Discovery Class · Clayton Valley Church

Week 2 homework

Conviction about Scripture, how God communicates it to us, and what hermeneutics means

Answer all three questions below in your own words. There is no grade and nothing is sent anywhere: everything stays on this page in your browser. After each answer, reveal the response guide and compare it honestly to what you wrote.

1Read 3 John completely through, twice a day, for five days. After your 10th reading on the 5th day, write three overall observations and one question the letter raises for you.

Takes a moment, no typing required to reveal.

Response guide

A strong set of observations notices specific, concrete details in the text itself: names, repeated words, commands, and the relationship between writer and recipient.

If your observations stayed general, go back through your notes from the ten readings and pull out something you can point to in the actual verses.

2Biblical counselor David Powlison references “functional beliefs” to describe the way Christians actually live day to day. Often our sin comes out as we act in ways that differ from what we say we believe. A few questions can help uncover these functional beliefs: What do you want? Who or what do you fear? Where do you take refuge? What functional beliefs do you find yourself wrestling with sometimes?

Takes a moment, no typing required to reveal.

Response guide

A strong response names a specific, honest example: the opinions of others, financial security, career success, comfort, or the approval of people who matter to you.

If your answer stayed abstract, name the actual thing you find yourself trusting or fearing on an ordinary day.

3Of the five links in the communication chain, revelation and inspiration, transmission, translation, interpretation, and application, which one intrigues you the most? Why?

Takes a moment, no typing required to reveal.

Response guide

Any of the five links is a valid answer. Explore what makes that particular link stand out to you and why it holds your interest.

You’re set for next week

Bring your 3 John reading and observations. We will survey the schools of interpretation and begin the work of observation together.

Sample HTML Block