Interpreting Scripture in Community (Church, Tradition, Mission)
🎓 Facilitator’s Guide
1. Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
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Understand the communal dimension of biblical interpretation.
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Recognize the role of the Church, tradition, and mission in shaping faithful interpretation.
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Practice interpreting Scripture in community contexts for application in discipleship and mission.
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Appreciate the balance between personal study and corporate discernment.
2. Key Scriptures
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Acts 15:28 – “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”
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2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
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Ephesians 4:11–13 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints…”
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Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”
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Hebrews 10:24–25 – “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”
3. Teaching Content
A. The Church as the Interpretive Community
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The Bible was written to God’s people, not isolated individuals.
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Interpretation is safeguarded when done in the fellowship of the Spirit and the body of Christ.
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Early church councils (Acts 15) show collective discernment guided by the Spirit.
B. The Role of Tradition
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Tradition provides continuity of faith through generations (2 Thess. 2:15).
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Must always be tested by Scripture (Acts 17:11).
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Healthy tradition helps preserve the core message and prevent distortions.
C. Interpretation in the Context of Mission
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The Bible is not just for study, but for obedience and proclamation (Matt. 28:19–20).
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Community interpretation fuels mission—every culture and generation must hear the Word afresh.
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Scripture is interpreted in light of God’s redemptive plan for all nations.
D. Guarding Against Individualism
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Danger of private interpretation detached from the body of Christ (2 Pet. 1:20–21).
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Balance between Spirit-led personal devotion and corporate discernment.
4. Teaching Methodology
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Lecturette (15 min): Overview of Scripture’s communal nature.
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Group Bible Reading (30 min): Acts 15 Council—observe how the Spirit and community worked together.
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Case Study (20 min): Modern example of interpreting Scripture for a church decision.
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Discussion (15 min): “How can we guard against distortion while remaining open to the Spirit’s new work?”
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Application (10 min): Students commit to joining/leading a community Bible study or cell group.
5. Facilitator Notes
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Stress that Scripture was given for the Church, not merely individuals.
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Encourage mutual accountability in interpretation.
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Draw connections between communal discernment and missional obedience.
📝 Student Workbook
Reflection Questions
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Why is community important in interpreting Scripture?
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What are the benefits and dangers of tradition in interpretation?
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How does mission shape the way we understand Scripture?
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Reflect on a time when you gained new understanding of the Bible through group study.
Practical Exercises
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Group Reading of Acts 15: Write down insights that came only through group discussion.
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Tradition Review: Identify one church tradition you practice. Is it faithful to Scripture?
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Mission Lens: Choose one verse and interpret it in the context of evangelism and discipleship.
Memory Verse
Acts 15:28 – “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us…”
Personal Application
This week, commit to:
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Attending or leading a community Bible study.
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Submitting one personal interpretation of a verse for discussion and feedback.
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Praying with others for mission impact as you interpret God’s Word together.
📊 PowerPoint Outline (Slides)
Slide 1: Module 10 – Interpreting Scripture in Community
Slide 2: Objectives
Slide 3: Key Scriptures (Acts 15:28, Eph. 4:11–13, Matt. 28:19–20)
Slide 4: The Church as the Interpretive Community
Slide 5: The Role of Tradition (tested by Scripture)
Slide 6: Interpretation in the Context of Mission
Slide 7: Guarding Against Individualism
Slide 8: Case Study: Acts 15 Council
Slide 9: Reflection & Discussion Questions
Slide 10: Application: Living & Sharing the Word Together
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