(1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. The inductive study process involves three steps: observation, interpretation and application. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. 2 Timothy Key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author's point or purpose for writing. Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? As youre reading along, you can check the commentary to gain insight into cultural, linguistic and interpretive considerations. How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? Often, the headings in modern Bible translations identify pericopes. How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word or Logos). So you might write that observation down: Marks beginning of the gospel story does not start at the very beginning., Youll also notice that Mark desires to tell you some good news, and this news is about Jesus. You have remained in right site to start getting this info. 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. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; The older we are, the more experienced we become at rationalizing sin. Honest application of the text requires these kinds of questions and the wrestling of ideas when truth causes conflict. A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. A Is there an Attitude to change or guard against or an Action I need to take? He had put into practice (applied) passages from God's Word, proving that they work which of course they always do! 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. Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. When youre first getting started with studying the Bible, its important to set some realistic goals for yourself. For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Sometimes there will be figurative language and confusing imagery, but dont start by looking for hidden meaning. ", Oswald Chambers in his typical "no nonsense" style reminds us that"One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it", We have to be careful not to deceive ourselves. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. If a servant were to hear but not do, how quickly the judgment would be given. 1 Timothy (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. Joshua Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. Just make sure it's the one based on careful observation and accurate interpretation! Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? Create an account or log in to get started. (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). While we do His good will, He abides with us still, In most respects they might have been written in our own life-time. Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. Matthew Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. 2. Good Bible study does not happen by accident. EP !HOz (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). But then we must allow that Word to get into us, to make a permanent difference in our character and conduct. If youre new to studying, why not start with the Gospel of Mark? Armed with that knowledge, youre ready to start thinking about how to apply what youve read. 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. Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Don't deceive yourself! 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, 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. in my teaching, visiting or mission work? It is not enough just to study the Bible. What is the key to applying the Bible to my life? HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! 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. Resource links How to Perform A Greek Word Study on the Web, Multiple resources on Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics). Dr. Howard Hendricks remarks that Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. And how does it show God redeeming that brokenness? (Persevere!). Showing God in action in and through His people. Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. 0
This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. After making these connections, you should be able to identify some of the big truths that the passage offers every reader throughout time. 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. 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. Edward Louie (2011) The phrase "Bible study" can mean different things to different people. S Is there a Sin to avoid, forsake or confess? 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 us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. 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. Inaccurate Interpretation, Robert Frost in his poem "Road Not Taken" writes in his last stanza. Heb. It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. 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. Numbers Nehemiah The good hand of the LORD will be upon us even as it was upon Ezra the scribe! And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. Careless Observation Zechariah We must adjust ourselves to the Bible Again, we feel God's promises to be too high for us, we know He is perfect, and we are vile. Bible study is about digging into the text and pulling out insights. acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . 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. Home Especially let this be so with the promises. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. While there is only one valid interpretation of a passage, there can be many applications. It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. Another addition to a lot of Bibles is a subheading before many passages or chapters. Some passages will not have a clear application. the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD Some are always looking out for other peoples duty, and are great judges and critics for what others ought to do. Shows the way. Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. Look for the plainest interpretation first. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. How foolish to look in the mirror of God's word, see spiritual "dirt" and yet fail to respond). Apply yourself to the Scriptures Sow an action, reap a habit. It also becomes a source of support for you during difficult times. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. The word of God reveals to us our true selves. 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. 1 John Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 The goal of Bible study is not simply to determine what it says and what it means, but in the final analysis to apply it to one's life. 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. James We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. We must mix faith with what we read and hear. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Words repeated multiple times in a passage, Words that indicate a change in topic or time, Words that contrast one thing against another. 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).