Inductive Bible Study. O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee! Well, it is a very fine promise, but if it is read to me thus: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, what a transformed and glorified promise it then becomes! God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Many of us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. 1. 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. The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. hb```vV^af`B@#g|3h For instance, as you explore the terms Messiah and Son of God, you might be moved to respond in prayer and worship. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. Mark says hes starting at the beginning. Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? Both reflect what is really there. As a result, that man became a Christian. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. Zephaniah Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". One of the best things about studying Gods Word is that you can come back to a book youve already studied in the past and discover all-new insights. (1) Substituting interpretation for application as did the Pharisees; (2) substituting superficial obedience for substantial life-change and. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. 1 Samuel Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." It is more needful for you to hear God's words than that God should hear yours, though the one will always lead to the other. I took the one less traveled by, The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? In other words, am I applying this truth? yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD 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. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. The word of God reveals to us our true selves. The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. Refrain. So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. Lesson 6: Principles of Biblical Interpretation | Bible.org Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. 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. Inductive Bible Study Method: How to Guide (3) substituting rationalization for repentance. 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. Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. The intercession of Abraham for Sodom, the prayer of Abraham's servant, the wrestling of Jacob, the pleadings of Moses, the strong crying of David, the spiritual conflicts of Elijah, Jonah and Jeremiah, the public and formal prayers of Solomon and Ezra, and the secret confessions of Danielall are the outpourings of hearts like our own. By 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. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Believe it to be safe 0000060059 00000 n What I mean is just this. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. 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. Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. truly, such a, promise is as a cluster of Eshcol, but it is in Eshcols valley and I cannot reach it there; but the promise applied is the cluster brought to me just where I am, and I can receive it, and delight myself in its luscious sweetness. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream We all need to ask ourselves are we studying the Word that we might be more like Jesus or more like the Pharisees? How to Study the Bible Using Observation - Billy Graham Evangelistic 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." Resources Bible Study Inductive Bible Study. The Power of Accurate Observation In Bible Study 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! -EO{0iB d("o? 1ICR, 8. There are many ways we can study the Bible, but one of the most influential and simple approaches to reading and understanding God's Word involves three simple steps: Step 1: ObservationWhat does the passage say? ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. Inductive Bible study draws its conclusions from the text, not our assumptions. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. 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. Your next question should be, Hows my saltiness? OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. Scripture interprets Scripture. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. For example, Psalm 24 says, "The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. 63 0 obj <> endobj Psalms What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? 3:7f+, He 4:2+), (3) Response of obedience: Genuine faith will obey. When you break the discipline of Bible study down to its simplest forms, its just a few steps: Explore: What did God say (to the original readers)? Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. May we all seek to so diligently apply what we observe and interpret that we see "the world turned upside down.". 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. Sow a habit, reap a character. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. One who uses the Bible as his guide It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. The danger of Observation and Interpretation without application is that we become hypocrites like the Pharisees, filled to the brim with intellectual knowledge, but failing miserably to allow the truth to transform our hearts! For Inductive Bible study, we don't begin with a topic and then try to find specific verses that make a teaching point. Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" The well known Puritan writer John Owen had some pithy comments on the need to study the Scriptures with the ultimate intent to apply them to one's life. This is not the fruit of slavish fear, but of holy love; it is not afraid of the Word, but delighting in it, as it discovers the mind of God to us; as in the next verse it is written, "I rejoice at Thy word." Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. What is the clearest meaning of this text? First, I saw a butterfly. Habakkuk The best way to define application is to first determine what it is not. Good Bible study does not happen by accident. 12-26). Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. When God got his attention, Samuel responded appropriately: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Sa 3:10). + (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. 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). And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? Amos --Hess, Robert Cook wisely advises that we should "Never leave a passage of Scripture until it has said something to you." How to Study the Bible | Cru - Cru.org Isaiah David Shepherd rightly exhorts us to leave out not "step" in study of God's Word but to be diligent to Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. All four of the Gospels begin differently, but they all come together at the baptism. Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. 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. 1 Thessalonians We are inclined to qualify and modify the precepts of Christ and His claim on the Christian disciple. 15.). It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. 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." However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. Do not read it merely to say, Yes, it is true; very true; I believe its doctrines to be the revelation of the infallible mind of God himself. But endeavour also in reading a page of the Scriptures, always to see how much it belongs to you. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. It is God's will that we should read Never fear, only trust and obey. 2 Samuel So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. Turn Scripture into Prayer. When in a spirit of quiet thought we have thus resolved and revolved God's Word, we are prepared to pray over it. Gather them. (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. Colossians The student has sought God's blessing on the Word, and has endeavored to find out its meaning and teaching; and it remains for him to ask, How does this passage apply to me? It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. While there are several great methods of studying the Bible, heres a simple method one can follow: Observation, Interpretation, Transformation and Application. 