Observation answers the question: What do I see? Every time we encounter spiritual truth, we need to seek to apply that truth to our lives. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. In fact, it has become the benchmark of Bible study for many people. When we obey the Word we are demonstrating the reality of our love for the Lord (our obedience is motivated by love not legalism!) If there is a command to be obeyed, we obey it. Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. 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. 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. About people or human nature? After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. (John 7:17). Contact Us. Used by cults. The only Bible the world reads is the one bound in shoe leather: you and me! 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. By What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written? Refrain If there is a warning to be followed, we heed it. 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. Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is universally compatible following any devices to read. 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. You may start with reading a specific book of the Bible for five to 10 minutes every day and setting aside one day a week for a more intentional time of studying Scripture. meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. Malachi Avoid the temptation to try to make the text mean anything just yet. 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. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Logos can be an incredible resource as you seek to make this a part of your daily routine. The gospel is a very solemn thing to every man, because if it be not a savour of life unto life, since it must always be a savour of some sort, it therefore becomes a savour of death unto death. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. Are we spiritual or are we natural? Grasp these sweet promises. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. So how do we apply any of it, let alone enjoy it. You cannot expect to approach the Bible with the same level of investment that youd give your favorite novel. Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. 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. 1 Samuel Often, its helpful to put chapter and verse breakdowns out of your mind as you dive into Scripture. Acronym to Aid Application. Sow a character, reap a destiny! View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. and then Of the three steps of Bible studyobservation, interpretation, and applicationthe middle one is often the most daunting. It's an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder inspired here by the absolute authority of the Words of God compared to all words of men. Good Bible study does not happen by accident. Bible reading fits into the devotional category. Can abide while we trust and obey. 1. Only in this way can believers grow spiritually. The New Testament gives us further teaching about the way of approach, and makes new demands on our spiritual life, whilst offering us a new standard to live up to. And what did those things mean? The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. Isaiah Sow a habit, reap a character. So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. Ezra One who uses the Bible as his guide Somewhere ages and ages hence: Philemon Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. It went in empty every time and came out full (A. Naismith, 1200 Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes [Chicago: Moody, 1962], p. They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. Learn more 2. Exodus 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. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. Ruth Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. In Gods mind, knowledge without obedience is sin. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. 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. Strip the passage of all the jewels you can find on your own, and then come back through with a commentary. Its apowerful toolfor those who want to learn how to study Scripture well. Titus Thresh them by meditation. Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. Its worth it. 0000001036 00000 n To not respond to supernatural illumination would be like saying the Biblical teaching on idolatry is great but it doesn't apply to me and then going off to spend the rest of the day seeking anxiously to accumulate wealth in this present but passing (away) world (cp the words of Jesus Mt 6:24+and Paul Col 3:5+). For example, in a court of law, jurors are asked to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented to them. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. Connect: What is God saying (that is always true or that is true to all readers in all settings)? Every precept in Scripture may be turned into prayer, and every promise into praise. 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+). Philippians (Mt 7:13, 14+). 2. Theres an inherent danger in inductive Bible study -- it can degenerate into a process thats intellectually fascinating but spiritually frustrating. tie. We tone down unconsciously the vigor of St. Paul's remonstrances, the force of his figures, such as ' Death to sin,' the strictness of the law of retribution, and of judgment according to works ; the demand of absolute self-sacrifice, and of truth at any cost ; the need of meekness, forbearance, self-restraint and sympathy. Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. Life Application: What joy is experienced when deliberate Bible study moves from a 'have to' to a 'want to!' Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. to which the context answers) for (every time you see a "for" at the beginning of a sentence pause and ponder why it's there and remember you can usually substitute the word "because" in place of "for" to help understand the meaning) Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. ), 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. How do we apply what we just learned to everyday life? Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. You can help us reach children and their families to know Jesus. His Word from day to day, Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. When you take a book like Romans one piece at a time, you can miss the forest for the trees. (Galatians 4:1, New International Version). When it comes to reading the Bible, these boundaries can hinder your ability to observe what biblical authors are saying. First, I saw a butterfly. But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? 0000002043 00000 n Could that be a clue about his intended audience? He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. Explore answers to life's biggest questions. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ 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. And when we do, like the bee, we will find that we never go away from God's Word empty. Leave not off reading the Bible till you find your hearts warmed. Luke Observation. Jonah (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. In many ways, observation is the base of the Bible study pyramid. In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. 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. J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? (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.) We ought to obey God rather than men, and to make sure of God's favour, though we throw ourselves under the frowns of all the world, Lk 12:4, 5. 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? The story is told of several pastors who were arguing over which Bible translation was the best. You might make a circle around those terms as a reminder to focus on those later. