Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . The inductive study process involves three steps: observation, interpretation and application. Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? It also becomes a source of support for you during difficult times. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. 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! Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. You may study it your whole life, and you will never be able to absorb all that it has to teach. The precious promises lie in front of you. To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. Observation Home We are inclined to qualify and modify the precepts of Christ and His claim on the Christian disciple. Goes the way, (1 Sa 15:22) (cf Ps 51:16,17, Spurgeon note v16, note v 17), We learn Gods Word not to know but to grow by doing for "Obedience is the mother of true knowledge of God." If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. I have known some rejoice greatly in the doctrine of election who never were elected, and some who were very pleased with the doctrine of justification by faith, but who had no faith by which to be justified. endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream Careless Observation Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. 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. What is the cultural and/or historical context of this passage? 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. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. And to do this, you need to look at the context (Logos Bible Software can be a great help with this). If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. Heb. Turn Scripture into Prayer. When in a spirit of quiet thought we have thus resolved and revolved God's Word, we are prepared to pray over it. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. : 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) Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. 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. He had the "truth" but never acted upon it. Isaiah 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. -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture. 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. Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. One who uses the Bible as his guide How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. 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. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? 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. Showing God in action in and through His people. Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. It's better to live one verse of the Bible than to recite an entire chapter. 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. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. 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?) 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. 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. and then The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. 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. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. They do not seem very ancient. 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. Titus 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. 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." 3. 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. The good hand of the LORD will be upon us even as it was upon Ezra the scribe! Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. 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. God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. Interpretation is not necessarily a separate step from observation, for often, as you carefully observe the text, you begin to see what it means at that very moment. Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? Leviticus 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. Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. When it comes to reading the Bible, these boundaries can hinder your ability to observe what biblical authors are saying. It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? 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. Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! Why Are There Lament Psalms at the End of the Psalter? These four steps help you to orient yourself to a passage, wrestle with what it's trying to communicate and examine your life in light of God's Word. 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?" That's a frightening statement! Ask yourself all of the important questions above, and answer them as honestly as you are able. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". 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. Ezekiel Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. Erroneous interpretation can lead to aberrant application. 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! P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? With Logos Fundamentals, youll find the truth for yourselfno matter what questions arise as you study the Word. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. Comment: Sins of omission (failing to do what God wants us to do) are sins just as surely as sins of commission (doing what God has told us not to do). Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? Read the Bible as a man reads his relations will, to find what legacy there is in it for himself. 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. 0000002043 00000 n (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. Did they know where the Messiah was to be born? Never fear, only trust and obey. 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. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. 0000004118 00000 n What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? 8. Sow a thought, reap an action. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. 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. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! 2. (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). Pretend youre an investigator and youre just gathering the facts. 1 Samuel (Basic Bible Interpretation). 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. But our toil He doth richly repay; As a result, that man became a Christian. To an active mind knowledge gives pleasure. 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. +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. When applied properly, the inductive method will provide a better overall understanding of a passagewhat it says, what it meant to its original audience, and what it means today. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. Sow an action, reap a habit. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. 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. Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. 0 Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. What a glory He sheds on our way! The Bible is divine in origin. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. (The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Jesus explains that relationship (and importance) between knowing God's Word and doing God's Word, declaringIf (If = 3rd class condition = possibility / probability but not a certainty! Our first duty is to meditate. 1 Timothy Good Bible study does not happen by accident. (Ezra 7:9, 10) (Click to read an in depth unpacking of this practical powerful principle - the "Ezra 7:10 Principle"). We need you. 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. Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. And with all who will trust and obey. 0000000925 00000 n Dont twist Scripturemeaning, dont manipulate the text to get it to say something youd like for it to say. So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. Colossians Shows the way. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. If you want to study Scripture, youll need to carve out intentional time for it. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Until all on the altar we lay; Resources Bible Study Inductive Bible Study. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. (How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It - see page 30). You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. (Persevere!). 0000001930 00000 n The tireless runner is a picture of what Application should look like in each of our livessobrethren, beloved of God, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world for so great a salvation, filled with His Spirit and controlled by the love of Christ "let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith" (He 12:1-note, He 12:2-note) pressing "on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Php 3:14-note) disciplining ourselves "for the purpose of godliness for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; 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. Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. The worldlings Bible is the Christian. 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. 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. 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. For example, notice that some form of the word suffering is used three . Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. How about Son of God"? Learn the basics of what Christians believe. (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). Observation. 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 Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. 1:20-21). Its what everything else is built upon. 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)." The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? 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. We try to communicate what weve never experienced in our own lives.". If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. 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. It is unified in all its parts and will never contradict itself (Ps. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. Zechariah King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. Your grandmother translated the Bible?" Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. If you read, He that believeth on him is not condemned, if you believe not then you are condemned already, because you have not believed in the Son of God. When you begin to study a passage, your first step will be observing the text. Joshua O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. 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. But we are never just the same. 0000000536 00000 n 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?) The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. How is our desire for, time with, and practice of God's living Word growing? startxref Or well walk by His side in the way. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. endstream endobj 68 0 obj <> endobj 69 0 obj <> endobj 70 0 obj <>stream Practice it to be holy, Or as Skip Heitzig advises "A good perspective to adopt when reading the Bible is that of an obedient servant waiting for instruction from the master. 1 Chronicles Fourthly and this is very hard work Read And Practise. If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? But His smile quickly drives it away; And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . 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. Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? Chapters, verses and subheadings are all very convenient and helpful, but when it comes time for genuine study, its appropriate to remember theyre not inspired elements of Scripture. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Contact Us. Philippians and the Scriptures to yourself. In other words, am I applying this truth? Exodus The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. And what did those things mean? There are several reasons for this . This awe is called by a proper name, reverence, or godly fear; when we consider Whose Word it is, namely, the Word of the Lord, Who is our God, and has a right to command what He pleases; to Whose will and word we have already yielded obedience, and devoted ourselves to walk worthy of Him in all well pleasing (Col 1:10-note, Ep 4:1-note, Php 3:17,18-note, 1Th 2:12-note); who can find us out in all our failings, as knowing our very thoughts afar of (Psalms 139:2), and having all our ways before Him, and being one of Whom we read, -- "He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins" (Joshua 24:19), that is to say, if we impenitently continue in them. Here are 14 important reasons to read 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. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. This is always a powerful application of Scripture. 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). The truth of God's Word is always relevant to our life.

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