Twelve Personal Theological Affirmations for the Student of Scripture

I do not remember where I got this, but I put it in notes for a hermeneutics class I taught. I ran across it today and thought it worth sharing:

Twelve Personal Theological Affirmations for the Student of Scripture


1. I must do more than quote a Scripture and then depart from it; in depth study and understanding of the text is absolutely necessary.

2. The best way to teach Biblical knowledge is to interpret correctly and apply personally what I have learned.

3. Both kerygma (preaching) and didache (teaching) are essential in gospel proclamation; Scripture (especially the New Testament) does not maintain a clear distinction between the two.

4. Preaching and teaching God’s Word is the primary responsibility of the pastor, but it is the responsibility also of every believer.

5. When Biblical instruction is neglected, the people's morals become unclear and/or readily decline.

6. Throughout history God has used the dual elements of preaching and teaching to reform the church.

7. The content of Scripture must not be sacrificed for eloquence in delivery, though one can and should complement the other.

8. Since Bible study is waning, the laity must be trained how to study the Bible on their own as they imitate expository methods used by their preachers and teachers.

9. Faithful teaching equips and inspires people to work and witness.

10. Faithful teaching demands a high view of Scripture (verbal, plenary in it inspiration).

11. Faithful teaching encourages people to bring their Bibles to church; it encourages them to read passages to be taught beforehand and to study them afterwards as well.

12. Through faithful and comprehensive teaching, important problems will be handled in a systematic fashion; sharp and uncomfortable truths are more readily accepted when addressed from the Bible in the natural course of study.