Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. All four of the Gospels begin differently, but they all come together at the baptism. Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. 1 John Ecclesiastes Obadiah William MacDonald explains meditation as follows Christians should meditate on the Word of God (chew the cud) and have a separated walk (the cloven hoof). 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. Your grandmother translated the Bible?" What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Another addition to a lot of Bibles is a subheading before many passages or chapters. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. 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. 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. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Of the three steps of Bible studyobservation, interpretation, and applicationthe middle one is often the most daunting. Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. 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.") The precious promises lie in front of you. 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. There are many ways we can study the Bible, but one of the most influential and simple approaches to reading and understanding God's Word involves three simple steps: Step 1: ObservationWhat does the passage say? Mark S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. About people or human nature? Application brings us into this sphere of abundant life in the Spirit. 0
Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. 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). Refrain Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. (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! 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). Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. See what precepts are binding upon thyself, and then, as a child of God, be thy feet swift to run in the way of his commandments. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. ), 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. Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. But our toil He doth richly repay; As someone has blunted phrased it "Interpretation without application is abortion.". startxref
Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. 2 Thessalonians Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. They do not seem very ancient. Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. HLTkXw: 2 Kings Matthew It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, A single revealed fact cherished in the heart and acted upon is more vital to our growth than a head filled with lofty ideas about God. As youre reading along, you can check the commentary to gain insight into cultural, linguistic and interpretive considerations. If a servant were to hear but not do, how quickly the judgment would be given. These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. To go on gaining an intellectual knowledge of the Bible without obeying it can be a trap instead of a blessing. 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. For more on studying the Bible on your own or with others check out our Bible Studies resources. The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. Especially let this be so with the promises. We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Scripture interprets Scripture. (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of 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. ), 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. Philemon 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. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. Its about observing exactly what the text is saying. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 never the Bible to ourselves. One of the pastors startled the group with the declaration that "My grandmother's translation is the best I've ever read." (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. God's Word is the flawless discerner, perfectly analyzing our every motive, intention, and belief. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. 0000001036 00000 n
The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. 1 Timothy It might be tempting to stop at the interpretation phase, but youll be selling yourself and Scripture short if you do. Could that be a clue about his intended audience? Jeremiah 0000001930 00000 n
Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. Step 3: ApplicationWhat will I do about what the passage says and means? r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U
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These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. 1:20-21). Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, 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.. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word (cp Ep 5:26-note). When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. We must mix faith with what we read and hear. Are for them who will trust and obey. Do not read it merely to say, Yes, it is true; very true; I believe its doctrines to be the revelation of the infallible mind of God himself. But endeavour also in reading a page of the Scriptures, always to see how much it belongs to you. As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgement upon our character and conduct. This speak of a personal choice that must be made) any man is willing (thelo = desires, wishes, delights [cp Ps 1:2-note], takes pleasure, is inclined to; the present tense - speaks of one's general direction of their life) to do (present tense - again speaks of one's general habit of practice = toward obedience not toward disobedience) His will, he shall know (ginosko = speaks not just of "head" knowing but of an experiential knowledge, a more intimate knowledge) of the teaching (didache - word study), whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. Your goal in observation is to notice as much as possible. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. Luke gives us the most information about Jesus birth and even provides us with a glimpse of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:4150). 8. Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). Here, you want to go back over the passage and your observations and ask as many questions as you can. Joshua And that has made all the difference. 0000000016 00000 n
God make us holy; sanctify us, spirit, soul, and body, and then we shall be made finely serviceable both to the Church and to the world. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. But His smile quickly drives it away; This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation The road prepared and paved by careful observation, proper interpretation and diligent application of the Scripture or the one wrought by a superficial, inaccurate, irreverent approach? 2 Timothy In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. 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? : 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) Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. 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. As questions arise, they give you direction for further reading and study as you seek to answer those questions. Exodus 0000005006 00000 n
Learn the basics of what Christians believe. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; 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. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? Sow a habit, reap a character. Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? 2 John This method makes observations on a passage of Scripture and then draws conclusions based on those observations. In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. Not just for information The adventure of following God's will takes on a whole new complexion when we stop to listen and then act upon what we hear. Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. 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. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is The worldlings Bible is the Christian. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology (9781433684142) by Richard Alan Fuhr Jr., Andreas J. Kostenberger Study the Bible to be wise. You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. 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. 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." Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. Maybe youre reading Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. Saturate the study of Scripture with prayer. Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. /+X$!acR\Y[/EC%D @2ADk0uHha3j^ A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. In other words, every time you observe and interpret but fail to apply, you perform an abortion on the Scriptures in terms of their purpose. It is the supernatural, progressive revelation of who God is and man's relationship to God. And so we should react with overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or dread, this latter emotion relevant especially to those who read but fail to heed God's Word (application). Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. Why are we deluded in this way? Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. Girdlestone in his 1887 classic "How to Study the English Bible" has a chapter on application that speaks to "THE PRACTICAL AND DEVOTIONAL USE OF THE BIBLE" - We have now come to the last and most important stage of our subject. To an active mind knowledge gives pleasure. How do I propose to carry out these changes? But we are never just the same. It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details. Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of precious gems. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? SMbN|U#t?%ux[w]z!\8U=Cdl1fNX`)5|@c!"&|q0|1"W Sfi%DaW1VC>Z(#qoR
L%#GS`Kj)|%2laZxe"$[1Gf9pnY$,sfP.( +EelPEC_JjN bbBwa7$}%I$UO8 % When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. 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 effect of this piercing is to reveal whether there is spirit or not. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. And if at any time, when we study the Word, we have not this design expressly in our minds, yet if upon the discovery of any truth we endeavor not to have the likeness of it in our own hearts, we lose our principal advantage by it (John Owen). 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. endstream
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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. Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. 12-26). Privacy What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are.