They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. 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? 0000004523 00000 n Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. 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. 0 :L When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. 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. What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . 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. But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. Make them your own. Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. eg'1{(yzJ*| Considering these things we receive the word with that trembling of heart which God so much respects. But we are never just the same. When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! Joshua What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? Ruth (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. 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. The tireless runner is a picture of what Application should look like in each of our livessobrethren, beloved of God, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world for so great a salvation, filled with His Spirit and controlled by the love of Christ "let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith" (He 12:1-note, He 12:2-note) pressing "on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Php 3:14-note) disciplining ourselves "for the purpose of godliness for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgement upon our character and conduct. Local: 704-401-2432 In short, as John MacArthur says "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. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. That's a frightening statement! The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? Contact Us. In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. First, I saw a butterfly. Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! Thresh them by meditation. Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. Good Bible study does not happen by accident. The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. 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. Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. 0000000016 00000 n 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. 74 0 obj <>stream Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. In fact, it has become the benchmark of Bible study for many people. 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. Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. As questions arise, they give you direction for further reading and study as you seek to answer those questions. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. %PDF-1.4 % What kind of flavor and preserving qualities do I bring to my circle of influence? Maybe this question will lead you to pray for God to show you ways to help others and make some resolutions about things that youd like to change. You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. This is where secondary resources become really helpful. Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. 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+). By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. When you begin to study a passage, your first step will be observing the text. For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. YWAM Bible Schools: A Guide to Inductive Bible Study 2023 William MacDonald explains meditation as follows Christians should meditate on the Word of God (chew the cud) and have a separated walk (the cloven hoof). Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? Especially let this be so with the promises. 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?) It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Ask yourself all of the important questions above, and answer them as honestly as you are able. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. %%EOF This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. 1 Peter 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. Inductive Bible Study: Application | Precept Austin If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. But to make us more like our Savior. xref His Word from day to day, 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. 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? For Inductive Bible study, we don't begin with a topic and then try to find specific verses that make a teaching point. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. Nevertheless our duty is clear. We all have a story. In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. This is not the fruit of slavish fear, but of holy love; it is not afraid of the Word, but delighting in it, as it discovers the mind of God to us; as in the next verse it is written, "I rejoice at Thy word." A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. We need to be specific here. Inductive Bible Study Method: How to Guide A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? (Mt 7:13, 14+). Bible study - Assignment - Bible Study observation, interpretation Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. Look for the plainest interpretation first. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. 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. 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 . 3 John Hosea The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. 2 Kings These four steps help you to orient yourself to a passage, wrestle with what it's trying to communicate and examine your life in light of God's Word. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; They were the local authorities. 63 0 obj <> endobj Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. 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)." He will be inquired of by us. Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. Careless Observation The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. Jeremiah For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . I took the one less traveled by, PDF 10 BIBLE STUDY OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION - Home Baptist Church 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. Lamentations John kicks off with some critical theological points and then immediately launches into the baptism too. 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 . 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. If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. (1) Substituting interpretation for application as did the Pharisees; (2) substituting superficial obedience for substantial life-change and. 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). One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. Acronym to Aid Application. Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine. Inductive Bible Study: A Step-by-Step Guide - Bible Study Tips It is God's will that we should read We need you. Or well walk by His side in the way. Mark ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." to which the context answers) for (every time you see a "for" at the beginning of a sentence pause and ponder why it's there and remember you can usually substitute the word "because" in place of "for" to help understand the meaning) Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. Sow an action, reap a habit. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- 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. Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. Believe it to be safe Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. Matthew Henry adds: Every gracious soul stands in awe of the word of God, of the authority of its precepts and the terror of its threatenings; and to those that do so nothing appears, in the power and wrath of man, at all formidable. But as helpful as these tools are, theyre not always ideal for personal study. The student has sought God's blessing on the Word, and has endeavored to find out its meaning and teaching; and it remains for him to ask, How does this passage apply to me? Its what everything else is built upon. Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. Its worth it. 1 Kings Memorizing God's Word - Why? PDF Simple Biblical Interpretation - Westminster Theological Seminary 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. Esther The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. 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! 0000000536 00000 n Janet Chismar 1 Thessalonians After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. 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. How to Study Your Bible, Part 2 | Articles | Revive Our Hearts Youve observed the details in the text and drawn interpretive conclusions about what the author was saying to his original readers. If our interpretation is accurate, we at least have the potential to apply the truth appropriately. 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. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. Psalms 1 Chronicles The precious promises lie in front of you. The Word is both a glass to show us the spots of our soul and a laver to wash them away. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. Heb. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. Jesus warned that Bible study as the end in itself, can be deceptively dangerous declaring to the Jewish leaders You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life. Different Approaches to Interpretation 1. endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream Let it not only inform you but inflame you. S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. 0000060059 00000 n Lesson 6: Principles of Biblical Interpretation | Bible.org 8. Interpretation, Illumination and Application | Bible.org Many of us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? Ezra After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. 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! 2 Peter Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. 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? God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. Amos 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. Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. Howard Hendricks' 4 Bible Study Steps - Bible Study - Crosswalk.com 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. Numbers 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. Find resources for personal or group Bible study. Refrain. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. 0000001930 00000 n Ezekiel The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. Hebrews Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. 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! Feed on them with joy" Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. 2 Chronicles Don't be deceived -- Every time we hear the Word of God, we are either a little closer to heaven or a little further away. 0000002043 00000 n In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> James 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). 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. How? Apply yourself to the Scriptures Song of Solomon Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? To an active mind knowledge gives pleasure. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. If you read, He that believeth on him is not condemned, if you believe not then you are condemned already, because you have not believed in the Son of God. Inductive Bible study is It can provide details and facts that you do not yet have the capacity or training to pick up on your own. Zephaniah EP !HOz 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. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. How to Study the Bible - 3 Simple Steps - Bible Study Tools We are inclined to qualify and modify the precepts of Christ and His claim on the Christian disciple. Some passages will not have a clear application. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? How do you do that? 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. -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. (Ps 119:161). THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD Identify chapter themes (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson). 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. 1 Timothy 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. Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . Nehemiah Every promise must be grasped and realized as true : every precept must be registered in the heart, and acted out in the life, in the strength of God. The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. 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+). 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- We must meditate upon it. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Inductive Bible Study: Observation | Precept Austin Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. How do I propose to carry out these changes? I shall be telling this with a sigh When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. never the Bible to ourselves. And what thou readest well, thou canst not too well understand; 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. ), In Bible study, application is putting truth you've discovered (through observation and interpretation) to use in your life with the ultimate goal of transformation or life change. 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. These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. Resources Bible Study Inductive Bible Study. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. 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.