Cover to Cover - The Bible Through Three Lenses | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

The Bible Through Three Lenses | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

Pastor Greg Ford's sermon emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible through literary, historical, and theological lenses. By understanding the context and structure of scripture, believers can deepen their relationship with God and gain insights into His messages.

Key Points

  1. Literary Lens: Understanding the genre and literary devices used in scripture helps reveal the author's intent.

  2. Historical Lens: Contextualizing the scripture within its historical setting provides clarity on its meaning and relevance.

  3. Theological Lens: Examining the theological implications encourages believers to apply biblical truths to their lives.

    Scripture References

    • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

    • Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Conclusion:

Interpreting the Bible through these three lenses enriches our understanding and application of God's Word. By engaging with scripture thoughtfully, we can grow in faith and live out the teachings of Christ more effectively.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can understanding the literary genre of a biblical text change our interpretation of it?

  2. In what ways can historical context enhance our understanding of a specific scripture passage?

  3. What does it mean for scripture to be "God-breathed," and how does that influence our view of the Bible?

  4. How can we apply the teachings of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 in our daily lives?

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help us to approach scripture with open hearts and minds, seeking to understand it through the lenses of literature, history, and theology. May Your Holy Spirit guide our discussions and deepen our understanding of Your truths. Equip us to live out Your Word in our lives and share it with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

One Church