A case for studying the bible inductively or the danger of isolation in interpretation.
Hebrews…what comes to your mind? Is it Hebrews 11 – the “hall of faith” chapter? Or maybe you think of it as the “by faith” chapter, as it lists many Old Testament examples of people who lived by faith.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
What you may not think of is who wrote this letter…why he wrote it or even to whom he originally wrote. When we only pick out a favorite verse from a book of the bible, or even a chapter, and ignore the reason for the verse, we run the danger of misunderstanding it and misusing it.
On the other hand…when we read the entire book or even an entire chapter of the book and look at the verse in the context is was written, we are more likely to understand the intended meaning of the verse from both the author’s perspective and more importantly from God’s perspective. Remember…
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Heartland Precepts 