What is hermeneutics you may ask? I am glad you ask. It is the art and science of interpreting Scripture. To learn about hermeneutics, please go and watch Herman Who? by Todd Friel on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdj7nEZYT7k
So let's begin with Matthew 6:1 - 4.
Quote:
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
We'll begin by doing a 5 step model:
1) Observation
2) How wide is the river?
3) What is the principle?
4) Does the New Testament change my understanding of an Old Testament text?
5) Application
As we go down through the list, I will explain a little on how to do it. The best way is to get knowledge of the book. We are in Matthew, so this is an account of what Jesus was teaching the disciples. And as we look down here in Chapter 6, there is something to note, but I won't give you the details until later in the chapter. So let's dive into this chapter.
1) Observing the text. What does it say?
"Do not be like the hypocrites. The hypocrites are like to be seen of men and they give alms, or give money to the poor because they desire public recognition. They already have their reward. But for us, Christians, we should give money in secret that our Father in Heaven shall bless us openly."
That is taking 4 verses and condense it down to only a few sentences without taking anything out of context or hurting the verses.
2) How wide is the river? How much of a difference between us and the original audience?
Not much. Jesus is teaching the disciples about how to live a Godly life. It is a teaching to all of the followers of Jesus Christ.
For the rest of the chapter, I might exclude this from the list because it is basically the same thing.
3) What is the principle?
God is telling us that He desire us to do things in secret. The ones that desires public recognition, may have their reward, but it is not everlasting. But when we give in secret, we will be blessed by the Father. He rather for us to seek Him than seek public recognition.
4) Does the New Testament change my understanding to an Old Testament text?
No. I will exclude this from Chapter 6 as well, just like the 2nd principle.
5) Application
1. Do we give to the poor?
2. Do we try and give money in secret, or do we only do it in public?
3. God sees our motives and desires.
4. Are we seeking man's approval or are we willing to wait for your Heavenly Father’s reward?
