A Love for Scripture
Psalm 119:116
Opening Story
- Story of a daughter returning from Central America with an unexpected fiancé
- Emphasis on misunderstanding and preconceived notions
- Transition to the importance of interpretation (hermeneutics)
Importance of Hermeneutics
- How we understand scripture is crucial
- Prejudices and personal questions can hinder proper interpretation
- Scripture’s purpose is to reveal the mind of God
Theme Verse Introduction
- Introduction of Psalm 119:116
- Overview of Psalm 119 and its structure
- Historical context and significance, particularly in early Christianity
Psalm 119 Overview
- Description of the psalmist's situation and structure of Psalm 119
- Emphasis on the psalmist's love for God and His law
Focus on Psalm 119:116
- Exegesis of Psalm 119:116
- The psalmist's appeal to God based on His promises
Repetition of the Phrase “According to Your Word”
- Examination of various verses in Psalm 119 that repeat this phrase (e.g., Psalm 119:25, 28, 37, 41, 58, 65)
- The psalmist’s appeal for sustenance based on God's word
Dual Motifs in the Psalm
- First Motif: Appeal for relief from suffering based on God’s promises
- Second Motif: Love for God’s law and finding solace in it despite suffering
Love for the Law Over Personal Relief
- The psalmist’s comprehensive view of God's word
- The centrality of Torah in the psalmist's life
Application
Proper Approach to Scripture
- Avoid imposing personal questions and prejudices on the text
- Emphasize listening to what God is saying through scripture
- Historical understanding from monastic practices (Rule of Saint Benedict)
Personal Illustrations
- Example of a student misinterpreting scripture due to contemporary biases
- Anecdote of Dr. Bingham’s interaction with a New Testament scholar emphasizing the importance of knowing the text over theology
Final Reflections
- Challenge to love God’s word for what it is, not just for personal benefit
- Encouragement to approach scripture with a desire to understand God’s mind and heart
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.