Page 20 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

Crossing the Principlizing Bridge

In this step one must seek to determine what the passage is
saying to all people of all time. Having discovered the single
meaning by grasping the text in their town and the differences
that exist between the two audiences by measuring the width
of the river to cross, the task of the interpreter is now to
express that single meaning in the form of a timeless universal
truth. In other words, what principle was true not only for the
biblical audience, but also for all audiences of all time? This
theological principle should be consistent with the rest of
scripture. The time-bound statement formed earlier is here refined into a timeless principle, also with a
subject and a complement, in the present tense.

What is the timeless theological principle in this text?
27
What does the text mean for all people of all time?

Grasping the Text in Our Town

Finally, one must now wrestle with what kind of response the text demands from him. The abstract
theological principle carried across the principlizing bridge must now be applied to his personal current
life setting. While the theological principle remains constant, applications of that principle may vary
depending on each individual interpreter’s situation in life. This is normal. Sadly, many today are more
concerned about their personal applications of theological principles rather than the careful process of
discovering the theological principle itself.
What is the timely homiletical principle in this text?
What does the text mean for people living today?
28

This is the journey the careful student of the scriptures
must take. These principles and methods must govern
one’s approach to every verse, paragraph, chapter,
book, and testament of the Bible. When considered and
applied consistently they will prove their worth in
discovering the intended meaning placed in the text by
the author.

27 Duvall & Hays, 23.
28 Duvall & Hays, 24.
19