: an American History (Eric Foner) Civilization and its Discontents (Sigmund Freud) The Methodology of the Social Sciences (Max Weber) Interpersonal Communication (Kory Floyd) Chemistry: The Central Science (Theodore E. Brown; H. Eugene H LeMay; Bruce E. Bursten; Catherine Murphy; Patrick Woodward) Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. We all need to ask ourselves are we studying the Word that we might be more like Jesus or more like the Pharisees? How do I propose to carry out these changes? 0 :L Numbers Your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, can give you insights at any point in your study, so that you need to be sensitive to His leading. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. Then you could go back and look at how the other Gospels start: Matthew begins by giving us Jesus genealogy and then gives us a little glimpse into His birth. Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. There really arent any wrong questions, and sometimes what seems like a silly question can reveal critical insights. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. As for the doctrines, recollect that a doctrine killeth except as it is personally grasped and as you feel your interest in it. 9. Mark Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. 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. Home Until all on the altar we lay; eg'1{(yzJ*| The heart that stands in awe of God's word is armed against the temptations that arise from persecution (A good application). Explore answers to life's biggest questions. and how much we really believe what we have observed. Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. 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. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . 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. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. Otherwise, its easy to become dependent on them. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. Lamentations This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. Acts It is not enough just to study the Bible. 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). Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. The more work you do during this part of your study, the better you will do in the rest. It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? 0000001930 00000 n This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. Contact Us. It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. Ephesians Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. You too can try and prove God's wonder-working precious and magnificent promises that provide everything needed for life and godliness -- but only if you seek to apply them to your life. Sow a character, reap a destiny! But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. 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? trailer And so we should react with overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or dread, this latter emotion relevant especially to those who read but fail to heed God's Word (application). Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 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 . Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. 2 Peter 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.". Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! 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). The inductive study process involves three steps: observation, interpretation and application. What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? This is where secondary resources become really helpful. 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. (Galatians 4:1, New International Version). If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. Nahum We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. Is it because of ignorance, rebellion or indifference? The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. Key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author's point or purpose for writing. This speak of a personal choice that must be made) any man is willing (thelo = desires, wishes, delights [cp Ps 1:2-note], takes pleasure, is inclined to; the present tense - speaks of one's general direction of their life) to do (present tense - again speaks of one's general habit of practice = toward obedience not toward disobedience) His will, he shall know (ginosko = speaks not just of "head" knowing but of an experiential knowledge, a more intimate knowledge) of the teaching (didache - word study), whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. 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. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. What I mean is just this. 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. endstream endobj 68 0 obj <> endobj 69 0 obj <> endobj 70 0 obj <>stream These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? August 5, 2009. The old saying regarding application is true that the same Word that afflicts the comfortable, also provides comfort for the afflicted! And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! 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. You should desire to know Gods Word better so it can change you. (Ro 10:17+). Thirdly, we seek to link the spirit of the passage with our own personal experience of things human and Divine. The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. Zechariah Careless Observation 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. What is awe? While there are several great methods of studying the Bible, heres a simple method one can follow: Observation, Interpretation, Transformation and Application. The world desperately needs to see the Word's miracle-working power at work in our own lives as living proof! (How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30). BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. 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. During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. 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 ). 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. Take the time to dive into the application step. Your job at this stage is to discover what the author is trying to communicate. Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. The adventure of following God's will takes on a whole new complexion when we stop to listen and then act upon what we hear. About Gods redemptive plan? There should never be a time when we go to the Scriptures without allowing them to change our lives for the better. Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? What is the cultural and/or historical context of this passage? We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. 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! Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; 1 Kings Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. We are either a little more sweetened or a little more hardened. Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. startxref 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. What is the key to applying the Bible to my life? In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. 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? Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate. 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. 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. As youre reading along, you can check the commentary to gain insight into cultural, linguistic and interpretive considerations. 0000000925 00000 n Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. How do you do that? View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. 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. Ezra When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) He will be inquired of by us. They do not seem very ancient. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is Nehemiah The inductive method is an investigative way of studying Scripture that can be used by both new and seasoned students alike. The intercession of Abraham for Sodom, the prayer of Abraham's servant, the wrestling of Jacob, the pleadings of Moses, the strong crying of David, the spiritual conflicts of Elijah, Jonah and Jeremiah, the public and formal prayers of Solomon and Ezra, and the secret confessions of Danielall are the outpourings of hearts like our own. We may find something in every passage which comes before us both to pray over and to thank God over. (John Calvin), Gods Word can only produce growth in soil "fertilized" by obedience. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. Obadiah P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? There are many ways we can study the Bible, but one of the most influential and simple approaches to reading and understanding God's Word involves three simple steps: Step 1: ObservationWhat does the passage say? Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. Instead, we need to be Bible "bees", using inductive study to go deep into the Scriptures obtaining its divine nectar and then allowing God's "nectar" to change us. 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! You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. 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. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. 1:20-21). Haggai 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). Matthew is the result of He was there for hours writing notes, closed them, stuck them under his arm, tucked his magnifying glass in his pocket and walked away. 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. 0000060059 00000 n He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. Use this guide to help you lead your small group to encounter Jesus through the three main parts of an inductive Bible study: Observation, Interpretation, Application. The truth of God's Word is always relevant to our life. Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. It also becomes a source of support for you during difficult times. If not why not? When words or passages make an impression on you, stop and meditate on what God has shown you or as the great preacher C H Spurgeon advised Read the Bible carefully, Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. 119:160). The ideal combination is to read the word and then heed it expeditiously and implicitly. To love Him and obey. Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. The real authority of their view is always some single leader who has his or her ideas in writing. It can provide details and facts that you do not yet have the capacity or training to pick up on your own. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- Philippians The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. (Persevere!). 2. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. 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. Philemon truly, such a, promise is as a cluster of Eshcol, but it is in Eshcols valley and I cannot reach it there; but the promise applied is the cluster brought to me just where I am, and I can receive it, and delight myself in its luscious sweetness. You might see the word Messiah and think, I know what that means. But that can undermine your ability to discover new things. 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. The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". Our Goal in Interpreting . 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." -EO{0iB d("o? (Ps 119:161). Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. Also we become more responsible to God. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, 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. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. 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?) to my own life and destiny and relation to God? This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. He is a prayer-hearing God, but will He hear our prayers? 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. The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? 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." Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? 8. You can help us reach children and their families to know Jesus. 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. Gather them. The worldlings Bible is the Christian. A single revealed fact cherished in the heart and acted upon is more vital to our growth than a head filled with lofty ideas about God. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. 2023 BGEA Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. 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). But we are never just the same. 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. If you are a leader (and most of us are leaders in some sphere of influence) remember that a good leader is one who Knows the way, Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. How? Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. Go back to your questions from the beginning and ask them again in light of what youve learned, and apply it to our context today. 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. 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? 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? 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. If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. Remember that the more time spent in observation, the less time you will spend in interpretation, the more accurate the interpretation and the more appropriate the application. In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". 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. T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. 3:7f+, He 4:2+), (3) Response of obedience: Genuine faith will obey. 1 Corinthians <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? Solicitation Disclosure Statement Exodus Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself. We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. 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. 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). What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? Learn how you can know God personally. 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. (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.) 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. Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Observation In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. Believe it to be safe Proverbs the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" For example, in a court of law, jurors are asked to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented to them. 0000000016 00000 n In Psalm 119:18, David said, "Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your . 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. Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; 2 Corinthians S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. custom flight suit name patches, shoprite loyalty card number lookup,
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