dividingTRUTH



	Bible Lesson: “ Rightly Dividing The Word of God ” Prepared by George R. Nava Scripture Reading: 11 Timothy 3:16, 11 Timothy 2:15 11 Pet 1:19-21 It is imperative that we not only read the bible but understand it And though there are many views as to how to interpret the bible, be it allegorical, mystical, devotional, typologically and literally? and while some of these methods may have some form of value, and credit, the bible is and always was intended to be interpreted literally. Another important area of consideration is who is the bible speaking to? consider this statement, while all the bible is for us, not all the bible is about us? nor to us? The bible addresses 3 specific groups of peoples.. 1. Jews 2. saints 3. aints (sinners, gentile nations) It is from the literal method of interpretation that we get the dispensational message and meaning of the bible.(bible deals with 7 distinct time periods) also known as dispensationalism and along side this is Covenant Theology Let us first define the word Dispensationalism: A particular way in which God deals with mankind in regards to salvation , sin, and responsibility, usually within the context if a certain time frame. biblically there are 7 dispensations wherein man is given opportunity to know and relate to God in a specific way, each which ends in some form of judgment with mans refusal to obey God. We must realize that the bible speaks to specific groups of peoples at various times, giving them promises (known as covenants) some conditional and unconditional, these cannot be applied to another time era or peoples other than to whom given. Another point to consider is that man is not given the opportunity to interpret scripture as he pleases or reasons? for the word interprets it- self and does not have various meanings other than what is stated, was not just written by man but by Holy sprit led men. 11 Pet. 1:20-21 Another point to consider is that the bible is not always written in chronological order? we must at times read it bearing this in mind. Realize that because of mans sinful nature he is spiritually dead and unable to rightly discern or understand Gods word or will, man is without Gods presence spiritually ignorant and his mind and heart is darkened not able to grasp the things and principles of God he needs help, he needs spiritual life and light! “ for what man knows the things of God save the spirit of God (within him) (the carnal man does not have the spirit of God in him) ..and what man knows the things of man save the spirit of man within him.. for he cannot know neither can he discern the things of God..” being spiritually dead, I said all that to say this, we cannot fully understand Gods will and purpose outside of relationship with him, outside of having his spirit dwelling within us, for it is thru the spirit that he leads and directs us.. “ ..but the anointing which ye have received ..abides in you.. but as the same anointing teaches you of all things and is truth..” likewise the spirit helpeth.. for we know not what we should.. but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us.. and he that searcheth the heart knoweth all things , and what is the mind of the spirit.. for the word is (which became flesh & dwelt among us and now lives within us) is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the hearts..” 1 John 2:27, Romans 8:26-27, Hebrews 4:12 So until man has a born again redemptive experience he will remain in spiritual darkness unable to understand spiritual matters or concepts This does not mean man will not be able to understand the message or principles of salvation for this message is clear to all unlike the doctrinal and theological concepts which takes some efforts at study and research. Before one seeks to interpret scripture he/she should: Have a respect for the Word and the God of the word. understand that the word is Life & Spirit, & God breathed. 11 Tim 3:16, John 6:63 Have the illumination of Holy Spirit, the word is spirit given and should be spiritually discerned & revealed thru that same Spirit. Heb 4:12 Have a consistent time of prayer where he seeks the assistance of God thru the Holy spirit . Acts 6:4, James 4:15-16 Have a time of meditation where one takes a moment to reflect on the word and how it may be applicable to his/ her life? Joshua 1:8 Ps 1:1-2 METHODS OF INTERPRETATION: 1. The Allegorical, denies the literal meaning of scripture for a hidden meaning not apparent on the surface. 2. The Mystical, it also looks for a hidden meanings but with emphasis on the mystical or magical . 3. The Devotional, with emphasis on the edifying aspects of scripture looking for inspiration and encouragement. 4. The Rationalistic, trying to ration or reason the scriptures thru mans logic or reason? denies miracles, the literal meaning of interpretation and that the word is inspired of God. 5. The literal, gives the scripture the actual or literal meaning that is implied thru normal usage unless otherwise indicated. 