Bible Study Skills: The Scriptural Parable Figures of Speech –Simile & Metaphor –Personification & Anthropomorphism –Hyperbole Make Short Comparisons Parables AIM: What do we need to know to interpret parables?

Parable –Stories that teach spiritual matters using comparisons to ordinary life –Earthly story with a heavenly meaning Matthew 13:31,32 –Simile “... is like” –V. 44, 45, 47 Matthew 13:3-9 –Implied Metaphor Bible Study Skills: The Scriptural Parable

Interpretation of Parables –Immediate Context Matthew 13:47—50 “Good & Bad Fish”, “Fishermen”, “Sorting” –Deeper Context Matthew 13:3-9 & “Seed”, “Sower”, “Birds” Point 1: Sometimes the Biblical Context will show the interpretation of a parable Bible Study Skills: The Scriptural Parable

Finding the Main Point –Stick to Point of Comparison –Don’t Move Outside the Context –Don’t Contradict Scripture “Sower and the Seed” –Good and Bad Soil Rest of Scripture? Romans 3:10-12 Pont of Comparison? Losing faith Bible Study Skills: The Scriptural Parable

Luke 18:1-8(Matthew 13:31-32) –Main Point? Pray and Do Not Give Up –Widow? Plea? Judge? Christians, Prayer, God –Interpretation The judge is unjust – God is unjust –Contradicts Rest of Scripture –Misses Point of Parable Why an unjust judge? –Striking and Memorable Point 2: Find main point and don’t wonder from that point or Scripture Bible Study Skills: The Scriptural Parable

Matthew 20:1-6 –Main Point –Is Interpretation in Context V. 16 “... First will be last” Matthew 19:30 –Workers Some only 1 Hour – Some Many Hours Apply to Believers in Church –Spiritual Meaning Life-Long Christians Not to Grumble Apply V. 16 Earning Pay – Earning Salvation? Bible Study Skills: The Scriptural Parable

Parable: –Earthly story with heavenly meaning 1.Biblical context may show meaning 2.Find main point and don’t wander from point or Scripture Bible Study Skills: The Scriptural Parable