The Inductive Method of Bible Study: Know The Basics The world will learn better, and will more likely be brought to know Christ when the lives of Christians are better, and when the Bible of the Christian Life shall be more in, accordance with the Bible of Christian doctrine. 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.") As a result, that man became a Christian. Overview of Inductive Study with Observation Worksheet and example of how to mark a page, Click for Introduction to Inductive Bible Study using PowerPoint (2002), The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word, How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30, Skip Heitzig How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It, Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics, Chicago Statement on Biblical Application. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. Spiritual maturity, in which we become more like Christ, comes not just from knowing more about the Bible. and the Scriptures to yourself. 3 John If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. 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! Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD endstream endobj 68 0 obj <> endobj 69 0 obj <> endobj 70 0 obj <>stream 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. To know and not to do is not to know at all. (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; It will make "all the difference" in this life and the next for as Paul wrote godliness (eusebeia) (produced by discipline and diligent application of God's Word) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. H. P. Barker has a graphic illustration emphasizing the importance of both knowing and doing the Bibles truths As I looked out into the garden one day, I saw three things. 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. In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; Hosea What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? -EO{0iB d("o? The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. 74 0 obj <>stream The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. The writer of Psalm 119+ (virtually every verse of which deals with some aspect of God's holy Word) speaks to the importance of one's attitude that should undergird and stimulate right and ready application of truth gleaned Princes persecute me without cause, but (what's being contrasted?) Also we become more responsible to God. Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. 2 Kings this Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology can be taken as competently as picked to act. S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? 0000000536 00000 n 1 Timothy If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ 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. We need to be specific here. We may hear words like "hermeneutics" (the science of interpretation) or "exegesis" (critical explanation or interpretation of a text) and think interpretation is something best left to experts. Leading Inductive Bible Study | InterVarsity 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. 0 :L Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. Observation Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. 12-26). Your grandmother translated the Bible?" We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. (Ro 10:17+). (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). 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. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Malachi Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. The best way to define application is to first determine what it is not. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study Another addition to a lot of Bibles is a subheading before many passages or chapters. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. The Power of Accurate Observation In Bible Study By Anna Wishart 07/31/2017 Details Bring Meaning God's Word has a lot to communicate. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- 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? Girdlestone in his 1887 classic "How to Study the English Bible" has a chapter on application that speaks to "THE PRACTICAL AND DEVOTIONAL USE OF THE BIBLE" - We have now come to the last and most important stage of our subject. As questions arise, they give you direction for further reading and study as you seek to answer those questions. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. The Power of Accurate Observation In Bible Study We must meditate upon it. 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). Which road will you travel? 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. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, The OIA Bible study method consists of three parts. Samuel addressing King Saul after his serious "miscalculation" (sin) said "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. Needless to say, the group of pastors got the point! (John Calvin), Gods Word can only produce growth in soil "fertilized" by obedience. How do I propose to carry out these changes? ", James warned that "to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." Ruth 2 John Speak of bringing the Bible down into the vernacular! Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. This is where secondary resources become really helpful. ), Christian author Jerry Bridges writes that "As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgment upon our character and conduct. Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Saturate the study of Scripture with prayer. I have known of some, too, who gloried in final perseverance, but who, if they had finally persevered would certainly have been in hell, for they were on the road there. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. Here, you want to go back over the passage and your observations and ask as many questions as you can. This is always a powerful application of Scripture. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! Instead, we need to be Bible "bees", using inductive study to go deep into the Scriptures obtaining its divine nectar and then allowing God's "nectar" to change us. The more work you do during this part of your study, the better you will do in the rest. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. The heart that stands in awe of God's word is armed against the temptations that arise from persecution (A good application). Here are 14 important reasons to read it. It is still as true today as when Martin Luther first said it that The world does not need a definition of religion as much as it needs a demonstration.. There are several reasons for this . Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. It is not enough just to study the Bible. It's an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder inspired here by the absolute authority of the Words of God compared to all words of men. When applied properly, the inductive method will provide a better overall understanding of a passagewhat it says, what it meant to its original audience, and what it means today. Youll also notice right out of the gate that Mark has introduced Jesus with two titles: Messiah and Son of God. 