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. In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> 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? Could that be a clue about his intended audience? You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application 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. Pray God to help you to feel the solemnity even of the threatening, for if you feel deeply the threatening now, you may be delivered from the tragic fulfilment of it by-and-by. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. It is not enough just to study the Bible. Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. endstream endobj 64 0 obj <>>> endobj 65 0 obj >/PageWidthList<0 612.0>>>>>>/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 66 0 obj <> endobj 67 0 obj <>stream Of the three steps of Bible studyobservation, interpretation, and applicationthe middle one is often the most daunting. (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). Spiritual maturity, in which we become more like Christ, comes not just from knowing more about the Bible. When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. 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. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? YWAM Bible Schools: A Guide to Inductive Bible Study 2023 When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. Somewhere ages and ages hence: 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. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. Goldsmiths keep bottles of acid by which they test everything that is offered them for sale, whether it is gold or merely tinsel, and the Christian should keep Gods word near at hand and treasured in the soul, to test thereby all that he hears. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. 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. This awe is called by a proper name, reverence, or godly fear; when we consider Whose Word it is, namely, the Word of the Lord, Who is our God, and has a right to command what He pleases; to Whose will and word we have already yielded obedience, and devoted ourselves to walk worthy of Him in all well pleasing (Col 1:10-note, Ep 4:1-note, Php 3:17,18-note, 1Th 2:12-note); who can find us out in all our failings, as knowing our very thoughts afar of (Psalms 139:2), and having all our ways before Him, and being one of Whom we read, -- "He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins" (Joshua 24:19), that is to say, if we impenitently continue in them. To love Him and obey. How to Study Your Bible, Part 2 | Articles | Revive Our Hearts Otherwise, its easy to become dependent on them. Feed on them with joy" These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. Erroneous interpretation can lead to aberrant application. John Calvin commenting on proper application wrote thatWe must observe that the knowledge of God which we are invited to cultivate is not that which, resting satisfied with empty speculation, only flutters in the brain; but a knowledge which will prove substantial and fruitful whenever it is duly perceived and rooted in the heart.. R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP The OIA Bible study method consists of three parts. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. The inductive study process involves three steps: observation, interpretation and application. How to Do an Inductive Bible Study - Logos Bible Software 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 . Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. 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). This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? 0 :L How do you do that? Details of the OIA Method - Knowable Word He was there for hours writing notes, closed them, stuck them under his arm, tucked his magnifying glass in his pocket and walked away. 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. Study the Bible to be wise. 0000000925 00000 n Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. H\j0z The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Acronym to Aid Application. ", Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. It also becomes a source of support for you during difficult times. It is not enough just to study the Bible. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. 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~ PDF Simple Biblical Interpretation - Westminster Theological Seminary -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. who delude themselves. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. (Ep 1:3-note). Believe it to be safe (Ps 119:161). 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. If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. (Ro 10:17+). If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Commentaries are fantastic tools. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? 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. If you choose to consult a commentary during your study, try to do it toward the end. 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. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". 0000001036 00000 n Are we spiritual or are we natural? After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. They do not seem very ancient. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology (9781433684142) by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr., Andreas J. Kostenberger Christian author Jerry Bridges reminds us that. Memorization is the first step to meditation. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Sow a thought, reap an action. 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. It can provide you with answers you werent able to come up with on your own, and maybe give you some clues on interpretive techniques and tools in the future. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. HLTkXw: Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. Find resources for personal or group Bible study. It is unified in all its parts and will never contradict itself (Ps. 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. trailer This book walks through each of the three steps of the inductive method paying particular attention to historical, literary, and theological elements that come into play at each stage. In short, as John MacArthur says "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. Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. Revelation, Search Wikipedia using spiritual discretion, Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17, Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle", A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation. What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. 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. which then results in being and doing. To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written? Used by cults. xref Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. As for the doctrines, recollect that a doctrine killeth except as it is personally grasped and as you feel your interest in it. What does the term Messiah mean? In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. Luke 1 Peter Refrain When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. How? If our interpretation is accurate, we at least have the potential to apply the truth appropriately. Ecclesiastes (The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Jesus explains that relationship (and importance) between knowing God's Word and doing God's Word, declaringIf (If = 3rd class condition = possibility / probability but not a certainty! 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. Solicitation Disclosure Statement

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