When an individual first begins to study the Bible from a theological perspective, he or she learns quickly that there are "rules" to biblical interpretation. The first rule being, "let the scripture interpret the scripture." This basically means that when you read a scripture and the meaning of that scripture is not clear to you, the first step is to seek out other scriptures in the Bible that relate to the scripture you are reading. Often this will either complement and/or amplify the text to bring you to a greater understanding of the total message that that text is conveying. Always remember that the though there are 66 books in the Bible (39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament), there is one central message that is expressed and you should be able to discover doctrinal continuity and permanence no matter what the subtopic is. Sometimes what seems like an apparent contradiction could be a simple misunderstanding.
After you have gained the basic meaning then you can proceed to dissecting the passage inductively by asking who, what, when, where, why, and how. We call this exegesis. Well, it's basic exegesis due to the fact that normally during an inductive study you're not doing a critical study of the original languages. Basically, exegesis is the derivation of the literal meaning of the scriptures you are studying. It is the "pulling out" of the meaning of the the text. However, sometimes we do what we call isogesis.
Historically, isogesis has meant that when one approaches a biblical text they approach it with their own presuppositions, predispositions, and preconceived notions based on the temporal experiences of life. No one can escape that. We are still in time and space. When I open the Bible I can only bring me and what I've seen, what I know, what I've heard, and what I've experienced in this life. The challenge is divesting yourself of everything you've seen, everything you know, and everything you've heard and experienced and approach God's word with the psychological and spiritual simplicity of a child.
However, isogesis can also mean the "pulling in" of the text. It's when you've done your exegesis, but you see something else there that was not seen on the surface. Your goal is not to change the meaning of the text but maybe a phrase or word caught your attention in a particular verse and you want to develop that thought. Well, that's what I want to do today, but I had to lay out a 4-paragraph (sorry about that) disclaimer so that you guys wouldn't think I am deliberately bastardizing the scriptures.
I don't recommend isogesis or a heavy leaning towards topical preaching as a normal practice. In other words, the culture should not be influencing what we preach. I believe exegetical study leads to effective expository preaching and teaching brings you into the intended revelation of God's Word and also encourages the lay believer to enter into his/her own study more often.
With that said I want to very briefly look at 1 Corinthians 4 and verse 15 from an "isogetical" standpoint. The text says, "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel."
Obviously, the same thing is happening today. We've got a lot of great teachers, but not many mature ones. Sadly, many of those who have not reached the state of maturity are pastoring churches. (Well, I guess I am doing some exegesis, but it was good information for you anyway, *smile*) We've also got teachers who are mature, but they're not spiritual fathers in that they refuse to prepare the generation behind them.
Preachers in today's time want leadership positions in the church too fast, and the older ones won't let go. I believe in the sovereignty and the providence of God, but it's hurting real Christians. People are leaving the church over premature promotion of personality-driven, sub-culture personality pimps disguised as men of God, and because of pastors who are either power drunk, naive or just completely disobedient to the voice of God that is calling for transition and the changing of the guard. We have NO fathers...it's time for a change.
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