Instructional Objectives

After studying this continuing education minicourse, you should be able to do the following: HIPSA 1.1

1. Recognize that while a “private interpretation” of inspired writings may seem to satisfy personal needs, the prophetic writer’s ultimate purpose (see 2 Peter 1:20) is not accomplished until you understand the principles underlying his or her message to you. HIPSA 1.2

2. Realize that what an inspired writer means may be even more important in arriving at truth than what the writer says. (The words of the message are the symbols; understanding their meaning is the goal.) HIPSA 1.3

3. Recognize that the use of rational, objective rules/ tools of hermeneutics (the science and art of deriving meaning) is not only legitimate and valid but also necessary in order to discern correctly the message that the inspired writer meant to convey. HIPSA 1.4

4. Identify and employ the appropriate role/tool to resolve various hermeneutical problems, thus “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). HIPSA 1.5