Inductive Bible study is one reliable way. Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. (Ezra 7:9, 10) (Click to read an in depth unpacking of this practical powerful principle - the "Ezra 7:10 Principle"). The Gospel opens by saying: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. Jesus emphasized this important truth again in John 17 declaring. Learn more 2. Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. This is likewise one of the factors by obtaining the soft documents of this Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History . Can abide while we trust and obey. m>YQ;^6dA`H^JETi.i I* >B 9KHc,:h0{c-I#d8#<9@F RJa2A*K-8PDSDdM@ $%Cc3s0L %!'VKKB$iUrmg:SP1~)7v`^P%V E406 H8 S4Ti0elV'jxu~ It involves three steps: observation of the text, interpretation of the text, and application of the text. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). The best way to define application is to first determine what it is not. 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. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Speak of bringing the Bible down into the vernacular! Skip Heitzig writes that "The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody made a habit of carrying a notebook to record what he learned as he read the Bible or listened to a sermon. Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. When people started complaining, he told the congregation, "I'll preach a new sermon when you act on this one. But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? We need to be specific here. 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. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. Lay hold on the Bible until the Bible lays hold on you. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? To know and not to do is not to know at all. 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. is the result of 2. 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, It is unified in all its parts and will never contradict itself (Ps. Dr. Howard Hendricks remarks that Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. Joshua Although the Bible tells one cohesive story, it does so through the work of many authors who wrote during times hundreds of years apart. With Logos Fundamentals, youll find the truth for yourselfno matter what questions arise as you study the Word. The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. The purpose of exploring and connecting is to apply what the Bible teaches to your life. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. Believe that the text means what it says. Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. The more time and intentionality you put into understanding Gods Word, the more treasures you discover. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. 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. Zechariah As you work through these steps regularly, you will get better at them and you will be transformed. It also becomes a source of support for you during difficult times. Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. We must meditate upon it. We all have a story. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. There should never be a time when we go to the Scriptures without allowing them to change our lives for the better. So when Mark tells you hes starting at the beginning, its safe to say hes talking about the beginning of Christs ministry. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. Observation 2 Peter Strip the passage of all the jewels you can find on your own, and then come back through with a commentary. 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. The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. 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. Don't deceive yourself! Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. In fact, it has become the benchmark of Bible study for many people. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an approachable, step-by-step process moving from observation through interpretation and on to the application of God's Word. 2 Chronicles And so we should react with overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or dread, this latter emotion relevant especially to those who read but fail to heed God's Word (application). Head knowledge without heart change is not enough and in some ways is even worse than no knowledge. Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. Especially let this be so with the promises. What is the clearest meaning of this text? And with all who will trust and obey. Haggai Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. which then results in being and doing. Now that youve come up with questions, its time to do research. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! Joel Puritan Thomas Manton comments thatThere is an awe of the Word, not that makes us shy of it, but tender of violating it, or doing anything contrary to it. --C H Spurgeon, Choose Book of Bible to Study The word of God reveals to us our true selves. 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. Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. 2 Corinthians This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. Inductive Bible Study - Observation Inductive Bible Study - Interpretation Inductive Bible Study - Application Simple Study on the Power of God's Word Authority of God's Word - study on 2Timothy 3:16-17 Ezra 7:10 - Exposition of the "Ezra 7:10 Principle" Job's "Secret" of perseverance? (Skip Heitzig How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It), Puritan Thomas Manton adds that "What we take in by the Word we digest by meditation and let out by prayer.". The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. This is always a powerful application of Scripture. ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". 6. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. How do you do that? Scripture interprets Scripture. 0 :L Thats the kind of serious-minded response to truth application calls for. Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP Solicitation Disclosure Statement It isthe act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. 2 Samuel (Mt 7:13, 14+). If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. 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. 0000002043 00000 n Study the Bible to be wise. The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" Many times a Bible passage is read only with eyes but not with the mind engaged. HLTkXw: It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. 1 Corinthians Inductive Bible Study. 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. He alone is in a posture to learn from God, who sincerely gives up (surrenders, yields) his mind, conscience, and affections to the power and rule of what is revealed unto him. When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. If youve uncovered truth youve not known or understood before, what does it mean for your life, priorities, and decisions now that you do understand it? To not respond to supernatural illumination would be like saying the Biblical teaching on idolatry is great but it doesn't apply to me and then going off to spend the rest of the day seeking anxiously to accumulate wealth in this present but passing (away) world (cp the words of Jesus Mt 6:24+and Paul Col 3:5+). Or well walk by His side in the way. Nahum Observation. Shows the way. The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. 1:20-21). (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. What is the key to applying the Bible to my life? Not to make us smarter sinners meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? (Ro 12:2-note). All four of the Gospels begin differently, but they all come together at the baptism. Which road will you travel? Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. Luke Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . 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. +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS Bible reading fits into the devotional category. 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. The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. 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. In other words, am I applying this truth? Refrain, Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. Numbers ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. 3 John The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. (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! And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather: you and me! Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. This method makes observations on a passage of Scripture and then draws conclusions based on those observations. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! never loses his sense of direction. 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. 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. (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. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response.
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