Christian Teaching Ministry

Lesson 3 Identifying the Big Idea

Steps of Bible Study

Observation Interpretation Generalization Application
What does it say?

What does it mean?

What is the big idea?

Whats the difference? What must I change?

Implementation

Steps of Bible Study

Observation Interpretation Generalization Application Implementation
What does it mean?
What is the big idea?

Step 2: Interpretation
What does it mean?
Agree or Disagree: Every

passage of scripture has only one meaning.

One interpretation
Range of applications

The author had a specific

intention when writing. authors intent.

Our job is to identify the

Rule 1: Continuity of the Message

Gods Word does not

contradict itself.

How does your passage fit

into the overall message of Scripture? passage is unclear, compare it to clear teaching on the same subject.

James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

If the meaning of a

Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Rule 2: Context of the Material

A passages meaning is

determined by its context. a pretext!

A text without a context is

How does your passage fit

into the rest of the book?

What is its place in the

Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to Him, I will give You all these things if You will fall down and worship me.

train of thought? include it?

Why did the author

Rule 3: Customary Meaning

Scripture should be

interpreted literally or realistically.

If the plain sense makes

sense, seek no other sense!

What is the straightforward

meaning of your passage? your passage in your own words.

Summarize the teaching of

I know the answer has to be Jesus but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me.

Incorrect Interpretation
Allegorization
Reads a spiritual

Demythologization
Removes supernatural

meaning into the text. plenior, or fuller meaning.

elements from the text. presumed historical event with a kernel of truth.

Sometimes called sensus

Boils the text down to a

Example: David and

Goliath is a metaphor for facing our fears in life.

Example: Jesus fed the

5000 by setting a good example, encouraging everyone to share.

Step 3: Generalization
What is the big idea? A single-sentence

statement of the main point of the text. passages meaning.

Basic summary of the Bridges the gap

Big Idea

between the Bible and today.

The Big Idea

How many points should a

good sermon (or Bible lesson) have?

ONE!

Subject

Complement

Helps structure and order

the lesson.

Brings focus and

consistency to the communication process. complement

Consists of a subject and a

Big Idea

The Subject
Psalm 1
What is the author talking
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

about?

Determine the general

topic of your passage.

Delight in Gods Law

Subject of Psalm 1:

The Complement
Psalm 1
What is the author saying

about what he is talking about?

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Always contains a verb,

usually involving some sort of response or result.

Guiding people in making

Complement of Psalm 1: wise choices.

Big Idea of Psalm 1

Delight in Gods Law Guiding in wise choices

Delight in Gods Law guides people in making wise choices.