EPISODE 0214 | Understanding Scripture: Basics of Biblical Interpretation
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0215
In this episode, Pastor Daniel and Pastor Josh Brown take listeners deep into one of the most foundational skills a Christian can develop: how to correctly read and interpret the Bible. Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned disciple, understanding hermeneutics—the principles of biblical interpretation—is essential for building and living out a truly biblical worldview. From breaking down genres and translation debates to calling out common mistakes like misusing Jeremiah 29:11 or Philippians 4:13, this episode is packed with practical tools and timeless truths. Pastor Josh and Pastor Daniel walk through what it means to observe, interpret, and apply Scripture in a way that’s faithful to its original meaning and transformational for today’s world.
Main Topics Covered
✔️ What is hermeneutics—and why every Christian needs it
✔️ “For you, not to you”: understanding the Bible’s original audience
✔️ How to avoid common pitfalls like cherry-picking and misapplying Scripture
✔️ Translation talk: why the KJV isn’t the only valid Bible version
✔️ The difference between exegesis (drawing meaning out) and eisegesis (forcing meaning in)
✔️ Why context is king when interpreting difficult passages
✔️ How to tell if a verse is descriptive or prescriptive
✔️ The power of the SOAP method for daily Bible study
✔️ Why a biblical worldview depends on biblical literacy
✔️ What it means to equip the next generation to rightly divide the Word
Key Scriptures Referenced
📖 Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”
📖 Jeremiah 29:11 – “I know the plans I have for you…” (and why context matters!)
📖 Luke 14:26 – “If anyone does not hate his father and mother…”
📖 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Rightly divide the word of truth.”
📖 Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ…” (but probably not bench 500 lbs)
📖 Deuteronomy 6:7–9 – Teach God's Word diligently to your children
📖 Isaiah 55:8–9 – “My ways are higher than your ways…”
📖 Jude 1:3 – “Contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.”
Key Takeaways
🔹 The Bible is written for you, but not always to you—context is everything
🔹 Not every verse is a promise to claim—some are judgments, histories, or warnings
🔹 Avoid eisegesis—don’t force your own agenda onto Scripture
🔹 Use Scripture to interpret Scripture—let clear passages explain unclear ones
🔹 Read with the original audience and author’s intent in mind
🔹 Descriptive ≠ prescriptive—just because it’s in the Bible doesn’t mean you’re supposed to do it
🔹 The SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) is a simple but powerful tool
🔹 You don’t need a seminary degree to study the Bible—you just need discipline, humility, and the Holy Spirit
🔹 Equipping the next generation with truth begins by handing them the sword of God’s Word—and teaching them how to use it
SOAP Method Recap
S – Scripture: Start by reading a passage in context
O – Observation: Ask what the text says, to whom, and why
A – Application: What does this mean for my life today?
P – Prayer: Invite the Holy Spirit to speak, convict, and guide your understanding
Quotes to Remember
“You can’t have a biblical worldview if you can’t understand Scripture.” – Pastor Josh
“The Bible is not just a person in Christ—it’s a point of view.” – Pastor Daniel
“If you don’t know who it was written to, you’ll apply it the wrong way.” – Pastor Josh
“Give your kids a sword, and teach them how to use it.” – Pastor Daniel
“To not speak on something is to take a position. Silence is a stance.” – Pastor Josh
“Right doctrine leads to right living. But you can’t live it if you don’t read it right.” – Pastor Daniel
🎧 Listen now and take your Bible study—and your spiritual maturity—to the next level. Whether you’re discipling your kids, leading a group, or just trying to grow deeper in the Word, this episode is your next step in building a biblical worldview that lasts.
#UnderGodPodcast #BiblicalWorldview #Hermeneutics #BibleStudyTools #ScriptureMatters #ChristianLiving #StudentMinistry #FamilyDiscipleship #ContendForTheFaith #RightlyDivide #PastorDaniel #PastorJoshBrown #VintageChurch
Resources
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