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)? What Is Application? We may find something in every passage which comes before us both to pray over and to thank God over. (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). He is a prayer-hearing God, but will He hear our prayers? 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. He never reads the book, but he reads the disciple of Christ, and he judges the Christian religion, by the lives of its professors. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream Some are always looking out for other peoples duty, and are great judges and critics for what others ought to do. In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. I took the one less traveled by, Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. The effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. 10 Questions the Internet Is Asking about the KJV. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. Start with the obvious. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. Spiritual maturity, in which we become more like Christ, comes not just from knowing more about the Bible. To an active mind knowledge gives pleasure. We must mix faith with what we read and hear. Memorizing God's Word - Why? These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. 0000002043 00000 n 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). Zechariah How to Do an Inductive Bible Study - Logos Bible Software 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 was the result in his life and by way of application what will be the result in our life if we emulate his example? When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. 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. Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. (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.) In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! 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. ::c\}oa\l#N/4!tGj;Mu}8Mmm3M^x_M=>l~m8n6vTk7.9Rm+s7mm1>7%cS,"W`!K[43!qCn66JVo[K^nE^ + Not just for knowledge, but much more-- 2 Corinthians 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. Feed on them with joy" Follow it by personally doing what it bids thee. Trust and obey, for theres no other way Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And 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. Showing God in action in and through His people. 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.. 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! 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. Esther and how much we really believe what we have observed. 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. 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. In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. 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. Study the Bible to be wise. To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! Speak of bringing the Bible down into the vernacular! If you do not this, you are reading to your own condemnation. With Logos Fundamentals, youll find the truth for yourselfno matter what questions arise as you study the Word. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. 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+). But our toil He doth richly repay; These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. Gather them. Use this guide to help you lead your small group to encounter Jesus through the three main parts of an inductive Bible study: Observation, Interpretation, Application. --Hess, Robert Cook wisely advises that we should "Never leave a passage of Scripture until it has said something to you." As a result, that man became a Christian. Leading Inductive Bible Study | InterVarsity Are for them who will trust and obey. As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. If the Bible seems dry and unexciting, check your attitude (Ed: Also do some personal inventory with 1 Pe 2:1+and then you'll be able to move on to 1 Pe 2:2+!). in my dealings with the world ? Observation answers the question: What do I see? Daniel If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? This is where secondary resources become really helpful. What is the clearest meaning of this text? So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. How to Study the Bible - 3 Simple Steps - Bible Study Tools Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. H\j0z Observation. How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? Look for the plainest interpretation first. We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. Philippians Instead, we need to be Bible "bees", using inductive study to go deep into the Scriptures obtaining its divine nectar and then allowing God's "nectar" to change us. 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. For example, Psalm 24 says, "The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? 2. Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. 1 Jn 1:7, 8, 9; Pr 28:13), (2) Response of faith: One of our reasons for meditating on the Word is to develop and build our faith. 9. What does the term Messiah mean? Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. The word of God reveals to us our true selves. Their righteousness was external, based on facts and devoid of personal response. He was there for hours writing notes, closed them, stuck them under his arm, tucked his magnifying glass in his pocket and walked away. 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?" Don't be deceived -- Every time we hear the Word of God, we are either a little closer to heaven or a little further away. It isthe act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose. (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.". Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. 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. PDF Simple Biblical Interpretation - Westminster Theological Seminary Obadiah Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! 2 Samuel The person who knows the truth but doesn't act on it is not simply making a mistake or showing poor judgment but he is in sin. If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. And to do this, you need to look at the context (Logos Bible Software can be a great help with this). Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. which then results in being and doing. 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. ), In Bible study, application is putting truth you've discovered (through observation and interpretation) to use in your life with the ultimate goal of transformation or life change. Local: 704-401-2432 Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? 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. Galatians For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Why Are There Lament Psalms at the End of the Psalter? (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). John Blanchard underscores the crucial discipline of applying God's Word sounding the caution that "There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus.". -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. 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. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. 7 Principles for Teaching Kids to Interpret the Bible (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Unlike other forms of study, the ultimate goal of Bible study is not information its transformation. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. and All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable (useful, advantageous, helpful,) for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (see notes 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2 Timothy There are a lot of excellent study Bibles available. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Especially let this be so with the promises. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". Verse by Verse Ministry Create an account or log in to get started. 8. Somewhere ages and ages hence: The OIA Bible study method consists of three parts. So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. (Ps 119:161). 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. What a glory He sheds on our way! But the bee would light on a flower and it would sink down deep into the flower and it would extract all the nectar and pollen that it could carry. 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). Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. There are three basic approaches to Bible interpretation: A. Leviticus If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. When you begin to study a passage, your first step will be observing the text. Grasp these sweet promises. 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 . Scripture reading and Bible study always represents (so to speak) a "God sighting" ("God speaking") and as such always applies to us as His creatures. If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. ), 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. Dont twist Scripturemeaning, dont manipulate the text to get it to say something youd like for it to say. Don't deceive yourself! I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee! Well, it is a very fine promise, but if it is read to me thus: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, what a transformed and glorified promise it then becomes! When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. Lesson 12: Observation | Bible.org Zephaniah 1 Peter 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, The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. How? How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? Bible study consists of Observation, Interpretation and Application. 1 How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. 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~ While there are several great methods of studying the Bible, heres a simple method one can follow: Observation, Interpretation, Transformation and Application. never loses his sense of direction. 63 0 obj <> endobj The goal is that we live holy, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose and action and that in so doing we are made adequate and equipped for every good ("God") work, which represents only those works He initiates and empowers. If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. Refrain, But we never can prove the delights of His love In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. Is it because of ignorance, rebellion or indifference? 15.). Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? 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. Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Acronym to Aid Application. He would take notes and later study them with great care. It can provide you with answers you werent able to come up with on your own, and maybe give you some clues on interpretive techniques and tools in the future. Neither are you to be "Bible botanists" (even good inductive students), who laboriously observe the Biblical text and derive accurate interpretation but fail to apply these truths. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. Key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author's point or purpose for writing. S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? Permissions Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. 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. You want to focus on things like: Practice observation on the first verse of the Gospel of Mark. 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? Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. It is God's will that we should read Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. 1:20-21). If you feel the wrath to come now, you may never have to feel it in the next world. 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! 63 12 (John 7:17). Shows the way. Its easy to become reliant upon commentary to explain the text to you, and this circumvents many of the benefits of study. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! xref For example, Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8: "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion." Note expressions of time The relationship of events in time often sheds light on the true meaning of the text. James What is the key to applying the Bible to my life? The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 0000004523 00000 n Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. 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. HhT=k&^-l (6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) We don't really know the Bible unless we obey the Bible, God had a scathing rebuke for His people Israel through His prophet Ezekiel "They (the people of Israel) come to you (the prophet Ezekiel) as people come and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth and their heart goes after their gain." 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 may study it your whole life, and you will never be able to absorb all that it has to teach. It is not enough just to study the Bible. What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? Inductive Bible Study | Bible Study Resources | The - The Navigators Why OIA (Observation, Interpretation, Application) is the Best Bible Not only do the books come from unfamiliar cultures, but theyre also thousands of years old. 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. We are either a little more sweetened or a little more hardened.