1 Kings So you might write that observation down: Marks beginning of the gospel story does not start at the very beginning., Youll also notice that Mark desires to tell you some good news, and this news is about Jesus. H\j0z 2 Thessalonians The word of God reveals to us our true selves. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. --C H Spurgeon, Choose Book of Bible to Study These divisions are incredibly convenient. In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Memorizing God's Word - Why? 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). Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. Ephesians In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. HhT=k&^-l
(6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? That's a frightening statement! In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. Heb. The whole Bible tells the story of how God, in his grace and mercy, comes to the rescue of rebellious people living in a broken world. (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? Learn more 2. 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. Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Explore answers to life's biggest questions. 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. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. Inductive Bible Study - Observation Inductive Bible Study - Interpretation Inductive Bible Study - Application Simple Study on the Power of God's Word Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17 Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle" Job's "Secret" of perseverance? But His smile quickly drives it away; They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. It is impossible to study the Scriptures diligently without running head-on into the need for application, "for the word of God is living and active (energetic, effective) and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge (sifting and analyzing) the thoughts and intentions of the heart and there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open (the bending back of the neck thoroughly exposing it to the eye of the skillful surgeon or the criminal on trial with a sharp dagger bound to his neck with the point just below the chin, so that he could not bow his head but had to face the court) and laid bare to the eyes of Him with Whom we must give account." 0
When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. The worldlings Bible is the Christian. This can train you to be more of an explorer in the future. EP !HOz While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. 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. Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. 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? Fourthly and this is very hard work Read And Practise. 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.". So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. Mark says hes starting at the beginning. Take the time to dive into the application step. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. my heart stands in awe of Thy words. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. Proverbs Mark For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? 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. After personal application, the best way to make the truth your own, is to teach it and even if you are not gifted to be a formal Bible teacher, there is always someone in your sphere of influence whom you are teaching by your life and your lips. (Galatians 4:1, New International Version). Christian author Jerry Bridges reminds us that. Memorization is the first step to meditation. Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. The Gospel opens by saying: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Psalms Lamentations 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. Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. 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. Numbers Application is where the proverbial "rubber meets the road", where our walk either does or does not back up our talk and where head knowledge becomes heart knowledge. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. This is always the most challengingportion of Bible study, which most people give only cursory attention to (unfortunately).The key to doing Bible study is . What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? Showing God in action in and through His people. If you choose to consult a commentary during your study, try to do it toward the end. Inductive Bible study is Home And that has made all the difference. Especially let this be so with the promises. Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Isaiah Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. John kicks off with some critical theological points and then immediately launches into the baptism too. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. 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? Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate. 6. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? Our Goal in Interpreting . They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. In other words, am I applying this truth? Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! 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. 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. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. Interpretation is not necessarily a separate step from observation, for often, as you carefully observe the text, you begin to see what it means at that very moment. Believe it to be safe 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. mo!zZJ:%3EAOnaY`z)p%Vv"-H=m>!MX|ov:Hh7vNmm%pZCY&,Z&!#+SzdOP ]LQ)A3_V@UU@Gz
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mU0b-rxOw2)5t^_^~~p- Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ. Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. For example, in a court of law, jurors are asked to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented to them. And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? But our toil He doth richly repay; How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. 0000002043 00000 n
Give Me Liberty! 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)." Deuteronomy Habakkuk After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. The person who knows the truth but doesn't act on it is not simply making a mistake or showing poor judgment but he is in sin. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? Haggai B. Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. 9. We must meditate upon it. The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. 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. Ruth Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. What Is Application? Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. Refrain What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? Your next question should be, Hows my saltiness? Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology (9781433684142) by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr., Andreas J. Kostenberger Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. We build up a reservoir of responses so that whenever the truth gets too convicting, weve got a multiplicity of reasons why it applies to everyone else but us! If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. And its in this phase we start to look at what the text means. 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). 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. And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. Inductive Bible study students should strive to be men and women like Ezra whose pattern was to teach the truth that he had put into practice. Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. Samuel addressing King Saul after his serious "miscalculation" (sin) said "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. John 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. Jeremiah Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. Don't deceive yourself! Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. 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. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos). When God got his attention, Samuel responded appropriately: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Sa 3:10). Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. Learn how you can know God personally. +
Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture.
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