4.6 UA: PHILOSOPHY OF APPROACH TO SCRIPTURES PAPER

Order Description
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
At the end of the day, you decide what kind of Gospel communicator you will be. Sound Bible
expositors did not come from the womb that way. They honed their approach to a high view of
scripture over a period of months, years, and decades. In other words, sound Bible exposition is
the quest of a lifetime.

You decide if you will give yourself to a life of study (see Fred Craddock’s suggestions on a life of
study, unit 2 PowerPoint). Dr. Phil McGraw said, “All you will ever be, you are now becoming.”
What kind of student are you evolving into? Is study something you plan to endure in college,
and then put behind you when you graduate? (God forbid!) In the best possible scenario, you
are developing a healthy respect for the primacy of the Word, and study habits in the academy
that will follow you all the days of your life. When, like Peter in the winter of his life, you are old,
white-headed and bent, you will want to leave a legacy of the primacy of the Word.

Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
??Write a philosophy of approach to the scriptures.

RESOURCES
??Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
You have consulted the scriptures regarding a proper handling of the Word. You have examined
the example of those who have done poorly at biblical interpretation and application, with their
attendant results. You have also examined the ministry of one who did it well, along with the
results they left behind. Now is the time for you to write your own manifesto of biblical
interpretation and application; in short, to write a philosophy of your approach to the scriptures.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Find a quiet place of reflection.
2. In a 3 page paper write down those things that matter to you most when studying God’s
Word – be specific:
a. What role will exegesis and hermeneutics play in your study and Gospel communication?
b. What will be your non-negotiables when examining the scriptures, interpreting them, and sharing your findings with others?
c. What do you want the end result of your Gospel communication to be? When you are done with a sermon, what do you want your audience to take away?
d. When you are an old man or woman, what do you want people who have heard you preach and teach say about your ministry of the Word? What do you want your legacy to be? Be specific.
3. Submit in Word format.