Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. Acronym to Aid Application. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. They were the local authorities. 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, T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? It is God's will that we should read Here are a few questions you can ask: There are a few essential rules to remember when attempting to interpret a passage: Make sure you spend a good chunk of time with this phase. Sow a character, reap a destiny! When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, Philemon Matthew For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. It is thework of applying something (I like that -- it make take a little "holy sweat" to apply what we have learned, but it is worth the effort exerted! )R z9=_)\_`w0s3^xT{bhi ?%\hMKINZ>0!L ik0%kjDb
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pA!~~?\sDNSUke The bottom-line question to ask is, How do the divine truths and principles contained in any passage apply to me in terms of my attitude and actions? Jesus made this promise to those who would carry their personal Bible study through to this point: If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them (John 13:17, cp Jn 15:14, 14:15, Lk 11:28, Jas 1:22+, Jas 1:25+, Rev 1:3+) Bible study is not complete until we ask ourselves, What does this mean for my life and how can I practically apply it? We must take the knowledge we have gained from our reading and interpretation and draw out the practical principles that apply to our personal lives. at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does." Lamentations It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. Obadiah Sow a thought, reap an action. ", James warned that "to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin."
PDF Simple Biblical Interpretation - Westminster Theological Seminary This is likewise one of the factors by obtaining the soft documents of this Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History . Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. Comment: Sins of omission (failing to do what God wants us to do) are sins just as surely as sins of commission (doing what God has told us not to do). These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. Some people say they cannot meditate; they do not know what it means, or they have no time, or they go to sleep when they begin. Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine. In observation, you were asking the question, What did I see? In interpretation, you ask, What does it mean? If you have not done a thorough job in the exploration phase, the interpretation phase can be difficult. In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. 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! Although the Bible tells one cohesive story, it does so through the work of many authors who wrote during times hundreds of years apart. Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study.
How to Study the Bible | Cru - Cru.org Armed with that knowledge, youre ready to start thinking about how to apply what youve read. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture.
Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. Shows the way. The mind delights in having the truth presented clearly; the imagination is gratified by its illustration; the feelings are stirred by its application. 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. It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. But we are never just the same. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? An Example of Interpretation Revelation 13:1-10. The inductive method is an investigative way of studying Scripture that can be used by both new and seasoned students alike. Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. is the result of We ought to obey God rather than men, and to make sure of God's favour, though we throw ourselves under the frowns of all the world, Lk 12:4, 5. We must adjust ourselves to the Bible Here, you want to go back over the passage and your observations and ask as many questions as you can. Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. Nevertheless our duty is clear. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process.
Inductive Bible Study | Bible Study Resources | The - The Navigators HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". and then 0000004118 00000 n
In His Words: What Billy Graham Once Said About Eternity. Observation answers the question: What do I see? Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." my heart stands in awe of Thy words. Identify chapter themes Colossians John Blanchard underscores the crucial discipline of applying God's Word sounding the caution that "There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus.". 2 Kings By %PDF-1.4
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John MacArthur argues thatStudying Scripture without allowing it to penetrate to the depths of your soul would be like preparing a banquet without eating it. +
Can abide while we trust and obey. Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. 5 Basic Bible Study Techniques You Should Never Ignore, How to Study a Psalm: Essential Steps for Starting Right, How to Identify a Passages Repeated Words in Seconds, 10 Tips for Getting Started with Inductive Bible Study, Inductive Bible Study Is Not Just for Adults, The Laymans Bible Study Notebook: An Inductive Bible Study, Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practices of Hermeneutics, Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology, The Definitive Guide to Bible Commentaries: Types, Perspectives, and Use. For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. Unlike other forms of study, the ultimate goal of Bible study is not information its transformation. I took the one less traveled by, 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. -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. Contact Us.
