Rightly interpreting scripture

[Lik3]

Is it possible to re-read a passage, chapter, or the entire Word of God and get a completely different meaning or message from the Word each time? I have been reading up on passages in the New Testament concerning the Word of God and I would like to know if there is a danger in different interpretations of the same message such as a misinterpretation of scripture? For instance, I asked about the parable of the talents earlier and when I read it the first time, I thought it was about using talents. Then I read it again, and I thought it was about money and how to invest money to further the Kingdom. Then I read it again this past week and now I am just confused as to what really happens to the servant with the one talent. Why does he end up in Hell other than his laziness and wickedness; is he a false or hypocritical Christian who lacks faith in God? Or was he a true believer who has fallen "by the wayside" and has failed to grow in his faith and serve the Lord?

 

[MrJim]

Look at the thousands of denominations and you'll see there are all sorts of ways to interpret the Scriptures...and everyone thinks their interpretation is correct

 

[Knee V]

Look at the thousands of denominations and you'll see there are all sorts of ways to interpret the Scriptures...and everyone thinks their interpretation is correct

Thankfully mine is.

 

[damascusroad]

There is only one way. The Holy Spirit interprets it for you. That's it. The mind, will, emotions of man, that old sinful, soulish nature cannot interpret scripture. What then must one do? Surrender! Get out of the way! The Holy Spirit will speak to those who have been authentically born again. The others are spinning their wheels.

 

[heirmiles]

How are the talents like seeds in Jesus' other parables?
First, pray for guidance.

Figuring out who is being represented by the different 'yields' may be a later step in the hermeneutical process. First what is the over-arching idea of the parable. Then how do the details relate to that main idea. Parables were generally intended to teach a central truth.

Can you diagram the relationship between the parts with the whole? Each part will have some kind of relationship.

'2. Did Jesus explain the meaning of a particular parable, and then after the explanation tell other parables that are related to his explanation?

'3. Is Jesus teaching about 'the Kingdom' or about 'a person'?

Once the central truth is realized and the relationships in the passage are understood, then application (who is the good soil?) can be considered.

We tend to like going straight for application before we really understand what Jesus was actually saying...

Comparing Scripture with Scripture is always the safest way to go.

 

[heirmiles]

And yes, as you grow in the word you will understand more in scripture than you did before. The more understanding you reach, the more questions you will have.

 

[standingtall]

The Holy Spirit will speak to those who have been authentically born again. The others are spinning their wheels.

Translation: If you don't interpret the scriptures like I do / my church does, you have obviously not been born again.

 

[damascusroad]

Translation: If you don't interpret the scriptures like I do / my church does, you have obviously not been born again.

Not quite. Only the Holy Spirit interprets scripture. I or "my church" has nothing to do with it. One who is AUTHENTICALLY born again worships, praises, and discovers in the majestic Holy Spirit the awesome ability to get out of the way just to listen to what is being said. No guesswork, no brain power, no intellectualizing, none of that stuff. Just get out of the way so that He can speak clearly. HE never gets it wrong! .........and see 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 for blazing insight!