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Luke 10:25-37 – Fill-In-The-Blank Religion
Is book, chapter, and verse enough? There is a difference between knowing “what is written” and how it is applied (Lk.10:25-37). What happens when they don’t match?
The lawyer wants to know how to inherit eternal life. Jesus goes to book, chapter, and verse by asking, “What is written? How does it read to you?” Jesus wants to know if how it reads to the lawyer matches with what God meant.
“Fill-in-the-blank religion” is knowing what is written and the lawyer got the right answer: Love God and love your neighbor. This shows correct interpretation is possible. Too many studies end there which is why so many class books are just fill-in-the-blank. We need to learn how to recast the correct answers into action today.
The lawyer wanted to justify his wrong application which lead to the Samaritan parable, wherein Jesus gives the correct application. This shows there are right and wrong applications.
Book, chapter, and verse is not enough. Right interpretation without right application leads to “fill-in-the-blank religion” which justifies our inaction and inadequate actions. God wants to fill our hearts with His understanding so we can fill the needs of others and fulfill God’s interpretation with the right application.
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