(Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). startxref (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. May we all seek to so diligently apply what we observe and interpret that we see "the world turned upside down.". 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! In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? Solicitation Disclosure Statement If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? The main tool for each step is the Bible itself, meaning that when there is a question in my mind as to a passage's meaning, I first look to other scripture to provide the answer. Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. Mark says hes starting at the beginning. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? 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. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. 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. What are its elements ? For example, Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8: "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion." Note expressions of time The relationship of events in time often sheds light on the true meaning of the text. And so we should react with overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or dread, this latter emotion relevant especially to those who read but fail to heed God's Word (application). Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? Sow a habit, reap a character. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. 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. They were the local authorities. Observation involves reading the text to make simple statements that are true . About Gods redemptive plan? 8. Interpretation, Illumination and Application | Bible.org Refrain, But we never can prove the delights of His love Not just for knowledge, but much more-- Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? 0000004118 00000 n Inductive Bible study is Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. 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 field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. First, I saw a butterfly. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. 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. Thresh them by meditation. 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+). Jesus emphasized this important truth again in John 17 declaring. If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong place: It begins with interpretation, and it also ends thereObservation plus interpretation without application equals abortion. How to Study the Bible - 3 Simple Steps - Bible Study Tools Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology (9781433684142) by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr., Andreas J. Kostenberger What a glory He sheds on our way! As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. We don't really know the Bible unless we obey the Bible, God had a scathing rebuke for His people Israel through His prophet Ezekiel "They (the people of Israel) come to you (the prophet Ezekiel) as people come and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth and their heart goes after their gain." Observation answers the question: What do I see? So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). When words or passages make an impression on you, stop and meditate on what God has shown you or as the great preacher C H Spurgeon advised Read the Bible carefully, It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. Is it because of ignorance, rebellion or indifference? Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! Acts The mind delights in having the truth presented clearly; the imagination is gratified by its illustration; the feelings are stirred by its application. However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. Your goal in observation is to notice as much as possible. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Philemon 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. For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . (Josh 1:8-note). Its what everything else is built upon. 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- When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. 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. 0000000536 00000 n 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. Inductive Bible Study Method: How to Guide Song of Solomon Scripture interprets Scripture. Both reflect what is really there. One who uses the Bible as his guide The truth of God's Word is always relevant to our life. You should desire to know Gods Word better so it can change you. 0000002043 00000 n Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. Give Me Liberty! never loses his sense of direction. The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. 0000000925 00000 n 1 John The Bible is divine in origin. Job This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. In other words, we must act by faith in what God has shown us from His Word or our hearts can become hardened (cf. Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. (Ps 119:161). Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. 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." Absolutely. Nevertheless our duty is clear. Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. Identify chapter themes Not just for information In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. 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. Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Verse by Verse Ministry Dont twist Scripturemeaning, dont manipulate the text to get it to say something youd like for it to say. Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. What was the result in his life and by way of application what will be the result in our life if we emulate his example? <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> But for transformation. You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. What is awe? Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. I took the one less traveled by, Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. endstream endobj 68 0 obj <> endobj 69 0 obj <> endobj 70 0 obj <>stream 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. As youre reading along, you can check the commentary to gain insight into cultural, linguistic and interpretive considerations. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! Good Bible study does not happen by accident. 63 12 The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. in my dealings with the world ? Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? But to make us more like our Savior. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application brings us into this sphere of abundant life in the Spirit. Habakkuk Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Matthew The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). 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. And what did those things mean? HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS How do you do that? 6. 2 John For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate. He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. But our toil He doth richly repay; And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. Some people say they cannot meditate; they do not know what it means, or they have no time, or they go to sleep when they begin. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. ( Ro 12:2 - note) Application answers the question, Inductive Bible Study: A Step-by-Step Guide - Bible Study Tips Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. Speak of bringing the Bible down into the vernacular! 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. Needless to say, the group of pastors got the point! The old saying regarding application is true that the same Word that afflicts the comfortable, also provides comfort for the afflicted! Numbers J@GD0Q0rqD@!QTTXF1ID>IgIyy;GABp_8;.7_0?\h*4z/Bzc`S!zJP2[VgVM52,6.*0.199QP1T`}G/I(tSE)BQF*jE()*RMq>&}P* 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? Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. YWAM Bible Schools: A Guide to Inductive Bible Study 2023 The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. For example, Psalm 24 says, "The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. 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.