Example of accurate interpretation creating inspired application = Psa 127:1-5

Genesis 40

1. Interpretation of all things belongs to God (i.e. how we discern and understand all general revelation sb according to/in agreement with God’s special revelation, 8).
2. Dreams as messages from God has passed (are no more). All metaphysical physicians today are therefore fakes, false prophets and possibly demonic (1-23; Heb 1:1-2).
3. Those who are faithful to God and wise according to His special revelation (i.e. the Bible) seek to serve and benefit others according to such wisdom (6-8).
4. Faithfulness means telling people like it is (calling a spade a spade) (9-23).

Genesis 41

1. Those who are wise according to God’s special revelation (i.e. the Bible) will serve before kings (i.e. have good/important jobs) (1-57; Pro 22:29).
2. Having God’s perspective means realizing that the only circumstances that matter are those in our control (and that those out of our control do not matter) (chs 37, 39-40 w/ch 41; e.g. your physical form vs. your personality = 5% versus 95% = success).
3. God oftentimes will use the great faithfulness of our past to establish great opportunities for us in the future (chs 37, 39-40 w/ch 41).
4. Even fools seems wise when they keep silent rather than answering according to speculation (i.e. false knowledge – knowledge not based on sound evidence; 1Ti 6:20; Pro 17:28; Deu 19:15; 2Co 13:1).
5. All kinds of people (believers and unbelievers) have been known to seek out and greatly bless those who understand God’s special revelation (i.e. the Bible) (14-15, 37-57).
6. Long perseverance is what God often requires if we are to realize His greater blessings in this world (or the next) (46 w/Gen 37:2 = 13 yrs).
7. Fruitfulness can come in times of affliction (52).
8. God determines what the circumstances wb; we determine what our response wb to it (wisdom/folly, good/evil) (28-32 w/33-36).
9. What God is establishing as reality in the present is for the good of His people in the future (ch 41 w/ch 42; Rom 8:28).
10. God manipulates the affairs of nations for the sake of His people (ch 41 w/ch 42; Rom 8:28).

Genesis 42

1. Not all forms of deceit are sinful (e.g. Joseph w/his bros – 7).
2. God remembers His promises to those who are faithful (6-9 w/ch.37:5-9).
3. God has been known to use crisis to move us in the direction of great blessing (1-38 = the crisis of food and a captive brother drive Jacob and his sons to Egypt and ultimately into the great blessing of Joseph).
4. God has been known to use the fulfillment of a lesser need to lead people to the fulfillment of something much greater (1- 38 = food unto reunion w/Joseph; e.g. people seeking a spouse end up also receiving salvation).
5. People may present themselves as something they know they are not (9-22 = “were are honest men” [versus] “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother…This is why this distress has come upon us…So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.”; 1Ti 5:22, 24-25).
6. Though confession can indicate repentance, there must be time and testing before it is confirmed (21-24 w/15-20, 25).
7. Sin is for a moment but the memory and pain lasts for a very long time (21-24 – Joseph “wept”; 36-38; 22 years have passed since Joseph was sold into slavery).
8. Sin-filled families are fear and worry-filled families (4, 35-36, 38).
9. God puts His money back in our sacks to see whether we will reveal ourselves to be “honest” and faithful or thieves (25-35; e.g. the tithe).

Philippians 1

1. We should feel the most affection for – and be most committed to, those people/churches who care about defending and advancing the gospel (1-8).
2. The love we exercise in relation to God and others sb based – and growing, in precision and facts (knowledge supported by sound evidence) versus preference/opinion and feelings since this is the key to choosing/doing those things which are pleasing to God (9-11; Deu 19:15; 2Co 13:1; 1Ti 6:20).
3. We should strive to see how the God-ordained (versus self-inflicted) difficulties in our lives are being used – or can be used, to advance the gospel w/others (12-18).
4. Prayer helps (18-19).
5. Our decisions in life should not be based on what will keep us safe/alive, but what will most honor Christ and advance His kingdom (19-26).
6. Standing firm in our gospel convictions, striving to see the gospel advanced and not fearing those who oppose us or avoiding gospel conflict is how we live in a “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” and demonstrate ourselves to be saved (27-30).

Philippians 2

1. The encouragement and comfort that comes from knowing that we are Christ’s and indwelt by the Holy Spirit is meant to motivate us to be : 1) the same in our convictions (1-2), 2) selfless in our care for each other (3-4), 3) sacrificial in our submission to God’s unique will for our lives (5-11).
2. God’s worked His salvation in us w/the expectation that our attitude and behavior wb: 1) in agreement w/what pleases Him (12-13), 2) w/o complaining or fighting w/one another (14) 3) blameless, innocent and w/o blemish (15a) 4) in stark contrast to the wicked world around us (15b), 5) established on His Word (16a).
3. Not maintaining our salvation according to God’s expectations will mean that our faith was in vain (16b).
4. Putting lots of time and energy into our bros/sis to help them maintain their salvation: 1) is always a worthy endeavor (17-18), 2) means our interests are the same as Christ (i.e. we are imitators of Christ (19-21), 3) is one of the ways we serve the gospel (22), 4) sb among those things that causes us to honor a person (23-30).