1. The Dispensation of Innocence: dealing with the creation and fall of man, in their innocent state where man had no knowledge of sin and evil. Man had certain responsibilities in the garden and personal communion with God which sin broke and thus brought separation.for sin (satan)always separates! but mercy and love (God)restores. “for the devil comes not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that you might have life and life abundant ” John 10:10-1, Gen. 1:26, 2:25 within this era was the Adamic and Edenic covenant. 2. The Dispensation of conscience: Dealing with man after his fall, through his awakened conscience? man having lost spiritual life as derived from communion with God, he then became subject to the law of sin and death ”for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is life..” “ for the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.” Rom 6:23, 8:2-3, It is during this time that mans conscience was influenced by and filled with rebellion and evil continually. A LOOK AT THE BIBLE DISPENSATIONS: It was because of this spiritual death that man became controlled or guided by the soulish nature, the mind, will, emotions, and selfish nature of mankind, hence where he was once led and directed by the spirit he was now under the influence of the carnal nature. And he was in need of restoration of his relationship and communion with the divine where he could once again be given spiritual life and power over the forces of darkness. That spiritual life came in the form of the holy spirit on the day of Pentecost as found in the book of Acts 2:1-4, 36-39, and as promised in John 10:9-11, and 14:1-3, 16-18, 26, whereby man was given back the authority to exercise his dominion, but until then he would have to be governed and guided by the conscience thus the Dispensation of Conscience. This period ended with the flood due to judgment because of mans sin and rebellion, with this end came the Noahic covenant. “where God promised that he would never flood the earth again” and gave man the rainbow in the sky as a symbol and reminder of his promise, protection and concern for him.(mankind) 3. The Dispensation of Human Government: After the flood this is the period in which God began to deal with man on a more general basis, whereas in the time of conscience it was on a individual level, with human government it included both, while still using the conscience, God chose to organize man individually and nationally despite the fact that mans conscience was becoming more evil and insensitive to Gods leading and correction. It was Gods desire for man to be governed by a theocracy God centered relationship & leadership vs. democracy man centered relationship & leadership, you can read about it in the book of Kings. Where man desired a mans leadership over Gods leadership? “ give us a king.” let us make us a name.. let us build us a tower.? this period ended in judgment as God confused the peoples language and scattered them abroad, the very command they refused to obey? as found in Genesis 9:1-16, 11: 1-8 4. The Dispensation of Promise: From the call of Abraham to the exodus some 430 years are covered, here God dealt directly with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whereby giving them specific promises and commandments from which would come the Abrahamic covenant, Davidic covenant, Palestinian covenant.. see Genesis 11:10, 12:1-3, 13:14-17, 15:6, 26:2-3, Exodus 15:21, here is where we must realize we cannot take a bible promise from one dispensation or covenant and try to place it in another time or covenant, or to another group of people this is unbiblical and is called anachronizing we must read and apply scripture in context of proper biblical hermeneutics and in its literal sense. this period ended in Gods judgment with the nation of Israel in slavery under the oppressive Egyptians. The Dispensation of the Law: From the time of Sinai to Calvery, after God delivered Israel out of slavery and gave them the law or ten commandments, of which in reality consisted of 613 commandments? This law was given specifically to the Jews not us or others? it was a covenant (the Mosaic covenant) given to them to distinguish, separate, guide and keep them from the ungodly nations around them. this does not mean that the law is not applicable to us? for there were within it some inherent eternal principles that apply to all peoples and were established before the giving of the law for instance “ thou shall not kill” this is one of the many principles of law that always has applied to all people. This law also had 3 divisions or areas of concern: 1. The ceremonial: Dealing with the sacrificial offerings, their food consumption and preparation, feast days, hygiene and clothing, etc. 2. The civil: Dealing with their civil relations & disputes with each other and other nations, their institutions, governments, cities, etc. 3. The Social: Dealing with their