my heart stands in awe of Thy words. %%EOF Acts So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. However, interpretation can also involve separate actions or steps beyond merely observing the immediate text. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; 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. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. 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. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. 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. (Ro 10:17+). 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. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Lesson 12: Observation | Bible.org Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Local: 704-401-2432 ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. EP !HOz (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! Philemon Considering these things we receive the word with that trembling of heart which God so much respects. -EO{0iB d("o? As for the doctrines, recollect that a doctrine killeth except as it is personally grasped and as you feel your interest in it. 6. If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. 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. 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. 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. Until all on the altar we lay; Ask God that his threats may drive you out of your sins, and drive you to seek pardon in Christ. acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . 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. Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. Jonah After personal application, the best way to make the truth your own, is to teach it and even if you are not gifted to be a formal Bible teacher, there is always someone in your sphere of influence whom you are teaching by your life and your lips. Sow a character, reap a destiny! You can help us reach children and their families to know Jesus. Such a person is like the church who had a new pastor who preached the same sermon every Sunday. 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. Dr. Howard Hendricks remarks that Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. Inductive Bible study is First, I saw a butterfly. ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. ", D. L. Moody - "I never saw a useful Christian who was not a student of the Bible.". Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. In Psalm 119:18, David said, "Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your . About people or human nature? Identify chapter themes Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. This guide is written for people of all levels who are looking for a deeper and richer study of Scripture. I have known of some, too, who gloried in final perseverance, but who, if they had finally persevered would certainly have been in hell, for they were on the road there. 0000002043 00000 n 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. Some sections make much more sense if you read them within the context of the surrounding chapters, like Matthew 23-25 or 1 Corinthians 12-14. It can provide details and facts that you do not yet have the capacity or training to pick up on your own. Both of these; In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. 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.". Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. 0000000536 00000 n Sometimes the application will simply be deeper faith and firmer belief. (Ep 1:3-note). The main tool for each step is the Bible itself, meaning that when there is a question in my mind as to a passage's meaning, I first look to other scripture to provide the answer. Details of the OIA Method - Knowable Word 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. Do not be afraid to ask hard or silly questions. One who uses the Bible as his guide (Persevere!). Some passages will not have a clear application. The student has sought God's blessing on the Word, and has endeavored to find out its meaning and teaching; and it remains for him to ask, How does this passage apply to me? What can He have to do with such as we are He is faithful, but will He be so to us? About Gods redemptive plan? Shows the way. Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. We are inclined to qualify and modify the precepts of Christ and His claim on the Christian disciple. The good hand of the LORD will be upon us even as it was upon Ezra the scribe! While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. 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. If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. Not just for knowledge, but much more-- The third rule for our guide should be Read And Apply. Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word), Andrew Murray writing about the discrepancy between knowing and doing, remarked. Bibles today divide up the individual books within them with chapters and verses, but Bibles havent always done this. 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). There should never be a time when we go to the Scriptures without allowing them to change our lives for the better. How to Study the Bible - 3 Simple Steps - Bible Study Tools How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? 2. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? You might discover that salt was not only used to flavor food, but it helped keep it from spoiling. His Word from day to day, Used by cults. (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. Your next question should be, Hows my saltiness? The inductive study process involves three steps: observation, interpretation and application. The first step in studying a passage is to observe what it actually says. 15.). David Shepherd rightly exhorts us to leave out not "step" in study of God's Word but to be diligent to Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit. 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. The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. How to Study the Bible Using Observation - Billy Graham Evangelistic In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. 8. Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. The world desperately needs to see the Word's miracle-working power at work in our own lives as living proof! Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. 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. 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). The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. (Ps 119:161). Why OIA (Observation, Interpretation, Application) is the Best Bible Commentaries are fantastic tools. Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. For instance, if you pick up the Book of Galatians at the beginning of chapter 4, youll find yourself in the middle of Pauls argument: What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. 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 . But our toil He doth richly repay; This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. So when Mark tells you hes starting at the beginning, its safe to say hes talking about the beginning of Christs ministry. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! Rather, an inductive study . 2 Peter r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ 0000000925 00000 n Marking them will help you see the sequence of events and lead to accurate interpretation of Scripture. The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. 74 0 obj <>stream Thresh them by meditation. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. Goes the way, 0000004523 00000 n 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. For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. Privacy P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! The Power of Accurate Observation In Bible Study 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). There really arent any wrong questions, and sometimes what seems like a silly question can reveal critical insights. But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. Heb. Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. Especially let this be so with the promises. Every promise must be grasped and realized as true : every precept must be registered in the heart, and acted out in the life, in the strength of God. Both reflect what is really there. What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? Not only do the books come from unfamiliar cultures, but theyre also thousands of years old. 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. Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. 1 Corinthians Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. Give Me Liberty! In sum, acting on what God has said assumes that you understand what He has said as illustrated below. 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. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. 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. As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. xref Application begins with belief Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> 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. We all have a story. 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." Who may go up to his holy dwelling place?" ( Ps 24:1-3 ). 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? So before we can apply the truth as God intended, we need to be certain that our interpretation is accurate, which in turn hinges on careful observation. 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. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application 1 John He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. Acronym to Aid Application. Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? 2. 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. (1) Substituting interpretation for application as did the Pharisees; (2) substituting superficial obedience for substantial life-change and. There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. The following books are a great place to learn more about this simple methodology: Kay Arthurs inductive method has helped millions of people learn how to study the Bible for themselves. Daniel He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. Unlike other forms of study, the ultimate goal of Bible study is not information its transformation. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. 1:20-21). Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. And yet, so complete is the delusion, that Christians never realize they are not living good Christian lives. Refrain. Inductive Bible Study: A Step-by-Step Guide - Bible Study Tips 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. 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. And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! Luke You may study it your whole life, and you will never be able to absorb all that it has to teach. Well, this is it. What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written? Believe it to be safe 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. Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. Will Graham Devotion: A Sacrifice That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing. 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? 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. Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. 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 comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. 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. Look for the plainest interpretation first. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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 ). But is blessed if we trust and obey. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. never the Bible to ourselves. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. 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. 1. As you work through these steps regularly, you will get better at them and you will be transformed. R4`:|ut\#jDAh]Y1]|{ >^*8"I+ +N-rjiSS-Q*c9eF,xyV]%^p]=dG- J&naSP : 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) In His Words: What Billy Graham Once Said About Eternity. Did they know where the Messiah was to be born? We must meditate upon it. Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. The real question is do I always want to hear God's voice? It involves three steps: observation of the text, interpretation of the text, and application of the text. How about Son of God"? Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? Its what everything else is built upon. If you choose to consult a commentary during your study, try to do it toward the end. A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation Erroneous interpretation can lead to aberrant application. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. Create an account or log in to get started. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. What kind of flavor and preserving qualities do I bring to my circle of influence? Maybe this question will lead you to pray for God to show you ways to help others and make some resolutions about things that youd like to change. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. Absolutely. at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does." trailer What are its elements ? But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. 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+!). 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.