Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. Write it all down (you can take notes directly in Logos), and once you feel like you have a good idea of whats happening in the text, its time to move on to the next step: interpretation. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Inductive Bible study draws its conclusions from the text, not our assumptions. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. Youve observed the details in the text and drawn interpretive conclusions about what the author was saying to his original readers. 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+). Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. Janet Chismar The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. As you make it your practice to study God's Word, you will experience the joy of having Him directly unveil His truth and reveal His purpose in your life. Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. Gather them. 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)? The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. Titus Observe whats there, and document it. Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. Jude (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. As you carry out your inductive Bible study you will find that observation, interpretation, and application often occur simultaneously. Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. Acts Showing God in action in and through His people. Different Approaches to Interpretation 1. 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. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! The word of God reveals to us our true selves. What does the term Messiah mean? If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. We must meditate upon it. Why are we deluded in this way? 12-26). Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. 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. 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. HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) I took the one less traveled by, Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. Hosea Privacy You too can try and prove God's wonder-working precious and magnificent promises that provide everything needed for life and godliness -- but only if you seek to apply them to your life. Refrain. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. 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. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Until all on the altar we lay; and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. And what did those things mean? Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. Galatians Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture. 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.. 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 You want to focus on things like: Practice observation on the first verse of the Gospel of Mark. Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. 0000000925 00000 n 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. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. Ask yourself all of the important questions above, and answer them as honestly as you are able. Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. -EO{0iB d("o? ", James warned that "to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology by Richard Alan Fuhr 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. (How to study the English Bible), SPACE PETS And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" We need to be specific here. Which road will you travel? Give Me Liberty! And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. 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?" 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? Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. Here, you want to go back over the passage and your observations and ask as many questions as you can. Job Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. trailer Judges Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. H\j0z Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. Study the Bible to be wise %%EOF Also we become more responsible to God. When you begin to study a passage, your first step will be observing the text. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! 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. If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. Comment: Don't be like the butterfly flitting from one Bible study [preacher, devotional, commentary, etc] to another, but failing to personally apply what you learn. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. 1 Thessalonians Erroneous interpretation can lead to aberrant application. Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). 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. (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. Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? Key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author's point or purpose for writing. Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. Resources Bible Study Inductive Bible Study. 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. He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? 8. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Are for them who will trust and obey. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. Believe it to be safe There are three basic approaches to Bible interpretation: A. First, I saw a butterfly. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. ( Ro 12:2 - note) Application answers the question, The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. 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.". It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. 2 Peter Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? But for transformation. Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. 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. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 63 0 obj <> endobj When it comes to reading the Bible, these boundaries can hinder your ability to observe what biblical authors are saying. Observation If you feel the wrath to come now, you may never have to feel it in the next world. Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". In the margin of many pages in D. L. Moody's Bible, he wrote the letters T and P, meaning "Tried and Proved." Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. (Josh 1:8-note). mo!zZJ:%3EAOnaY`z)p%Vv"-H=m>!MX|ov:Hh7vNmm%pZCY&,Z&!#+SzdOP ]LQ)A3_V@UU@Gz @mC-+BvH4sbC}&3A{ BV_$hyr0>Kiw>B/'/,fWGv>o|%vEQ mU0b-rxOw2)5t^_^~~p- Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. (Galatians 4:1, New International Version). Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". and All four of the Gospels begin differently, but they all come together at the baptism. Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. Jonah Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. Study the Bible to be wise. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." Considering these things we receive the word with that trembling of heart which God so much respects. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word, MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth by Spurgeon. ", Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote that "It is a good thing to be a student of the Word, but only in order to be a practiser and experiencer of the Word.". Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. 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?) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 (John 17:3), Heart appropriation, not merely head apprehension, is the true goal of Bible study. Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. Look for the plainest interpretation first. The inductive study process involves three steps: observation, interpretation and application. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. 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. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. 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. Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? This is always a powerful application of Scripture. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. 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. Malachi 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. If we study to know but never do, we like Chief Crowfoot will never fully tap into the blessing of, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 2023 BGEA 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. You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. In other words, we must act by faith in what God has shown us from His Word or our hearts can become hardened (cf. 1ICR, The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. The OIA Bible study method consists of three parts. 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. and the Scriptures to yourself. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. These four steps help you to orient yourself to a passage, wrestle with what its trying to communicate and examine your life in light of Gods Word. Although the Bible tells one cohesive story, it does so through the work of many authors who wrote during times hundreds of years apart. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. 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. What is awe? But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. Rather, an inductive study . Sow an action, reap a habit. Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, Avoid basing important doctrines on obscure passages. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. 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? Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. So when Mark tells you hes starting at the beginning, its safe to say hes talking about the beginning of Christs ministry. Ezekiel It is God's will that we should read Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. How about Son of God"? So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. Three vital responses in application are (1) Response of confession: The Word of God is like a sword (it penetrates), like a mirror (it reveals), and like a critic of the heart (it judges and reproves or exposes our attitudes and actions). )R z9=_)\_`w0s3^xT{bhi ?%\hMKINZ>0!L ik0%kjDb V >{f NGaE"VU{Z}M-9Eik$oflK pA!~~?\sDNSUke Zephaniah 2 Timothy Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. 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+). --C H Spurgeon, Choose Book of Bible to Study (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! For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 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+!). The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. There are a lot of excellent study Bibles available. Its what everything else is built upon. 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. By 0000060059 00000 n Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself. who delude themselves. Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? Puritan Thomas Manton comments thatThere is an awe of the Word, not that makes us shy of it, but tender of violating it, or doing anything contrary to it. 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! Mark 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. Precept Ministries International was founded by internationally-known Bible teacher Kay Arthur, along with her husband, Jack, with the vision to establish people in Gods Word. in my teaching, visiting or mission work? Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. Obadiah All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable (useful, advantageous, helpful,) for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (see notes 2 Timothy 3:16-17). S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. This can train you to be more of an explorer in the future. Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. 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. Spiritual maturity, in which we become more like Christ, comes not just from knowing more about the Bible. Habakkuk 0000000016 00000 n If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. 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. (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Ephesians Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. 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. The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. These subheadings can be useful for understanding the different parts of a biblical book, but they can also force you to read a passage in a particular light. Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson). Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Colossians Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. The Gospel opens by saying: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. Permissions Somewhere ages and ages hence: 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. We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. You have remained in right site to start getting this info. Skip Heitzig writes that "The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody made a habit of carrying a notebook to record what he learned as he read the Bible or listened to a sermon. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? 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. The inductive method is an investigative way of studying Scripture that can be used by both new and seasoned students alike. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). /+X$!acR\Y[/EC%D @2ADk0uHha3j^ It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details. If you want to study Scripture, youll need to carve out intentional time for it. You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. 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. A pericope is a section of the text that forms a complete thought. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, ), 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. While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. 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. 0000004523 00000 n Application begins with belief Follow it by personally doing what it bids thee. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. Leviticus Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night (this is the parallel of observation and interpretation), so that you may be careful to do (the application) according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success (the blessing of proper application). Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? As questions arise, they give you direction for further reading and study as you seek to answer those questions. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? The mind delights in having the truth presented clearly; the imagination is gratified by its illustration; the feelings are stirred by its application.