When you want to

understand a passage... a a beginner’

beginner’s guides guide

‣ Observe: What does the text say?

‣ Interpret: What does the text mean?

‣ Apply: What does the text mean for us?

An example: Colossians 4:5

‘Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.’

Observe.What does the text say?Paul calls us to be ‘wise’ in the ways that we relate to a group of people it calls ‘outsiders’. Paul also tells us not to waste any ‘opportunities’.

Interpret.What does the text mean?‣What constitutes wisdom? ‘Fear of the Lord’ (Pr 1:7) (i.e. respect / awe), ‘Wise as serpents’ (Mt 10:16)‣What’s an ‘opportunity’? wasted or otherwise...? Context of proclaiming and talking about Jesus (Col 4:4,6)

Apply.What does the text mean for us?‣We should put God first (fear him above any other, allowing his word to govern our lives instead of cultural pressures, being discerning in our interactions with non-Christians)‣We should take the opportunities God gives us to talk about our faith to people outside our church.‣.... and more ....

‘Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.’ (Col 4:5)Live discerning lives, according to the Bible, instead of by culture; and talk about Jesus with the people you know outside Church whenever you can.

‣ Observe: What does the text say?

‣ Interpret: What does the text mean?

‣ Apply: What does the text mean for us?