0000008074 00000 n Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. --C H Spurgeon, Choose Book of Bible to Study When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself. 1. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". We will not fully comprehend the extent of the "return on our investment" until we enter Paradise and stand before our Lord at His bema (judgment) seat. Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. To not respond to supernatural illumination would be like saying the Biblical teaching on idolatry is great but it doesn't apply to me and then going off to spend the rest of the day seeking anxiously to accumulate wealth in this present but passing (away) world (cp the words of Jesus Mt 6:24+and Paul Col 3:5+). Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. 0 :L 1 Samuel The following books are a great place to learn more about this simple methodology: Kay Arthurs inductive method has helped millions of people learn how to study the Bible for themselves. startxref About people or human nature? Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. Inductive Bible study is one reliable way. For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. Numbers Micah Jesus emphasized this important truth again in John 17 declaring. Let's face it, most of us have a built-in "early-warning system" against spiritual change and the moment truth gets too close and too convicting, an alarm goes off and we begin to defend ourselves. To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. and In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. 9. 2 Timothy : an American History (Eric Foner) Civilization and its Discontents (Sigmund Freud) The Methodology of the Social Sciences (Max Weber) Interpersonal Communication (Kory Floyd) Chemistry: The Central Science (Theodore E. Brown; H. Eugene H LeMay; Bruce E. Bursten; Catherine Murphy; Patrick Woodward) It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. But to make us more like our Savior. Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. When Gods Word points out something in us that needs correction, we need to respond. Home This speak of a personal choice that must be made) any man is willing (thelo = desires, wishes, delights [cp Ps 1:2-note], takes pleasure, is inclined to; the present tense - speaks of one's general direction of their life) to do (present tense - again speaks of one's general habit of practice = toward obedience not toward disobedience) His will, he shall know (ginosko = speaks not just of "head" knowing but of an experiential knowledge, a more intimate knowledge) of the teaching (didache - word study), whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. Mark says hes starting at the beginning. HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! 74 0 obj <>stream God make us holy; sanctify us, spirit, soul, and body, and then we shall be made finely serviceable both to the Church and to the world. How do you do that? We don't really know the Bible unless we obey the Bible, God had a scathing rebuke for His people Israel through His prophet Ezekiel "They (the people of Israel) come to you (the prophet Ezekiel) as people come and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth and their heart goes after their gain." Used by cults. If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgement upon our character and conduct. For example, Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8: "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion." Note expressions of time The relationship of events in time often sheds light on the true meaning of the text. The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather: you and me! tie. Is it because of ignorance, rebellion or indifference? You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. The Inductive Method of Bible Study: Know The Basics That's a frightening statement! It is full of instances of prayer; it supplies us with those thoughts about God which stimulate our faith to approach Him expectantly, earnestly, confidently. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. Then you could go back and look at how the other Gospels start: Matthew begins by giving us Jesus genealogy and then gives us a little glimpse into His birth. It is one thing to know these truths, and even to fight for them with the zeal and bitterness of a controversialist, but it is quite another thing to enjoy them as our own heritage and our portion for ever. (Ps 119:161). I took the one less traveled by, So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). John Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. Even those who have invested a lifetime into studying it will tell you their commitment has continued to pay off with new insights, understanding and spiritual growth. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. In fact, it has become the benchmark of Bible study for many people. Colossians Thresh them by meditation. Showing God in action in and through His people. You want to focus on things like: Practice observation on the first verse of the Gospel of Mark. 1ICR, Did they know where the Messiah was to be born? Grasp these sweet promises. Follow it by personally doing what it bids thee. If not why not? Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R Identify chapter themes There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. Memorizing God's Word - Why? What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? 3. Its what everything else is built upon. For one thing people mistake the pleasure they have in hearing the Word of God for Christianity and worship. No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. And what did those things mean? --Hess, Robert Cook wisely advises that we should "Never leave a passage of Scripture until it has said something to you." The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. (How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30). This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? I have known some rejoice greatly in the doctrine of election who never were elected, and some who were very pleased with the doctrine of justification by faith, but who had no faith by which to be justified. Go back to your questions from the beginning and ask them again in light of what youve learned, and apply it to our context today. Galatians Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream (Ep 1:3-note). Application is where the proverbial "rubber meets the road", where our walk either does or does not back up our talk and where head knowledge becomes heart knowledge. But for transformation. If you are a leader (and most of us are leaders in some sphere of influence) remember that a good leader is one who Knows the way, ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. ", James warned that "to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. Good Bible study does not happen by accident. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- To love Him and obey. (Skip Heitzig How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It), Puritan Thomas Manton adds that "What we take in by the Word we digest by meditation and let out by prayer.". The first verse of Mark youve been studying does not have immediate actionable teachings, but you still need to be open to the Holy Spirit moving as you study. 0e]y]ZU~P/^a53if5}Jk9$9t]ccc}.kw9H6`T5jN`=94jk:U>}a:P5p/]luu D_Ek!*Vwii][S9}mB=J\ueJJkf3mm8]g#pbmw6[PP? 2 John Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. Chapters, verses and subheadings are all very convenient and helpful, but when it comes time for genuine study, its appropriate to remember theyre not inspired elements of Scripture. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. Refrain The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. Inductive Bible Study - Observation Inductive Bible Study - Interpretation Inductive Bible Study - Application Simple Study on the Power of God's Word Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17 Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle" Job's "Secret" of perseverance? If youve uncovered truth youve not known or understood before, what does it mean for your life, priorities, and decisions now that you do understand it? ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. If you feel the wrath to come now, you may never have to feel it in the next world. We must never forget that the ultimate goal of Bible study, whether inductive or otherwise, is to know God and His Son so that we might have life in Him. and how much we really believe what we have observed. Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. But if this conforming of their own souls unto the power of the Word be not fixed in the first place in their minds they do not strive lawfully, nor will they be crowned (!). Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. m>YQ;^6dA`H^JETi.i I* >B 9KHc,:h0{c-I#d8#<9@F RJa2A*K-8PDSDdM@ $%Cc3s0L %!'VKKB$iUrmg:SP1~)7v`^P%V E406 H8 S4Ti0elV'jxu~ It also becomes a source of support for you during difficult times. The growing numbers of sermon-sippers and seminar-sitters who flit from one doctrinal dessert to another like so many busy, buzzing hummingbirds are most assuredly deceiving themselves unless they are also choosing to assimilate (heed) the truth ("honey" Ps 119:103-note) which they have tasted (cp Jas 1:22, 23, 24+, Jas 1:25+). How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. You may start with reading a specific book of the Bible for five to 10 minutes every day and setting aside one day a week for a more intentional time of studying Scripture. The person who knows the truth but doesn't act on it is not simply making a mistake or showing poor judgment but he is in sin. What is the clearest meaning of this text? Here, you want to go back over the passage and your observations and ask as many questions as you can. What Is Application? Matthew Henry adds: Every gracious soul stands in awe of the word of God, of the authority of its precepts and the terror of its threatenings; and to those that do so nothing appears, in the power and wrath of man, at all formidable. Here are a few questions to facilitate application of the truth you have observed How does this truth apply to my life in four spheres in my(a) personal life (b) my family (c) work (d) church (e) neighborhood? As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. Connect each passage back to the gospel and the broader message of the Bible. Feed on them with joy" Right here, we have countless book Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology and collections to . Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. How to Study Your Bible, Part 2 | Articles | Revive Our Hearts Commentaries are fantastic tools. Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. Deuteronomy Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. Woe! Not only do the books come from unfamiliar cultures, but theyre also thousands of years old. Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. 0000060059 00000 n Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. (Josh 1:8-note). This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an approachable, step-by-step process moving from observation through interpretation and on to the application of God's Word. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. How? Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. But one who looks intently (a picture of the man who meditates -- puritan Richard Baxter said "There must be inward practice by meditation and outward practice in true obedience.") Acronym to Aid Application. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. He alone is in a posture to learn from God, who sincerely gives up (surrenders, yields) his mind, conscience, and affections to the power and rule of what is revealed unto him. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Don't be like the man who boasted "I go through the entire Bible once every year".Application instead confronts us face to face with the question "How many times has the Bible gone through you?" You haven't completed your Bible study until you've allowed the Bible to "study' you and you respond accordingly to it's teaching (which tells us what is true and right and so structures our thinking), reproof ( tells us when we are out of bounds), correction (reveals sin and provides the dynamic whereby you can conform to Gods will) and training in righteous living (Gods means of showing you how to live), all in order that we as men and women of God might be complete or whole and what we were created to be so that we might be thoroughly equipped for good work (2Ti 3:16, 17-note). (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos). (Mt 7:13, 14+). Bible study - Assignment - Bible Study observation, interpretation (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. There really arent any wrong questions, and sometimes what seems like a silly question can reveal critical insights. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. For instance, if you pick up the Book of Galatians at the beginning of chapter 4, youll find yourself in the middle of Pauls argument: What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. 