There is something incredibly rewarding about mining those nuggets of truth for yourself. An Example of Interpretation Revelation 13:1-10. and the Scriptures to yourself. Have I overlooked anything or made any assumptions? Below I have written a simplified step-by-step guide . (Ezekiel 33:31), Hearing and not heeding the word is as foolish as cooking an expensive filet mignon and then not sitting down to eat it! In a very real sense we are giving our brain a bath; we are washing it in the purifying solution of Gods Word. You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. Is it because of ignorance, rebellion or indifference? Is Your Interpretation Supernaturalistic, Naturalistic, Existentialistic, Dogmatic? Read and practice; but we shall only be able to do this, as God the Holy Spirit shall help us. The inductive method is an investigative way of studying Scripture that can be used by both new and seasoned students alike. <<6970513041DCB34C825DECB3781DD654>]/Prev 490707>> Application of God's Word will not always be "pain free", but it will always be profitable. 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. the good hand of his God was upon him (which should prompt a "Why?" That's a frightening statement! Each book is usually read 4 - 5 times, and with each step you are given a new tool for uncovering revelation within the pages. For some of you there is very little in the Word of God except threatening. 1 Thessalonians A Silly yet Serious These might include Bible dictionaries, atlases, concordances and handbooks. What a glory He sheds on our way! Grasp these sweet promises. Let me ask you a serious question -- How often do you study the Word with no intention whatsoever of obeying it? This is likewise one of the factors by obtaining the soft documents of this Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History . But this is exactly what happens when we fail to apply what we have observed and interpreted. Let it not only inform you but inflame you. The following books are a great place to learn more about this simple methodology: Kay Arthurs inductive method has helped millions of people learn how to study the Bible for themselves. We build up a reservoir of responses so that whenever the truth gets too convicting, weve got a multiplicity of reasons why it applies to everyone else but us! How does he save or provide a way when people are unable? And what thou teachest well, thou canst not too well live. We are inclined to qualify and modify the precepts of Christ and His claim on the Christian disciple. Practice it to be holy. What is awe? To know and not to do is not to know at all. Puritan Thomas Manton comments thatThere is an awe of the Word, not that makes us shy of it, but tender of violating it, or doing anything contrary to it. First, I saw a butterfly. Inductive Bible study is a practical, relevant, and time-tested approach to interpreting Scripture. B. But when the report came of His birth, did they go to check it out? Some use the term to describe a discussion group, which may discuss the Bible or some other uplifting book. Ruth The Bible is the best prayer-book in the world, as it has been called the best story-book in the world. The godly preacher F. B. Meyer wrote that Devout meditation on the Word is more important to soul-health even than prayer. The more honest question is"Am I ready and willing believe this truth and to apply it in my life? Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. 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.". Did they know where the Messiah was to be born? Logos is the largest developer of tools that empower Christians to go deeper in the Bible. So before moving on to the crucial step of application, pause for a time of reflection. If you want to discover what these authors have to tell you, youll have to do some work. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. All action presupposes prayer, and all prayer ought to lead on to action. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, Pastor Houghton assiduously applied what he preached. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. Comment: Don't be like the butterfly flitting from one Bible study [preacher, devotional, commentary, etc] to another, but failing to personally apply what you learn. 2023 BGEA 2. Do not read the Bible as a book for other people. But is blessed if we trust and obey. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. 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. To an active mind knowledge gives pleasure. And what thou understandest well, thou canst not too well teach; In other words, am I applying this truth? Like Ezra we should make every effort to handle it accurately and live it out assiduously (with perseverance and care)! Sow a habit, reap a character. Part of this work is supernatural: As you study the Bible, the Holy Spirit reveals truth from the text that applies to your life. If there is a promise to be embraced, we claim it. Note that the question is not"Is this truth relevant to my life?" Fourthly and this is very hard work Read And Practise. 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. 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. What is the key to applying the Bible to my life? never the Bible to ourselves. Turn Scripture into Prayer. When in a spirit of quiet thought we have thus resolved and revolved God's Word, we are prepared to pray over it. Now that you have your list of observations, you can wrestle with the questions that arise from them and the things that youve seen. 6. 3. So even though you might be familiar with the word Messiah, you might want to focus on Mark and his original audience. The records of human need and Divine generosity are not far-fetched ; they answer to our own case. (John Calvin), Gods Word can only produce growth in soil "fertilized" by obedience. r2T4000F1h+JTqkR=9K'ZOH1{csjr3U 0aq^rD[ZZZFTRq:(3k @ 2c> )KI1.Ff~2cxq;c 0c`x@ ]^ Nevertheless our duty is clear. What Do We Lose When We Forget the Importance of Prayer? Now, think about what the passage tells us that is always true not just in its original setting, but in any time and place. Interpretation should build on observation and then lead into interpretation. No, even though the town of Bethlehem was only only five miles down the road from Jerusalem. Imagine trying to find a specific place in Scripture during a sermon without them. It is more focused on the immediate application of the passage to your life. The Bible helps you understand God and His relationship with humanity. What a terrible delusion to be content with, to delight in hearing the word, and yet not do it. Colossians (Lk 11:28+, cp Jn 13:17), D. L. Moody quipped that "Our great problem is the problem of trafficking in unlived truth. 