These are only a few of the rules of interpretation. There are several more rules. These few will suffice to demonstrate their importance in the problem solving process. The third step in solving problems Biblically is to discover the general principles in each of the passages. The principle here is that we should express our love for one another when we meet them.
Many times discovering the general principle can be really quite difficult.
It is, in a very real sense, the vital link between knowing what the Bible says and applying it to our lives. If a passage appears too specific to apply to our situation, we simply move up a level, looking for a general principle that we can apply. The importance of discovering the general principles on a problem cannot be over emphasized. Apply the Principles Principles don't apply themselves, they must be brought to bear on a certain situation or problem. Most principles will have many different applications, depending upon the situation.