0000003614 00000 n Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. But we are never just the same. Fourthly, we seek to stir up our soul to notes of praise and thanksgiving, delighting ourselves in God's Word, rejoicing in the prospect it presents, yielding ourselves in joyful submission to its precepts, and at the same time searching ourselves in the light of its cautions, humbling ourselves over our past coldness or doubtsfor most of our failures come from doubting God. Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. Inductive Bible Study Method: How to Guide Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. 7 Principles for Teaching Kids to Interpret the Bible 1 John Hebrews Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. Details of the OIA Method - Knowable Word James emphasizes the importance of follow through in inductive study exhorting us to "prove (ourselves) doers of the word, and not merely hearers (the Greek word was used of one who audited a class rather than taking it for credit -- are you just auditing the Bible or are you fully enrolled?) Leviticus These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. The New Testament gives us further teaching about the way of approach, and makes new demands on our spiritual life, whilst offering us a new standard to live up to. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. A single revealed fact cherished in the heart and acted upon is more vital to our growth than a head filled with lofty ideas about God. 1 Peter The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. He would take notes and later study them with great care. Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. Refrain, But we never can prove the delights of His love The road prepared and paved by careful observation, proper interpretation and diligent application of the Scripture or the one wrought by a superficial, inaccurate, irreverent approach? Not to make us smarter sinners A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. For instance, the New International Version a popular modern translation of the Bible breaks sections in Philippians 1 down like this: Pauls Chains Advance the Gospel (vv. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. We build up a reservoir of responses so that whenever the truth gets too convicting, weve got a multiplicity of reasons why it applies to everyone else but us! Whenever (every time) we read the Scriptures, the question we should always honestly seek to ask is How does the meaning of this text apply to me? Believe it to be safe These four steps help you to orient yourself to a passage, wrestle with what it's trying to communicate and examine your life in light of God's Word. (Ro 10:17+). Learn about Cru's global leadership team. Its worth it. The Gospel opens by saying: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. The goal of Bible study is not simply to determine what it says and what it means, but in the final analysis to apply it to one's life. The Apostle Paul's great passion was transformed, Christ like lives as he explained to the saints at Colossae writing we proclaim Him (Christ in believers the hope of glory), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. Or well walk by His side in the way. Are you ready and willing for Gods Word to cut deeply into your own life (reproof), to lay bare the hidden places of your heart, and to do its work of convicting, convincing, and converting your mind in any and every area? While there are several great methods of studying the Bible, heres a simple method one can follow: Observation, Interpretation, Transformation and Application. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Too often we come to Gods Word to study it, to teach it, etcto do everything in the world with it except be changed by it! Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study Malachi Ecclesiastes In the margin of many pages in D. L. Moody's Bible, he wrote the letters T and P, meaning "Tried and Proved." (Self deception is the worst form of deception and occurs when we come to believe there is virtue in hearing the truth of God but failing to apply it.) Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP Your grandmother translated the Bible?" eg'1{(yzJ*| Can abide while we trust and obey. First, I saw a butterfly. Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Gather them. The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, 63 12 In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? Jesus warned that Bible study as the end in itself, can be deceptively dangerous declaring to the Jewish leaders You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life. 2 Kings Erroneous interpretation can lead to aberrant application. There are several reasons for this . and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". Application brings us into this sphere of abundant life in the Spirit. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! Inductive Bible study students should strive to be men and women like Ezra whose pattern was to teach the truth that he had put into practice. Contact Us. And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; Resources Bible Study Inductive Bible Study. Some seem as if they read the Bible in order to know how not to do, and the more God commands the more they will not obey. It consists primarily in picturing up the actual state of things brought before us in our reading, whether it be an incident, a prayer, an exhortation, a proverb, a prophecy. Solicitation Disclosure Statement This means youre going to start by reading the whole thing hopefully in one sitting before you begin to deal with smaller portions of it in greater depth. This is always a powerful application of Scripture. In other words, every time you observe and interpret but fail to apply, you perform an abortion on the Scriptures in terms of their purpose. Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. Janet Chismar The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? %PDF-1.4 % As for the doctrines, recollect that a doctrine killeth except as it is personally grasped and as you feel your interest in it. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong place: It begins with interpretation, and it also ends thereObservation plus interpretation without application equals abortion. (Basic Bible Interpretation). Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. Local: 704-401-2432 And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. (1) Substituting interpretation for application as did the Pharisees; (2) substituting superficial obedience for substantial life-change and. 1 Chronicles Bible Study: Traditional Method (Observation, Interpretation We need to be specific here. They do not seem very ancient. And while pastors and teachers are wonderful, individual Christians should also be able to pick up any passage and read it with basic understanding and application.
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