The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. In other words, am I applying this truth? (How to study the English Bible), SPACE PETS How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. 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. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. 0000000536 00000 n 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. Luke Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. Ask yourself all of the important questions above, and answer them as honestly as you are able. Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . Different Approaches to Interpretation 1. 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.") to my own life and destiny and relation to God? Grasp these sweet promises. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Both reflect what is really there. Psalms 1 Timothy He will be inquired of by us. Leviticus And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R 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." (Mt 7:13, 14+). While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. His Word from day to day, Haggai What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. Writing it down helps to remind you of God's consistent revelation and reinforces the truth He conveys to your heart. 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. Woe! S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. And with all who will trust and obey. 9. For example, in a court of law, jurors are asked to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented to them. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study I took the one less traveled by, Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? Explore answers to life's biggest questions. As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Judges He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? It isthe act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose. Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. The world desperately needs to see the Word's miracle-working power at work in our own lives as living proof! As you carry out your inductive Bible study you will find that observation, interpretation, and application often occur simultaneously. Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. For instance, as you explore the terms Messiah and Son of God, you might be moved to respond in prayer and worship. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written? Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. Genesis Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. The bottom-line question to ask is, How do the divine truths and principles contained in any passage apply to me in terms of my attitude and actions? Jesus made this promise to those who would carry their personal Bible study through to this point: If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them (John 13:17, cp Jn 15:14, 14:15, Lk 11:28, Jas 1:22+, Jas 1:25+, Rev 1:3+) Bible study is not complete until we ask ourselves, What does this mean for my life and how can I practically apply it? We must take the knowledge we have gained from our reading and interpretation and draw out the practical principles that apply to our personal lives. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Feed on them with joy" The inductive method is an investigative way of studying Scripture that can be used by both new and seasoned students alike. and This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". Gather them. Acronym to Aid Application. And what did those things mean? For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. We need you. Joshua Ruth This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. 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. The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. 0000000016 00000 n This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. which then results in being and doing. meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. 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." 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. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. 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 . If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? The following books are a great place to learn more about this simple methodology: Kay Arthurs inductive method has helped millions of people learn how to study the Bible for themselves. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. A lot of people have all sorts of news. What is the clearest meaning of this text? Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. The heart that stands in awe of God's word is armed against the temptations that arise from persecution (A good application). Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, Observation In Psalm 119:18, David said, "Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your . To profess great love for Gods word or even to pose as a Bible student is a form of self-deception unless our increasing knowledge of the word is producing increasing likeness to the Lord Jesus. For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos). And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. 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 never reads the book, but he reads the disciple of Christ, and he judges the Christian religion, by the lives of its professors. Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. and then Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. But His smile quickly drives it away; 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)." Here are a few questions to facilitate application of the truth you have observed How does this truth apply to my life in four spheres in my(a) personal life (b) my family (c) work (d) church (e) neighborhood? Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? 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. One of the best ways to study the Bible is through "inductive" study. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- 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?" Galatians Application brings us into this sphere of abundant life in the Spirit. The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. The old saying regarding application is true that the same Word that afflicts the comfortable, also provides comfort for the afflicted! Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 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! These divisions are incredibly convenient. startxref 1ICR, Titus Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? The truth of God's Word is always relevant to our life. )R z9=_)\_`w0s3^xT{bhi ?%\hMKINZ>0!L ik0%kjDb V >{f NGaE"VU{Z}M-9Eik$oflK pA!~~?\sDNSUke Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. 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. Mark says hes starting at the beginning. Marking them will help you see the sequence of events and lead to accurate interpretation of Scripture. (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. 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? Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. One who uses the Bible as his guide xref 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. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. Proverbs Habakkuk Sow a habit, reap a character. (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. Thresh them by meditation. This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? When God got his attention, Samuel responded appropriately: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Sa 3:10). Some seem as if they read the Bible in order to know how not to do, and the more God commands the more they will not obey. Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ. A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. 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. 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+). ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. Some are always looking out for other peoples duty, and are great judges and critics for what others ought to do. (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. 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. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. 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. Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` HLTkXw: Avoid basing important doctrines on obscure passages. What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? That seems important to delve into deeper. I shall be telling this with a sigh We need to be specific here. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. If we study to know but never do, we like Chief Crowfoot will never fully tap into the blessing of, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. We must meditate upon it. It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Privacy Also we become more responsible to God. 1. This book walks through each of the three steps of the inductive method paying particular attention to historical, literary, and theological elements that come into play at each stage. Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong place: It begins with interpretation, and it also ends thereObservation plus interpretation without application equals abortion. 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. Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. 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). David Shepherd rightly exhorts us to leave out not "step" in study of God's Word but to be diligent to Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. 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- What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. James Believe that the text means what it says. (1) Substituting interpretation for application as did the Pharisees; (2) substituting superficial obedience for substantial life-change and. Never fear, only trust and obey. One of the pastors startled the group with the declaration that "My grandmother's translation is the best I've ever read." And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. 0000002043 00000 n ", Oswald Chambers in his typical "no nonsense" style reminds us that"One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it", We have to be careful not to deceive ourselves. Application begins with belief 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. R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP Make them your own. Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. Are we spiritual or are we natural? 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. As you work through these steps regularly, you will get better at them and you will be transformed. 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. Observation. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. + The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. With Logos Fundamentals, youll find the truth for yourselfno matter what questions arise as you study the Word. Inductive Bible Study. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. 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. 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.. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? 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. Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? Notice how Jesus observes the Old Testament text in verse 42, interprets it in verse 44, and applies it in verse 43 (implying that his listeners should believe the truth and make some changes in their lives). Connect each passage back to the gospel and the broader message of the Bible. Another addition to a lot of Bibles is a subheading before many passages or chapters. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" 0000005006 00000 n They do not seem very ancient. Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). Especially let this be so with the promises. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? Are for them who will trust and obey. Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. (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! The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. (Ro 10:17+). This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. in my business life ? As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgement upon our character and conduct. (How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30). Exodus Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. Revelation, Search Wikipedia using spiritual discretion, Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17, Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle", A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation. Unlike other forms of study, the ultimate goal of Bible study is not information its transformation. In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. Good Bible study does not happen by accident. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Shows the way. Daniel There should never be a time when we go to the Scriptures without allowing them to change our lives for the better. Trust and obey, for theres no other way --Hess, Robert Cook wisely advises that we should "Never leave a passage of Scripture until it has said something to you." A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. We are inclined to qualify and modify the precepts of Christ and His claim on the Christian disciple. 1 John They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Observation involves reading the text to make simple statements that are true . Your goal in observation is to notice as much as possible. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, 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. Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. (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.) Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Heb. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." The more work you do during this part of your study, the better you will do in the rest. Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). Then when you read descriptions of the human heart, and the fall, the corruption, and the depravity of our nature, look, and see yourselves as in a looking glass, and say of each man as you hear of his sin, I am such a man as this was, and if I do not fall into precisely the same sin, yet the possibility and peril of it is in my heart, and I should do so, but for Gods restraining grace. Take the very histories home to your heart, and find a point in them, either of encouragement or of warning for yourselves. 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. 2 Timothy And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. 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 : 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) 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. 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.
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