exploringthescriptures's Podcast

I just started a seminary class on hermeneutics (the science of interpretation) through Provident Bible Fellowship. This is not for credit, but is a video of an actual class from Masters' Seminary taught by Dr. James Rosscup. Hermeneutics is kind of like algebra. It's not that exciting when you take the class, but you find you'll need it later if you want to go any further in mathematics. Actually, the class is pretty interesting. Dr. Rosscup teaches the need for humble prayer to get wisdom from God in correctly understanding his word. I like the emphasis on the personal relation to Christ in order to get wisdom to interpret the scriptures as intended. This is not some philosophical debate or dry intellectualism, though you are encouraged to use the intelligence God gave you. Our final paper is to find 35 observations on ephesians 5:18. It sounds impossible right now, but I've heard most who go through the class tend to find many more after dilligent study and prayer. We are now learning the history of interpretation, different schools of thought and how they came to be. I did not realize how early biblical allegorization to get around difficult passages started. As early as the second century, some of the church fathers favored allegories as opposed to literal interpretations to deal with anthropromorphisms in the old testament. I had always thought allegorical interpretations were a result of the age of enlightenment and scientific advances. But an early departure from a literal reading as Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles presented it, would suggest this be a result of adhering to the Greek philosophy of the day, or simple lack of faith in the ultimate authority of scripture.

Last summer I was convicted by the good samaritan parable in Luke 10:30-37. I had always known that we were supposed to help others in need, but I was struck at how the Samaritan really went the extra mile for the man on the road. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' I am also convinced that Jesus� teaching is aimed at the individual, not the state. Jesus did not come to create a perfect government with a huge welfare system. He was saying that should you see a need come along your path, you should do what is right. I know many benevolent organizations use this and similar teachings to justify themselves and get support. I�m not against giving to charities, as I have done so in the past. I just don�t believe Jesus was saying to give to an organization, even the church, so they can fulfill this duty and you can go about your life as usual. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the needs of the poor, feeling guilty for what we have, then feeling like we should be devoting all our time to it. I think the simple reading of the parable is that you find someone who has been victimized and needs help. So should you see this, do as you wish someone would do for you. If you see someone with their car stuck by the side of the road, a co worker, or friend needs a ride somewhere, someone needs cash to get some food, we should do the right thing. I also notice that this was a man who was taken by robbers and victimized. This was not a beggar on the street looking for a free handout. Now I am not against giving to the poor, but I do think that it has to be balanced with 2 Thess 3:10. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat. There are also many commands against idleness. We are called to be working for the kingdom, not lazy for the kingdom. Last fall, I took a brother in who had no place to stay. He was disowned by his Muslim family because of his faith in Christ. He was more of an acquaintance as I did not know him that well. I was talking with a group of friends in church and he mentioned that he was kicked out of his uncle�s house and was living out of his car. I was convicted that someone in the church should help out, and that was me. So I offered my place while he found something. Well soon after he lost his job, and wasn�t able to pay any rent. My roommate and I helped him with food and gas as well as getting his car fixed when it broke down. 5 months later, he still had not found a job, and let all his bills pile up to the point of car repossession. Last month I informed him that enough is enough and he had one month to leave. I sometimes wish I never offered to help. He didn�t take any responsibility for himself, so it all fell on me. I no I was supposed to help, but maybe our (Rob and I) generosity enabled him to be lazy and avoid the hard lessons of life. Maybe this was something the Lord is teaching him. So I am struggling with finding the balance of helping the needy and rebuking the deadbeats.