Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

PROPERTIES OF OUR MOTHER TONGUE

Language is fascinating, and among its many properties is mood. Verbs especially, and entire sentence construction in English will reveal mood as indicative, (simple statement usually of fact); imperative mood, (command), or subjunctive mood (expression of doubt, or condition). Wise expositors of the Word pay attention to mood as well as other aspects of context.

Accordingly, sounding forth the Word is not as simple as reading a sentence, and attempting to explain it without some research. Failure at this point has led many “would be” expositors of the word into eisegesis rather than exegesis. The latter is a correct explanation or exposition of a text based on careful research, and objective analysis. The former is the opposite. It is reading INTO a passage the reader’s interpretation or what he wants it to mean based on unstudied, subjective, and largely non-analytical conclusions. Obviously, this is the fodder hurled forth from many pulpits on a regular basis, but it is far afield of the command of exegetical methodology embodied in 2 Timothy 2:15.

A couple of cases in point, of so many examples that could be cited, are the common misinterpretations of Proverbs 29:18, and Acts 1:8. In Proverbs 29:18, it is not unusual for only the first part of the verse to be used. It is usually used to hammer away at the need for a congregation to build a new sanctuary or some similar project. However, only the slightest study will show that an understanding of covenantal terms is under consideration: in the Old Testament time: the Law, and in the New Testament: the faith once delivered to the saints. Those terms being “seen” “envisioned” “understood” in a faithful heart will solidify one to the preservation and reward of a well-lived life.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus said, “. . . and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” In these last instructions to His church, Jesus made simple declarative statements of what will be. It is an error to interpret this as a command. Accordingly, down through the centuries of time, in good times and in bad times, the church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth, has continued to employ the terms of the Great Commission to evangelize, baptize, and teach. This statement is singular but spoken to a congregation; hence, church. It is noted by the KJV discrimination of second person singular and plural (ye, and you). Moreover, every member of that body of Christ fulfills the statement. Truly, we are witnesses, but the question remains, what kind of witness are we?

FOR THOUGHT: What kind of disciple (witness) do you see mostly in folks who claim to be Christian? Is it great, poor, or lukewarm? Do you see what Jesus meant by His statement in Acts 1:8? Does this underscore the need of detailed study of the Word in each disciple? How much study are you giving to the Word in addition to simply reading it?