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. 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. The mind delights in having the truth presented clearly; the imagination is gratified by its illustration; the feelings are stirred by its application. 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. It would touch as many lovely blossoms as it could, but derived absolutely no benefit from it. Exodus Goes the way, 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. These three parts are observation, interpretation, and application. In Observation and Interpretation we study God's Word, but in Application, God's Word "studies" us! There is more to Christian growth than knowing what the Bible says; nobody is ever nourished by memorizing menus. (He 4:12, 13-see notes He 4:12; 13). All four of the Gospels begin differently, but they all come together at the baptism. /+X$!acR\Y[/EC%D @2ADk0uHha3j^ What distinguishes observation, interpretation, and application? Are we spiritual or are we natural? (Keying into the term good news early will help you understand Marks Gospel, as its a critical term that he uses repeatedly.). (1Ti 4:8+, 1Ti 4:9, 10+). Speak of bringing the Bible down into the vernacular! Mark key words and phrases (see figure on page five) A key word is one that is essential to the text. As you carry out your inductive Bible study you will find that observation, interpretation, and application often occur simultaneously. ", James warned that "to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin." The religionists of Jesus' day had all of the data. Are for them who will trust and obey. Yes, the Scripture (through your Teacher the Spirit) will bestow spiritual blessings, not by knowing but by doing! When the attitude of our heart reflects a readiness to hear and respond, the text of the Bible comes alive. Coleridge once said that, if we wish to make old truths fresh, we must turn them into action. During the week he earnestly tried to apply them to his life. 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 ). As part of this step, take some time to identify where the beauty of the gospel comes into the passage. Men may have in their study of the Scriptures other ends also, as the profit and edification of others. 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. And the botanist had a big notebook under his arm and a great big magnifying glass. 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. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. John Calvin commenting on proper application wrote thatWe must observe that the knowledge of God which we are invited to cultivate is not that which, resting satisfied with empty speculation, only flutters in the brain; but a knowledge which will prove substantial and fruitful whenever it is duly perceived and rooted in the heart.. Part of this work is active: Youre wrestling with the text and learning to understand it. Observation Tips What are some tips to help with observation? When words or passages make an impression on you, stop and meditate on what God has shown you or as the great preacher C H Spurgeon advised Read the Bible carefully, (Read the entire sermon - How to Read the Bible), "Our Masters field is full and rich. 1. To love Him and obey. Isaiah When youre studying a book, youre going to end up reading it multiple times. (Josh 1:8-note). (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." Lifting verses out of their immediate context is a sure way to find yourself in heresy land. 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. Ask the Lord to show you your interest, in every truth, and; do not be satisfied until you have an assured personal interest therein. (Ps 119:161). 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?" Allow the Bible to help you understand other passages of the Bible. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. endstream endobj 64 0 obj <>>> endobj 65 0 obj >/PageWidthList<0 612.0>>>>>>/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 66 0 obj <> endobj 67 0 obj <>stream Its an exciting, action-packed book, but its short enough to read front to back in about an hour. If our interpretation is accurate, we at least have the potential to apply the truth appropriately. 0 Be sure to visit the Precept Ministries International Web site to go deeper into inductive Bible study. Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. (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.". acquire the Inductive Bible Study Observation Interpretation And Application Through The Lenses Of History Literature And Theology join that we . There is always something new to uncover in the Bible. never loses his sense of direction. And what thou readest, thou canst not read too well; 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. Its the shortest of the Gospels, and you might have noticed that Mark seems focused on the action and hitting all the significant points. The real authority of their view is always some single leader who has his or her ideas in writing. THE ERROR IN THE "FORK" IN THE ROAD 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. Jude But our toil He doth richly repay; Instead, we need to be Bible "bees", using inductive study to go deep into the Scriptures obtaining its divine nectar and then allowing God's "nectar" to change us. When Gods Word points out something in us that needs correction, we need to respond. (Col 1:28, 29-See notes Col 1:28; 1:29), The basis for application is 2 Timothy 3:16. We are either a little more sweetened or a little more hardened. Ezra SMbN|U#t?%ux[w]z!\8U=Cdl1fNX`)5|@c!"&|q0|1"W Sfi%DaW1VC>Z(#qoR L%#GS`Kj)|%2laZxe"$[1Gf9pnY$,sfP.( +EelPEC_JjN bbBwa7$}%I$UO8 % Our Goal in Interpreting . How do you do that? Youre attempting to get a sense of the whole before you begin to break down the parts. Until all on the altar we lay; and then Where similar words are used, explore the context of each of those instances. H\j0z But for your study time, its helpful to use them as secondary sources after youve done some preliminary work. Although the Bible tells one cohesive story, it does so through the work of many authors who wrote during times hundreds of years apart. It involves three steps: observation of the text, interpretation of the text, and application of the text. Once we know what a passage means we are responsible to live it out. These divisions are incredibly convenient. The heart that stands in awe of God's word is armed against the temptations that arise from persecution (A good application). Study the New Testament at your own pace in workable units of material that follow the inductive method of study. Why are we deluded in this way? You want to focus on things like: Practice observation on the first verse of the Gospel of Mark. 2 Peter The Bible is Gods way of making Himself known to us. Reading the entire book in one or two sittings is part of the observation process. Sometimes youll be studying a passage that has a precise application. