which then results in being and doing. Could that be a clue about his intended audience? How to Do an Inductive Bible Study - Logos Bible Software 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. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Observation. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. Joel 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. 2 Kings Learn more 2. 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. Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. How? They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. This means youre going to start by reading the whole thing hopefully in one sitting before you begin to deal with smaller portions of it in greater depth. 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? Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. 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. View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. 0000000536 00000 n 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." These subheadings can be useful for understanding the different parts of a biblical book, but they can also force you to read a passage in a particular light. To love Him and obey. What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. The well known Puritan writer John Owen had some pithy comments on the need to study the Scriptures with the ultimate intent to apply them to one's life. 0000001036 00000 n S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? 0000004523 00000 n The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. Howard Hendricks' 4 Bible Study Steps - Bible Study - Crosswalk.com 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. You haven't completed your Bible study until you've allowed the Bible to "study' you and you respond accordingly to it's teaching (which tells us what is true and right and so structures our thinking), reproof ( tells us when we are out of bounds), correction (reveals sin and provides the dynamic whereby you can conform to Gods will) and training in righteous living (Gods means of showing you how to live), all in order that we as men and women of God might be complete or whole and what we were created to be so that we might be thoroughly equipped for good work (2Ti 3:16, 17-note). And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. Is your heart conditioned to listen and obey? Refrain. Goldsmiths keep bottles of acid by which they test everything that is offered them for sale, whether it is gold or merely tinsel, and the Christian should keep Gods word near at hand and treasured in the soul, to test thereby all that he hears. 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. + Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) 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.") And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. Observation There are a lot of excellent study Bibles available. Job They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. His Word from day to day, 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. It is full of instances of prayer; it supplies us with those thoughts about God which stimulate our faith to approach Him expectantly, earnestly, confidently. By A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? Commentaries are fantastic tools. 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. Ruth Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And 2 Thessalonians The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. These divisions are incredibly convenient. Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. 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. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. EP !HOz As questions arise, they give you direction for further reading and study as you seek to answer those questions. 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. Needless to say, the group of pastors got the point! PDF Simple Biblical Interpretation - Westminster Theological Seminary There are several reasons for this . Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! Joshua 1 Thessalonians of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? %PDF-1.4 % 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! When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! 8. (Mt 7:13, 14+). 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). 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. This is always a powerful application of Scripture. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. Zephaniah Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. Skip Heitzig writes that "The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody made a habit of carrying a notebook to record what he learned as he read the Bible or listened to a sermon. With Logos Fundamentals, youll find the truth for yourselfno matter what questions arise as you study the Word. The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. Permissions But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? 0000008074 00000 n Privacy Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology (9781433684142) by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr., Andreas J. Kostenberger 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." 2 John It is not enough just to study the Bible. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). 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 . This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. Heb. tie. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. I shall be telling this with a sigh It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. 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. Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. We must never forget that the ultimate goal of Bible study, whether inductive or otherwise, is to know God and His Son so that we might have life in Him. 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." (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). 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. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. So before we can apply the truth as God intended, we need to be certain that our interpretation is accurate, which in turn hinges on careful observation. For example, in a court of law, jurors are asked to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented to them. Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. 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. Careless Observation Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. 1 Samuel They were the local authorities. 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? (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. 0 :L 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. But is blessed if we trust and obey. Hosea It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. It is not enough just to study the Bible. 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. Turn Scripture into Prayer. When in a spirit of quiet thought we have thus resolved and revolved God's Word, we are prepared to pray over it. The goal is that we live holy, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action and that in so doing we are made adequate and equipped for every good ("God") work, which represents only those works He initiates and empowers. Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. 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)." You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. The precious promises lie in front of you. You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! Nehemiah Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Why OIA (Observation, Interpretation, Application) is the Best Bible in my dealings with the world ? HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) Verse by Verse Ministry As a result, that man became a Christian. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. 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. What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? Micah It involves three steps: observation of the text, interpretation of the text, and application of the text. 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+). 1 Peter 0000005006 00000 n Sow an action, reap a habit. It is more needful for you to hear God's words than that God should hear yours, though the one will always lead to the other. (Ro 10:17+). Of the three steps of Bible studyobservation, interpretation, and applicationthe middle one is often the most daunting. Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. 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). The Bible is divine in origin. 1 Chronicles What a glory He sheds on our way! Bible Study Principles Again, our METHOD of reading, searching, and study must involve very precise OBSERVATION, which is absolutely necessary to accurate INTERPRETATION! 0000001930 00000 n Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. For example, Philippians 4:13, in context, isn't about being the greatest and most famous basketball player, but about being content and having joy in any and every circumstance ( Phil 4:10-13 ). ", Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote that "It is a good thing to be a student of the Word, but only in order to be a practiser and experiencer of the Word.". in my teaching, visiting or mission work? Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. 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. We must meditate upon it. 2 Peter Practice it to be holy. Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" The first verse of Mark youve been studying does not have immediate actionable teachings, but you still need to be open to the Holy Spirit moving as you study. 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. Pray God to help you to feel the solemnity even of the threatening, for if you feel deeply the threatening now, you may be delivered from the tragic fulfilment of it by-and-by. Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? 0000004118 00000 n Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application 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? Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself. eg'1{(yzJ*| Some sections make much more sense if you read them within the context of the surrounding chapters, like Matthew 23-25 or 1 Corinthians 12-14. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. And that has made all the difference. ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. 2 Timothy 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. Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. (Self deception is the worst form of deception and occurs when we come to believe there is virtue in hearing the truth of God but failing to apply it.) What are its elements ? Bible study consists of Observation, Interpretation and Application. 1 Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. Sow a thought, reap an action. In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; Otherwise, its easy to become dependent on them. John kicks off with some critical theological points and then immediately launches into the baptism too. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. 1 Kings Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. How do you do that? How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. We may hear words like "hermeneutics" (the science of interpretation) or "exegesis" (critical explanation or interpretation of a text) and think interpretation is something best left to experts. and then Both reflect what is really there. Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. Inductive Bible study draws its conclusions from the text, not our assumptions. 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. We need to be specific here. We must meditate upon it. 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? 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 isthe act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose. James About people or human nature? Christian author Jerry Bridges reminds us that. Memorization is the first step to meditation. Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Refrain The real authority of their view is always some single leader who has his or her ideas in writing. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. A Is there an Attitude to change or guard against or an Action I need to take? Matthew Believe it to be safe Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. (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." 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. In fact, it has become the benchmark of Bible study for many people. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Application begins with belief Scripture interprets Scripture. What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written? Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. 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.