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Will Graham Devotion: Paralyzed by Uncertainty? Different Approaches to Interpretation 1. Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. Not just for information Step 2: InterpretationWhat does the passage mean? A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. See related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience, As Vance Havner wisely said "It is not the Word hidden in the head but in the heart that keeps us from sin. Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? Nahum of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation. Before the Word of God can bring change to our world, it must first change our life. A person may study some branch of sciencesay electricityfor the enjoyment the knowledge gives him, without the least intention of applying it practically. But to make us more like our Savior. The inductive method is an investigative way of studying Scripture that can be used by both new and seasoned students alike. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. Amos 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~ Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. 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. Commentaries are fantastic tools. Your goal in observation is to notice as much as possible. The writer of Psalm 119+ (virtually every verse of which deals with some aspect of God's holy Word) speaks to the importance of one's attitude that should undergird and stimulate right and ready application of truth gleaned Princes persecute me without cause, but (what's being contrasted?) How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? Why are we deluded in this way? Observe whats there, and document it. If we continually learn what we ought to do, but do not do it, we become frustrated and callous. Numbers That seems important to delve into deeper. Dr. Howard Hendricks remarks that Application is the most neglected yet the most needed stage in the process. How about Son of God"? 2 Chronicles This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. The botanist would lean over a certain flower and he would look for a long time and then he would write notes in his notebook. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. Some of them can only be answered by examining the text again or even by looking at other parts of the Bible. Deuteronomy trailer Thus, interpretation flows out of observation. The good hand of the LORD will be upon us even as it was upon Ezra the scribe! Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. Your next question should be, Hows my saltiness? 1 Thessalonians Find resources for personal or group Bible study. Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? Precept Ministries International was founded by internationally-known Bible teacher Kay Arthur, along with her husband, Jack, with the vision to establish people in Gods Word. These divisions are tools that help us read Scripture; theyre not an actual part of it. I shall be telling this with a sigh He will be inquired of by us. Keeping some form of journal will allow you to go back and review what God has been teaching you. This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! Memorizing God's Word - Why? B. Your grandmother translated the Bible?" 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 distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. P Is there a Promise to believe or condition to meet in order to partake of the promise? %%EOF (Basic Bible Interpretation). Mark it down -- You can measure the eternal effectiveness of your inductive Bible study by the temporal effect it has on your behavior and attitudes. Our life ought to be and if Gods grace be much in it, it will be a new translation of the Bible. ), A T Pierson said that "While other books inform, and some few reform, this one book transforms. And while pastors and teachers are wonderful, individual Christians should also be able to pick up any passage and read it with basic understanding and application. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? We must meditate upon it. 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. In observation, you were asking the question, What did I see? In interpretation, you ask, What does it mean? If you have not done a thorough job in the exploration phase, the interpretation phase can be difficult. 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?) An Example of Interpretation Revelation 13:1-10. And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. 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. +t8HL~Y,/0B_<7)K]JOSTx*=JOlgTx*=kp]un?VHk?Z,u-tglS When you become a Christian, you enter into an exciting, lifelong relationship with the Bible. This is a motivating truth that you can trust and which you should welcome and willingly acknowledge. Showing God in action in and through His people. Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Create an account or log in to get started. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. In truth thou canst not read the Scriptures too much; If you skip this step, you will never enjoy your Bible study and the Bible will never change your life. It is packed with revelation, lessons, instruction, and theology. 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. Take the time to dive into the application step. The real authority of their view is always some single leader who has his or her ideas in writing. We all need to ask ourselves are we studying the Word that we might be more like Jesus or more like the Pharisees? 0000000016 00000 n 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. (Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148 - see A Primer On Biblical Meditation). A Primer on the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation Solicitation Disclosure Statement 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 . 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. (1 Sa 15:22) (cf Ps 51:16,17, Spurgeon note v16, note v 17), We learn Gods Word not to know but to grow by doing for "Obedience is the mother of true knowledge of God." Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. Permissions OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. Search the Scriptures Chapter Analysis FormatBible study consists of Observation, Interpretation and Application.1.Observation is discovering what the author is saying looking specifically at Who, What, When, Where, Cause & Effect. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? 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. Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. And its in this phase we start to look at what the text means. Here are 14 important reasons to read it. S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? Learn the basics of what Christians believe. We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? 12-26). Hebrews Leviticus The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. H\j0z So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. 2023 BGEA How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? Did they know where the Messiah was to be born? 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? 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. 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)." (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). Feed on them with joy" Observation involves reading the text to make simple statements that are true . endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream Esther Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! 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.
