UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF A TEXT
40 Days in the Word – Part 5
Steve Gallimore
November 7, 2021
Observation: What does it say? Interpretation: What does it mean?
Correlation: What other verses explain it? Application: What will I DO about it?
PROBLEM VERSE:
“If anyone doesn’t remain in me, he’s like a branch that’s thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” Vs. 6
SOME BASIC RULES OF INTERPRETATION
1.- CONSIDER THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT: WHO IS BEING
Ch. 13 to 17 = Jesus’ final words of comfort to his disciples before his arrest
“I’ve told you these things so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete!” Vs. 11
2.- DEFINE THE
“Love” = mentioned 9 times “Fruit” = mentioned 9 times
“Fruit” & “Fruitful” = 45 times in New Testament
What is meaning of “fruit” in this context?
3.- INTERPRET
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4
• BEARING FRUIT IS PRODUCED BY
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Vs. 8
• BEARING FRUIT BRINGS
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Vs. 11
• BEARING FRUIT WILL GIVE ME
4.- LOOK FOR THE MOST
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you!” Vs. 7
•
“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:13
•
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete!” John 16:24
• ANSWERED PRAYERS GIVES ME
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name!” Vs. 16
• I BEAR FRUIT BY
MY PERSONAL APPLICATION
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24