interactions with each other. The law ended when it was fulfilled in and by Jesus Christ, for the law was never intended to bring righteousness, “ for what the law could not do in that it was weak thru the flesh..” it was only meant to point out our weakness as humans and inability to measure up thus needing help from a greater source! the law was a school master (pedigagos) meant to lead us to God. The law was somewhat temporal whereas Jesus is eternal. Yet their are principles inherent in the law which predated it and are still to be obeyed by all, and beneficial for all. Exodus 19, Matt 5:17-18, John 19: 30, Galatians 3:15-19, this ended with judgment and the temple being destroyed the Jews scattered and temporal loss of their homeland, which was prophetically promised that one day they would return and retain their land back as a nation. (1948?) Jerusalem being their capital? for more information read these; Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Isaiah. The Dispensation of Grace: This began from the Day of Pentecost as found in book of Acts chapter two, and extends to the 2nd coming of Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation. The benefit and advantage of this Covenant of Grace as compared to that of the law is that we are no longer subject to the harsh requirements of the law as they pertain to salvation. ” for ye are saved by grace not of works.. ” for by grace through faith..saved ..and not of yourselves.. We are now under grace but this does not mean that we are to live in sin for where sin abounds grace does much more abound! “ ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free..” if any man be in Christ he is a new creation old things have passed away behold all things have become new ..” be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.. and be not conformed to this world..” having your minds renewed is “by the washing of the water of the word..” It is during this time era of Grace that the rapture (removal of the church) will take place at an unknown time prior to the tribulation and before the 2nd coming of Christ. (read) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 11Thess. 2:1-7, The Dispensation of the Millennium: Here is where all the unfulfilled promises (covenants)of the bible to the Jews will be fulfilled after Jesus returns , the nations are judged, the beast and false prophet cast into lake of fire, Satan bound 1000 years, and Jesus rules upon the throne on the earth for 1,000 years. This program is specifically for the Jewish nation but will include to some extent other peoples.( peace and paradise will be restored once again). Some important principles to consider in bible interpretation: 1. The first mention principle looking at the full meaning of the first mention of a subject or event, and staying within that consistency. 2. The Double reference principle when an event may be partially fulfill at one time and then again in greater detail at another time. 3. The Ethnic Division principle dealing with applying the word correctly to the 3 different groups of individuals addressed in scripture. 4.The progressive mention principle sometimes the bible builds on a progressive basis, adding more and more detail with each mention of it. 5. The Gap principle where certain periods of time are ignored leaping over years or centuries without comment about that era. 6. The type principle where typology is used as a divinely appointed illustration of some truth, where one thing, institution or person actually . represents or points to another. There are 6 types in scripture (1) persons (3) Offices (5) actions (2) institutions (4) events (6) things 7. The parabolic principle where truth is revealed to some while concealed to others; A.. A parable is a comparison between the natural realm and the spiritual realm. B. every parable is designed to conceal and reveal one fundamental spiritual truth. C. It is essential that one determines whether a passage is a parable or a literal real event or story? D. All parables should be interpreted in light of their historical and cultural background including the manners, and customs. In closing let us remember although there are or were several dispensations in scripture in which God dealt with man in a specific way, however the way of salvation has never changed? 1. The basis of salvation in every age is the death of Christ. “for as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, from.. vain conversation received by traditions from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ..” 2. The requirement for salvation in every age is Faith “for without faith it is impossible to please God” 3. The object of faith is God. “have faith in God” “for who so ever shall call upon the name of the lord..” 4. The content of faith ( or the way faith is expressed) changes in the various dispensations. thru the law, sacrifices, Grace etc. Prepared by : George R. Nava 2170 e. Market St. Stk, Ca phone -46-59731