Literal-Grammatical-Historical Hermeneutic and the Coming Kingdom of God

Daniel 2:44-49
With Fred Anderson

Check out our website...

[fredanderson]

Sermon Notes for this message:

Hermeneutic and the Coming Kingdom of God
Daniel 2:44-49

Hermeneutic

(1) The goal of biblical interpretation is to discover the original authors’ (human and divine) intended meaning of a biblical text and to glorify God by applying its truths to our own lives in legitimate and practical ways.

(2) The original authors’ intended meaning of a passage of Scripture can be discovered by applying the method of interpretation to a biblical text as it is studied within its context.

(3) The meaning of a passage of Scripture is found in that passage (principle of passage priority) (Michael J. Vlach).

Literal – The literal method of interpretation approaches Scripture in the normal, customary way in which we talk, write, and think (Roy B. Zuck).

Grammatical – The first step in Bible study is Observation which asks and answers the question, “What do I see?” This involves paying attention to the grammatical elements used by the author to convey his message. Here are a few grammatical elements we want to observe:

1.) Key words or phrases;
2.) Grammatical constructions;
3.) Commands, warnings, promises;
4.) Cause and Effect statements;
5.) Contrasts (“but”), comparisons (“as” or “like”);
6.) Repetition and progression of ideas (i.e., lists);
7.) Questions;
8.) Figures of speech, symbols, and illustrations;
9.) Important connectives:
but – introduces a contrast;
if – introduces a conditional clause;
because, for, since, therefore – introduces reasons and results;
in, into, with – indicates the relationship between two words;
in order that – sets forth a purpose;
as, like – comparison;
10.) Identify the genre, the type of literature you are studying;
11.) Identify the general structure of the passage;
12) Examine the surrounding context.

Historical – Identify the historical context/setting of the passage being studied by asking questions such as who, what, where, when, why, and how of the passage. Who is the author? Who are the recipients? When and where did the events described take place? What is the historical and cultural setting? What factors led to the writing of the passage or book?

BIG Idea: (1) Each passage of Scripture has one meaning which is the original authors’ intended meaning, but it can have multiple implications and applications. (2) Using the method of interpretation is the best way to discover the original authors’ intended meaning of a text and ought to be consistently applied to all Scripture including prophecy.

What is Jesus’ relationship to the fulfillment of prophecy? (1) Jesus literally fulfills the messianic prophecies made about Him in the OT; and (2) Jesus will literally bring to fulfillment the remaining unfulfilled OT covenants, promises, and prophecies just as they were given (see Mike Vlach, Dispensational Hermeneutics, 61).

The Coming Kingdom of God (2:31-45)

Through his dream and Daniel’s interpretation, God sovereignly reveals to Nebuchadnezzar that there will be four great kingdoms on earth before the coming of the literal and eternal kingdom which will be established by God that will put an end to all other kingdoms.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Praise and Daniel’s Promotion (2:46-49)

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and did homage to Daniel, and gave orders to present to him an offering and fragrant incense.
47 The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.”
48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.
49 And Daniel made request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego over the administration of the province of Babylon, while Daniel was at the king's court.

Application

1. Always use the method of interpretation when you study any passage of Scripture.

2. Be selective in who you watch and listen to on the web.

I would recommend you watch the videos on Michael Vlach’s YouTube channel and read his book, Dispensational Hermeneutics.