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. Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. 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 might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. What is the cultural and/or historical context of this passage? The OIA Bible study method consists of three parts. Verse by Verse Ministry James emphasizes the importance of follow through in inductive study exhorting us to "prove (ourselves) doers of the word, and not merely hearers (the Greek word was used of one who audited a class rather than taking it for credit -- are you just auditing the Bible or are you fully enrolled?) If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. 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. --Hess, Robert Cook wisely advises that we should "Never leave a passage of Scripture until it has said something to you." the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. Solicitation Disclosure Statement tie. 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. 2 Timothy The Bible is a unique collection of sixty-six books written by men under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. In other words, am I applying this truth? Mark it down -- You can measure the eternal effectiveness of your inductive Bible study by the temporal effect it has on your behavior and attitudes. A Silly yet Serious 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. Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. 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?" Do with the Bible as the sick man does with the doctors prescription. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. (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! This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. The real authority of their view is always some single leader who has his or her ideas in writing. It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. It is still as true today as when Martin Luther first said it that The world does not need a definition of religion as much as it needs a demonstration.. 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. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. He would take notes and later study them with great care. Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. 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. We must mix faith with what we read and hear. Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? Howard Hendricks' 4 Bible Study Steps - Bible Study - Crosswalk.com (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson). He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Look for the plainest interpretation first. Numbers Haggai Whenever (every time) we read the Scriptures, the question we should always honestly seek to ask is How does the meaning of this text apply to me? The godly preacher F. B. Meyer wrote that Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Try challenging yourself to come up with 10 observations about a passage, and once youve hit that number, push yourself to come up with five more. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? which then results in being and doing. For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. Joel Why are we deluded in this way? Mark says hes starting at the beginning. Although the Bible tells one cohesive story, it does so through the work of many authors who wrote during times hundreds of years apart. For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation The gospel is a very solemn thing to every man, because if it be not a savour of life unto life, since it must always be a savour of some sort, it therefore becomes a savour of death unto death. How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? 119:160). Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? 2 Samuel But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. 1 Corinthians We need to be specific here. It is God's will that we should read What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. You want to be able to trace the authors argument all the way through. How to Study the Bible | Cru - Cru.org 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! 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 ). Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. Identify chapter themes Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. If you feel the wrath to come now, you may never have to feel it in the next world. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. Practice it to be holy. 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. That's a frightening statement! For example, Psalm 24 says, "The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. 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 then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? The world will learn better, and will more likely be brought to know Christ when the lives of Christians are better, and when the Bible of the Christian Life shall be more in, accordance with the Bible of Christian doctrine. These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. 7 Principles for Teaching Kids to Interpret the Bible +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS These divisions are incredibly convenient. Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. my heart stands in awe of Thy words. 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). Philemon Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology by Richard Alan Fuhr 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. Spiritual maturity, in which we become more like Christ, comes not just from knowing more about the Bible. Isaiah