Who may go up to his holy dwelling place?" ( Ps 24:1-3 ). J A Bengel wisely admonished "Apply yourself to the whole text, and apply the whole text to yourself.". Just like Matthew, Luke gets to the baptism in the third chapter. 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? : 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) Resources Bible Study Inductive Bible Study. God's promises are not a substitute for prayer, but a stimulus to it. Once you do that, you can start shining a light on smaller sections of Scripture. Too much Bible study begins and ends in the wrong placewith interpretation. Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual. Stout old Martin Luther used to say, All vital religion is in the personal and possessive pronouns. Is it not so? What is awe? They had mastered the Old Testament, but they were never mastered by the truth itself. 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. About Gods redemptive plan? Application takes place as you are confronted with the truth and you respond to that truth in obedience (in faith). yUew.7.J~rr9xn-j3Pv_Kp>.ow?oo^>]xgOqI| JSM.OQF=r%0'c[',(d2`\gNHbqsO&&#v>b[Wg7xr|*M R That seems important to delve into deeper. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. The questions you raise in the interpretation phase might even push you back into the observation phase. But you may know that Luke and Matthew begin with Jesus birth story. THE THREE COMPONENTS (Basic Bible Interpretation). Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson). When Dr. Houghton became pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle in Atlanta, a man in that city hired a private detective to follow Dr. Houghton and report on his conduct. Start with the obvious. There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Connect each passage back to the gospel and the broader message of the Bible. Especially let this be so with the promises. Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? If youve uncovered truth youve not known or understood before, what does it mean for your life, priorities, and decisions now that you do understand it? Its helpful to take a funnel approach to the book youre reading. In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. First, I saw a butterfly. He will be inquired of by us. This guide provokes you to read the Bible honestlyto let it surprise, challenge, and correct you as you apply the many steps of interpretation. They are to leave behind their assumptions and make a ruling based on the facts alone. 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. Greater knowledge should always bring about greater obedience, enabled by grace not law, empowered by the indwelling Spirit as we learn to discard self effort and depend on the Spirit. 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. Okay, so what is inductive Bible study, exactly? 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. and the Scriptures to yourself. 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 . 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. The more work you do during this part of your study, the better you will do in the rest. In other words every divine revelation demands a determinative response. 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 you want to study Scripture, youll need to carve out intentional time for it. 0 Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture. Someone has rightly observed that it is possible to be full of Scripture and full of carnality. This might make you wonder whether this is good news for Mark or if Mark thinks this good news applies to everyone. 1 Thessalonians Scripture interprets Scripture. The observation phase was all about observing what the text says, but the interpretation phase is the next step. Anyone can use the inductive Bible study method by following three simple steps: This phase isnt about interpretation. Apply: How do I respond to what God is saying? If you choose to consult a commentary during your study, try to do it toward the end. 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. Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. Mark They do not seem very ancient. Were so used to being exposed to chapters and verses that we lose sight of an authors intention for the whole book. Inductive Bible Study method is one of the most effective bible study methods for personal bible study, quiet time or small group bible studies. To know and not to do is not to know at all. Take care, nonetheless, to seek for the application of precepts. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. When you begin to study a passage, your first step will be observing the text. Ecclesiastes Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. Sow an action, reap a habit. 63 0 obj <> endobj 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." Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (NIV). 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. Awe is a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. 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.". Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. Zechariah Then when you read descriptions of the human heart, and the fall, the corruption, and the depravity of our nature, look, and see yourselves as in a looking glass, and say of each man as you hear of his sin, I am such a man as this was, and if I do not fall into precisely the same sin, yet the possibility and peril of it is in my heart, and I should do so, but for Gods restraining grace. Take the very histories home to your heart, and find a point in them, either of encouragement or of warning for yourselves. So if youre studying Mark, start by reading the entire book. Sow a thought, reap an action. Careless Observation And what did those things mean? Who art thou that judgest another man? To his own master he stands or falls. Are we truly born of God and spiritually alive or are we deceiving ourselves and spiritually dead, no matter how orthodox our profession of faith might appear? Will Graham Devotion: How Do You Know Whats True? Is there any significance to the fact that Mark does not need to explain what that title means? 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. 0000003614 00000 n Trust and obey, for theres no other way And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. 74 0 obj <>stream How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? 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. Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. Think of it as an appointment that you do not want to miss. (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." Don't deceive yourself! Romans 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. 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. A (supernaturally charged and) changed life is the clearest testimony of genuine understanding of the Bible. 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? It comes from knowing more about the Bible and applying it to our spiritual needs. Saturate the study of Scripture with prayer. One practical approach to Bible study is a four-part process of observation, interpretation, connection, and application. Go back to your questions from the beginning and ask them again in light of what youve learned, and apply it to our context today. (How to study the English Bible), SPACE PETS Can abide while we trust and obey. to my own life and destiny and relation to God? -- David Shepherd, Be alert for the following deceptive dangers regarding application. These are the ideas that were true for the original audience and are equally true for you. It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . What did that word mean to them, and what kinds of feelings and hopes did it invoke? Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. This volume incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an. 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? Reading and studying the Bible are two different practices. Permissions Bible studies include workbooks that help connect you to the ideas of Bible texts. This is a dishonest way to interpret the text. (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). Bible study is meant not merely to inform but to transform and renew our mind. Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. The precious promises lie in front of you. (Mt 7:13, 14+). Nahum Click To Tweet Inductive Bible Study 1 Peter You might see the word Messiah and think, I know what that means. But that can undermine your ability to discover new things. ", The goal of Inductive Bible study is 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. I took the one less traveled by, This typically involves reading a shorter Bible passage and doing less in-depth investigation of the text. If not why not? Therefore, it is vital that you develop observation skills which might, at first, seem difficult, laborious, and time-consuming. 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. I shall be telling this with a sigh He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. ((this mirror = Gods Word = unique for it shows our inner nature as a regular mirror shows our exterior. Next, youll want to figure out what youre going to study. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in New York City and later served as president of Chicagos Moody Bible Institute till his death in 1946. 3. Yogi Berra's advice is appropriate at this juncture -- When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. The third thing I noticed was a bee, just a little bee. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. In fact, Logos even has an Inductive Bible Study Workflow built right in to guide you through these steps. 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?) Rather, an inductive study . 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. As mentioned earlier, its easy to become dependent on them. Fourthly and this is very hard work Read And Practise. Jesus emphasized this important truth again in John 17 declaring. HLTkXw: 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. The inductive Bible study method is a time-tested way for the layperson to approach studying Scripture. To an active mind knowledge gives pleasure. So when Mark tells you hes starting at the beginning, its safe to say hes talking about the beginning of Christs ministry. Janet Chismar Some passages will not have a clear application. 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). 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. 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. 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. Look at Matthew 21:42-44 as an example. 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. 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. Why are we deluded in this way? 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. The Apostle Paul's great passion was transformed, Christ like lives as he explained to the saints at Colossae writing we proclaim Him (Christ in believers the hope of glory), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. Learn more 2. He is a prayer-hearing God, but will He hear our prayers? Of course, there are a few steps involved during each of these components. Are the "thoughts and intentions of our heart" spiritual thoughts and intentions or only natural thoughts and intentions? 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. The better you know the Bibles teachings, the more grounded your faith becomes. Righteousness in simple terms is whatever God says is right on any subject. In the third chapter, Matthew tells us about Jesus baptism by John. In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! 2 Thessalonians Refrain in my teaching, visiting or mission work? What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? In the 13th century, Stephen Langton added chapters to Scripture, and in the late 16th century, Robert Stephanus added verses. How does the truth of this passage apply to my life? (Persevere!). Application brings us into this sphere of abundant life in the Spirit. Don't be like the man who boasted "I go through the entire Bible once every year".Application instead confronts us face to face with the question "How many times has the Bible gone through you?" 2 Corinthians Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology is additionally useful. He never reads the book, but he reads the disciple of Christ, and he judges the Christian religion, by the lives of its professors. To pick up the thread of Pauls argument, you need to go back and catch up. Based on what youve learned, what does this passage mean for you? (Skip Heitzig How to Study the Bible and Enjoy It), Puritan Thomas Manton adds that "What we take in by the Word we digest by meditation and let out by prayer.". Try (Ed: in the sense of to test or examine) what you hear; try what you profess; try what you read. How do I propose to carry out these changes? Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. This is the ultimate step: we submit to Scripture and let it transform our lives. 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. 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. Notice how Jesus observes the Old Testament text in verse 42, interprets it in verse 44, and applies it in verse 43 (implying that his listeners should believe the truth and make some changes in their lives). We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 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~ But for transformation. How about Son of God"? You have remained in right site to start getting this info. 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 . Cults use the Bible to try to prove views they already have. Why Are There Lament Psalms at the End of the Psalter? 0000060059 00000 n 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. Kay Arthur on Inductive Bible Study: Observation, Interpretation & Application,Christy Tennant - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. A key discipline for good study is not to be too quick to fall back on what you think you know. An Example of Interpretation Revelation 13:1-10. 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. P Is there a Prayer to pray or a Priority to change? The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. We need to be specific here. And that has made all the difference. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. Amos 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 one who looks intently (a picture of the man who meditates -- puritan Richard Baxter said "There must be inward practice by meditation and outward practice in true obedience.") So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience.
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