that if you haven't read studied understood [00:10:28]

Ultimately, the goal of reading Scripture is to be transformed by it, to not only know what Jesus commanded but to do it. This transformation is a work of God, and as we read and understand His Word, we are equipped to teach others and fulfill the Great Commission. [00:12:32]

The relationship between the word written that we read and the word incarnate that we love and worship so John 1 in the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God and the word became flesh that's Incarnation so God's Divine son as he's called later now takes on human flesh he he was with God so he's distinct in some sense from God and he was God so he's one with God he's Divine Essence and he's two this is why the Trinity is a faithful effort to put into words what the Bible teaches [00:12:50]

God's son became flesh God's word became words human words and there is a miracle of similar kind not identical but similar kind in the Divine son becoming human flesh and the Divine thought mind idea intention becoming human words this is a St and important correlation that we need to realize because there have always been Heretics who deny that Jesus came in the flesh [00:14:44]

These scriptures are so breathed out or inspired by God that the writings that word right there is grma is writings are themselves the very God intended Divine word the way the man Jesus is the God intended Divine son which brings us now to a few practical questions about what is reading if it's that important what is it what does it mean to read [00:16:17]

Reading means to understand and use the language conventions that you share got to share them because if if the authors and yours are different it's a foreign language that's the meaning of foreign language with an author so language conventions that you share with an author or translator so as to think his thoughts after him [00:17:47]

The only means you have to do that is his words that he gave you with a view to making that happen he wants that to happen Paul doesn't want me to read his words and think Joe's thought or my thought he wants to be think his thought and that's why you write right you write a love letter you don't want her or him to put a wrong meaning in there [00:18:37]

There are incalculable riches yet to be seen in the English Bible that nobody has seen just get a good solid translation and give a life to that don't don't ever say oh I'll never see you important things go I can't read Greek what are you kidding me 10,000,000 glories are in the English Bible that nobody has yet seen [00:20:08]

Words have definitive meaning only in propositions you just say a word to me I don't have a clue what you're you're talking about you say I walk up to you and you say redemption what do I know I know you know the word Redemption I don't know whether you mean I love it I hate it I don't have a clue what it means I need a sentence give me a sentence [00:25:06]

The point is words get their meaning from propositions don't assume that the meaning in one proposition is the same meaning in another proposition let the propositions help you know what we're talking about number three language conventions we need to know how propositions are made in in Greek in German in English whatever language you happen to be reading the Bible in you need to know that language conventions [00:28:51]

Propositions we need to understand how how they're constructed but then once you got two or three of them or 10 or 20 well how how does the thought flow he's got one proposition another proposition like I would like to come to you in Rome let me preach the gospel to you for the gospel is the power of God and salvation for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from Faith to Faith to everyone who believes four four four four all these propositions being linked by four make a chain of logic [00:31:11]

Don't get drunk with wine but get drunk with the spirit suggests doesn't it that being filled with the spirit is the flip side of let's put it like this wine seems to correspond to Spirit and be filled seems to correspond with get drunk have any implications for worship be careful not not to she stagger all over the room during worship but there is a certain I mean Paul meant something by that didn't he [00:33:38]

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