Not just for information 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. As you carry out your inductive Bible study you will find that observation, interpretation, and application often occur simultaneously. For example, Psalm 24 says, "The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? 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! This can train you to be more of an explorer in the future. But as helpful as these tools are, theyre not always ideal for personal study. 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. When we have read the Bible, many passages may become "overfamiliar." We think that we know what they say and cease . 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? Janet Chismar Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. Once you decide how much time you want to commit to studying, put it on your calendar. The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. OF INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY. Practice it to be holy. endstream endobj 71 0 obj <>stream (3) substituting rationalization for repentance. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; Many of them include commentary at the bottom of the page or in the margins. The reader through OBSERVATION discovers what a passage says which enables the reader to make an accurate INTERPRETATION, the discovery of what a passage means. 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. This fundamental step must be taken if one desires to accurately interpret and properly apply God's Word. After studying the importance of salt to first-century Judean people, you would have a clear picture of its significance to Jesus original audience. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD 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. Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. Bible study - Assignment - Bible Study observation, interpretation Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? 1 John Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. 1 Thessalonians meditate and meditate and meditate, Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. You should desire to know Gods Word better so it can change you. Some people say they cannot meditate; they do not know what it means, or they have no time, or they go to sleep when they begin. Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. 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. Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. These subheadings can be useful for understanding the different parts of a biblical book, but they can also force you to read a passage in a particular light. And how prevalent the sight of multitudes of Christians listening to the Word of God most regularly and earnestly, and yet not doing it! But our toil He doth richly repay; Accurate interpretation and correct application rest on the accuracy of your observations. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Many of us struggle to wade through the dense lists of commands, genealogies and prophecies in the Old Testament. 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. In other words, we must act by faith in what God has shown us from His Word or our hearts can become hardened (cf. This becomes extremely important when youre studying a book with a single prolonged argument, like the Book of Romans. It is not enough just to study the Bible. It is more needful for you to hear God's words than that God should hear yours, though the one will always lead to the other. Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. 1. This seems to be the kickoff point of Jesus ministry. Then I watched a little longer out my window and there came a botanist. 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). Now that weve observed and interpreted what the passage has to say, its time to talk about what it means for us. Truth revealed brings responsibility to respond. We may find something in every passage which comes before us both to pray over and to thank God over. Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. This is where secondary resources become really helpful. In view of this truth, what specific changes should I make in my life? 1 Kings Ephesians 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. 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. Observation (1 Sa 15:22, 23) Related resource: Relationship of faith and obedience. By using the tools included inInductive Bible Study, youll approach Bible study with more depth and understanding. Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. Refrain, Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, Its good to set aside time for both devotional reading and studying. 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. Not to make us smarter sinners Used by cults. Ask yourself the five Ws and H: Its critical at this stage not to add anything to the text or take anything away. Avoid basing important doctrines on obscure passages. S Is there Something to thank or praise God for? In Psalm 119:18, David said, "Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your . The goal is to familiarize yourself with the work as a whole. We will not fully comprehend the extent of the "return on our investment" until we enter Paradise and stand before our Lord at His bema (judgment) seat. Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. Could that be a clue about his intended audience? Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. 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. But for transformation. Study the Bible to be wise ", Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote that "It is a good thing to be a student of the Word, but only in order to be a practiser and experiencer of the Word.". When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. Christian author Jerry Bridges reminds us that. Memorization is the first step to meditation. 0000000016 00000 n Are you ready and willing for Gods Word to cut deeply into your own life (reproof), to lay bare the hidden places of your heart, and to do its work of convicting, convincing, and converting your mind in any and every area? 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. 0000060059 00000 n This is always a powerful application of Scripture. That's a frightening statement! Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . We dont study the Bible just to gain knowledge. 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. 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. Its worth it. It is impossible to study the Scriptures diligently without running head-on into the need for application, "for the word of God is living and active (energetic, effective) and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge (sifting and analyzing) the thoughts and intentions of the heart and there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open (the bending back of the neck thoroughly exposing it to the eye of the skillful surgeon or the criminal on trial with a sharp dagger bound to his neck with the point just below the chin, so that he could not bow his head but had to face the court) and laid bare to the eyes of Him with Whom we must give account." Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! We must get into the Word of God for ourselves. Interpretation is not necessarily a separate step from observation, for often, as you carefully observe the text, you begin to see what it means at that very moment. What else do I know about the book, author, and broader context of the passage? Sources like these can give you vital information to help answer your questions. So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! (Mark 1:1, NIV), The purpose of this book is to tell the story of Jesus; its a historical narrative. ", As William Temple said "Every revelation of God is a demand and the way to knowledge of God is by obedience. and then It isn't enough just to be a Christian, if you aren't an obedient one. Using a trusted commentary can help in a few ways: It can help show you the details you missed in the observation phase. Inductive Bible study students should strive to be men and women like Ezra whose pattern was to teach the truth that he had put into practice. Then you might turn your attention to verses 18 in the first chapter. (Ep 1:3-note). But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, Create an account or log in to get started. Never fear, only trust and obey. Our favorite strategy is to rationalize sin instead of repent. If this were the only passage of the Bible you had access to, what would you learn from it about Gods character and actions? Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 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). eg'1{(yzJ*| When God got his attention, Samuel responded appropriately: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Sa 3:10). And its in this phase we start to look at what the text means. (1) Substituting interpretation for application as did the Pharisees; (2) substituting superficial obedience for substantial life-change and. Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. Some are always looking out for other peoples duty, and are great judges and critics for what others ought to do. Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Once you think youve done all you can here, its time to move on to the final phase: application. Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit. When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. Ecclesiastes Through the inductive method you follow a process of studying the Bible one book at a time. 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. 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. But meditation is a matter of habit, and we can all be trained into it. (Mt 7:13, 14+). 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. 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.