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. 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. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. They do not seem very ancient. Spiritual maturity, in which we become more like Christ, comes not just from knowing more about the Bible. Bible study - Assignment - Bible Study observation, interpretation never loses his sense of direction. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. 0000060059 00000 n Genesis Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. Refrain, But we never can prove the delights of His love HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. ", Oswald Chambers in his typical "no nonsense" style reminds us that"One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it", We have to be careful not to deceive ourselves. The Power of Accurate Observation In Bible Study Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. who delude themselves. in my business life ? We may find something in every passage which comes before us both to pray over and to thank God over. PDF Precept Bible Study Method Of the three steps of Bible studyobservation, interpretation, and applicationthe middle one is often the most daunting. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. Lesson 6: Principles of Biblical Interpretation | Bible.org You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" We must adjust ourselves to the Bible What I mean is just this. 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. Esther Never fear, only trust and obey. Deuteronomy If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Find resources for personal or group Bible study. How about Son of God"? The butterfly was beautiful, and it would alight on a flower and then it would flutter to another flower and then to another, and only for a second or two it would sit and it would move on. You want to focus on things like: Practice observation on the first verse of the Gospel of Mark. (Ezra 7:9, 10) (Click to read an in depth unpacking of this practical powerful principle - the "Ezra 7:10 Principle"). Inductive Bible study draws its conclusions from the text, not our assumptions. And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. (Skip Heitzig How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It), Puritan Thomas Manton adds that "What we take in by the Word we digest by meditation and let out by prayer.". Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. 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. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). For instance, as you explore the terms Messiah and Son of God, you might be moved to respond in prayer and worship. How to Do an Inductive Bible Study - Logos Bible Software A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. and Then we have mentally to adjust the picture thus formed with the pictures already in our mindto hang it, so to speak, in its right place, so that it may blend with the convictions of truth already attained. 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." With Logos Fundamentals, youll find the truth for yourselfno matter what questions arise as you study the Word. A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. 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)? To go on gaining an intellectual knowledge of the Bible without obeying it can be a trap instead of a blessing. Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . (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. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. (Ep 1:3-note). But as helpful as these tools are, theyre not always ideal for personal study. 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. 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. 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. Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. There are several reasons for this . If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. Ezekiel They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. It is not enough just to study the Bible. 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. 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. Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. 2 Chronicles Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. Both of these; Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). 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.") For the first question, you might think through your initial reading of Mark. Heb. Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. 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). God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. When it comes to reading the Bible, these boundaries can hinder your ability to observe what biblical authors are saying. However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? 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. Ecclesiastes 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~ ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. 1:20-21). How to Study Your Bible, Part 2 | Articles | Revive Our Hearts You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. 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? Psalms Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. 0000001930 00000 n Isaiah 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. 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.". In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. in my teaching, visiting or mission work? Inductive Bible study is one reliable way. 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! Woe! Its worth it. It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details. Until all on the altar we lay; How? Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? 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. (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. When God got his attention, Samuel responded appropriately: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Sa 3:10). to my own life and destiny and relation to God? Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? Proverbs 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. Observation. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Grasp these sweet promises. When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. The truth of God's Word is always relevant to our life. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. A lot of people have all sorts of news. 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. It is one thing to know these truths, and even to fight for them with the zeal and bitterness of a controversialist, but it is quite another thing to enjoy them as our own heritage and our portion for ever. (1 Sa 15:22) (cf Ps 51:16,17, Spurgeon note v16, note v 17), We learn Gods Word not to know but to grow by doing for "Obedience is the mother of true knowledge of God." How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` 2. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. What is the key to applying the Bible to my life? Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. We must meditate upon it. Don't deceive yourself! 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. If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? I took the one less traveled by, Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! The gospel is a very solemn thing to every man, because if it be not a savour of life unto life, since it must always be a savour of some sort, it therefore becomes a savour of death unto death. 8. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. First, I saw a butterfly. Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream 1 Jn 1:7, 8, 9; Pr 28:13), (2) Response of faith: One of our reasons for meditating on the Word is to develop and build our faith. Janet Chismar It is unified in all its parts and will never contradict itself (Ps. 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?" What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. Inductive Bible Study: A Step-by-Step Guide - Bible Study Tips For one thing people mistake the pleasure they have in hearing the Word of God for Christianity and worship. After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. (Ezekiel 33:31), Hearing and not heeding the word is as foolish as cooking an expensive filet mignon and then not sitting down to eat it! Acts Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. Especially let this be so with the promises. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And 2 Kings What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. 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. What does the term Messiah mean? Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). For Inductive Bible study, we don't begin with a topic and then try to find specific verses that make a teaching point. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. YWAM Bible Schools: A Guide to Inductive Bible Study 2023 Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. But we are never just the same. Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. Explore answers to life's biggest questions. 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). Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ The reader through OBSERVATION discovers what a passage says which enables the reader to make an accurate INTERPRETATION, the discovery of what a passage means. Thus, we are called and encouraged to new labour in prayer, whilst we have a new example in Him Who prayed, and wept, and bled. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. How to Study the Bible Using Observation - Billy Graham Evangelistic Who art thou that judgest another man? To his own master he stands or falls. Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, 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 is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. 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)." Bible Study: Traditional Method (Observation, Interpretation 8. Interpretation, Illumination and Application | Bible.org Learn more 2. Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. Look for the plainest interpretation first. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. (How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30). These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. 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 (Basic Bible Interpretation). Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . 1 Kings Permissions Contact Us. You have remained in right site to start getting this info. 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. 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. which then results in being and doing. Dr. Howard Hendricks remarks that Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Daniel This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. Details of the OIA Method - Knowable Word