INTRODUCTION

A dramatic change is in the air.  What started as a cultural phenomenon of the Western world has gone global.  It affects the economy, the work force, education, social life and even the church.   We have become an information society. 

The onset of the personal computer has had something to do with the rapid growth of this cultural phenomenon.  But even the personal computer is more a by‑product or a symptom than a cause.  Data bases filled with important and unimportant factoids seem to grow exponentially.  Never before has the world possessed so much knowledge of so many things.  Medical science is capable of nearly miraculous feats.  Space technology has advanced to a point that was considered science fiction only a few generations ago.  Even as I write we are on the verge of developing electro-superconductor technology that will revolutionize energy consumption; and if we ever learn to harness the potential of antimatter, life will truly be like the Jetsons.    

Our love affair with information has even spawned a new form of entertainment.  We call it trivia.  Played on television, in homes, in schools, by the young and the old, its popularity is almost cultic.  We are a society of trivia buffs.  We even have Bible trivia. 

Unwittingly, with our enthusiasm for trivia some have effectively lowered the Bible to that of another information book, a mere factoid database.  Not that Bible trivia itself is a problem, or even that it is wrong.  But it is a symptom of an attitude that permeates the Western world and the Western Christian Church.  

Bible knowledge abounds.  Radio programs, TV programs, commentaries, books and more books litter our airwaves and bookshelves.  What used to be the domain of the clergy is now open territory.  Today, there is little respect for the theologian.   This is aptly illustrated by the near demise of the degree, Th.D.  (doctor of theology).  Once considered the highest degree in academia, today even most Christians don’t know what it is. 

These respected leaders educated in ministry, theology, hermeneutics, Greek, Hebrew, logic and philosophy are being replaced by virtually untrained spiritual cheerleaders.  Oh, these new leaders have memorized a lot of biblical data and they are able to make the congregation feel good about themselves; but to truly understand the faith and to effectively guard against false teaching, is not their forte, and we suffer for it. 

I am convinced that although Bible knowledge abounds, we are in a theological famine.  Christians are reading their Bibles; but are they understanding what they read?  Can they understand what they read without the proper tools?  Who is providing those tools?    Not the cheerleaders; they, themselves do not possess them.  

A few things must be understood about Bible study.  Accurate Bible knowledge requires accurate historical knowledge.  The Bible was written many hundreds of years ago and therefore, by necessity, requires more attention than does yesterday’s newspaper.  Merely reading these ancient, sacred passages and leaping to some manufactured modern application is a leap of ignorance.  Secondly, we have a rich history of educated theologians, spiritual men used of God to defend the faith—it is in our best interests to consider what they have to say.  Thirdly, we must know why we study the Bible.  Our obedience to its precepts is far more important than understanding the proper eschatological implications of 2 Thessalonians 2, or even more menial, knowing the name of Lamech’s two wives. 

The scope then of our personal Bible study is not the memorization factoids to ensure the Tuesday night Bible trivia championship; the scope is application and obedience.  But we cannot apply what we do not understand; and it is counter productive to apply what we misunderstand.  Understanding does not come without a price.  The price is diligent, accurate, study.

I hope that your personal Bible study is for accuracy, understanding, application and obedience, rather than mere trivia.   If so, then this book is for you.  It does not tell you what the Bible is saying, but it does provide you with the tools to determine that for yourself.  Section I, explains the need for and the philosophy behind hermeneutics, or biblical interpretation.  Section II, presents a systematic procedure for biblical interpretation.  And Section III, demonstrates this systematic process using 3 John 8 as a model text.  You will find the material concise, informative and an excellent text for classroom or group study.

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