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.". BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 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. This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. Acronym to Aid Application. What is the clearest meaning of this text? my heart stands in awe of Thy words. Are we truly born of God and spiritually alive or are we deceiving ourselves and spiritually dead, no matter how orthodox our profession of faith might appear? 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. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. 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. Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. Good Bible study does not happen by accident. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Study the Bible to be wise. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . It isthe act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose. It involves three steps: observation of the text, interpretation of the text, and application of the text. Don't be deceived -- Every time we hear the Word of God, we are either a little closer to heaven or a little further away. 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. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. Then when you read descriptions of the human heart, and the fall, the corruption, and the depravity of our nature, look, and see yourselves as in a looking glass, and say of each man as you hear of his sin, I am such a man as this was, and if I do not fall into precisely the same sin, yet the possibility and peril of it is in my heart, and I should do so, but for Gods restraining grace. Take the very histories home to your heart, and find a point in them, either of encouragement or of warning for yourselves. We may find something in every passage which comes before us both to pray over and to thank God over. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Neither are you to be "Bible botanists" (even good inductive students), who laboriously observe the Biblical text and derive accurate interpretation but fail to apply these truths. That seems important to delve into deeper. (Ezra 7:9, 10) (Click to read an in depth unpacking of this practical powerful principle - the "Ezra 7:10 Principle"). The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. Interpretation is not necessarily a separate step from observation, for often, as you carefully observe the text, you begin to see what it means at that very moment. But our toil He doth richly repay; God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. And if at any time, when we study the Word, we have not this design expressly in our minds, yet if upon the discovery of any truth we endeavor not to have the likeness of it in our own hearts, we lose our principal advantage by it (John Owen). It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. ", Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 Not just for information Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. Inductive Bible Study: Observation | Precept Austin Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. Memorizing God's Word - Why? When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. Somewhere ages and ages hence: This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. If you read, He that believeth on him is not condemned, if you believe not then you are condemned already, because you have not believed in the Son of God. ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. EP !HOz Nahum Who may go up to his holy dwelling place?" ( Ps 24:1-3 ). But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. He now teaches two courses: "Bible Study" and "Advanced Bible Study." "All of my courses are built on the basic pattern of observation, interpretation, application and correlation (or . The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. 1ICR, So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. 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? Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. Habakkuk We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". THE THREE COMPONENTS I shall be telling this with a sigh Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. 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. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. 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? The good hand of the LORD will be upon us even as it was upon Ezra the scribe! Bible study - Assignment - Bible Study observation, interpretation Our Goal in Interpreting . In other words, we must act by faith in what God has shown us from His Word or our hearts can become hardened (cf. ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) ), 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. 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. (1Ti 4:7, 8-notes), The dictionary defines application as the act of putting to use or putting into operation especially for some practical purpose. Ephesians Observation. --C H Spurgeon, Choose Book of Bible to Study The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. Inductive Bible study is one reliable way. 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. For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. 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. hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. 119:160). Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. Your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, can give you insights at any point in your study, so that you need to be sensitive to His leading. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 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. Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. What are its elements ? This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. 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? And so prayer is not a substitute for action, but the deliberate contact of the soul with God, whence we draw an enabling force whereby we go forth conquering and to conquer. Greater knowledge should always bring about greater obedience, enabled by grace not law, empowered by the indwelling Spirit as we learn to discard self effort and depend on the Spirit. Inductive Bible study is But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. Jonah (How to study the English Bible), SPACE PETS Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). The word of God reveals to us our true selves. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! PDF 10 BIBLE STUDY OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION - Home Baptist Church Observation Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? Many of us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. But is blessed if we trust and obey. Can abide while we trust and obey. Grasp these sweet promises. Every promise must be grasped and realized as true : every precept must be registered in the heart, and acted out in the life, in the strength of God.