Scott Palmer - HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE

- Observation: What does it say?
- Correlation: What do other verses say?
- Interpretation: What does it mean?
-Application: What will I DO about it?

1. The historical content.
Key to good Biblical Interpretation: Context!!!!
2. Define key words.
What Does It Mean?
A branch (believer) remains in the vine (Jesus) and bears fruit.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” John 15:5 (CSB)

3. Application.

Fruitfulness Reveals

• The maturity (depth) of my faith.

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (CSB)
Point: Fruit is seen in my character.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB)

•  Jesus to the world.

“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” John 15:8 (CSB)
Point: Fruit is seen in my commitments.
“…we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9b-10 (CSB)