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. Goldsmiths keep bottles of acid by which they test everything that is offered them for sale, whether it is gold or merely tinsel, and the Christian should keep Gods word near at hand and treasured in the soul, to test thereby all that he hears. Could that be a clue about his intended audience? Solicitation Disclosure Statement Your job at this stage is to discover what the author is trying to communicate. You haven't completed your Bible study until you've allowed the Bible to "study' you and you respond accordingly to it's teaching (which tells us what is true and right and so structures our thinking), reproof ( tells us when we are out of bounds), correction (reveals sin and provides the dynamic whereby you can conform to Gods will) and training in righteous living (Gods means of showing you how to live), all in order that we as men and women of God might be complete or whole and what we were created to be so that we might be thoroughly equipped for good work (2Ti 3:16, 17-note). Try challenging yourself to come up with 10 observations about a passage, and once youve hit that number, push yourself to come up with five more. 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. If youre not careful, theyll do all the work of observation and interpretation for you. Proverbs James 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. Some are always looking out for other peoples duty, and are great judges and critics for what others ought to do. (3) substituting rationalization for repentance. Bible study is intentionally digging into a passage of Scripture and using various interpretive techniques to understand what the author is saying. Commentaries can be incredibly useful and powerful tools, but be wise about how you incorporate them into your study. Too often, people jump into the Bible and start connecting before theyve done the challenging work of examining all there is to see. 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. The following steps follow the inductive method's process of observation, interpretation, and application. Once you know what the passage means (interpretation), you are responsible to put it into practice in your own life. Psalms 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?) 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? But we are never just the same. Whenever (every time) we read the Scriptures, the question we should always honestly seek to ask is How does the meaning of this text apply to me? There really arent any wrong questions, and sometimes what seems like a silly question can reveal critical insights. HWM5q0^5 !EJ8`vC ! 0000001036 00000 n O/uE 4l"iI.l#e \c@pZFi7lq?3@hv?7 Il` (Ps139:23, 24+; cf. What does the term Messiah mean? But as helpful as these tools are, theyre not always ideal for personal study. The worldlings Bible is the Christian. 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. Learning to read andstudy Scriptureis an important part of the Christian life. 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. This step is asking these questions: What are the biggest ideas and the important details? As the devotional writer Matthew Henry prayerfully put it"O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! Eventually, if not immediately, these practices will reveal the meaning of the text (interpretation) and how to apply it (life application). This seems to be the process called inwardly digesting God's truth. 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. He knoweth what we have need of before we ask, but He expects us to ask all the same. Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. Leviticus Take the time to dive into the application step. After a few weeks, the detective was able to report to the man that Dr. Houghtons life matched his preaching. Your goal in observing is to identify what the author was trying to communicate to his readers. (1Ti 4:7, 8-notes), The dictionary defines application as the act of putting to use or putting into operation especially for some practical purpose. in my dealings with the world ? 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." In the margin of many pages in D. L. Moody's Bible, he wrote the letters T and P, meaning "Tried and Proved." Hosea What does this passage teach that is still as true today as it was when it was written? Which road will you travel? 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. We need to be honest with ourselves at this point. 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. T Is there a Truth to memorize and meditate upon (Click here)? Of the three steps of Bible studyobservation, interpretation, and applicationthe middle one is often the most daunting. The difference between studying and applying the Scriptures is somewhat like the difference between drifting in a boat and rowing toward a destination. (Jas 4:17+, cp Lk 12:47, 48+, Jn 9:41). 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.. In His Words: What Billy Graham Once Said About Eternity. is the result of This is always a powerful application of Scripture. Practically speaking, when we study "the word of God" we sense ourselves pierced. Sometimes its beneficial to ignore them and consider other ways you might divide the text. We study to gain knowledge so we know how to live our lives in light of what weve learned. You can find the Inductive Bible Study Workflow (with five other Workflows and many other Bible Study tools) inLogos Starter. Joshua Where does your passage show how human beings or their world are broken? Why Are There Lament Psalms at the End of the Psalter? THE THREE COMPONENTS Don't be like Crowfoot, the chief of the Blackfoot nation in southern Alberta, who gave the Canadian Pacific Railway permission to lay track from Medicine Hat to Calgary, and in exchange received a lifetime railroad pass. Make them your own. 0000000016 00000 n Don't be deceived thinking that going to Precept inductive Bible study will make you more spiritual.
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