We continue our journey this week through Pete Greig’s new book, How To Hear God. We start with my slanted summary of Chapter 2.
Summary
Chapter 2 – Hearing God’s Word in the Bible: A major philosophical question throughout the ages has been, how do we know what is true? For Christians, it is the Bible that is our guide for knowing truth. This is why when Jesus appeared to the disciples on the Emmaus Road, he did not just appear to them but led them in an extensive Bible study to show them who he was. He ‘opened up the Scriptures to them.’ He used the Bible as his authority, and he interpreted it in a radically new way in light of himself, his death and resurrection. When we interpret it in this Jesus-shaped way, it has power to speak to us personally (our hearts burn within us). Pete Greig then shares personal examples from his own life on the power of the Bible to lead, guide, and strengthen in some of the most challenging times. This most significant, archetypal encounter with Jesus, is characterised not just by experience or emotion, but by the exposition of Scripture. We live in a culture that has prioritised subjective experience and the charismatic movement has emphasized this also. But experience must be accompanied by biblical explanation. Western culture has been shaped by the Bible. Many have revered it but most of us have neglected it. One reason is that no one has taught us how to read it. And it’s difficult – it is long, old and different from our culture. All disciples must learn to read it, then, with both head and heart. To read with our head means that we should learn at least a little about exegesis (what did any particular biblical passage mean in its original context) and hermeneutics – how do we read it now to unlock its meaning for us. Greig commends a Christological hermeneutic – reading all of Scripture through the lens of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When we do this, we make God’s love the central message of Scripture.
Some Key Quotes
This archetypal encounter with the resurrected Lord is signaled not by a dramatic experience, nor by an overpowering emotion, but rather merely by an extensive exposition of Scripture. (p.44)
‘…an extraordinary experience and a personal encounter are insufficient unless accompanied by a biblical explanation.’ (p.45)
The ultimate challenge of a Jesus – centered hermeneutic is that it makes love the lens through which we must henceforth read, interpret and apply all Scripture (p.57)
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Can you remember significant times in your life when the Bible has guided, strengthened, or encouraged you?
- What do you find difficult about reading, understanding, or applying the Bible?
- How do you think reading the Bible with a ‘Christological hermeneutic’ (a Christ-centered and Christ-shaped approach to understanding the Bible) might help you?
There is a PDF version of this study here.