This document provides guidance on properly interpreting and understanding Scripture. It emphasizes coming to Scripture with humility and allowing it to shape one's understanding. It also stresses considering the author's intended meaning, the historical and literary context, God's character as revealed in Scripture, and the overarching narrative of redemption that spans from Creation to the New Creation. The document presents redemption as occurring in five acts: Creation, the Fall, the Covenant Community, Jesus, and the New Creation, with believers called to improvise within the harmony of this overall story.

1. Class 12:
Moving Forward
Dial #4
Dial #4
Dial #4

2. Dial 1: Humility
• When we read Scripture,we need to come with a
humble, listening heart.
• When we read Scripture, we need to allow it to shape
us.
• When we read Scripture, we need to be looking for a
Who before a what.

3. A uthor’s
I ntended
M eaning
eaning
eaning
What did the author
want the original
audience to hear?

4. Historical Context
Literary Context
Context
•“What did this mean to them in their
environment?”
THEN
NOW

5. Dial 3: Theology
• What does Scripture say about the
character of God?
• Who is this God?
• Theology = the study of the nature of
God

6. Dial 4: Redemption
• What is God doing with creation, and
what role does the Bible play in that plan?
• What is the arch of the Bible?

7. Creation (Genesis 11
2)
Oneness or Harmony with God, self, others,
world

8. 2
Fall (Genesis 311)
Brokenness or Harmony with God, self,
others, world

9. 3
Covenant
Community
(Genesis 12-Malachi)
God builds a covenant community
pointing to oneness once again

10. 4
Jesus
(Matthew - John)
Perfect oneness with
God, self, others, world

11. 5
New Creation
(Acts-Revelation)
Building oneness with
God, self, others, world through Jesus

12. In the 5th act we have the freedom to
improvise, but we must stay in harmony
with the other acts.