This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. 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. 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? If a Christian is careless in Bible reading, he will care less about Christian living. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. 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.
Details of the OIA Method - Knowable Word He was there for hours writing notes, closed them, stuck them under his arm, tucked his magnifying glass in his pocket and walked away. 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. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. ", Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. Inductive Bible study is one reliable way. Take the time to dive into the application step. 1. P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? Hebrews Right here, we have countless book Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology and collections to . It will make "all the difference" in this life and the next for as Paul wrote godliness (eusebeia) (produced by discipline and diligent application of God's Word) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word, MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth by Spurgeon. Together, these observations help you think about the biblical authors purpose and what they are trying to communicate. 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. 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. We must adjust ourselves to the Bible 9. Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). But is blessed if we trust and obey. Everyone has distractions and responsibilities vying for their attention, so it helps if you have a set time when you will read your Bible. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. EP !HOz We all need to ask ourselves are we studying the Word that we might be more like Jesus or more like the Pharisees? A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. But our toil He doth richly repay; 0000005006 00000 n
Apply yourself to the Scriptures Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached.
Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application 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. Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. If we fail to apply the Scriptures, we cut short the entire process and have not finished what God wants us to do. What is the cultural and/or historical context of this passage? 8. Commentaries are fantastic tools. (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. (The blessing of God is integrally related to your response to the revelation of God. Leviticus How do you do that? Be careful not to simply amass the kind of knowledge that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. This is always the most challengingportion of Bible study, which most people give only cursory attention to (unfortunately).The key to doing Bible study is . Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. 0000003614 00000 n
He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". It is not enough just to study the Bible.
OIA Method of Bible Study - Iamnorthside When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. Genesis The whole Bible tells the story of how God, in his grace and mercy, comes to the rescue of rebellious people living in a broken world. Can abide while we trust and obey. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. If our interpretation is accurate, we at least have the potential to apply the truth appropriately. Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us.
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Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. Numbers If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey 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! 0000060059 00000 n
It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? The best way to define application is to first determine what it is not. In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. There are great apps out there, like YouVersion, that allow you to set reminders for yourself to get into Gods Word. To which his colleagues exclaimed "What! And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! Could that be a clue about his intended audience? 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. Study the Bible to be wise A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation H\j0z We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! 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 the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. 63 0 obj
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We may hear words like "hermeneutics" (the science of interpretation) or "exegesis" (critical explanation or interpretation of a text) and think interpretation is something best left to experts. Why did Mark feel this title was necessary on top of calling Jesus the Messiah? Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. Though he draw them they will not come to him, and when he calls them they will give him no answer. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. This video series demonstrates how to perform inductive Bible study using the Logos Bible app thats free for web, mobile, or desktop. Connect each passage back to the gospel and the broader message of the Bible.
Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Is it because of ignorance, rebellion or indifference? And to do this, you need to look at the context (Logos Bible Software can be a great help with this). Resources Bible Study Inductive Bible Study. In this spirit of readiness we seek to turn God's truth into action. 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. Our Lord taught that those who are, blessed (makarios [word study]) are those who hear the word of God and observe (phulasso [word study]) it. Once you have explored the passage, its time to make some connections.
Inductive Bible Study: A Step-by-Step Guide - Bible Study Tips To know and not to do is not to know at all. Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. James (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! Used by cults. Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. 1 Chronicles 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). ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. That's a frightening statement! Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? : 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) Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? The precious promises lie in front of you. The young prophet Samuel's response to God is a good example. 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. Daniel Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Philemon And so prayer is not a substitute for action, but the deliberate contact of the soul with God, whence we draw an enabling force whereby we go forth conquering and to conquer. 1. If not why not? Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). Our Goal in Interpreting . In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. 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. Especially let this be so with the promises. Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. It will walk you through each step of inductive bible studies in details. The real authority of their view is always some single leader who has his or her ideas in writing. How do I propose to carry out these changes? King Edward VI of England would stand while the Word of God was read in worship service. What other Scripture passages might help me better interpret this one? It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. Another addition to a lot of Bibles is a subheading before many passages or chapters. This can train you to be more of an explorer in the future. and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.". Dont twist Scripturemeaning, dont manipulate the text to get it to say something youd like for it to say. Memorizing God's Word - Why? 0000004523 00000 n
Key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author's point or purpose for writing. Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. (3) substituting rationalization for repentance. eg'1{(yzJ*| 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. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. 2 Thessalonians Nahum endstream
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Both reflect what is really there. Never fear, only trust and obey. 2 Peter No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. 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. Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. 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?) -- F. B. Meyer, Read it to get the facts, study it to get the meaning, meditate on it to get the benefit.
