Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. What a glory He sheds on our way! We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. 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. Good Bible study does not happen by accident. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an approachable, step-by-step process moving from observation through interpretation and on to the application of God's Word. This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. Although the Bible tells one cohesive story, it does so through the work of many authors who wrote during times hundreds of years apart. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Whenever (every time) we read the Scriptures, the question we should always honestly seek to ask is How does the meaning of this text apply to me? Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. 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? Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. 15.). 0 And its in this phase we start to look at what the text means. Especially let this be so with the promises. 2 Thessalonians However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. 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. Also we become more responsible to God. You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. This guide presents three basic steps of Inductive bible studies, Observation, Interpretation and Application. 0000000925 00000 n Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. (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." 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- 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." Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather: you and me! The bottom-line question to ask is, How do the divine truths and principles contained in any passage apply to me in terms of my attitude and actions? Jesus made this promise to those who would carry their personal Bible study through to this point: If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them (John 13:17, cp Jn 15:14, 14:15, Lk 11:28, Jas 1:22+, Jas 1:25+, Rev 1:3+) 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. 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). HLTkXw: When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. 1 John 2 John In fact, it has become the benchmark of Bible study for many people. Never fear, only trust and obey. Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. Learn more 2. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. 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! And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. Colossians Esther Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. Obadiah Jonah Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). 2. +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS 1ICR, Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. 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? The botanist would lean over a certain flower and he would look for a long time and then he would write notes in his notebook. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. Your grandmother translated the Bible?" Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! 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. The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? Mark it down -- You can measure the eternal effectiveness of your inductive Bible study by the temporal effect it has on your behavior and attitudes. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. Inductive Bible Study: A Step-by-Step Guide - Bible Study Tips 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. 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+!). my heart stands in awe of Thy words. 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." It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. Lesson 6: Principles of Biblical Interpretation | Bible.org Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. 8. What is awe? As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. (Ro 12:2-note). (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos). In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. Explore answers to life's biggest questions. And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. Somewhere ages and ages hence: Permissions It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Not just for information Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. How about Son of God"? Scripture reading and Bible study always represents (so to speak) a "God sighting" ("God speaking") and as such always applies to us as His creatures. 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. 0000000536 00000 n Leviticus You might see the word Messiah and think, I know what that means. But that can undermine your ability to discover new things. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? In other words, am I applying this truth? 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. A Silly yet Serious 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. Try challenging yourself to come up with 10 observations about a passage, and once youve hit that number, push yourself to come up with five more. Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. How to Study the Bible (part 2): Interpretation and Application Song of Solomon Numbers We need you. Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. 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. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . 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. Not to make us smarter sinners Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? Avoid basing important doctrines on obscure passages. James If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. 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. You may study it your whole life, and you will never be able to absorb all that it has to teach. Trust and obey, for theres no other way Janet Chismar Believe it to be safe There are three basic approaches to Bible interpretation: A. 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. The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. 0000004118 00000 n ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) Until all on the altar we lay; 1 Timothy 3. Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. Observe whats there, and document it. Joel 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. 2. Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, 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 . Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. Their righteousness was external, based on facts and devoid of personal response. 6. Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. What are its elements ? Give Me Liberty! 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. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. If you want to study Scripture, youll need to carve out intentional time for it. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an approachable, step-by-step process moving from observation through interpretation and on to the application of God's Word. 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. 2023 BGEA 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. Refrain, But we never can prove the delights of His love Local: 704-401-2432 But to make us more like our Savior. 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). Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. 12-26). (Mt 7:13, 14+). Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. 1 Kings So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. Your job at this stage is to discover what the author is trying to communicate. No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. Some passages will not have a clear application. Unlike other forms of study, the ultimate goal of Bible study is not information its transformation. Scripture interprets Scripture. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. 0000060059 00000 n Here are a few questions you can ask: There are a few essential rules to remember when attempting to interpret a passage: Make sure you spend a good chunk of time with this phase. 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. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word (cp Ep 5:26-note). Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. 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. Observation S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? 9. Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. Are for them who will trust and obey. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Notice how Jesus observes the Old Testament text in verse 42, interprets it in verse 44, and applies it in verse 43 (implying that his listeners should believe the truth and make some changes in their lives). 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. (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? 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. Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. 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. Refrain. This is always a powerful application of Scripture. The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. Look for the plainest interpretation first. About Gods redemptive plan? Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. 2 Timothy If you are made to tremble under Gods Word, you may never be made to tremble under Gods hand. He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! Identify chapter themes What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. 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. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. He never reads the book, but he reads the disciple of Christ, and he judges the Christian religion, by the lives of its professors. Many of us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. As you carry out your inductive Bible study you will find that observation, interpretation, and application often occur simultaneously. The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. Howard Hendricks' 4 Bible Study Steps - Bible Study - Crosswalk.com T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. SMbN|U#t?%ux[w]z!\8U=Cdl1fNX`)5|@c!"&|q0|1"W Sfi%DaW1VC>Z(#qoR L%#GS`Kj)|%2laZxe"$[1Gf9pnY$,sfP.( +EelPEC_JjN bbBwa7$}%I$UO8 % Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). How to Study the Bible Using Observation - Billy Graham Evangelistic While there are several great methods of studying the Bible, heres a simple method one can follow: Observation, Interpretation, Transformation and Application. An Example of Interpretation Revelation 13:1-10. Needless to say, the group of pastors got the point! Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. Daniel It is thework of applying something (I like that -- it make take a little "holy sweat" to apply what we have learned, but it is worth the effort exerted! YWAM Bible Schools: A Guide to Inductive Bible Study 2023 Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. Observation involves reading the text to make simple statements that are true . Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. Verse by Verse Ministry 7 Principles for Teaching Kids to Interpret the Bible (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. 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. It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. PDF 10 BIBLE STUDY OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION - Home Baptist Church Habakkuk 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. Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. The Apostle Paul's great passion was transformed, Christ like lives as he explained to the saints at Colossae writing we proclaim Him (Christ in believers the hope of glory), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. To an active mind knowledge gives pleasure. When God got his attention, Samuel responded appropriately: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Sa 3:10). We tone down unconsciously the vigor of St. Paul's remonstrances, the force of his figures, such as ' Death to sin,' the strictness of the law of retribution, and of judgment according to works ; the demand of absolute self-sacrifice, and of truth at any cost ; the need of meekness, forbearance, self-restraint and sympathy. It is not enough just to study the Bible. Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . 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. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning.
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