Details of the OIA Method - Knowable Word Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". Some sections make much more sense if you read them within the context of the surrounding chapters, like Matthew 23-25 or 1 Corinthians 12-14. This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. As you work through these steps regularly, you will get better at them and you will be transformed. So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. As you carry out your inductive Bible study you will find that observation, interpretation, and application often occur simultaneously. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. To profess great love for Gods word or even to pose as a Bible student is a form of self-deception unless our increasing knowledge of the word is producing increasing likeness to the Lord Jesus. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. 1. Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. endstream
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Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Zechariah 0000000016 00000 n
Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). Search the Scriptures Chapter Analysis FormatBible study consists of Observation, Interpretation and Application.1.Observation is discovering what the author is saying looking specifically at Who, What, When, Where, Cause & Effect.
PDF Precept Bible Study Method Permissions Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. Practice it to be holy, Or as Skip Heitzig advises "A good perspective to adopt when reading the Bible is that of an obedient servant waiting for instruction from the master. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. Numbers Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. If the Bible seems dry and unexciting, check your attitude (Ed: Also do some personal inventory with 1 Pe 2:1+and then you'll be able to move on to 1 Pe 2:2+!). If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. Your job at this stage is to discover what the author is trying to communicate. What kind of flavor and preserving qualities do I bring to my circle of influence? Maybe this question will lead you to pray for God to show you ways to help others and make some resolutions about things that youd like to change. It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details. Owen wrote that To seek after mere notions of Truth, without an endeavor after an experience of its power in our hearts, is not the way to increase our understanding in spiritual things. Jonah Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application).
Inductive Bible Study: Observation | Precept Austin That seems important to delve into deeper. The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. 2. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. The proper spirit for profitable Bible study is a tender, teachable heart willing to obey the truth and the fruit of this humble approach is an eternally changed life lived to glory of God. 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. In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. About people or human nature? Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. Acts If you want to study Scripture, youll need to carve out intentional time for it. Could that be a clue about his intended audience? Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. To know and not to do is not to know at all. See related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience, As Vance Havner wisely said "It is not the Word hidden in the head but in the heart that keeps us from sin. Your goal in observation is to notice as much as possible. About Gods redemptive plan? Also we become more responsible to God. (Ps 119:161). The tireless runner is a picture of what Application should look like in each of our livessobrethren, beloved of God, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world for so great a salvation, filled with His Spirit and controlled by the love of Christ "let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith" (He 12:1-note, He 12:2-note) pressing "on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Php 3:14-note) disciplining ourselves "for the purpose of godliness for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. Our first duty is to meditate.
Lesson 6: Principles of Biblical Interpretation | Bible.org Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application 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? (Ro 10:17+). Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". Luke What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? (John 7:17). 0000008074 00000 n
When Gods Word points out something in us that needs correction, we need to respond. A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. Well, this is it. Our Lord taught that those who are, blessed (makarios [word study]) are those who hear the word of God and observe (phulasso [word study]) it. 0 :L
Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. It is a trustworthy (pistos = faithful; cp Paul's 4 "faithful sayings" - 1Ti 1:15, 4:9, 2Ti 2:11+, Titus 3:8+) statement deserving full acceptanceit is for this (godliness) we labor (kopiao = to the point of exhaustion; present tense = continually) and strive (agonizomai = as when striving in an athletic contest emphasizing concentration, discipline, conviction, effort; present tense = continually)." Song of Solomon And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; EP !HOz But the bee would light on a flower and it would sink down deep into the flower and it would extract all the nectar and pollen that it could carry. Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. See what precepts are binding upon thyself, and then, as a child of God, be thy feet swift to run in the way of his commandments. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. 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. Ecclesiastes Which road will you travel? Not just for information : 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) Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? Not to make us smarter sinners ), In Bible study, application is putting truth you've discovered (through observation and interpretation) to use in your life with the ultimate goal of transformation or life change. hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h Key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author's point or purpose for writing. J@GD0Q0rqD@!QTTXF1ID>IgIyy;GABp_8;.7_0?\h*4z/Bzc`S!zJP2[VgVM52,6.*0.199QP1T`}G/I(tSE)BQF*jE()*RMq>&}P* 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. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change?
Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.