And to do this, you need to look at the context (Logos Bible Software can be a great help with this). King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. The Power of Accurate Observation In Bible Study By Anna Wishart 07/31/2017 Details Bring Meaning God's Word has a lot to communicate. If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. (Ro 10:17+). H\j0z The precious promises lie in front of you. 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. ", Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. 0000001036 00000 n (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). 5 Basic Bible Study Techniques You Should Never Ignore, How to Study a Psalm: Essential Steps for Starting Right, How to Identify a Passages Repeated Words in Seconds, 10 Tips for Getting Started with Inductive Bible Study, Inductive Bible Study Is Not Just for Adults, The Laymans Bible Study Notebook: An Inductive Bible Study, Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practices of Hermeneutics, Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology, The Definitive Guide to Bible Commentaries: Types, Perspectives, and Use. This guide presents three basic steps of Inductive bible studies, Observation, Interpretation and Application. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- Observation We all have a story. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! Sow a character, reap a destiny! Amos THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. 63 0 obj <> endobj 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? Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. When it comes to reading the Bible, these boundaries can hinder your ability to observe what biblical authors are saying. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. Until all on the altar we lay; 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. 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?) If you feel the wrath to come now, you may never have to feel it in the next world. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". Don't deceive yourself! 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. About people or human nature? Solicitation Disclosure Statement Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. A lot of people have all sorts of news. J@GD0Q0rqD@!QTTXF1ID>IgIyy;GABp_8;.7_0?\h*4z/Bzc`S!zJP2[VgVM52,6.*0.199QP1T`}G/I(tSE)BQF*jE()*RMq>&}P* (Mt 7:13, 14+). 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 % The word of God reveals to us our true selves. which then results in being and doing. John MacArthur argues thatStudying Scripture without allowing it to penetrate to the depths of your soul would be like preparing a banquet without eating it. 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. Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? 2 John How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. It can provide details and facts that you do not yet have the capacity or training to pick up on your own. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? Sow a thought, reap an action. Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. It is God's will that we should read Fourthly, we seek to stir up our soul to notes of praise and thanksgiving, delighting ourselves in God's Word, rejoicing in the prospect it presents, yielding ourselves in joyful submission to its precepts, and at the same time searching ourselves in the light of its cautions, humbling ourselves over our past coldness or doubtsfor most of our failures come from doubting God. What is the clearest meaning of this text? Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. B. But to make us more like our Savior. 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. But for transformation. Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ. S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgement upon our character and conduct. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. By Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. To love Him and obey. 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). The butterfly was beautiful, and it would alight on a flower and then it would flutter to another flower and then to another, and only for a second or two it would sit and it would move on. and then 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. 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. 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? Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? 2023 BGEA If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. 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. Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. 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. Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! 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. God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. 74 0 obj <>stream R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP Habakkuk Different Approaches to Interpretation 1. 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). However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. Inductive Bible Study. They do not seem very ancient. 2 Peter Inductive study should cause us to be mentally excited by the truth, yet we may still fail to be morally changed by it and when that happens, you know there is something wrong with your study of the Bible. Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate. 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. About Gods redemptive plan? In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. 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 ). 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. 2 Corinthians Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. Ezekiel What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. Shows the way. Fourthly and this is very hard work Read And Practise. Also we become more responsible to God. Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. Considering these things we receive the word with that trembling of heart which God so much respects. 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. Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. (1Ti 4:7, 8-notes), The dictionary defines application as the act of putting to use or putting into operation especially for some practical purpose. 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? acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). 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. Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. Colossians Ask God not to let thy Bible be another mans Bible, but thine own Bible, Gods own mouth speaking to thy soul of the things which make for thy peace. who delude themselves. To know and not to do is not to know at all. Permissions Observation answers the question: What do I see? The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. 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. Gather them. We build up a reservoir of responses so that whenever the truth gets too convicting, weve got a multiplicity of reasons why it applies to everyone else but us! This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. This is where secondary resources become really helpful. %PDF-1.4 % Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. Contact Us. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. He is a prayer-hearing God, but will He hear our prayers? 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). (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Numbers For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . Application is where the proverbial "rubber meets the road", where our walk either does or does not back up our talk and where head knowledge becomes heart knowledge. Application begins with belief 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. Trust and obey, for theres no other way But our toil He doth richly repay; We are either a little more sweetened or a little more hardened. His Word from day to day, Grasp these sweet promises. Don't be like the man who boasted "I go through the entire Bible once every year".Application instead confronts us face to face with the question "How many times has the Bible gone through you?" Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. 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. Careless Observation Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. You haven't really learned the Word until you live the Word. With Logos Fundamentals, youll find the truth for yourselfno matter what questions arise as you study the Word. Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. Showing God in action in and through His people. Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. (Ezekiel 33:31), Hearing and not heeding the word is as foolish as cooking an expensive filet mignon and then not sitting down to eat it! 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)." 3 John We must meditate upon it. 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. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. 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." Its what everything else is built upon. Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. He now teaches two courses: "Bible Study" and "Advanced Bible Study." "All of my courses are built on the basic pattern of observation, interpretation, application and correlation (or . HLTkXw: 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. And what did those things mean? S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. (Ps 119:161). When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. 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. 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. The New Testament gives us further teaching about the way of approach, and makes new demands on our spiritual life, whilst offering us a new standard to live up to. Observation We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. 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. 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. John Calvin commenting on proper application wrote thatWe must observe that the knowledge of God which we are invited to cultivate is not that which, resting satisfied with empty speculation, only flutters in the brain; but a knowledge which will prove substantial and fruitful whenever it is duly perceived and rooted in the heart.. Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. 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. 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. The Bible is divine in origin. But we are never just the same. This guide is written for people of all levels who are looking for a deeper and richer study of Scripture. 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. The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. Identify chapter themes (Josh 1:8-note). This can train you to be more of an explorer in the future. endstream endobj 64 0 obj <>>> endobj 65 0 obj >/PageWidthList<0 612.0>>>>>>/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 66 0 obj <> endobj 67 0 obj <>stream 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. Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? 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, For example, in a court of law, jurors are asked to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented to them. Well, this is it. Study the Bible to be wise I have known of some, too, who gloried in final perseverance, but who, if they had finally persevered would certainly have been in hell, for they were on the road there. Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! 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. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. How do I propose to carry out these changes? It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. 0 There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. Observation. Somewhere ages and ages hence: You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. Youve observed the details in the text and drawn interpretive conclusions about what the author was saying to his original readers. 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. 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 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! Ephesians How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? (Ep 1:3-note). 0000060059 00000 n When you break the discipline of Bible study down to its simplest forms, its just a few steps: Explore: What did God say (to the original readers)? It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. 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. What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. Learn more 2. 1 Peter Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. Did they know where the Messiah was to be born? The more work you do during this part of your study, the better you will do in the rest. Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? 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. Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. 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. How is our desire for, time with, and practice of God's living Word growing? 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. That seems important to delve into deeper. John kicks off with some critical theological points and then immediately launches into the baptism too. 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! Ask yourself all of the important questions above, and answer them as honestly as you are able. the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" Which road will you travel? ), Christian author Jerry Bridges writes that "As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgment upon our character and conduct. It is not enough just to study the Bible. Deuteronomy You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. 12-26). What a glory He sheds on our way! Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. In other words, am I applying this truth? Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. 0000004523 00000 n If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it.