The questions that might come out of your observations about Mark might include: Why does Mark not include the Christmas story in the beginning? Here are a few questions you can ask: There are a few essential rules to remember when attempting to interpret a passage: Make sure you spend a good chunk of time with this phase. 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? Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. 0000000925 00000 n
They do not seem very ancient. If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? and the Scriptures to yourself. We must never forget that the ultimate goal of Bible study, whether inductive or otherwise, is to know God and His Son so that we might have life in Him. Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. The mind delights in having the truth presented clearly; the imagination is gratified by its illustration; the feelings are stirred by its application. Pray God to help you to feel the solemnity even of the threatening, for if you feel deeply the threatening now, you may be delivered from the tragic fulfilment of it by-and-by. 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). ), 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. Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. The intercession of Abraham for Sodom, the prayer of Abraham's servant, the wrestling of Jacob, the pleadings of Moses, the strong crying of David, the spiritual conflicts of Elijah, Jonah and Jeremiah, the public and formal prayers of Solomon and Ezra, and the secret confessions of Danielall are the outpourings of hearts like our own. Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. Believe it to be safe 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. 1 Corinthians View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. (Ed: And I would add that the Word of Truth ALWAYS has something to say to our heart! Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Not only do the books come from unfamiliar cultures, but theyre also thousands of years old. 0e]y]ZU~P/^a53if5}Jk9$9t]ccc}.kw9H6`T5jN`=94jk:U>}a:P5p/]luu
D_Ek!*Vwii][S9}mB=J\ueJJkf3mm8]g#pbmw6[PP? You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. A sorry, sorry heart is that which so uses Gods Word as to make it an aggravation of its sin. who delude themselves. We may find something in every passage which comes before us both to pray over and to thank God over. 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!
Read Online Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And We are either a little more sweetened or a little more hardened. of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. His Word from day to day, Marking them will help you see the sequence of events and lead to accurate interpretation of Scripture. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. A Silly yet Serious (Ps 119:161). In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. 2023 BGEA (Persevere!). Instead of studying by chapter, its smart to look at pericopes. Joel And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. Make them your own. Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. HhT=k&^-l
(6WBbN~WPe4`!Mr`+^p!MO,LP/_n]aFBcp) This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night (this is the parallel of observation and interpretation), so that you may be careful to do (the application) according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success (the blessing of proper application). All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. 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. Some passages will not have a clear application. Not just for information 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.". Learn how you can know God personally. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. August 5, 2009. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? We must align ourselves with the Bible, never the Bible with ourselves. 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 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+).
Lesson 12: Observation | Bible.org in my dealings with the world ? Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. But for transformation. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. What Is Application? Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means?
Bible study consists of Observation, Interpretation and Application. 1 to my own life and destiny and relation to God? Bible reading fits into the devotional category. If you are made to tremble under Gods Word, you may never be made to tremble under Gods hand. As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. 1ICR, Jonah A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. We all have a story. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. So people go to church, and enjoy the preaching, and yet do not do what God asks. 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+!). To be sure our first goal should be to get into the Bible and then to allow the Bible to get into us. 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. Look for the plainest interpretation first. To which he responded "Yes, she translated the Bible into her life, and was the most powerful translation I've ever seen!" Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application.
How to Do an Inductive Bible Study - Logos Bible Software 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. In the margin of many pages in D. L. Moody's Bible, he wrote the letters T and P, meaning "Tried and Proved." 1:20-21). 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. Identify chapter themes The worldlings Bible is the Christian. Also we become more responsible to God. Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. The Pharisees set the standard for this superficial, hypocritical, self deluding approach. 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? He will be inquired of by us. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. Don't deceive yourself! And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. 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. 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.. Song of Solomon 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. If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work.
Verse by Verse Ministry The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? 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. How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. What does the term Messiah mean? 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. 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. One of the pastors startled the group with the declaration that "My grandmother's translation is the best I've ever read." 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. Now you know the three simple steps to running your own inductive Bible study. It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. Absolutely. Their righteousness was external, based on facts and devoid of personal response. 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. 1 Kings Learn the basics of what Christians believe. Considering these things we receive the word with that trembling of heart which God so much respects. startxref
As you make it your practice to study God's Word, you will experience the joy of having Him directly unveil His truth and reveal His purpose in your life. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). Habakkuk Exodus Hosea (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+).
YWAM Bible Schools: A Guide to Inductive Bible Study 2023 PDF 10 BIBLE STUDY OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION - Home Baptist Church What guidance does it offer me in my social intercourse? When thou passest through the river I will be with thee, the floods shall not overflow thee! Oh! Learn about Cru's global leadership team. 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. Janet Chismar (John 7:17). 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. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. May we all seek to so diligently apply what we observe and interpret that we see "the world turned upside down.".